1
|
De Gaetano V, Pallozzi M, Cerrito L, Santopaolo F, Stella L, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. Management of Portal Hypertension in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Systemic Treatment: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1388. [PMID: 38611066 PMCID: PMC11011056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071388] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The management of CSPH in patients undergoing systemic treatment for HCC has emerged as a critical concern due to the absence of reliable diagnostic criteria and uncertainties surrounding therapeutic approaches. This review aims to underscore the primary pathophysiological aspects linking HCC and PH, while also addressing the current and emerging clinical strategies for the management of portal hypertension. A review of studies from January 2003 to June 2023 was conducted using the PubMed database and employing MeSH terms, such as "hepatocellular carcinoma", "immune checkpoint inhibitors", "systemic therapy", "portal hypertension", "variceal bleeding" and "tyrosine kinase inhibitors". Despite promising results of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in animal models for PH and fibrosis, only Sorafenib has demonstrated similar effects in human studies, whereas Lenvatinib appears to promote PH development. The impact of Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab on PH remains uncertain, with an increasing risk of bleeding related to Bevacizumab in patients with prior variceal hemorrhage. Given the absence of specific guidelines, endoscopic surveillance during treatment is advisable, and primary and secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding should adhere to the Baveno VII recommendations. Furthermore, in patients with advanced HCC, refinement of diagnostic criteria for CSPH and guidelines for its surveillance are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria De Gaetano
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Maria Pallozzi
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Leonardo Stella
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carter JK, Tsai MC, Venturini N, Hu J, Lemasters JJ, Torres Martin M, Sia D, Wang S, Lee YA, Friedman SL. Stellate cell-specific adhesion molecule protocadherin 7 regulates sinusoidal contraction. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00755. [PMID: 38373106 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000782] [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: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Sustained inflammation and hepatocyte injury in chronic liver disease activate HSCs to transdifferentiate into fibrogenic, contractile myofibroblasts. We investigated the role of protocadherin 7 (PCDH7), a cadherin family member not previously characterized in the liver, whose expression is restricted to HSCs. APPROACH AND RESULTS We created a PCDH7 fl/fl mouse line, which was crossed to lecithin retinol acyltransferase-Cre mice to generate HSC-specific PCDH7 knockout animals. HSC contraction in vivo was tested in response to the HSC-selective vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 using intravital multiphoton microscopy. To establish a PCDH7 null HSC line, cells were isolated from PCDH7 fl/fl mice and infected with adenovirus-expressing Cre. Hepatic expression of PCDH7 was strictly restricted to HSCs. Knockout of PCDH7 in vivo abrogated HSC-mediated sinusoidal contraction in response to endothelin-1. In cultured HSCs, loss of PCDH7 markedly attenuated contractility within collagen gels and led to altered gene expression in pathways governing adhesion and vasoregulation. Loss of contractility in PCDH7 knockout cells was impaired Rho-GTPase signaling, as demonstrated by altered gene expression, reduced assembly of F-actin fibers, and loss of focal adhesions. CONCLUSIONS The stellate cell-specific cadherin, PCDH7, is a novel regulator of HSC contractility whose loss leads to cytoskeletal remodeling and sinusoidal relaxation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James K Carter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ming-Chao Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Nicholas Venturini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jiangting Hu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - John J Lemasters
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Miguel Torres Martin
- Genetics Department, Clinical Genomics Unit, Clinical Genetics Service, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniela Sia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Youngmin A Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sinha S, Hassan N, Schwartz RE. Organelle stress and alterations in interorganelle crosstalk during liver fibrosis. Hepatology 2024; 79:482-501. [PMID: 36626634 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The synchronous functioning and quality control of organelles ensure cell survival and function and are essential for maintaining homeostasis. Prolonged exposure to stressors (viruses, bacteria, parasitic infections, alcohol, drugs) or genetic mutations often disrupt the functional integrity of organelles which plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of several diseases including chronic liver diseases. One of the most important pathologic consequences of chronic liver diseases is liver fibrosis, characterized by tissue scarring due to the progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix components. Left untreated, fibrosis may advance to life-threatening complications such as cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and HCC, which collectively accounts for ∼1 million deaths per year worldwide. Owing to the lack of treatment options that can regress or reverse cirrhosis, liver transplantation is currently the only available treatment for end-stage liver disease. However, the limited supply of usable donor organs, adverse effects of lifelong immunosuppressive regimes, and financial considerations pose major challenges and limit its application. Hence, effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. An improved understanding of the organelle-level regulation of fibrosis can help devise effective antifibrotic therapies focused on reducing organelle stress, limiting organelle damage, improving interorganelle crosstalk, and restoring organelle homeostasis; and could be a potential clinical option to avoid transplantation. This review provides a timely update on the recent findings and mechanisms covering organelle-specific dysfunctions in liver fibrosis, highlights how correction of organelle functions opens new treatment avenues and discusses the potential challenges to clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saloni Sinha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao J, Zhang X, Li Y, Yu J, Chen Z, Niu Y, Ran S, Wang S, Ye W, Luo Z, Li X, Hao Y, Zong J, Xia C, Xia J, Wu J. Interorgan communication with the liver: novel mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1314123. [PMID: 38155961 PMCID: PMC10754533 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1314123] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a multifunctional organ that plays crucial roles in numerous physiological processes, such as production of bile and proteins for blood plasma, regulation of blood levels of amino acids, processing of hemoglobin, clearance of metabolic waste, maintenance of glucose, etc. Therefore, the liver is essential for the homeostasis of organisms. With the development of research on the liver, there is growing concern about its effect on immune cells of innate and adaptive immunity. For example, the liver regulates the proliferation, differentiation, and effector functions of immune cells through various secreted proteins (also known as "hepatokines"). As a result, the liver is identified as an important regulator of the immune system. Furthermore, many diseases resulting from immune disorders are thought to be related to the dysfunction of the liver, including systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and heart failure. Thus, the liver plays a role in remote immune regulation and is intricately linked with systemic immunity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the liver remote regulation of the body's innate and adaptive immunity regarding to main areas: immune-related molecules secreted by the liver and the liver-resident cells. Additionally, we assessed the influence of the liver on various facets of systemic immune-related diseases, offering insights into the clinical application of target therapies for liver immune regulation, as well as future developmental trends.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiulu Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jizhang Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhang Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuqing Niu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuan Ran
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weicong Ye
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zilong Luo
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohan Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanglin Hao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junjie Zong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengkun Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahong Xia
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shalaby S, Ronzoni L, Hernandez-Gea V, Valenti L. The genetics of portal hypertension: Recent developments and the road ahead. Liver Int 2023; 43:2592-2603. [PMID: 37718732 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PH), defined as a pathological increase in the portal vein pressure, has different aetiologies and causes. Intrahepatic PH is mostly secondary to the presence of underlying liver disease leading to cirrhosis, characterized by parenchymal changes with deregulated accumulation of extracellular matrix and vascular abnormalities; liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatic stellate cells are key players in PH progression, able to influence each other. However, PH may also develop independently of parenchymal damage, as occur in portosinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD), a group of clinical and histological entities characterized by portal vasculature dysfunctions. In this particular group of disorders, the pathophysiology of PH is still poorly understood. In the last years, several genetic studies, based on genome-wide association studies or whole-exome sequencing analysis, have highlighted the importance of genetic heritability in PH pathogenesis, both in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic cases. The common PNPLA3 p.I148M variant, one of the main determinants of the susceptibility to steatotic liver disease, has also been associated with decompensation in patients with PH. Genetic variations at loci influencing coagulation, mainly the ABO locus, may directly contribute to the pathogenesis of PH. Rare genetic variants have been associated with familiar cases of progressive PSVD. In this review, we summarize the recent knowledges on genetic variants predisposing to PH development, contributing to better understand the role of genetic factors in PH pathogenesis.
