1
|
Vitamin A and Viral Infection in Critical Care. JORJANI BIOMEDICINE JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.52547/jorjanibiomedj.10.1.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
|
2
|
Ding Z, Cheng R, Liu J, Zhao Y, Ge W, Yang Y, Xu X, Wang S, Zhang J. The suppression of pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 ameliorates experimental hepatic fibrosis in mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2022; 1867:159102. [PMID: 34995790 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.159102] [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: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) store vitamin A as lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. When activated, these cells lose vitamin A and exhibit an increased capacity for proliferation, mobility, contractility, and the synthesis of collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix. Our previous work demonstrated that the lipid hydrolytic gene pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (mPlrp2) is involved in the hydrolysis of retinyl esters (REs) in the liver. Here, we showed that bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver injury triggered the conditional expression of mPlrp2 in livers and describe evidence of a strong relationship between the expression of mPlrp2 and Acta-2, a marker for activated HSCs. RNA interference targeting mPlrp2 inhibited HSC activation and ameliorated hepatic fibrosis induced by BDL in mice. Liver BDL markedly reduced the adenosine level and increased the ratio between S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) and S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis demonstrated an increase in trimethylated histone H3K4 at the mPlrp2 promoter in BDL mice, which was associated with the conditional expression of mPlrp2 in the liver. SAM, a well-known hepatoprotective substance, inhibited mPlrp2 expression and reduced RE hydrolysis in mice with hepatic fibrosis induced by chronic CCl4 treatment. Liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 or BDL was improved in Plrp2-/- mice. Our results reveal that mPlrp2 suppression is a potential approach for treating hepatic fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Ding
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Cheng
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Junhao Liu
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhao Ge
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunxia Yang
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Xu
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiming Wang
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianfa Zhang
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sufleţel RT, Melincovici CS, Gheban BA, Toader Z, Mihu CM. Hepatic stellate cells - from past till present: morphology, human markers, human cell lines, behavior in normal and liver pathology. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY 2021; 61:615-642. [PMID: 33817704 PMCID: PMC8112759 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.61.3.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC), initially analyzed by von Kupffer, in 1876, revealed to be an extraordinary mesenchymal cell, essential for both hepatocellular function and lesions, being the hallmark of hepatic fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. Apart from their implications in hepatic injury, HSCs play a vital role in liver development and regeneration, xenobiotic response, intermediate metabolism, and regulation of immune response. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding HSCs morphology, human HSCs markers and human HSC cell lines. We also summarize the latest findings concerning their roles in normal and liver pathology, focusing on their impact in fibrogenesis, chronic viral hepatitis and liver tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rada Teodora Sufleţel
- Discipline of Histology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are resident non-parenchymal liver pericytes whose plasticity enables them to regulate a remarkable range of physiologic and pathologic responses. To support their functions in health and disease, HSCs engage pathways regulating carbohydrate, mitochondrial, lipid, and retinoid homeostasis. In chronic liver injury, HSCs drive hepatic fibrosis and are implicated in inflammation and cancer. To do so, the cells activate, or transdifferentiate, from a quiescent state into proliferative, motile myofibroblasts that secrete extracellular matrix, which demands rapid adaptation to meet a heightened energy need. Adaptations include reprogramming of central carbon metabolism, enhanced mitochondrial number and activity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and liberation of free fatty acids through autophagy-dependent hydrolysis of retinyl esters that are stored in cytoplasmic droplets. As an archetype for pericytes in other tissues, recognition of the HSC's metabolic drivers and vulnerabilities offer the potential to target these pathways therapeutically to enhance parenchymal growth and modulate repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parth Trivedi
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
High Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development in Fibrotic Liver: Role of the Hippo-YAP/TAZ Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030581. [PMID: 30700007 PMCID: PMC6387126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death globally, accounting for approximately 800,000 deaths annually. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, making up about 80% of cases. Liver fibrosis and its end-stage disease, cirrhosis, are major risk factors for HCC. A fibrotic liver typically shows persistent hepatocyte death and compensatory regeneration, chronic inflammation, and an increase in reactive oxygen species, which collaboratively create a tumor-promoting microenvironment via inducing genetic alterations and chromosomal instability, and activating various oncogenic molecular signaling pathways. In this article, we review recent advances in fields of liver fibrosis and carcinogenesis, and consider several molecular signaling pathways that promote hepato-carcinogenesis under the microenvironment of liver fibrosis. In particular, we pay attention to emerging roles of the Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway in stromal activation, hepatic fibrosis, and liver cancer.
Collapse
|
6
|
Hou W, Syn WK. Role of Metabolism in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Fibrogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:150. [PMID: 30483502 PMCID: PMC6240744 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) involves the transition from a quiescent to a proliferative, migratory, and fibrogenic phenotype (i.e., myofibroblast), which is characteristic of liver fibrogenesis. Multiple cellular and molecular signals which contribute to HSC activation have been identified. This review specially focuses on the metabolic changes which impact on HSC activation and fibrogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hou
- Tianjin Second People's Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Hepatology, Tianjin, China.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Wing-Kin Syn
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.,Section of Gastroenterology, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ying HZ, Chen Q, Zhang WY, Zhang HH, Ma Y, Zhang SZ, Fang J, Yu CH. PDGF signaling pathway in hepatic fibrosis pathogenesis and therapeutics (Review). Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:7879-7889. [PMID: 28983598 PMCID: PMC5779870 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The platelet‑derived growth factor (PDFG) signaling pathway exerts persistent activation in response to a variety of stimuli and facilitates the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Since this pathway modulates a broad spectrum of cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, inflammation and carcinogenesis, it has emerged as a therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis and liver‑associated disorders. The present review exhibits the current knowledge of the role of the PDGF signaling pathway and its pathological profiles in hepatic fibrosis, and assesses the potential of inhibitors which have been investigated in the experimental hepatic fibrosis model, in addition to the clinical challenges associated with these inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Zhong Ying
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Qin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Wen-You Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Huan-Huan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Yue Ma
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Song-Zhao Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Jie Fang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Chen-Huan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gluchowski NL, Becuwe M, Walther TC, Farese RV. Lipid droplets and liver disease: from basic biology to clinical implications. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 14:343-355. [PMID: 28428634 PMCID: PMC6319657 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2017.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipid droplets are dynamic organelles that store neutral lipids during times of energy excess and serve as an energy reservoir during deprivation. Many prevalent metabolic diseases, such as the metabolic syndrome or obesity, often result in abnormal lipid accumulation in lipid droplets in the liver, also called hepatic steatosis. Obesity-related steatosis, or NAFLD in particular, is a major public health concern worldwide and is frequently associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Here, we review the latest insights into the biology of lipid droplets and their role in maintaining lipid homeostasis in the liver. We also offer a perspective of liver diseases that feature lipid accumulation in these lipid storage organelles, which include NAFLD and viral hepatitis. Although clinical applications of this knowledge are just beginning, we highlight new opportunities for identifying molecular targets for treating hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina L. Gluchowski
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Boston Children’s Hospital Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, 300 Longwood Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Michel Becuwe
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Tobias C. Walther
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, 240 Longwood Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Robert V. Farese
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, 240 Longwood Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
The stellate cell system (vitamin A-storing cell system). Anat Sci Int 2017; 92:387-455. [PMID: 28299597 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-017-0395-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Past, present, and future research into hepatic stellate cells (HSCs, also called vitamin A-storing cells, lipocytes, interstitial cells, fat-storing cells, or Ito cells) are summarized and discussed in this review. Kupffer discovered black-stained cells in the liver using the gold chloride method and named them stellate cells (Sternzellen in German) in 1876. Wake rediscovered the cells in 1971 using the same gold chloride method and various modern histological techniques including electron microscopy. Between their discovery and rediscovery, HSCs disappeared from the research history. Their identification, the establishment of cell isolation and culture methods, and the development of cellular and molecular biological techniques promoted HSC research after their rediscovery. In mammals, HSCs exist in the space between liver parenchymal cells (PCs) or hepatocytes and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) of the hepatic lobule, and store 50-80% of all vitamin A in the body as retinyl ester in lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. SCs also exist in extrahepatic organs such as pancreas, lung, and kidney. Hepatic (HSCs) and extrahepatic stellate cells (EHSCs) form the stellate cell (SC) system or SC family; the main storage site of vitamin A in the body is HSCs in the liver. In pathological conditions such as liver fibrosis, HSCs lose vitamin A, and synthesize a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM) components including collagen, proteoglycan, glycosaminoglycan, and adhesive glycoproteins. The morphology of these cells also changes from the star-shaped HSCs to that of fibroblasts or myofibroblasts.
Collapse
|
10
|