Collapse
Grants
- Commissioner for Universities and Research from the Department of Economy and Knowledge" of the "Generalitat de Catalunya" (AGAUR SGR2017_517) (VHG)
- Fondazione Patrimonio Ca' Granda, "Liver BIBLE" (PR-0361) (LV)
- Gilead_IN-IT-989-5790 (LV)
- Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 joint undertaking of European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA European Union (EU) Programme Horizon 2020 (under grant agreement No. 777377) for the project LITMUS (LV)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III" FIS PI20/00569 FEDER from the European Union (Fondos FEDER, "Una manera de hacer Europa") (VHG)
- Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute), Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Ricerca Corrente (LV)
- Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute), Rete Cardiologica "CV-PREVITAL" (LV)
- Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute), Ricerca Finalizzata 2016, RF-2016-02364358 ("Impact of whole exome sequencing on the clinical management of patients with advanced nonalcoholic fatty liver and cryptogenic liver disease"), Ricerca Finalizzata 2021 RF-2021-12373889, Italian Ministry of Health, Ricerca Finalizzata PNRR 2022 "RATIONAL: Risk strAtificaTIon Of Nonalcoholic fAtty Liver" PNRR-MAD-2022-12375656 (LV)
- Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute). PNRR PNC-E3-2022-23683266 PNC-HLS-DA, INNOVA (LV)
- The European Union, H2020-ICT-2018-20/H2020-ICT-2020-2 programme "Photonics" under grant agreement No. 101016726 - REVEAL (LV)
- The European Union, HORIZON-MISS-2021-CANCER-02-03 programme "Genial" under grant agreement "101096312" (LV)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shalaby
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Institut de Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, CIBEREHD, Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN-Liver), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN-Liver), Padua, Italy
| | - Luisa Ronzoni
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center Unit, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Virginia Hernandez-Gea
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Institut de Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, CIBEREHD, Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN-Liver), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luca Valenti
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center Unit, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Winans T, Oaks Z, Choudhary G, Patel A, Huang N, Faludi T, Krakko D, Nolan J, Lewis J, Blair S, Lai Z, Landas SK, Middleton F, Asara JM, Chung SK, Wyman B, Azadi P, Banki K, Perl A. mTOR-dependent loss of PON1 secretion and antiphospholipid autoantibody production underlie autoimmunity-mediated cirrhosis in transaldolase deficiency. J Autoimmun 2023; 140:103112. [PMID: 37742509 PMCID: PMC10957505 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103112] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Transaldolase deficiency predisposes to chronic liver disease progressing from cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Transition from cirrhosis to hepatocarcinogenesis depends on mitochondrial oxidative stress, as controlled by cytosolic aldose metabolism through the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). Progression to HCC is critically dependent on NADPH depletion and polyol buildup by aldose reductase (AR), while this enzyme protects from carbon trapping in the PPP and growth restriction in TAL deficiency. Although AR inactivation blocked susceptibility to hepatocarcinogenesis, it enhanced growth restriction, carbon trapping in the non-oxidative branch of the PPP and failed to reverse the depletion of glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) and liver cirrhosis. Here, we show that inactivation of the TAL-AR axis results in metabolic stress characterized by reduced mitophagy, enhanced overall autophagy, activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), diminished glycosylation and secretion of paraoxonase 1 (PON1), production of antiphospholipid autoantibodies (aPL), loss of CD161+ NK cells, and expansion of CD38+ Ito cells, which are responsive to treatment with rapamycin in vivo. The present study thus identifies glycosylation and secretion of PON1 and aPL production as mTOR-dependent regulatory checkpoints of autoimmunity underlying liver cirrhosis in TAL deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Winans
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Z Oaks
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - G Choudhary
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - A Patel
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - N Huang
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - T Faludi
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - D Krakko
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - J Nolan
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - J Lewis
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Sarah Blair
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Z Lai
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - S K Landas
- Departments of Pathology, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - F Middleton
- Departments of Neuroscience, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - J M Asara
- Division of Signal Transduction, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S K Chung
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau
| | - B Wyman
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - P Azadi
- University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - K Banki
- Departments of Pathology, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - A Perl
- Departments of Medicine, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA; Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA; Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York, Norton College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jeong M, Lee Y, Park J, Jung H, Lee H. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for in vivo RNA delivery and their breakthrough technology for future applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 200:114990. [PMID: 37423563 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics show a significant breakthrough for the treatment of otherwise incurable diseases and genetic disorders by regulating disease-related gene expression. The successful development of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines further emphasizes the potential of RNA therapeutics in the prevention of infectious diseases as well as in the treatment of chronic diseases. However, the efficient delivery of RNA into cells remains a challenge, and nanoparticle delivery systems such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are necessary to fully realize the potential of RNA therapeutics. While LNPs provide a highly efficient platform for the in vivo delivery of RNA by overcoming various biological barriers, several challenges remain to be resolved for further development and regulatory approval. These include a lack of targeted delivery to extrahepatic organs and a gradual loss of therapeutic potency with repeated doses. In this review, we highlight the fundamental aspects of LNPs and their uses in the development of novel RNA therapeutics. Recent advances in LNP-based therapeutics and preclinical/clinical studies are overviewed. Lastly, we discuss the current limitations of LNPs and introduce breakthrough technologies that might overcome these challenges in future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Yeji Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Jeongeun Park
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Hyein Jung
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Hyukjin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Woźnica-Niesobska E, Leśnik P, Janc J, Zalewska M, Łysenko L. The Role of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 in Predicting Sepsis-Associated Liver Dysfunction: An Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4846. [PMID: 36981754 PMCID: PMC10049524 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis-associated liver dysfunction (SALD) is associated with a poor prognosis and increased mortality in the intensive care unit. Bilirubin is one of the components of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment used in Sepsis-3 criteria. Hyperbilirubinemia is a late and non-specific symptom of liver dysfunction. This study aimed to identify plasma biomarkers that could be used for an early diagnosis of SALD. This prospective, observational study was conducted on a group of 79 patients with sepsis and septic shock treated in the ICU. Plasma biomarkers-prothrombin time, INR, antithrombin III, bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, albumin, endothelin-1, hepcidin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), thrombin-antithrombin complex, and interferon-gamma inducible protein (10 kDa) were analysed. Plasma samples were obtained within 24 h after having developed sepsis/septic shock. Enrolled patients were followed for 14 days for developing SALD and 28 days for overall survival. A total of 24 patients (30.4%) developed SALD. PAI-1 with a cut-off value of 48.7 ng/mL was shown to be a predictor of SALD (AUC = 0.671, sensitivity 87.3%, and specificity 50.0%) and of 28-day survival in patients with sepsis/septic shock (p = 0.001). Measuring PAI-1 serum levels at the onset of sepsis and septic shock may be useful in predicting the development of SALD. This should be verified in multicenter prospective clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Woźnica-Niesobska
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Patrycja Leśnik
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, 4th Military Clinical Hospital, 50-981 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Janc
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, 4th Military Clinical Hospital, 50-981 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Zalewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Łysenko
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jose A, Jones CR, Elwing JM. Struggling Between Liver Transplantation and Portopulmonary Hypertension. Heart Fail Clin 2023; 19:55-65. [PMID: 36435573 DOI: 10.1016/j.hfc.2022.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) is a progressive, ultimately fatal cardiopulmonary disease that occurs exclusively in patients with underlying portal hypertensive liver disease. PoPH outcomes are driven by both the severity of underlying liver disease and the degree of cardiac adaptation to elevated pulmonary pressures. The mainstay of treatment in PoPH is targeted pulmonary vascular therapy. Liver transplantation (LT) can be beneficial in some patients, but is associated with considerable risks in the PoPH population, and outcomes are variable. The optimal management strategy for PoPH, LT, or medical therapy alone, is unclear, and further research is needed to help guide clinical decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arun Jose
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati, ML 0564, Medical Sciences Building, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Courtney R Jones
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati, ML 3553, Medical Sciences Building, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jean M Elwing
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati, ML 0564, Medical Sciences Building, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kim CW, Yoon Y, Kim MY, Baik SK, Ryu H, Park IH, Eom YW. 12- O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate Reduces Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells by Inhibiting the Hippo Pathway Transcriptional Coactivator YAP. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010091. [PMID: 36611885 PMCID: PMC9818550 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although protein kinase C (PKC) regulates various biological activities, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, tissue remodeling, gene expression, and cell death, the antifibrotic effect of PKC in myofibroblasts is not fully understood. We investigated whether 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a PKC activator, reduced the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and explored the involvement of the Hippo pathway transcriptional coactivator YAP. We analyzed the effect of TPA on the proliferation and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) in the LX-2 HSC line. We also analyzed the phosphorylation of the Hippo pathway molecules YAP and LATS1 and investigated YAP nuclear translocation. We examined whether Gö 6983, a pan-PKC inhibitor, restored the TPA-inhibited activities of HSCs. Administration of TPA decreased the growth rate of LX-2 cells and inhibited the expression of α-SMA and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1). In addition, TPA induced phosphorylation of PKCδ, LATS1, and YAP and inhibited the nuclear translocation of YAP compared with the control. These TPA-induced phenomena were mostly ameliorated by Gö 6983. Our results indicate that PKCδ exerts an antifibrotic effect by inhibiting the Hippo pathway in HSCs. Therefore, PKCδ and YAP can be used as therapeutic targets for the treatment of fibrotic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Wan Kim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongdae Yoon
- Regeneration Medicine Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Young Kim
- Regeneration Medicine Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Koo Baik
- Regeneration Medicine Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Ryu
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Hwan Park
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (I.H.P.); (Y.W.E.); Tel.: +82-33-741-0260 (Y.W.E.)