Dobie R, Henderson NC. Homing in on the hepatic scar: recent advances in cell-specific targeting of liver fibrosis. F1000Res 2016; 5. [PMID: 27508067 PMCID: PMC4955024 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.8822.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of liver disease globally, there are currently no approved anti-fibrotic therapies to treat patients with liver fibrosis. A major goal in anti-fibrotic therapy is the development of drug delivery systems that allow direct targeting of the major pro-scarring cell populations within the liver (hepatic myofibroblasts) whilst not perturbing the homeostatic functions of other mesenchymal cell types present within both the liver and other organ systems. In this review we will outline some of the recent advances in our understanding of myofibroblast biology, discussing both the origin of myofibroblasts and possible myofibroblast fates during hepatic fibrosis progression and resolution. We will then discuss the various strategies currently being employed to increase the precision with which we deliver potential anti-fibrotic therapies to patients with liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Dobie
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Neil C Henderson
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sharvit E, Abramovitch S, Reif S, Bruck R. Amplified inhibition of stellate cell activation pathways by PPAR-γ, RAR and RXR agonists. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76541. [PMID: 24098526 PMCID: PMC3788137 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator activator receptors (PPAR) ligands such as 15-Δ12,13-prostaglandin L(2) [PJ] and all trans retinoic acid (ATRA) have been shown to inhibit the development of liver fibrosis. The role of ligands of retinoic X receptor (RXR) and its ligand, 9-cis, is less clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined treatment of the three ligends, PJ, ATRA and 9-cis, on key events during liver fibrosis in rat primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We found that the anti-proliferative effect of the combined treatment of PJ, ATRA and 9-cis on HSCs was additive. Further experiments revealed that this inhibition was due to cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase as demonstrated by FACS analysis. In addition, the combined treatment reduced cyclin D1 expression and increased p21 and p27 protein levels. Furthermore, we found that the three ligands down regulated the phosphorylation of mTOR and p70(S6K). The activation of HSCs was also inhibited by the three ligands as shown by inhibition of vitamin A lipid droplets depletion from HSCs. Studies using real time PCR and western blot analysis showed marked inhibition of collagen Iα1 and αSMA by the combination of the three ligands. These findings suggest that the combined use of PJ, ATRA and 9-cis causes inhibition of cell proliferation by cell cycle arrest and down-regulation of fibrotic markers to a greater extent compared to each of the ligands alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Sharvit
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Dana Children’s Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shirley Abramovitch
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Dana Children’s Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shimon Reif
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Dana Children’s Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rafael Bruck
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Greenhalgh SN, Iredale JP, Henderson NC. Origins of fibrosis: pericytes take centre stage. F1000PRIME REPORTS 2013; 5:37. [PMID: 24049641 PMCID: PMC3768328 DOI: 10.12703/p5-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pericytes are ubiquitous perivascular cells that have recently attracted interest as potential myofibroblast precursors. In turn, myofibroblasts are the major source of extracellular matrix components that accumulate during tissue fibrosis. Given the worldwide burden of fibrotic disease and paucity of therapeutic options available to halt its progression, elucidating the origins of myofibroblasts is of prime importance. The advent of genetic strategies that permit fate-mapping of specific cell populations through permanent and heritable expression of reporter proteins has begun to shed light on the source of the fibrogenic myofibroblast. Here we discuss recent studies in multiple organs that highlight the central role of pericytes in the origins of fibrosis.
Collapse
|
13
|
Czaja MJ, Ding WX, Donohue TM, Friedman SL, Kim JS, Komatsu M, Lemasters JJ, Lemoine A, Lin JD, Ou JHJ, Perlmutter DH, Randall G, Ray RB, Tsung A, Yin XM. Functions of autophagy in normal and diseased liver. Autophagy 2013; 9:1131-58. [PMID: 23774882 DOI: 10.4161/auto.25063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 351] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy has emerged as a critical lysosomal pathway that maintains cell function and survival through the degradation of cellular components such as organelles and proteins. Investigations specifically employing the liver or hepatocytes as experimental models have contributed significantly to our current knowledge of autophagic regulation and function. The diverse cellular functions of autophagy, along with unique features of the liver and its principal cell type the hepatocyte, suggest that the liver is highly dependent on autophagy for both normal function and to prevent the development of disease states. However, instances have also been identified in which autophagy promotes pathological changes such as the development of hepatic fibrosis. Considerable evidence has accumulated that alterations in autophagy are an underlying mechanism of a number of common hepatic diseases including toxin-, drug- and ischemia/reperfusion-induced liver injury, fatty liver, viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the roles that autophagy plays in normal hepatic physiology and pathophysiology with the intent of furthering the development of autophagy-based therapies for human liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Czaja
- Department of Medicine; Marion Bessin Liver Research Center; Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Bronx, NY USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sekiguchi H, Hemmi N, Maki T, Ozawa A, Kadowaki E, Kamiie J, Yamamoto M, Arishima K, Sakaue M. Culture on a fragmin/protamine-coated plate suppresses the collagen type IαI and TGF-β1 mRNA expression of rat hepatic stellate RI-T cells. J Vet Med Sci 2012; 75:553-9. [PMID: 23238453 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.12-0396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) intracellularly preserve vitamin A in the normal liver. When the liver is damaged, HSCs transform into myofibroblast-like cells, and then proliferate and increase their expression of collagen. Cultured on a plastic plate, HSCs spontaneously activate. To maintain HSCs in a quiescent state with low expression of collagen, coating methods with extracellular matrixes (ECMs) such as Matrigel-coating or laminin-rich coating are commonly used for HSC cultivation. Kishimoto et al. [14] reported that Fragmin®/protamine microparticles (F/P-MPs) have the ability to absorb heparin-binding cytokines like ECMs. Therefore, we examined whether the cultivation on an F/P-MPs-coated plate maintains the quiescent state of RI-T cells (derived from rat HSCs) including the suppression of collagen expression. We found that the mRNA levels of collagen type IαI and TGF-β1 in RI-T cells were significantly suppressed in the cultivation on F/P-MPs-coated plates compared to cultures on noncoated and Matrigel-coated plates. We conclude that the F/P-MPs coating method is useful for maintaining with low expressions of collagen IαI and TGF-β 1 mRNA levels in HSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Sekiguchi