| | - Young Woo Eom
- Regeneration Medicine Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (I.H.P.); (Y.W.E.); Tel.: +82-33-741-0260 (Y.W.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yoon JS, Lee CW. Protein phosphatases regulate the liver microenvironment in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:1799-1813. [PMID: 36380016 PMCID: PMC9722691 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00883-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a complicated heterogeneous organ composed of different cells. Parenchymal cells called hepatocytes and various nonparenchymal cells, including immune cells and stromal cells, are distributed in liver lobules with hepatic architecture. They interact with each other to compose the liver microenvironment and determine its characteristics. Although the liver microenvironment maintains liver homeostasis and function under healthy conditions, it also shows proinflammatory and profibrogenic characteristics that can induce the progression of hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis, eventually changing to a protumoral microenvironment that contributes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). According to recent studies, phosphatases are involved in liver diseases and HCC development by regulating protein phosphorylation in intracellular signaling pathways and changing the activities and characteristics of liver cells. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the importance of protein phosphatases in HCC development and in the regulation of the cellular components in the liver microenvironment and to show their significance as therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joon-Sup Yoon
- grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419 Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Woo Lee
- grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419 Republic of Korea ,grid.264381.a0000 0001 2181 989XDepartment of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06351 Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Arlt J, Vlaic S, Feuer R, Thomas M, Settmacher U, Dahmen U, Dirsch O. Selective gene expression profiling contributes to a better understanding of the molecular pathways underlying the histological changes observed after RHMVL. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:211. [PMID: 36207717 PMCID: PMC9547442 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01364-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In previous studies, five vasoactive drugs were investigated for their effect on the recovery process after extended liver resection without observing relevant improvements. We hypothesized that an analysis of gene expression could help to identify potentially druggable pathways and could support the selection of promising drug candidates. Methods Liver samples obtained from rats after combined 70% partial hepatectomy and right median hepatic vein ligation (n = 6/group) sacrificed at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 7days were selected for this study. Liver samples were collected from differentially perfused regions of the median lobe (obstruction-zone, border-zone, normal-zone). Gene expression profiling of marker genes regulating hepatic hemodynamics, vascular remodeling, and liver regeneration was performed with microfluidic chips. We used 3 technical replicates from each sample. Raw data were normalized using LEMming and differentially expressed genes were identified using LIMMA. Results The strongest differences were found in obstruction-zone at 24 h and 48 h postoperatively compared to all other groups. mRNA expression of marker genes from hepatic hemodynamics pathways (iNOS,Ptgs2,Edn1) was most upregulated. Conclusion These upregulated genes suggest a strong vasoconstrictive effect promoting arterial hypoperfusion in the obstruction-zone. Reducing iNOS expression using selective iNOS inhibitors seems to be a promising approach to promote vasodilation and liver regeneration. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01364-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janine Arlt
- Experimental Transplantation Surgery, Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Drackendorfer Str. 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Vlaic
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Ronny Feuer
- Institute for System Dynamics, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 9, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Maria Thomas
- Dr. Magarete Fischer-Bosch Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Auerbachstr. 112, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Utz Settmacher
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Erlanger Allee 101, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Uta Dahmen
- Experimental Transplantation Surgery, Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Drackendorfer Str. 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
| | - Olaf Dirsch
- Institute of Pathology, Jena University Hospital, Ziegelmühlenweg 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu S, Kohler A, Langer R, Jakob MO, Salm L, Blank A, Beldi G, Jakob SM. Hepatic blood flow regulation but not oxygen extraction capability is impaired in prolonged experimental abdominal sepsis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 323:G348-G361. [PMID: 36044679 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00109.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Impaired oxygen utilization has been proposed to play a significant role in sepsis-induced liver dysfunction, but its magnitude and temporal course during prolonged resuscitation is controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the capability of the liver to increase oxygen extraction in sepsis during repeated acute portal vein blood flow reduction. Twenty anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs with hepatic hemodynamic monitoring were randomized to fecal peritonitis or controls (n = 10, each). After 8-h untreated sepsis, the animals were resuscitated for three days. The ability to increase hepatic O2 extraction was evaluated by repeated, acute decreases in hepatic oxygen delivery (Do2) via reduction of portal flow. Blood samples for liver function and liver biopsies were obtained repeatedly. Although liver function tests, ATP content, and Do2 remained unaltered, there were signs of liver injury in blood samples and overt liver cell necrosis in biopsies. With acute portal vein occlusion, hepatic Do2 decreased more in septic animals compared with controls [max. decrease: 1.66 ± 0.68 mL/min/kg in sepsis vs. 1.19 ± 0.42 mL/min/kg in controls; portal venous flow (Qpv) reduction-sepsis interaction: P = 0.028]. Hepatic arterial buffer response (HABR) was impaired but recovered after 3-day resuscitation, whereas hepatic oxygen extraction increased similarly during the procedures in both groups (max. increase: 0.27 ± 0.13 in sepsis vs. 0.18 ± 0.09 in controls; all P > 0.05). Our data indicate maintained capacity of the liver to acutely increase O2 extraction, whereas blood flow regulation is transiently impaired with the potential to contribute to liver injury in sepsis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The capacity to acutely increase hepatic O2 extraction with portal flow reduction is maintained in sepsis with accompanying liver injury, but hepatic blood flow regulation is impaired.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengchen Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Kohler
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rupert Langer
- Institute of Pathology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Manuel O Jakob
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lilian Salm
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annika Blank
- Institute of Pathology, Triemlispital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Guido Beldi
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephan M Jakob
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xi Y, LaCanna R, Ma HY, N'Diaye EN, Gierke S, Caplazi P, Sagolla M, Huang Z, Lucio L, Arlantico A, Jeet S, Brightbill H, Emson C, Wong A, Morshead KB, DePianto DJ, Roose-Girma M, Yu C, Tam L, Jia G, Ramalingam TR, Marsters S, Ashkenazi A, Kim SH, Kelly R, Wu S, Wolters PJ, Feldstein AE, Vander Heiden JA, Ding N. A WISP1 antibody inhibits MRTF signaling to prevent the progression of established liver fibrosis. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1377-1393.e8. [PMID: 35987202 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the major risk factor associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-driven chronic liver disease. Although numerous efforts have been made to identify the mediators of the initiation of liver fibrosis, the molecular underpinnings of fibrosis progression remain poorly understood, and therapies to arrest liver fibrosis progression are elusive. Here, we identify a pathway involving WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1) and myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) as a central mechanism driving liver fibrosis progression through the integrin-dependent transcriptional reprogramming of myofibroblast cytoskeleton and motility. In mice, WISP1 deficiency protects against fibrosis progression, but not fibrosis onset. Moreover, the therapeutic administration of a novel antibody blocking WISP1 halted the progression of existing liver fibrosis in NASH models. These findings implicate the WISP1-MRTF axis as a crucial determinant of liver fibrosis progression and support targeting this pathway by antibody-based therapy for the treatment of NASH fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xi
- Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ryan LaCanna
- Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hsiao-Yen Ma
- Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elsa-Noah N'Diaye
- Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Gierke
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Caplazi
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Meredith Sagolla
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zhiyu Huang
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laura Lucio
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Arlantico
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Surinder Jeet
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hans Brightbill
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Claire Emson
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aaron Wong
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katrina B Morshead
- Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daryle J DePianto
- Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Merone Roose-Girma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Charles Yu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lucinda Tam
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guiquan Jia
- Department of Biomarker Discovery, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Scot Marsters
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Avi Ashkenazi
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Si Hyun Kim
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Kelly
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shuang Wu
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paul J Wolters
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ariel E Feldstein
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Ning Ding
- Department of Discovery Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sakurai M, Weber P, Wolff G, Wieder A, Szendroedi J, Herzig S, Ekim Üstünel B. TSC22D4 promotes TGFβ1-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 618:46-53. [PMID: 35714570 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.05.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis emerge as progressive liver diseases that accompany metabolic syndrome usually characterized by obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Currently no FDA approved treatments exist for the treatment of NASH and liver fibrosis, which requires a better knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms. TSC22D4 belongs to the TSC-22 protein family, the members of which are regulated by inflammatory and stress signals. Interestingly, patients with type 2 diabetes, with NAFLD as well as with NASH all have elevated levels of hepatic TSC22D4 expression. Previous studies with targeted deletion of TSC22D4 specifically in hepatocytes showed that TSC22D4 not only acts as a critical controller of diabetic hyperglycemia, but also contributes to NAFLD/NASH progression. To gain better insight into the development of progressive liver diseases, here we studied the function of TSC22D4 in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which play a key role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Our results indicated that TSC22D4 contributes to TGFβ1-mediated activation of HSCs and promotes their proliferation and migration. RNA-Sequencing analysis revealed that TSC22D4 initiates transcriptional events associated with HSC activation. Overall, our findings establish TSC22D4 as a key hub in the development of liver fibrosis, acting across different cellular compartments. Combinatorial TSC22D4 targeting in both hepatocytes and HSC may thus show superior efficacy against progressive liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minako Sakurai
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Center, Munich, Neuherberg, Germany; Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Peter Weber
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Center, Munich, Neuherberg, Germany; Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer," Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gretchen Wolff
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Center, Munich, Neuherberg, Germany; Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Annika Wieder
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Center, Munich, Neuherberg, Germany; Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Julia Szendroedi
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Center, Munich, Neuherberg, Germany; Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Herzig
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Center, Munich, Neuherberg, Germany; Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Bilgen Ekim Üstünel
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Center, Munich, Neuherberg, Germany; Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Inner Medicine 1, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang L, Xu JY, Yuan L, Yin XB, Li YH, Qin LQ. Protective effects of epigallocatechin-3-o-gallate combined with organic selenium against transforming growth factor-beta 1-induced fibrosis in LX-2 cells. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14223. [PMID: 35586925 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the protective effects and possible mechanism of epigallocatechin-3-o-gallate (EGCG) combined with organic selenium in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-activated LX-2 cells. After 12 h of starvation, LX-2 cells were treated with 10 ng/ml of recombinant TGF-β1 and different concentrations of EGCG, L-selenomethionine (L-SeMet), or L-selenomethylcysteine (L-SeMC) for 24 h. We found that 100 and 200 μM EGCG combined with 1 mM L-SeMet or L-SeMC showed a synergistic effect in decreasing the survival rate of activated LX-2 cells. In addition, the combination of 100 mM EGCG and 1 mM L-SeMet or L-SeMC promoted the apoptosis of activated LX-2 cells. Compared with the EGCG treatment group, the combination intervention group had significantly suppressed levels of hepatic stellate cell activation markers including alpha-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I alpha 1, collagen type III alpha 1, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT), and 5-HT receptors 2A and 2B. Moreover, interleukin-10 levels were decreased, while TGF-β1 levels were increased after TGF-β1 activation in LX-2 culture medium, whereas the combin1ation intervention reversed this phenomenon. The combination treatment had a more pronounced effect than any single treatment at the same dose. These results demonstrated that the combination of EGCG and organic selenium synergistically improves the TGF-β1-induced fibrosis of LX-2 cells to some extent by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cell activation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Here, we found that the effects of epigallocatechin-3-o-gallate (EGCG) + L-selenomethionine or L-selenomethylcysteine were more pronounced than those of EGCG alone. Future studies should investigate the protective effects of green tea and selenium-enriched green tea against hepatic fibrosis and explore the differences in their molecular mechanisms. The results of this study will be helpful for the development and utilization of selenium-enriched tea for food processing and health supplement production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jia-Ying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Linxi Yuan
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xue-Bin Yin
- Key Laboratory for Functional Agriculture, Suzhou Research Institute, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, China
| | - Yun-Hong Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Li-Qiang Qin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hazrati A, Malekpour K, Soudi S, Hashemi SM. Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells and Their Extracellular Vesicles Application in Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Liver Diseases: Emphasizing on the Anti-Fibrotic and Immunomodulatory Mechanisms. Front Immunol 2022; 13:865888. [PMID: 35464407 PMCID: PMC9021384 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.865888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Various factors, including viral and bacterial infections, autoimmune responses, diabetes, drugs, alcohol abuse, and fat deposition, can damage liver tissue and impair its function. These factors affect the liver tissue and lead to acute and chronic liver damage, and if left untreated, can eventually lead to cirrhosis, fibrosis, and liver carcinoma. The main treatment for these disorders is liver transplantation. Still, given the few tissue donors, problems with tissue rejection, immunosuppression caused by medications taken while receiving tissue, and the high cost of transplantation, liver transplantation have been limited. Therefore, finding alternative treatments that do not have the mentioned problems is significant. Cell therapy is one of the treatments that has received a lot of attention today. Hepatocytes and mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are used in many patients to treat liver-related diseases. In the meantime, the use of mesenchymal stem cells has been studied more than other cells due to their favourable characteristics and has reduced the need for liver transplantation. These cells increase the regeneration and repair of liver tissue through various mechanisms, including migration to the site of liver injury, differentiation into liver cells, production of extracellular vesicles (EVs), secretion of various growth factors, and regulation of the immune system. Notably, cell therapy is not entirely excellent and has problems such as cell rejection, undesirable differentiation, accumulation in unwanted locations, and potential tumorigenesis. Therefore, the application of MSCs derived EVs, including exosomes, can help treat liver disease and prevent its progression. Exosomes can prevent apoptosis and induce proliferation by transferring different cargos to the target cell. In addition, these vesicles have been shown to transport hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and can promote the hepatocytes'(one of the most important cells in the liver parenchyma) growths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hazrati
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kosar Malekpour
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Soudi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahmoud Hashemi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Simvastatin Improves Microcirculatory Function in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Downregulates Oxidative and ALE-RAGE Stress. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030716. [PMID: 35277075 PMCID: PMC8838100 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased reactive oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and fibrosis, which contribute to tissue damage and development and progression of nonalcoholic liver disease (NAFLD), play important roles in microcirculatory disorders. We investigated the effect of the modulatory properties of simvastatin (SV) on the liver and adipose tissue microcirculation as well as metabolic and oxidative stress parameters, including the advanced lipoxidation end product–receptors of advanced glycation end products (ALE-RAGE) pathway. SV was administered to an NAFLD model constructed using a high-fat–high-carbohydrate diet (HFHC). HFHC caused metabolic changes indicative of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; treatment with SV protected the mice from developing NAFLD. SV prevented microcirculatory dysfunction in HFHC-fed mice, as evidenced by decreased leukocyte recruitment to hepatic and fat microcirculation, decreased hepatic stellate cell activation, and improved hepatic capillary network architecture and density. SV restored basal microvascular blood flow in the liver and adipose tissue and restored the endothelium-dependent vasodilatory response of adipose tissue to acetylcholine. SV treatment restored antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased lipid peroxidation, ALE-RAGE pathway activation, steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammatory parameters. Thus, SV may improve microcirculatory function in NAFLD by downregulating oxidative and ALE-RAGE stress and improving steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammatory parameters.
Collapse
|
19
|
Treatment of Portopulmonary Hypertension (PoPH): A Review. JOURNAL OF LIVER TRANSPLANTATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.liver.2022.100071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
20
|
Naringenin: A Promising Therapeutic Agent against Organ Fibrosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:1210675. [PMID: 34804359 PMCID: PMC8601819 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1210675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the final common pathology of most chronic diseases as seen in the heart, liver, lung, kidney, and skin and contributes to nearly half of death in the developed countries. Fibrosis, or scarring, is mainly characterized by the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by myofibroblasts. Despite immense efforts made in the field of organ fibrosis over the past decades and considerable understanding of the occurrence and development of fibrosis gained, there is still lack of an effective treatment for fibrotic diseases. Therefore, identifying a new therapeutic strategy against organ fibrosis is an unmet clinical need. Naringenin, a flavonoid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits, has been found to confer a wide range of pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer benefits and thus potentially exerting preventive and curative effects on numerous diseases. In addition, emerging evidence has revealed that naringenin can prevent the pathogenesis of fibrosis in vivo and in vitro via the regulation of various pathways that involved signaling molecules such as transforming growth factor-β1/small mother against decapentaplegic protein 3 (TGF-β1/Smad3), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), sirtuin1 (SIRT1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), or reactive oxygen species (ROS). Targeting these profibrotic pathways by naringenin could potentially become a novel therapeutic approach for the management of fibrotic disorders. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the antifibrotic roles of naringenin in vivo and in vitro and their underlying mechanisms of action. As a food derived compound, naringenin may serve as a promising drug candidate for the treatment of fibrotic disorders.
Collapse
|
21
|
Reiter FP, Ye L, Ofner A, Schiergens TS, Ziesch A, Brandl L, Ben Khaled N, Hohenester S, Wimmer R, Artmann R, He Y, Lee SM, Mayr D, Zhang C, Gerbes AL, Mayerle J, Denk G, De Toni EN. p70 Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinase Is a Checkpoint of Human Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis in Mice. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 13:95-112. [PMID: 34537439 PMCID: PMC8593664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Progression of chronic liver disease (CLD) to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer is a major global cause of morbidity and mortality. Treatment options capable of inhibiting progression of liver fibrosis when etiological treatment of CLD is not available or fails have yet to be established. We investigated the role of serine/threonine kinase p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) as checkpoint of fibrogenesis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and as target for the treatment of liver fibrosis. APPROACH & RESULTS Immunohistochemistry was used to assess p70S6K expression in liver resection specimen. Primary human or murine HSCs from wild-type or p70S6K-/- mice as well as LX-2 cells were used for in vitro experiments. Specific small interfering RNA or CEP-1347 were used to silence or inhibit p70S6K and assess its functional relevance in viability, contraction and migration assays, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and Western blot. These results were validated in vivo by a chemical model of fibrogenesis using wild-type and p70S6K-/- mice. Expression of p70S6K was significantly increased in human cirrhotic vs noncirrhotic liver-tissue and progressively increased in vitro through activation of primary human HSCs. Conversely, p70S6K induced fibrogenic activation of HSCs in different models, including the small interfering RNA-based silencing of p70S6K in HSC lines, experiments with p70S6K-/- cells, and the pharmacological inhibition of p70S6K by CEP-1347. These findings were validated in vivo as p70S6K-/- mice developed significantly less fibrosis upon exposure to CCl4. CONCLUSIONS We establish p70S6K as a checkpoint of fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo and CEP-1347 as potential treatment option that can safely be used for long-term treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian P. Reiter
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany,Liver Center, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Florian P. Reiter, MD, Department of Medicine II, Liver Center Munich, University of Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, D-81377 Munich, Germany. fax: +49-931-201-640023.