- Department of Anatomy II, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuoh-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Testerink N, Ajat M, Houweling M, Brouwers JF, Pully VV, van Manen HJ, Otto C, Helms JB, Vaandrager AB. Replacement of retinyl esters by polyunsaturated triacylglycerol species in lipid droplets of hepatic stellate cells during activation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34945. [PMID: 22536341 PMCID: PMC3335019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells has been recognized as one of the first steps in liver injury and repair. During activation, hepatic stellate cells transform into myofibroblasts with concomitant loss of their lipid droplets (LDs) and production of excessive extracellular matrix. Here we aimed to obtain more insight in the dynamics and mechanism of LD loss. We have investigated the LD degradation processes in rat hepatic stellate cells in vitro with a combined approach of confocal Raman microspectroscopy and mass spectrometric analysis of lipids (lipidomics). Upon activation of the hepatic stellate cells, LDs reduce in size, but increase in number during the first 7 days, but the total volume of neutral lipids did not decrease. The LDs also migrate to cellular extensions in the first 7 days, before they disappear. In individual hepatic stellate cells. all LDs have a similar Raman spectrum, suggesting a similar lipid profile. However, Raman studies also showed that the retinyl esters are degraded more rapidly than the triacylglycerols upon activation. Lipidomic analyses confirmed that after 7 days in culture hepatic stellate cells have lost most of their retinyl esters, but not their triacylglycerols and cholesterol esters. Furthermore, we specifically observed a large increase in triacylglycerol-species containing polyunsaturated fatty acids, partly caused by an enhanced incorporation of exogenous arachidonic acid. These results reveal that lipid droplet degradation in activated hepatic stellate cells is a highly dynamic and regulated process. The rapid replacement of retinyl esters by polyunsaturated fatty acids in LDs suggests a role for both lipids or their derivatives like eicosanoids during hepatic stellate cell activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Testerink
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mokrish Ajat
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Houweling
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos F. Brouwers
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vishnu V. Pully
- Medical Cell BioPhysics, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, Department of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Henk-Jan van Manen
- Medical Cell BioPhysics, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, Department of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Cees Otto
- Medical Cell BioPhysics, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, Department of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - J. Bernd Helms
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arie B. Vaandrager
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kida Y, Xia Z, Zheng S, Mordwinkin NM, Louie SG, Zheng SG, Feng M, Shi H, Duan Z, Han YP. Interleukin-1 as an injury signal mobilizes retinyl esters in hepatic stellate cells through down regulation of lecithin retinol acyltransferase. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26644. [PMID: 22073179 PMCID: PMC3208544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoids are mostly stored as retinyl esters in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) through esterification of retinol and fatty acid, catalyzed by lecithin-retinol acyltransferase (LRAT). This study is designated to address how retinyl esters are mobilized in liver injury for tissue repair and wound healing. Initially, we speculated that acute inflammatory cytokines may act as injury signal to mobilize retinyl esters by down-regulation of LRAT in HSCs. By examining a panel of cytokines we found interleukin-1 (IL-1) can potently down-regulate mRNA and protein levels of LRAT, resulting in mobilization of retinyl esters in primary rat HSCs. To simulate the microenvironment in the space of Disse, HSCs were embedded in three-dimensional extracellular matrix, by which HSCs retaine quiescent phenotypes, indicated by up-regulation of LRAT and accumulation of lipid droplets. Upon IL-1 stimulation, LRAT expression went down together with mobilization of lipid droplets. Secreted factors from Kupffer cells were able to suppress LRAT expression in HSCs, which was neutralized by IL-1 receptor antagonist. To explore the underlying mechanism we noted that the stability of LRAT protein is not significantly regulated by IL-1, indicating the regulation is likely at transcriptional level. Indeed, we found that IL-1 failed to down-regulate recombinant LRAT protein expressed in HSCs by adenovirus, while transcription of endogenous LRAT was promptly decreased. Following liver damage, IL-1 was promptly elevated in a close pace with down-regulation of LRAT transcription, implying their causative relationship. After administration of IL-1, retinyl ester levels in the liver, as measured by LC/MS/MS, decreased in association with down-regulation of LRAT. Likewise, IL-1 receptor knockout mice were protected from injury-induced down-regulation of LRAT. In summary, we identified IL-1 as an injury signal to mobilize retinyl ester in HSCs through down-regulation of LRAT, implying a mechanism governing transition from hepatic injury to wound healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujiro Kida
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Zanxian Xia
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Sujun Zheng
- Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, The People's Republic of China
| | - Nicholas M. Mordwinkin
- School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Stan G. Louie
- School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Song Guo Zheng
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Min Feng
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Hongbo Shi
- Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, The People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongping Duan
- Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, The People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Ping Han
- Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, The People's Republic of China