| | - Liangtao Ye
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Liver Center, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Center for Digestive Diseases, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Andrea Ofner
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Liver Center, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias S. Schiergens
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Biobank of the Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Ziesch
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Liver Center, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lydia Brandl
- Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Najib Ben Khaled
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Liver Center, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Hohenester
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Liver Center, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf Wimmer
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Liver Center, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Renate Artmann
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Liver Center, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Yulong He
- Center for Digestive Diseases, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Serene M.L. Lee
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Biobank of the Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Doris Mayr
- Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Changhua Zhang
- Center for Digestive Diseases, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Alexander L. Gerbes
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Liver Center, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Mayerle
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Liver Center, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerald Denk
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Liver Center, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Transplantation Center Munich, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Enrico N. De Toni
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Liver Center, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ezhilarasan D. Hepatic stellate cells in the injured liver: Perspectives beyond hepatic fibrosis. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:436-449. [PMID: 34514599 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Over the last two decades, our understanding of the pathological role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in fibrotic liver disease has increased dramatically. As HSCs are identified as the principal collagen-producing cells in the injured liver, several experimental and clinical studies have targeted HSCs to treat liver fibrosis. However, HSCs also play a critical role in developing nonfibrotic liver diseases such as cholestasis, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, this review exclusively focuses on the role of activated HSCs beyond hepatic fibrosis. In cholestasis conditions, elevated bile salts and bile acids activate HSCs to secrete collagen and other extracellular matrix products, which cause biliary fibrosis and cholangitis. In the chronically injured liver, autocrine and paracrine signaling from liver sinusoidal endothelial cells activates HSCs to induce portal hypertension via endothelin-1 release. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), activated HSCs are the major source of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). The crosstalk between activated HSC/CAF and tumor cells is associated with tumor cell proliferation, migration, metastasis, and chemoresistance. In TME, activated HSCs convert macrophages to tumor-associated macrophages and induce the differentiation of dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes to regulatory DCs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, respectively. This differentiation, in turn, increases T cells proliferation and induces their apoptosis leading to reduced immune surveillance in TME. Thus, HSCs activation in chronically injured liver is a critical process involved in the progression of cholestasis, portal hypertension, and liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, The Blue Lab, Molecular Medicine and Toxicology Division, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Königshofer P, Brusilovskaya K, Petrenko O, Hofer BS, Schwabl P, Trauner M, Reiberger T. Nuclear Receptors in Liver Fibrosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166235. [PMID: 34339839 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate gene expression of a variety of key molecular signals involved in liver fibrosis. The primary cellular driver of liver fibrogenesis are activated hepatic stellate cells. Different NRs regulate the hepatic expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic cytokines that promote the transformation of hepatic stellate cells into fibrogenic myofibroblasts. Importantly, nuclear receptors regulate gene expression circuits that promote hepatic fibrogenesis and/or allow liver fibrosis regression. In this review, we highlight the direct and indirect influence of nuclear receptors on liver fibrosis, with a focus on hepatic stellate cells, and discuss potential therapeutic effects of nuclear receptor modulation in regard to anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Further research on nuclear receptors-related signaling may lead to the clinical development of effective anti-fibrotic therapies for patients with liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Königshofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ksenia Brusilovskaya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oleksandr Petrenko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Silvester Hofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Experimental Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab (HEPEX), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nguyen-Lefebvre AT, Selzner N, Wrana JL, Bhat M. The hippo pathway: A master regulator of liver metabolism, regeneration, and disease. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21570. [PMID: 33831275 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002284rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the only visceral organ in the body with a tremendous capacity to regenerate in response to insults that induce inflammation, cell death, and injury. Liver regeneration is a complicated process involving a well-orchestrated activation of non-parenchymal cells in the injured area and proliferation of undamaged hepatocytes. Furthermore, the liver has a Hepatostat, defined as adjustment of its volume to that required for homeostasis. Understanding the mechanisms that control different steps of liver regeneration is critical to informing therapies for liver repair, to help patients with liver disease. The Hippo signaling pathway is well known for playing an essential role in the control and regulation of liver size, regeneration, stem cell self-renewal, and liver cancer. Thus, the Hippo pathway regulates dynamic cell fates in liver, and in absence of its downstream effectors YAP and TAZ, liver regeneration is severely impaired, and the proliferative expansion of liver cells blocked. We will mainly review upstream mechanisms activating the Hippo signaling pathway following partial hepatectomy in mouse model and patients, its roles during different steps of liver regeneration, metabolism, and cancer. We will also discuss how targeting the Hippo signaling cascade might improve liver regeneration and suppress liver tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anh Thu Nguyen-Lefebvre
- Department of Medicine, Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nazia Selzner
- Department of Medicine, Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Mamatha Bhat
- Department of Medicine, Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang F, Wang F, He J, Lian N, Wang Z, Shao J, Ding H, Tan S, Chen A, Zhang Z, Wang S, Zheng S. Regulation of hepatic stellate cell contraction and cirrhotic portal hypertension by Wnt/β-catenin signalling via interaction with Gli1. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:2246-2265. [PMID: 33085791 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Portal hypertension is a lethal complication of cirrhosis. Its mechanism and therapeutic targets remain largely unknown. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) contraction increases intrahepatic vascular resistance contributing to portal hypertension. We investigated how HSC contraction was regulated by Wnt signalling and the therapeutic implications. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Liver tissues from cirrhotic patients were examined. Cirrhotic mice with genetic or pharmacological treatments were used for in vivo assessments, and their primary cells were isolated. Cellular functions and signalling pathways were analysed in human HSC-LX2 cells using real-time PCR, Western blotting, siRNA, luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, co-immunoprecipitation and site-directed mutagenesis. KEY RESULTS Wnt/β-catenin correlated with HSC contraction in human cirrhotic liver. Wnt3a stimulated Smo-independent Gli1 nuclear translocation followed by LARG-mediated RhoA activation leading to HSC contraction. Suppressor of fused (Sufu) negatively mediated Wnt3a-induced Gli1 nuclear translocation. Wnt/β-catenin repressed transcription of Sufu dependent on β-catenin/TCF4 interaction and TCF4 binding to Sufu promoter. Molecular simulation and site-directed mutagenesis identified the β-catenin residues Lys312 and Lys435 critically involved in this interaction. TCF4 binding to the sequence CACACCTTCC at Sufu promoter was required for transrepression of Sufu. In cirrhotic mice, short-term liver-targeting β-catenin deficiency or acute treatment with β-catenin inhibitors reduced portal pressure via restriction of HSC contraction rather than inhibiting HSC activation. Long-term deficiency or treatments also ameliorated liver injury, fibrosis and inflammation. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Interaction between Wnt/β-catenin and Smo-independent Gli1 pathways promoted HSC contraction via TCF4-dependent transrepression of Sufu. HSC-specific inhibition of β-catenin may have therapeutic benefits for cirrhotic portal hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- 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
| | - Jianlin He
- The Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China
| | - Naqi Lian
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenyi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai Ding
- Department of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine in Hepatology, The Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- Department of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine in Hepatology, The Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shijun Wang
- Shandong Co-innovation Center of TCM Formula, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 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
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Cirrhosis is the fifth leading cause of death in adults. Advanced cirrhosis can cause significant portal hypertension (PH), which is responsible for many of the complications observed in patients with cirrhosis, such as varices. If portal pressure exceeds a certain threshold, the patient is at risk of developing life-threatening bleeding from varices. Variceal bleeding has a high incidence among patients with liver cirrhosis and carries a high risk of mortality and morbidity. The management of variceal bleeding is complex, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach involving pharmacological, endoscopic, and radiologic interventions. In terms of management, three stages can be considered: primary prophylaxis, active bleeding, and secondary prophylaxis. The main goal of primary and secondary prophylaxis is to prevent variceal bleeding. However, active variceal bleeding is a medical emergency that requires swift intervention to stop the bleeding and achieve durable hemostasis. We describe the pathophysiology of cirrhosis and PH to contextualize the formation of gastric and esophageal varices. We also discuss the currently available treatments and compare how they fare in each stage of clinical management, with a special focus on drugs that can prevent bleeding or assist in achieving hemostasis.
Collapse
|
27
|
Meijer EM, van Dijk CGM, Kramann R, Verhaar MC, Cheng C. Implementation of Pericytes in Vascular Regeneration Strategies. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2021; 28:1-21. [PMID: 33231500 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2020.0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
For the survival and integration of complex large-sized tissue-engineered (TE) organ constructs that exceed the maximal nutrients and oxygen diffusion distance required for cell survival, graft (pre)vascularization to ensure medium or blood supply is crucial. To achieve this, the morphology and functionality of the microcapillary bed should be mimicked by incorporating vascular cell populations, including endothelium and mural cells. Pericytes play a crucial role in microvascular function, blood vessel stability, angiogenesis, and blood pressure regulation. In addition, tissue-specific pericytes are important in maintaining specific functions in different organs, including vitamin A storage in the liver, renin production in the kidneys and maintenance of the blood-brain-barrier. Together with their multipotential differentiation capacity, this makes pericytes the preferred cell type for application in TE grafts. The use of a tissue-specific pericyte cell population that matches the TE organ may benefit organ function. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature for graft (pre)-vascularization strategies and highlight the possible advantages of using tissue-specific pericytes for specific TE organ grafts. Impact statement The use of a tissue-specific pericyte cell population that matches the tissue-engineered (TE) organ may benefit organ function. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature for graft (pre)vascularization strategies and highlight the possible advantages of using tissue-specific pericytes for specific TE organ grafts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elana M Meijer
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christian G M van Dijk
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rafael Kramann
- Division of Nephrology and Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne C Verhaar
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Cheng
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thorax Center Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abdel-Kawy HS. Effect of carvedilol versus propranolol on acute and chronic liver toxicity in rats. Drug Chem Toxicol 2021; 44:101-111. [PMID: 30810389 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2019.1576718] [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: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-selective β-blockers have largely been used for prophylaxis of bleeding from gastroesophageal varices, but their hepatic effects and their influence on the development of varices has yet to be clarified. This study examined whether carvedilol would reduce acute and chronic liver injury in rats in comparison to propranolol. Experiment (1) Investigated the effects of carvedilol (1.2 mg/kg) and propranolol (4.0 mg/kg) administered daily for 7 days by gavage on paracetamol (1500 mg/kg i.p.) -induced acute liver injury in rats. Experiment (2) Investigated the effects of carvedilol (1.2 mg/kg) and propranolol (4.0 mg/kg) by gavage daily for 8 weeks on CCl4 -induced chronic liver injury in rats. Biochemical markers and histopathology of the livers were studied. Liver perfusion studies were carried out on CCl4 treated rats. Experiment (1) Carvedilol significantly improved the functional state of the liver in paracetamol-induced acute toxic hepatitis to a greater extent than propranolol. This was evidenced by a greater reduction in elevated serum levels of ALT and AST, hepatic MDA and TNF-α, attenuation of the paracetamol-induced decrease in GSH, together with improvement in the histological architecture of the liver. Experiment (2) Carvedilol was superior to propranolol against CCl4-induced hepatic injury and fibrogenesis. It suppressed hepatic inflammation, attenuated hepatic oxidative stress, and inhibited HSC activation. Carvedilol also decreased portal perfusion pressure. These results suggest that carvedilol might be a therapeutic anti-fibrogenic candidate against hepatic fibrosis, protecting the liver from acute and chronic toxic injury, in addition to lowering portal pressure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hala Salah Abdel-Kawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Gedahh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rahman N, Kuramochi M, Izawa T, Kuwamura M, Yamate J. Characterization of Immature Myofibroblasts of Stellate Cell or Mesenchymal Cell Origin in D-Galactosamine-Induced Liver Injury in Rats. Vet Pathol 2021; 58:80-90. [PMID: 33054583 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820963097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lesions of D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced hepatotoxicity resemble those of human acute viral hepatitis. This study investigated hepatic mesenchymal cells including hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and myofibroblasts in D-GalN-induced hepatotoxicity. Rats, injected with D-GalN (800 mg/kg body weight, once, intraperitoneally) were examined on post single injection (PSI) at 8 hours and days 1 to 5. Lesions consisting of hepatocyte necrosis and reparative fibrosis were present diffusely or focally within the hepatic lobules on PSI days 1 and 2, and then the injury recovered on PSI days 3 and 5. Myofibroblasts expressing vimentin, desmin, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were present in the lesions. Double immunofluorescence showed that myofibroblasts reacted simultaneously to vimentin/α-SMA, desmin/α-SMA, and desmin/vimentin; furthermore, myofibroblasts reacting to vimentin, desmin, and α-SMA also co-expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a marker of HSCs. Additionally, GFAP-expressing myofibroblasts reacted to nestin and A3 (both are markers of immature mesenchymal cells). Cells reacting to Thy-1, a marker for immature mesenchymal cells, also appeared in fibrotic lesions. In agreement with the myofibroblastic appearance, mRNAs of fibrosis-related factors (TGF-β1, PDGF-β, TNF-α, Timp2, and Mmp2) increased mainly on PSI days 1 and 2. Myofibroblasts with expression of various cytoskeletal proteins were present in diffuse or focal hepatic lesions, and they might be derived partly from immature HSCs and from immature mesenchymal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Rahman
- 13311Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano City, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Takeshi Izawa
- 13311Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano City, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Jyoji Yamate
- 13311Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano City, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Localized inhibition of platelets and platelet derived growth factor by a matrix targeted glycan mimetic significantly attenuates liver fibrosis. Biomaterials 2020; 269:120538. [PMID: 33246740 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
New therapeutic strategies are needed for the growing unmet clinical needs in liver disease and fibrosis. Platelet activation and PDGF activity are recognized as important therapeutic targets; however, no therapeutic approach has yet addressed these two upstream drivers of liver fibrosis. We therefore designed a matrix-targeting glycan therapeutic, SBR-294, to inhibit collagen-mediated platelet activation while also inhibiting PDGF activity. Herein we describe the synthesis and characterization of SBR-294 and demonstrate its potential therapeutic benefits in vitro and in vivo. In vitro SBR-294 was found to bind collagen (EC50 = 23 nM), thereby inhibiting platelet-collagen engagement (IC50 = 60 nM). Additionally, SBR-294 was found to bind all PDGF homodimeric isoforms and to inhibit PDGF-BB mediated hepatic stellate cell activation and proliferation. Translating these mechanisms in vivo, SBR-294 reduced fibrosis by up to 54% in the CCl4 mouse model (p = 0.0004), as measured by Sirius red histological analysis. Additional fibrosis measurements were also supportive of the therapeutic benefit in this model. These results support the therapeutic benefit of platelet and PDGF antagonism and warrant further investigation of SBR-294 as a potential treatment for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
|
31
|
Acute liver failure is regulated by MYC- and microbiome-dependent programs. Nat Med 2020; 26:1899-1911. [DOI: 10.1038/s41591-020-1102-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
32
|
Ezhilarasan D. Endothelin-1 in portal hypertension: The intricate role of hepatic stellate cells. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:1504-1512. [PMID: 32791849 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220949148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT Portal hypertension is pathologically defined as increase of portal venous pressure, mainly due to chronic liver diseases such as fibrosis and cirrhosis. In fibrotic liver, activated hepatic stellate cells increase their contraction in response to endothelin-1 (ET-1) via autocrine and paracrine stimulation from liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and injured hepatocytes. Clinical studies are limited with ET receptor antagonists in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. Hence, studies are needed to find molecules that block ET-1 synthesis. Accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the perisinusoidal space, tissue contraction, and alteration in blood flow are prominent during portal hypertension. Therefore, novel matrix modulators should be tested experimentally as well as in clinical studies. Specifically, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β1, Wnt, Notch, rho-associated protein kinase 1 signaling antagonists, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and γ, interferon-γ and sirtuin 1 agonists should be tested elaborately against cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Research Unit and Laboratory Animal Centre, Saveetha Dental College, 194347Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai 600 077, India
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
IGFBP-3: So Much More Than an IGF1/2 Binding Protein. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 10:643-644. [PMID: 32634379 PMCID: PMC7474151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
|
34
|
Jiang Y, Que W, Zhu P, Li XK. The Role of Diverse Liver Cells in Liver Transplantation Tolerance. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1203. [PMID: 32595648 PMCID: PMC7304488 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the ideal treatment approach for a variety of end-stage liver diseases. However, life-long, systemic immunosuppressive treatment after transplantation is required to prevent rejection and graft loss, which is associated with severe side effects, although liver allograft is considered more tolerogenic. Therefore, understanding the mechanism underlying the unique immunologically privileged liver organ is valuable for transplantation management and autoimmune disease treatment. The unique hepatic acinus anatomy and a complex cellular network constitute the immunosuppressive hepatic microenvironment, which are responsible for the tolerogenic properties of the liver. The hepatic microenvironment contains a variety of hepatic-resident immobile non-professional antigen-presenting cells, including hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells, that are insufficient to optimally prime T cells locally and lead to the removal of alloreactive T cells due to the low expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory molecules and proinflammatory cytokines but a rather high expression of coinhibitory molecules and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Hepatic dendritic cells (DCs) are generally immature and less immunogenic than splenic DCs and are also ineffective in priming naïve allogeneic T cells via the direct recognition pathway in recipient secondary lymphoid organs. Although natural killer cells and natural killer T cells are reportedly associated with liver tolerance, their roles in liver transplantation are multifaceted and need to be further clarified. Under these circumstances, T cells are prone to clonal deletion, clonal anergy and exhaustion, eventually leading to tolerance. Other proposed liver tolerance mechanisms, such as soluble donor MHC class I molecules, passenger leukocytes theory and a high-load antigen effect, have also been addressed. We herein comprehensively review the current evidence implicating the tolerogenic properties of diverse liver cells in liver transplantation tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhi Jiang
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.,Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weitao Que
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ping Zhu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Kang Li
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yang L, Han B, Zhang M, Wang YH, Tao K, Zhu MX, He K, Zhang ZG, Hou S. Activation of BK Channels Prevents Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis Through the Suppression of TGFβ1/SMAD3 and JAK/STAT3 Profibrotic Signaling Pathways. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:165. [PMID: 32210801 PMCID: PMC7068464 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-conductance and Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels are expressed in human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), where they have roles in normal hepatic microcirculation, as well as in portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis through the regulation of contractility in activated HSCs. Nevertheless, whether BK channel activity exerts protective effects against aberrant HSC activation and hepatic fibrosis is unknown. Here, we report that BK channels are expressed in activated primary rat HSCs as well as in a human HSC line. Moreover, whole-cell K+ currents recorded from activated HSCs were markedly increased by exposure to rottlerin, a BK channel-specific activator, but were inhibited by treatment with the BK channel-specific inhibitor, paxilline, suggesting that BK channels are functional in activated HSCs. Overexpression but not downregulation of the BK channel pore-forming alpha subunit, KCNMA1, led to reduced migration and collagen expression in activated HSCs. Consistently, rottlerin treatment suppressed the fibrogenic cell function both in vitro and in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo. Microarray and pathway analysis, combined with a luciferase reporter assay and western blotting, further showed that rottlerin treatment led to a significant downregulation of the profibrotic TGFβ1/SMAD3 and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathways, both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings not only link BK channel function to profibrotic signaling pathways, but also provide evidence that BK channel activation represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linli Yang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Han
- Department of General Surgery, Key Laboratory for Translational Research and Innovative Therapeutics of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Man Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Tao
- Department of Pathology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Michael X Zhu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kunyan He
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shangwei Hou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Key Laboratory for Translational Research and Innovative Therapeutics of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ahn SY, Maeng YS, Kim YR, Choe YH, Hwang HS, Hyun YM. In vivo monitoring of dynamic interaction between neutrophil and human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell in mouse liver during sepsis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:44. [PMID: 32014040 PMCID: PMC6998265 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-1559-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sepsis is a global inflammatory disease that causes death. It has been reported that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment can attenuate inflammatory and septic symptoms. In this study, we investigated how interactions between neutrophils and human umbilical cord blood (hUCB)-MSCs in the liver of septic mice are involved in mitigating sepsis that is mediated by MSCs. Accordingly, we aimed to determine whether hUCB-MSC application could be an appropriate treatment for sepsis. Methods To induce septic condition, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected into mice 24 h after the intravenous (i.v.) injection of saline or hUCB-MSCs. To determine the effect of hUCB-MSCs on the immune response during sepsis, histologic analysis, immunoassays, and two-photon intravital imaging were performed 6 h post-LPS injection. For the survival study, mice were monitored for 6 days after LPS injection. Results The injection (i.v.) of hUCB-MSCs alleviated the severity of LPS-induced sepsis by increasing IL-10 levels (p < 0.001) and decreasing mortality (p < 0.05) in septic mice. In addition, this significantly reduced the recruitment of neutrophils (p < 0.001) to the liver. In hUCB-MSC-treated condition, we also observed several distinct patterns of dynamic interactions between neutrophils and hUCB-MSCs in the inflamed mouse liver, as well as vigorous interactions between hepatic stellate cells (HSCs or ito cells) and hUCB-MSCs. Interestingly, hUCB-MSCs that originated from humans were not recognized as foreign in the mouse body and consequently did not cause graft rejection. Conclusions These distinct interaction patterns between innate immune cells and hUCB-MSCs demonstrated that hUCB-MSCs have beneficial effects against LPS-induced sepsis through associations with neutrophils. In addition, the immunomodulatory properties of hUCB-MSCs might enable immune evasion in the host. Taken together, our results suggest the prospects of hUCB-MSCs as a therapeutic tool to inhibit inflammation and alleviate pathological immune responses such as sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Yong Ahn
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sun Maeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Rim Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ho Choe
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Sung Hwang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young-Min Hyun
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Cell release during perfusion reflects cold ischemic injury in rat livers. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1102. [PMID: 31980677 PMCID: PMC6981218 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57589-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The global shortage of donor organs has made it crucial to deeply understand and better predict donor liver viability. However, biomarkers that effectively assess viability of marginal grafts for organ transplantation are currently lacking. Here, we showed that hepatocytes, sinusoidal endothelial, stellate, and liver-specific immune cells were released into perfusates from Lewis rat livers as a result of cold ischemia and machine perfusion. Perfusate comparison analysis of fresh livers and cold ischemic livers showed that the released cell profiles were significantly altered by the duration of cold ischemia. Our findings show for the first time that parenchymal cells are released from organs under non-proliferative pathological conditions, correlating with the degree of ischemic injury. Thus, perfusate cell profiles could serve as potential biomarkers of graft viability and indicators of specific injury mechanisms during organ handling and transplantation. Further, parenchymal cell release may have applications in other pathological conditions beyond organ transplantation.