- Beijing Hepo Medical Research Institute, Beijing, The People's Republic of China
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
D'Ambrosio DN, Walewski JL, Clugston RD, Berk PD, Rippe RA, Blaner WS. Distinct populations of hepatic stellate cells in the mouse liver have different capacities for retinoid and lipid storage. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24993. [PMID: 21949825 PMCID: PMC3174979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) lipid droplets are specialized organelles for the storage of retinoid, accounting for 50–60% of all retinoid present in the body. When HSCs activate, retinyl ester levels progressively decrease and the lipid droplets are lost. The objective of this study was to determine if the HSC population in a healthy, uninjured liver demonstrates heterogeneity in its capacity for retinoid and lipid storage in lipid droplets. To this end, we utilized two methods of HSC isolation, which leverage distinct properties of these cells, including their vitamin A content and collagen expression. HSCs were isolated either from wild type (WT) mice in the C57BL/6 genetic background by flotation in a Nycodenz density gradient, followed by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) based on vitamin A autofluorescence, or from collagen-green fluorescent protein (GFP) mice by FACS based on GFP expression from a GFP transgene driven by the collagen I promoter. We show that GFP-HSCs have: (i) increased expression of typical markers of HSC activation; (ii) decreased retinyl ester levels, accompanied by reduced expression of the enzyme needed for hepatic retinyl ester synthesis (LRAT); (iii) decreased triglyceride levels; (iv) increased expression of genes associated with lipid catabolism; and (v) an increase in expression of the retinoid-catabolizing cytochrome, CYP2S1. Conclusion: Our observations suggest that the HSC population in a healthy, uninjured liver is heterogeneous. One subset of the total HSC population, which expresses early markers of HSC activation, may be “primed” and ready for rapid response to acute liver injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana N. D'Ambrosio
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - José L. Walewski
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Robin D. Clugston
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Paul D. Berk
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Richard A. Rippe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - William S. Blaner
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ye Y, Dan Z. All-trans retinoic acid diminishes collagen production in a hepatic stellate cell line via suppression of active protein-1 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signal. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 30:726-33. [PMID: 21181362 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-010-0648-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Following acute and chronic liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) become activated to undergo a phenotypic transformation into myofibroblast-like cells and lose their retinol content, but the mechanisms of retinoid loss and its potential roles in HSCs activation and liver fibrosis are not understood. The influence of retinoids on HSCs and hepatic fibrosis remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA) on cell proliferation, mRNA expression of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (I), procollagen α1 (III)], profibrogenic genes (TGF-β(1), CTGF, MMP-2, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, PAI-1), fibrolytic genes (MMP-3, MMP-13) and the upstream element (JNK and AP-1) in the rat hepatic stellate cell line (CFSC-2G). Cell proliferation was evaluated by measuring BrdU incorporation. The mRNA expression levels of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (I), procollagen α1 (III)], profibrogenic genes (TGF-β(1), CTGF, MMP-2, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, PAI-1), and fibrolytic genes (MMP-3, MMP-13) were quantitatively detected by using real-time PCR. The mRNA expression of JNK and AP-1 was quantified by RT-PCR. The results showed that ATRA inhibited HSCs proliferation and diminished the mRNA expression of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (I), procollagen α1 (III)] and profibrogenic genes (TGF-β(1), CTGF, MMP-2, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, PAI-1), and significantly stimulated the mRNA expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 in HSCs by suppressing the mRNA expression of JNK and AP-1. These findings suggested that ATRA could inhibit proliferation and collagen production of HSCs via the suppression of active protein-1 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signal, then decrease the mRNAs expression of profibrogenic genes (TGF-β(1), CTGF, MMP-2, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, PAI-1), and significantly induce the mRNA expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ye
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Delgado-Coello B, Bravo-Martínez J, Sosa-Garrocho M, Briones-Orta MA, Macías-Silva M, Mas-Oliva J. Plasma membrane calcium ATPase isoform 3 expression in single cells isolated from rat liver. Mol Cell Biochem 2010; 344:117-24. [PMID: 20625796 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-010-0535-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) located in the hepatocyte is a controversial molecule in itself since it displays different features to those regarded as canonical for P-type Ca(2+)-ATPases, and from which transcript expression as well as catalytic activity continues to be under active investigation. Our aim in this study was to explore at a first glance, pmca isoform distribution using isolated parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells from rat liver tissue. Expression of pmca transcripts was analyzed in fresh or cell-enriched culture preparations, confirming pmca1 and pmca4 as the housekeeping isoforms in all cell types studied (hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and stellate cells). However, for the first time we show expression of pmca3 transcripts edited at two different sites in both hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells. Interestingly, employing non-parenchymal cells we demonstrate the specific expression of pmca3e transcripts previously considered nearly exclusive of excitable tissues. Real-time PCR quantification shows a significant decrease of pmca3 transcripts in cultured Kupffer and hepatic stellate cells in comparison with fresh cells. The presence of pmca2 along with pmca3 in all liver cell types studied suggests that high affinity isoforms are relevant to the adequate management of calcium in liver tissue, particularly when hepatic cells become activated by diverse stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Delgado-Coello
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico, DF, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Brunati AM, Pagano MA, Bindoli A, Rigobello MP. Thiol redox systems and protein kinases in hepatic stellate cell regulatory processes. Free Radic Res 2010; 44:363-78. [PMID: 20166884 DOI: 10.3109/10715760903555836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the major producers of collagen in the liver and their conversion from resting cells to a proliferating, contractile and fibrogenic phenotype ('activation') is a critical step, leading to liver fibrosis characterized by deposition of excessive extracellular matrix. Cytokines, growth factors, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), lipid peroxides and their products deriving from hepatocytes, Kupffer cells and other cells converge on HSC and influence their activation. This review focuses on glutathione and thioredoxin pathways, with particular emphasis on their role in HSC. These two systems have been shown to act in the metabolism of hydrogen peroxide, control of thiol redox balance and regulation of signalling pathways. Particular attention is paid to mitochondria and NADPH oxidase. Detailed knowledge of specific signalling, redox conditions and apoptotic processes will be of help in devising proper pharmacological treatments for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Brunati
- Dipartimento di Chimica Biologica, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lee TF, Mak KM, Rackovsky O, Lin YL, Kwong AJ, Loke JC, Friedman SL. Downregulation of hepatic stellate cell activation by retinol and palmitate mediated by adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP). J Cell Physiol 2010; 223:648-57. [PMID: 20143336 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) store retinoids and triacylglycerols in cytoplasmic lipid droplets. Two prominent features of HSC activation in liver fibrosis are loss of lipid droplets along with increase of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), but the link between these responses and HSC activation remains elusive. In non-adipose cells, adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) coats lipid droplets and regulates their formation and lipolysis; however its function in HSCs is unknown. Here, we observed, in human liver sections or primary HSC culture, ADRP localization to lipid droplets of HSCs, and reduced staining coincident with loss of lipid droplets in liver fibrosis and in culture-activated HSCs, consistent with HSC activation. In the LX-2 human immortalized HSCs, with scant lipid droplets and features of activated HSCs, we found that the upregulation of ADRP mRNA by palmitate is potentiated by retinol, accompanied by increased ADRP protein, generation of retinyl palmitate, and lipid droplet formation. ADRP induction also led to decreased expression of alpha-SMA mRNA and its protein, while ADRP knockdown with small interfering RNA (siRNA) normalized alpha-SMA expression. Furthermore, ADRP induction by retinol and palmitate resulted in decreased expression of collagen I and matrix metalloproteinase-2 mRNA, fibrogenic genes associated with activated HSCs, while increasing matrix metalloproteinase-1 mRNA; ADRP knockdown with siRNA reversed these changes. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 was not affected. Thus, ADRP upregulation mediated by retinol and palmitate promotes downregulation of HSC activation and is functionally linked to the expression of fibrogenic genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Fang Lee
- Division of Liver Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Sustained progress in defining the molecular pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis has led to a comprehensive framework for developing antifibrotic therapies. Indeed, the single greatest limitation in bringing new drugs to the clinical setting is a lack of clarity regarding clinical trial and treatment end points, not a lack of promising agents. A range of treatments, including those developed for other indications, as well as those specifically developed for hepatic fibrosis, are nearing or in clinical trials. Most are focused on attacking features of either hepatic injury and/or activated stellate cells and myofibroblasts, which are the primary sources of extracellular matrix (scar) proteins. Thus, features of injury and stellate cell activation provide a useful template for classifying these emerging agents and point to a new class of therapies for patients with fibrosing liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ghiassi-Nejad
- Division of Liver Diseases, Box 1123, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang H, Dan Z, Jiang H. Effect of all-trans retinoic acid on liver fibrosis induced by common bile duct ligation in rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 28:553-7. [PMID: 18846337 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-008-0514-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and possible mechanism of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on liver fibrosis induced by common bile duct ligation (CBDL) in rats. Fifty-three female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham operation group (group J, 5 animals) and groups A, B, C and D (12 animals in each group). The rats in groups A, B, C and D were subjected to CBDL to induce liver fibrosis, while those in group J to sham operation. From the 3rd week the rats in groups B, C and D respectively received daily administration of ATRA via gastric tube at three different doses [0.1, 1.5 and 7.5 mg/kg body weight (BW)]. Animals were sacrificed at 6th week. Rats' liver tissues were observed for pathologic changes under a light microscope. The protein levels of type I collagen (COL I), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), MMP13 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in liver tissues were determined by immunohistochemical techniques. The expression levels of TGF-beta1 and CTGF mRNA in liver tissues were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that loss of normal hepatic architecture and formation of obvious fibrosis were observed in group A, while ATRA treatment for 4 weeks notably alleviated the pathological changes of hepatocytes. The expression of COL I and TIMP-1 proteins in group A was increased, while decreased in ATRA-treated CBDL groups (P<0.05). ATRA (1.5 and 7.5 mg/kg BW) reduced the expression levels of COL I protein more greatly than that of 0.1 mg/kg BW (P<0.05). ATRA treatment increased the protein levels of MMP2 and MMP13. The expression levels of TGF-beta1 and CTGF mRNA in group A were increased. In comparison with group A, the mRNA levels of TGF-beta1 and CTGF in ATRA-treated CBDL groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). It was concluded that ATRA could inhibit CBDL-induced liver fibrosis in rats by suppressing the expression of TGF-beta1 and CTGF so as to diminish the inhibition of TIMP-1 on MMP2 and MMP13 and increase the activity of MMP2 and MMP13.