Collapse
|
38
|
Shao X, Uojima H, Setsu T, Okubo T, Atsukawa M, Furuichi Y, Arase Y, Hidaka H, Tanaka Y, Nakazawa T, Kako M, Kagawa T, Iwakiri K, Terai S, Koizumi W. Usefulness of autotaxin for the complications of liver cirrhosis. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:97-108. [PMID: 31933517 PMCID: PMC6952300 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i1.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autotaxin (ATX) has been reported as a direct biomarker for estimating the evaluation of liver fibrosis. But available data on ATX as a useful biomarker for the complications of liver cirrhosis (LC) are scant.
AIM To assess the clinical usefulness of ATX for assessing the complications of LC.
METHODS This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted at six locations in Japan. We include patients with LC, n = 400. The ATX level was evaluated separately in men and women because of its high level in female patients. To assess the clinical usefulness of ATX for the complications of LC, the area under the curve (AUC) of ATX assessing for the severe complications was analyzed in comparison with the model for end-stage liver disease score, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, fibrosis-4 index, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index.
RESULTS The mean age was 68.4 ± 11.4 years, 240 patients (60.0%) were male. A total of 213 (53.3%) and 187 (46.8%) patients were compensated and decompensated, respectively. The numbers of patients with varix rupture, hepatic ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy were 35 (8.8%), 131 (32.8%), and 103 (25.8%), respectively. The AUCs of ATX in men for hepatic encephalopathy, hepatic ascites, and varix ruptures were 0.853, 0.816, and 0.706, respectively. The AUCs of ATX in women for hepatic encephalopathy, hepatic ascites, and varix rupture were 0.759, 0.717, and 0.697, respectively. The AUCs of ATX in men were higher than those in women, as were all the other biomarkers used to detect encephalopathy and varix ruptures. However, for detecting ascites, the AUC of ALBI in men was more effective than using ATX.
CONCLUSION ATX in men was more effective than any other biomarkers for detecting hepatic encephalopathy and varix ruptures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Shao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Haruki Uojima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8533, Japan
| | - Toru Setsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Tomomi Okubo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Chiba 270-1694, Japan
| | - Masanori Atsukawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Furuichi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Shinjuku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Arase
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Hisashi Hidaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan
| | - Takahide Nakazawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan
| | - Makoto Kako
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8533, Japan
| | - Tatehiro Kagawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Iwakiri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Wasaburo Koizumi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0375, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Carvedilol Inhibits Angiotensin II-Induced Proliferation and Contraction in Hepatic Stellate Cells through the RhoA/Rho-Kinase Pathway. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:7932046. [PMID: 31828132 PMCID: PMC6885148 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7932046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Aim Carvedilol is a nonselective beta-blocker used to reduce portal hypertension. This study investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of carvedilol in angiotensin II- (Ang II-) induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation and contraction. Methods The effect of carvedilol on HSC proliferation was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Cell cycle progression and apoptosis in HSCs were determined by flow cytometry. A collagen gel assay was used to confirm HSC contraction. The extent of liver fibrosis in mice was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Sirius Red staining. Western blot analyses were performed to detect the expression of collagen I, collagen III, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Ang II type I receptor (AT1R), RhoA, Rho-kinase 2 (ROCK2), and others. Results The results showed that carvedilol inhibited HSC proliferation and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner. Carvedilol also modulated Bcl-2 family proteins and increased apoptosis in Ang II-treated HSCs. Furthermore, carvedilol inhibited HSC contraction induced by Ang II, an effect that was associated with AT1R-mediated RhoA/ROCK2 pathway interference. In addition, carvedilol reduced α-SMA expression and collagen deposition and attenuated liver fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated mice. The in vivo data further confirmed that carvedilol inhibited the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), AT1R, RhoA, and ROCK2. Conclusions The results indicated that carvedilol dose-dependently inhibited Ang II-induced HSC proliferation by impeding cell cycle progression, thus alleviating hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, carvedilol could inhibit Ang II-induced HSC contraction by interfering with the AT1R-mediated RhoA/ROCK2 pathway.
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PH) is an increase in the pressure gradient between portal vein and inferior vena cava. Increased resistance occurs at different levels within the portal venous system, followed by increased portal venous inflow. PH is the main driver of cirrhosis decompensation. Varices on endoscopy or portosystemic collaterals on imaging indicate PH. Although its cause is determined mostly via noninvasive tests, the gold standard to measure portal pressure in cirrhosis and determine its severity is hepatic vein catheterization with determination of the hepatic venous pressure gradient. Measuring portal pressure is essential in proof-of-concept studies of portal pressure-lowering drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Turco
- Division of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, Modena 41125, Italy; PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo n 71, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208056, 333 Cedar Street -1080 LMP, New Haven, CT 06520-8056, USA; Section of Digestive Diseases, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
A Nutraceutical Rich in Docosahexaenoic Acid Improves Portal Hypertension in a Preclinical Model of Advanced Chronic Liver Disease. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11102358. [PMID: 31623374 PMCID: PMC6835927 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in the pathophysiology of advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) and portal hypertension (PH). Considering the current lack of effective treatments, we evaluated an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutraceutical rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as a possible therapy for ACLD. We investigated the effects of two-week DHA supplementation (500 mg/kg) on hepatic fatty acids, PH, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) phenotype in rats with ACLD. Additionally, the effects of DHA were evaluated in murine macrophages and human HSC. In contrast to vehicle-treated animals, cirrhotic rats receiving DHA reestablished a healthy hepatic fatty acid profile, which was associated with an improvement in PH. The mechanisms underlying this hemodynamic improvement included a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as a marked HSC deactivation, confirmed in human HSC. Experiments with cultured macrophages showed that treatment with DHA protects against pro-inflammatory insults. The present preclinical study demonstrates that a nutraceutical rich in DHA significantly improves PH in chronic liver disease mainly by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress-driven HSC activation, encouraging its evaluation as a new treatment for PH and cirrhosis.