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Pu'ai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cheng JH, She H, Han YP, Wang J, Xiong S, Asahina K, Tsukamoto H. Wnt antagonism inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2008; 294:G39-49. [PMID: 18006602 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00263.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), a key event in liver fibrosis, is caused by diminished adipogenic transcription. This study investigated whether Wnt signaling contributes to "antiadipogenic" activation of HSC and liver fibrogenesis. Culture-activated HSC from normal rats and HSC from cholestatic rat livers were examined for expression of Wnt, Frizzled (Fz) receptors, and coreceptors by quantitative PCR. Wnt signaling was assessed by nuclear beta-catenin and T cell factor (TCF) promoter activity. Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1), a Wnt coreceptor antagonist, was transduced by an adenoviral vector to assess the effects of Wnt antagonism on culture activation of HSC and cholestatic liver fibrosis in mice. Messenger RNA for canonical (Wnt3a and 10b) and noncanonical (Wnt4 and 5a) Wnt genes, Fz-1 and 2, and coreceptors [low-density lipoprotein-receptor-related protein (LRP)6 and Ryk] are increased approximately 3-12-fold in culture-activated HSC compared with quiescent HSC. The nuclear beta-catenin level and TCF DNA binding are markedly increased in activated HSC. TCF promoter activity is stimulated with Wnt1 but inhibited by Chibby, a protein that blocks beta-catenin interaction with TCF, and by Dkk-1. Dkk-1 enhances peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma)-driven PPAR response element (PPRE) promoter activity, a key adipogenic transcriptional parameter, abrogates agonist-stimulated contraction, and restores HSC quiescence in culture. High expression of Dkk-1 increases apoptosis of cultured HSC. Expression of Wnt and Fz genes is also induced in HSC isolated from experimental cholestatic liver fibrosis, and Dkk-1 expression ameliorates this form of liver fibrosis in mice. These results demonstrate antiadipogenic Wnt signaling in HSC activation and therapeutic potential of Wnt antagonism for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason H Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of the Univ. of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-9141, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
The hepatic stellate cell has surprised and engaged physiologists, pathologists, and hepatologists for over 130 years, yet clear evidence of its role in hepatic injury and fibrosis only emerged following the refinement of methods for its isolation and characterization. The paradigm in liver injury of activation of quiescent vitamin A-rich stellate cells into proliferative, contractile, and fibrogenic myofibroblasts has launched an era of astonishing progress in understanding the mechanistic basis of hepatic fibrosis progression and regression. But this simple paradigm has now yielded to a remarkably broad appreciation of the cell's functions not only in liver injury, but also in hepatic development, regeneration, xenobiotic responses, intermediary metabolism, and immunoregulation. Among the most exciting prospects is that stellate cells are essential for hepatic progenitor cell amplification and differentiation. Equally intriguing is the remarkable plasticity of stellate cells, not only in their variable intermediate filament phenotype, but also in their functions. Stellate cells can be viewed as the nexus in a complex sinusoidal milieu that requires tightly regulated autocrine and paracrine cross-talk, rapid responses to evolving extracellular matrix content, and exquisite responsiveness to the metabolic needs imposed by liver growth and repair. Moreover, roles vital to systemic homeostasis include their storage and mobilization of retinoids, their emerging capacity for antigen presentation and induction of tolerance, as well as their emerging relationship to bone marrow-derived cells. As interest in this cell type intensifies, more surprises and mysteries are sure to unfold that will ultimately benefit our understanding of liver physiology and the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sicklick JK, Choi SS, Bustamante M, McCall SJ, Pérez EH, Huang J, Li YX, Rojkind M, Diehl AM. Evidence for epithelial-mesenchymal transitions in adult liver cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2006; 291:G575-83. [PMID: 16710052 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00102.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Both myofibroblastic hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and hepatic epithelial progenitors accumulate in damaged livers. In some injured organs, the ability to distinguish between fibroblastic and epithelial cells is sometimes difficult because cells undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT). During EMT, cells coexpress epithelial and mesenchymal cell markers. To determine whether EMT occurs in adult liver cells, we analyzed the expression profile of primary HSC, two HSC lines, and hepatic epithelial progenitors. As expected, all HSC expressed HSC markers. Surprisingly, these markers were also expressed by epithelial progenitors. In addition, one HSC line expressed typical epithelial progenitor mRNAs, and these epithelial markers were inducible in the second HSC line. In normal and damaged livers, small ductular-type cells stained positive for an HSC marker. In conclusion, HSC and hepatic epithelial progenitors both coexpress epithelial and mesenchymal markers, providing evidence that EMT occurs in adult liver cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason K Sicklick
- Duke Univ. Medical Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Snyderman-GSRB I Suite 1073, 595 LaSalle St., Box 3256, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Rivera CA, Bradford BU, Hunt KJ, Adachi Y, Schrum LW, Koop DR, Burchardt ER, Rippe RA, Thurman RG. Attenuation of CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis by GdCl(3) treatment or dietary glycine. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2001; 281:G200-7. [PMID: 11408273 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.2001.281.1.g200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The role of Kupffer cells in CCl(4)-induced fibrosis was investigated in vivo. Male Wistar rats were treated with phenobarbital and CCl(4) for 9 wk, and a group of rats were injected with the Kupffer cell toxicant gadolinium chloride (GdCl(3)) or were fed glycine, which inactivates Kupffer cells. After CCl(4) alone, the fibrosis score was 3.0 +/- 0.1 and collagen protein and mRNA expression were elevated, but GdCl(3) or glycine blunted these parameters. Glycine did not alter cytochrome P-450 2E1, making it unlikely that glycine affects CCl(4) metabolism. Treatment with GdCl(3) or glycine prevented CCl(4)-induced increases in transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 protein levels and expression. CCl(4) treatment increased alpha-smooth muscle actin staining (score 3.0 +/- 0.2), whereas treatment with GdCl(3) and glycine during CCl(4) exposure blocked this effect (1.2 +/- 0.5); there was no staining with glycine treatment. These results support previous in vitro data and demonstrate that treatment of rats with the selective Kupffer cell toxicant GdCl(3) prevents stellate cell activation and the development of fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A Rivera
- Laboratory of Hepatobiology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Vicente CP, Fortuna VA, Margis R, Trugo L, Borojevic R. Retinol uptake and metabolism, and cellular retinol binding protein expression in an in vitro model of hepatic stellate cells. Mol Cell Biochem 1998; 187:11-21. [PMID: 9788738 DOI: 10.1023/a:1006886308490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Liver is a major site of retinoid metabolism and storage, and more than 80% of the liver retinoids are stored in hepatic stellate cells. These cells represent less than 1% of the total liver protein, reaching a very high relative intracellular retinoid concentration. The plasma level of retinol is maintained close to 2 microM, and hepatic stellate cells have to be able both to uptake or to release retinol depending upon the extracellular retinol status. In view of their paucity in the liver tissue, stellate cells have been studied in primary cultures, in which they loose rapidly the stored lipids and retinol, and convert spontaneously into the activated myofibroblast phenotype, turning a long-term study of their retinol metabolism impossible. We have analyzed the retinol metabolism in the established GRX cell line, representative of stellate cells. We showed that this cell line behaves very similarly, with respect the retinol uptake and release, to primary cultures of hepatic stellate cells. Moreover, we showed that the cellular retinol binding protein (CRBP-I) expression in these cells, relevant for both uptake and esterification of retinol, responds to the extracellular retinol status, and is correlated to the retinol binding capacity of the cytosol. Its expression is not associated with the overall induction of the lipocyte phenotype by other agents. We conclude that the GRX cell line represents an in vitro model of hepatic stellate cells, and responds very efficiently to wide variations of the extracellular retinol status by autonomous controls of its uptake, storage or release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C P Vicente
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Insituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ratziu V, Lalazar A, Wong L, Dang Q, Collins C, Shaulian E, Jensen S, Friedman SL. Zf9, a Kruppel-like transcription factor up-regulated in vivo during early hepatic fibrosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1998; 95:9500-5. [PMID: 9689109 PMCID: PMC21367 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.95.16.9500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wound repair in the liver induces altered gene expression in stellate cells (resident mesenchymal cells) in a process known as "activation." A zinc finger transcription factor cDNA, zf9, was cloned from rat stellate cells activated in vivo. Zf9 expression and biosynthesis are increased markedly in activated cells in vivo compared with cells from normal rats ("quiescent" cells). The factor is localized to the nucleus and the perinuclear zone in activated but not quiescent cells. Zf9 mRNA also is expressed widely in nonhepatic adult rat tissues and the fetal liver. The zf9 nucleotide sequence predicts a member of the Kruppel-like family with a unique N-terminal domain rich in serine-proline clusters and leucines. The human zf9 gene maps to chromosome 10P near the telomere. Zf9 binds specifically to a DNA oligonucleotide containing a GC box motif. The N-terminal domain of Zf9 (amino acids 1-201) is transactivating in the chimeric GAL4 hybrid system. In Drosophila schneider cells, full length Zf9 transactivates a reporter construct driven by the SV40 promoter/enhancer, which contains several GC boxes. A physiologic role for Zf9 is suggested by its transactivation of a collagen alpha1(I) promoter reporter. Transactivation of collagen alpha1(I) by Zf9 is context-dependent, occurring strongly in stellate cells, modestly in Hep G2 cells, and not at all in D. schneider cells. Our results suggest that Zf9 may be an important signal in hepatic stellate cell activation after liver injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Ratziu
- University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Pietrangelo A, Gualdi R, Casalgrandi G, Montosi G, Ventura E. Molecular and cellular aspects of iron-induced hepatic cirrhosis in rodents. J Clin Invest 1995; 95:1824-31. [PMID: 7706489 PMCID: PMC295717 DOI: 10.1172/jci117861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis are common findings in humans with hemochromatosis. In this study we investigated the molecular pathways of iron-induced hepatic fibrosis and evaluated the anti-fibrogenic effect of vitamin E. Male gerbils were treated with iron-dextran and fed a standard diet or a alpha-tocopherol enriched diet (250 mg/Kg diet). In gerbils on the standard diet at 6 wk after dosing with iron, in situ hybridization analysis documented a dramatic increase of signal for collagen mRNA around iron foci onto liver fat storing cells (FSC), as identified by immunocytochemistry with desmin antibody. After 4 mo, micronodular cirrhosis developed in these animals, with nonparenchymal cells surrounding hepatocyte nodules and expressing high level of TGF beta mRNA. In this group, in vivo labeling with [3H]-thymidine showed a marked proliferation of nonparenchymal cells, including FSC. In iron-dosed gerbils on the vitamin E-enriched diet for 4 mo, in spite of a severe liver iron burden, a normal lobular architecture was found, with a dramatic decrease of collagen mRNA accumulation and collagen deposition. At the molecular level, a total suppression of nonparenchymal cell proliferation was appreciable, although expression of collagen and TGF beta mRNAs was still present into microscopic iron-filled nonparenchymal cell aggregates scattered throughout the hepatic lobule. In conclusion, our study shows that anti-oxidant treatment during experimental hepatic fibrosis arrests fibrogenesis and completely prevents iron induced hepatic cirrhosis mainly through inhibition of nonparenchymal cell proliferation induced by iron.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Pietrangelo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Modena, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|