Collapse
|
42
|
|
43
|
Ling L, Li G, Wang G, Meng D, Li Z, Zhang C. Carvedilol improves liver cirrhosis in rats by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation, proliferation, invasion and collagen synthesis. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:1605-1612. [PMID: 31257490 PMCID: PMC6625452 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PHT) is one of the most severe consequences of liver cirrhosis. Carvedilol is a first-line pharmacological treatment of PHT. However, the antifibrogenic effects of carvedilol on liver cirrhosis and the intrinsic mechanisms underlying these effects have not been thoroughly investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the antifibrogenic effects of carvedilol on liver cirrhosis in vivo and in vitro. Liver cirrhosis was induced in rats by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration for 9 weeks; carvedilol was administered simultaneously in the experimental group. Blood samples were collected for serum biochemistry. Liver tissues were used for fibrosis evaluation, histological examination, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. The human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 was used for in vitro studies. The effects of carvedilol on LX-2 cell proliferation and invasion were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. The effect of carvedilol on transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)-induced collagen synthesis in LX-2 cells and the molecular mechanisms were examined by western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that carvedilol improved CCl4-induced structural distortion and fibrosis in the liver. Carvedilol inhibited HSC activation, proliferation and invasion. Carvedilol inhibited HSC collagen synthesis through the TGFβ1/SMAD pathway. In conclusion, carvedilol may alleviate liver cirrhosis in rats by inhibiting HSC activation, proliferation, invasion and collagen synthesis. Carvedilol may be a potential treatment of early-stage liver cirrhosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Ling
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Guangqi Li
- Department of Oncology, Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, P.R. China
| | - Guangchuan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Dongxiao Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Chunqing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Verma A, Bennett J, Örme AM, Polycarpou E, Rooney B. Cocaine addicted to cytoskeletal change and a fibrosis high. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2019; 76:177-185. [PMID: 30623590 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine is one of the most widely abused illicit drugs due to its euphoric and addictive properties. Cocaine-mediated cognitive impairments are the result of dynamic cytoskeletal rearrangements involved in mediating structural and behavioural plasticity. Cytoskeletal changes initiated following cocaine abuse are regulated by the Rho family of GTPases with significant downstream activity in key actin binding proteins. Moreover, signalling via the endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein, sigma-1 receptor has highlighted the possibility of cocaine regulated pathology in other organ systems. However, the question of whether upstream stimulation of such a high affinity binding receptor is directly involved in cocaine-mediated cytoskeletal changes at present remains unknown. In this review, we describe the functional role of key cytoskeletal regulators in response to cocaine-induced signalling cues. In addition, we ascertain the extent of whether global cytoskeletal modulators involved in cocaine-induced neurological stimulation can be used as a platform for future studies into elucidating its fibrotic potential within the hepatic microenvironment. A focus on aspects still poorly understood relating to the nonneuronal pathological impact of cocaine is discussed in the sphere of hepatic dysregulation. Lastly, we suggest that cocaine may mediate its pathological capacity via the sigma1 receptor in regulating hepatoxicity, hepatic stellate cells activity, cytoskeletal dynamics, and the transcriptional regulation of key hepato-fibrogenic modulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avnish Verma
- Kingston University, Department of Applied and Human Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Bennett
- Centre for Cell Signalling and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ayşe Merve Örme
- Kingston University, Department of Applied and Human Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Polycarpou
- Kingston University, Department of Applied and Human Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Rooney
- Kingston University, Department of Applied and Human Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Surrey, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Chen Y, Sun W, Kang L, Wang Y, Zhang M, Zhang H, Hu P. Microfluidic co-culture of liver tumor spheroids with stellate cells for the investigation of drug resistance and intercellular interactions. Analyst 2019; 144:4233-4240. [DOI: 10.1039/c9an00612e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a major component of the tumor microenvironment in liver cancer, play important roles in cancer progression as well as drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
- China
| | - Wei Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
- China
| | - Lu Kang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
- China
| | - Yuerong Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
- China
| | - Min Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design & Modern Engineering Center for TCM
- School of Pharmacy
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
- China
| | - Hongyang Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
- China
| | - Ping Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Shanghai 200237
- China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kamdem SD, Moyou-Somo R, Brombacher F, Nono JK. Host Regulators of Liver Fibrosis During Human Schistosomiasis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2781. [PMID: 30546364 PMCID: PMC6279936 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [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: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing process purposely aimed at restoring organ integrity after severe injury caused by autoimmune reactions, mechanical stress or infections. The uncontrolled solicitation of this process is pathogenic and a pathognomonic feature of diseases like hepatosplenic schistosomiasis where exacerbated liver fibrosis is centrally positioned among the drivers of the disease morbidity and mortality. Intriguingly, however, liver fibrosis occurs and progresses dissimilarly in schistosomiasis-diseased individuals with the same egg burden and biosocial features including age, duration of residence in the endemic site and gender. This suggests that parasite-independent and currently poorly defined host intrinsic factors might play a defining role in the regulation of liver fibrosis, the hallmark of morbidity, during schistosomiasis. In this review, we therefore provide a comprehensive overview of all known host candidate regulators of liver fibrosis reported in the context of human schistosomiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Severin Donald Kamdem
- Cape Town Component, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Immunology, Health Science Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Unit, South African Medical Research Center, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Roger Moyou-Somo
- The Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Frank Brombacher
- Cape Town Component, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Immunology, Health Science Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Unit, South African Medical Research Center, Cape Town, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Justin Komguep Nono
- Cape Town Component, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Immunology, Health Science Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Unit, South African Medical Research Center, Cape Town, South Africa
- The Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Spleno-hepatic index to predict portal hypertension by equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography. Nucl Med Commun 2018; 39:1138-1142. [PMID: 30371604 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000000927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural and morphological changes accompanying liver cirrhosis lead to portal hypertension (PHT), which is the first step of most of the complications in patients with liver cirrhosis. Therefore, the development of noninvasive techniques to detect PHT is crucial for prognosis and treatment. AIM The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic performance of a new spleno-hepatic index (SHI) measured from equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography (ERV) images in detecting patients with cirrhotic PHT. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 38 patients with PHT were compared with 30 controls without liver disease. The SHI was measured on the sum of the tomographic images from the ERV and calculated according to the following formula: SHI=(mean splenic count×longest hepatic length)/mean hepatic count. Mean SHI was 54±14 and 36±8 (P<0.001) among patients with PHT and controls, respectively. A cutoff value of 40 for the SHI allowed a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 77% to detect PHT. SHI greater than 51 was 100% specific. In a subset of 25 patients, SHI was not correlated with hepatic venous pressure gradient measured invasively in the right hepatic vein (R=-0.08, P=0.70). CONCLUSION Quantification of SHI derived from ERV could be used to detect liver cirrhosis with PHT although it is not linearly correlated with the hepatic venous pressure gradient. SHI should be considered as a useful index for the identification of PHT in patients referred for the detection/exploration of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy by ERV.
Collapse
|
48
|
You H, Harvie M, Du X, Rivera V, Zhang P, McManus DP. Protective Immune Responses Generated in a Murine Model Following Immunization with Recombinant Schistosoma japonicum Insulin Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103088. [PMID: 30304851 PMCID: PMC6213549 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a pressing need to develop vaccines for schistosomiasis given the current heavy dependency on praziquantel as the only available drug for treatment. We previously showed the ligand domain of the Schistosoma japonicum insulin receptor 1 and 2 (rSjLD1 and 2) fusion proteins conferred solid protection in mice against challenge infection with S. japonicum. To improve vaccine efficacy, we compared the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of rSjLD1 on its own and in combination with S. japonicum triose-phosphate isomerase (SjTPI), formulated with either of two adjuvants (QuilA and montanide ISA 720VG) in murine vaccine trials against S. japonicum challenge. The level of protection was higher in mice vaccinated only with rSjLD1 formulated with either adjuvant; rSjTPI or the rSjTPI-rSjLD1 combination resulted in a lower level of protection. Mirroring our previous results, there were significant reductions in the number of female worms (30–44%), faecal eggs (61–68%), liver eggs (44–56%), intestinal eggs (46–48%) and mature intestinal eggs (58–63%) in the rSjLD1-vaccinated mice compared with the adjuvant only groups. At 6-weeks post-cercarial challenge, a significantly increased production of interferon gamma (IFNγ) in rSjLD1-stimulated splenic CD4+ T cells was observed in the rSjLD1-vaccinated mice suggesting a Th1-type response is associated with the generated level of protective efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane QLD4006, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Marina Harvie
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane QLD4006, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Xiaofeng Du
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane QLD4006, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Vanessa Rivera
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane QLD4006, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Ping Zhang
- Translational Cancer Immunotherapy Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane QLD4006, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane QLD4006, Queensland, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ando W, Yokomori H, Kaneko F, Kaneko M, Igarashi K, Suzuki H. Serum Autotaxin Concentrations Reflect Changes in Liver Stiffness and Fibrosis After Antiviral Therapy in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C. Hepatol Commun 2018; 2:1111-1122. [PMID: 30202824 PMCID: PMC6128230 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether serum autotaxin concentrations reflect liver stiffness in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) treated with direct‐acting antiviral agents. Adult patients with chronic HCV were enrolled from January 2016 to August 2017. Autotaxin concentrations in these patients were compared with those of a control group consisting of healthy individuals. Liver stiffness was determined by transient elastography. The relationship between fibrosis markers and fibrosis scores was evaluated before and after treatment. Data from 155 HCV patients and 56 control subjects were analyzed. Autotaxin concentrations were significantly higher in HCV patients with liver stiffness scores less than or equal to 7.4 kPa versus controls. Autotaxin concentrations at the end of treatment and beyond were significantly lower than those prior to treatment. Pretreatment and posttreatment autotaxin concentrations in male and female patients with liver stiffness scores greater than 14.9 kPa changed significantly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). From the start of treatment to 6 months following treatment, the fibrosis marker/liver stiffness score ratios changed as follows: autotaxin: 0.189 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.169‐0.209) to 0.191 (95% CI: 0.166‐0.216; P= 0.88); Wisteria floribundaagglutinin‐positive Mac‐2‐binding protein: 0.294 (95% CI: 0.256‐0.332) to 0.223 (95% CI: 0.191‐0.255; P< 0.001); hyaluronic acid: 19.05 (95% CI: 14.29‐23.81) to 13.92 (95% CI: 11.16‐16.70; P = 0.044); and type IV collagen 7S: 0.560 (95% CI: 0.515‐0.604) to 0.546 (95% CI: 0.497‐0.895; P = 0.052). Conclusion: Autotaxin concentrations reflect liver stiffness before and after antiviral treatment in patients with chronic HCV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Ando
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy Kitasato University Tokyo Japan
| | - Hiroaki Yokomori
- Department of Gastroenterology Kitasato University Medical Center Saitama Japan
| | - Fumihiko Kaneko
- Department of Internal Medicine Saitama Medical Center Saitama Japan
| | - Mana Kaneko
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy Kitasato University Tokyo Japan
| | - Koji Igarashi
- Bioscience Division, Research and Development Management Department Tosoh Corporation Kanagawa Japan
| | - Hidekazu Suzuki
- Fellowship Training Center and Medical Education Center Keio University School of Medicine Keio University Tokyo Japan
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Thomsen KL, De Chiara F, Rombouts K, Vilstrup H, Andreola F, Mookerjee RP, Jalan R. Ammonia: A novel target for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Med Hypotheses 2018. [PMID: 29523305 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of liver diseases ranging from steatosis, through non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to cirrhosis. The development of fibrosis is the most important factor contributing to NASH-associated morbidity and mortality. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are responsible for extracellular matrix deposition in conditions of frank hepatocellular injury and are key cells involved in the development of fibrosis. In experimental models and patients with NASH, urea cycle enzyme gene and protein expression is reduced resulting in functional reduction in the in vivo capacity for ureagenesis and subsequent hyperammonemia at a pre-cirrhotic stage. Ammonia has been shown to activate HSCs in vivo and in vitro. Hyperammonemia in the context of NASH may therefore favour the progression of fibrosis and the disease. We therefore hypothesise that ammonia is a potential target for prevention of fibrosis progression of patients with NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Louise Thomsen
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Francesco De Chiara
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Krista Rombouts
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Fausto Andreola
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Rajeshwar P Mookerjee
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|