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Wang B, Yang L, Yuan X, Zhang Y. Roles and therapeutic targeting of dendritic cells in liver fibrosis. J Drug Target 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38682473 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2347365] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common pathological condition marked by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, resulting in irreversible cirrhosis and cancer. Dendritic cells (DCs) act as the crucial component of hepatic immunity and are believed to affect fibrosis by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a key mediator of fibrogenesis, and by interplaying with immune cells in the liver. This review concisely describes the process of fibrogenesis, and the phenotypic and functional characteristics of DCs in the liver. Besides, it focuses on the interaction between DCs and HSCs, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, as well as the dual roles of DCs in liver fibrosis, for the sake of exploring the potential of targeting DCs as a therapeutic strategy for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Wang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Liuxin Yang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Xingxing Yuan
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
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Tsukanov VV, Savchenko AA, Cherepnin MA, Kasparov EV, Tikhonova EP, Vasyutin AV, Tonkikh JL, Anisimova AA, Belenyuk VD, Borisov AG. Association of Blood NK Cell Phenotype with the Severity of Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Viral Hepatitis C with Genotype 1 or 3. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:472. [PMID: 38472945 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14050472] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NK cells phenotype and functional state in different genotypes of chronic viral hepatitis C (CVHC), depending on liver fibrosis severity, have not been sufficiently studied, which limits the possibilities for the development of pathology therapy. METHODS The CVHC diagnosis was based on the EASL recommendations (2018). Clinical examination with liver elastometry was performed in 297 patients with genotype 1 and in 231 patients with genotype 3 CVHC. The blood NK cells phenotype was determined by flow cytometry in 74 individuals with genotype 1 and in 69 individuals with genotype 3 CVHC. RESULTS The frequency of METAVIR liver fibrosis stages F3-F4 was 32.5% in individuals with genotype 3, and 20.5% in individuals with genotype 1 CVHC (p = 0.003). In patients with both genotype 1 and genotype 3 CVHC, a decrease in the total number of blood NK cells, CD56brightCD16+ NK cells and an increase in the proportion of CD56dimCD16+ NK cells, CD94+ and CD38 + CD73+ NK cells were registered in patients with fibrosis stage F3-F4 by METAVIR in comparison with persons with METAVIR fibrosis stage F0-F1. CONCLUSIONS In patients with both genotype 1 and genotype 3 CVHC, an imbalance in the ratio between cytokine-producing and cytotoxic NK cells and an increase in the content of NK cells that express inhibitory molecules were determined in patients with severe liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Vladimirovich Tsukanov
- Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center" of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Andrei Anatolyevich Savchenko
- Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center" of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Mikhail Aleksandrovich Cherepnin
- Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center" of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Eduard Vilyamovich Kasparov
- Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center" of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Elena Petrovna Tikhonova
- Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Alexander Viktorovich Vasyutin
- Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center" of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Julia Leongardovna Tonkikh
- Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center" of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Anna Alexandrovna Anisimova
- Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Vasily Dmitrievich Belenyuk
- Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center" of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Alexandr Gennadyevich Borisov
- Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center" of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
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Legaz I, Navarro-Noguera E, Collados-Ros A, Bolarín JM, Muro M. Biomarkers of Innate Immunity and Immunological Susceptibility to Viral Infection in Patients with Alcoholic Cirrhosis. Biomedicines 2024; 12:336. [PMID: 38397937 PMCID: PMC10887413 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The harmful effect of alcohol on the immune system may be due to both a direct action of the alcohol or its metabolites on immune cells as an indirect action modifying the different mechanisms of intercellular interaction. The interplay between stimulatory (aKIR) and inhibitory (iKIR) natural killer (NK) cell receptors and their corresponding human leukocyte antigen (HLA) ligands influences the outcome of virus infection. The aim was to analyze the influence of the KIR/HLA pair genetic profile in male alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) patients with and without viral infections to find susceptibility biomarkers that can help establish the risks and prevent viral infections. METHODS A total of 281 male AC patients were analyzed. The sociodemographic characteristics, viral hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections were analyzed. Genomic DNA was extracted, and genetic the KIR/HLA profiles were investigated. A total of 6 KIR genes and their corresponding ligands (HLA-C) were analyzed. Patients were grouped into two groups: with and without associated viral infection. RESULTS A statistically significant increase in the combination of KIR2DL2+/C1C1 was observed in male AC patients with viral infection compared to those without viral infection (45.9% vs. 24.5%, p = 0.021). The analysis of KIR2DL3+/C1+ showed a high frequency comparing healthy controls and male AC patients without virus infection (85% vs. 76.4%; p = 0.026). The analysis of KIR2DL3+/C2C2 frequency showed a statistically significant increase comparing male AC patients without viral infection and healthy controls (23.6% vs. 15%; p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS The genetic KIR2DL2+/C2C2 profiles may play a significant role in determining the vulnerability of male AC patients to viral infections, providing valuable insights for future research and potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia (UMU), 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Elena Navarro-Noguera
- Digestive Medicine Service, Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Aurelia Collados-Ros
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia (UMU), 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose Miguel Bolarín
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia (UMU), 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital “Virgen de la Arrixaca”—IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain
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Chen Y, Huang Y, Huang R, Chen Z, Wang X, Chen F, Huang Y. Interleukin-10 gene intervention ameliorates liver fibrosis by enhancing the immune function of natural killer cells in liver tissue. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111341. [PMID: 38081103 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Interleukin 10 (IL-10) and natural killer (NK) cells have the potential to combat liver fibrosis. However, whether NK cells play an important role in the anti-fibrotic effects of IL-10 is not sufficiently elucidated. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of IL-10 on NK cells during liver fibrosis. METHODS Fibrotic mice induced with carbon tetrachloride were treated with or without IL-10 in the presence or absence of NK cells. Liver damage and fibrosis were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius Red staining and serum transaminase and liver hydroxyproline assays, respectively. NK cell distribution, quantity, activation, cytotoxicity, development, and origin were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine chemokine levels. RESULTS In the presence of NK cells, IL-10 gene intervention improved liver fibrosis and enhanced NK cell accumulation and function in the liver, as evidenced by increased NKG2D, interferon-γ, and CD107a expression. Furthermore, IL-10 promoted the migration of circulating NK cells to the fibrotic liver and elevated C-C motif ligand 5 levels. However, depletion of NK cells exacerbated liver fibrosis and impaired the anti-fibrotic effect of IL-10. CONCLUSIONS The anti-fibrotic effect of IL-10 relies on the enhancement of NK cell immune function, including activation, cytotoxicity, development, and migration. These results provide valuable insights into the mechanisms through which IL-10 regulates NK cells to limit the progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Yixuan Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Rongfeng Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Zhixin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Xiaozhong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Fenglin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Yuehong Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
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Liu K, Han B. Role of immune cells in the pathogenesis of myocarditis. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:253-275. [PMID: 37949833 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad143] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocarditis is an inflammatory heart disease that mostly affects young people. Myocarditis involves a complex immune network; however, its detailed pathogenesis is currently unclear. The diversity and plasticity of immune cells, either in the peripheral blood or in the heart, have been partially revealed in a number of previous studies involving patients and several kinds of animal models with myocarditis. It is the complexity of immune cells, rather than one cell type that is the culprit. Thus, recognizing the individual intricacies within immune cells in the context of myocarditis pathogenesis and finding the key intersection of the immune network may help in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. With the vast amount of cell data gained on myocarditis and the recent application of single-cell sequencing, we summarize the multiple functions of currently recognized key immune cells in the pathogenesis of myocarditis to provide an immune background for subsequent investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyu Liu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Cheeloo Colledge of Medicine, No. 324 Jingwu Road, 250021, Jinan, China
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Cheeloo Colledge of Medicine, No. 324 Jingwu Road, 250021, Jinan, China
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No. 324 Jingwu Road, 250021, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children' s Health and Disease office, No. 324 Jingwu Road, 250021, Jinan, China
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Amer J, Salhab A, Snobar H, Alhabil Y. The immune and metabolic treatment approach of using testosterone on mice models of liver injury. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1219709. [PMID: 37614321 PMCID: PMC10442657 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1219709] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Natural killer (NK) cells showed an anti-fibrotic effect; however, their function is thought to be impaired in advanced liver injury. In the current study, we aimed to assess the immune and metabolic impact of testosterone on mice models of liver injury. Methods: Carbon-tetrachloride induced liver fibrosis male mice models was i.p injected for 2 weeks (acute) and 4 weeks (chronic) (n = 36). Testosterone (4 mg/kg mouse body weight) was injected i.p. following the first week of the acute model of CCl4 and following the second week of the chronic model of CCl4. At the end of the experiments, mice were sacrificed, and serum was collected for assessing liver enzymes of ALT and AST, as well as inflammatory markers of IL-6, metabolic makers of C-peptide levels, and lipid and glucose profiles. Livers were harvested and used for histological assessments for inflammation and fibrosis. Fibrosis profiles from liver extracts, αSMA and Collagen III, were assessed by RT-PCR. Moreover, liver tissue-resident NK cells were isolated and evaluated for their activity by assessing INF-γ and IL-6 receptors using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: Serum ALT, AST, and IL-6, as well as metabolic assessments of cholesterol, triglyceride, C-peptide, fasting blood sugar, and fibrotic profiles, were linearly correlated with disease progressions. Histological characterization of the liver was worsened in the chronic model of liver injury. Testosterone-treated mice exhibit a significant reduction in collagen depositions with less dense fibrosis tissue associated with reduced liver injury enzymes and metabolic markers in both the acute and chronic CCl4 mice models in favor of the latter one (p < 0.05). Moreover, testosterone treatments displayed a significant decrease in serum IL-6 of 2.4-fold (p = 0.0001) and 2.3-fold (p = 0.0003) in the acute and chronic models, respectively (p = 0.002), and data showed an increase in INF-γ release from NK associated with a reduction in their IL-6 receptor expressions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicated effects of testosterone on mediating a decreased expressions of NK IL-6 receptors and consequently inducing their activation; which in part, could explain the amelioration of liver injury. Our data suggest an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic treatment approach of using testosterone for delaying disease progressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Amer
- Department of Allied Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Ahmad Salhab
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Hadeel Snobar
- Department of Higher Education, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Yazan Alhabil
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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De Re V, Tornesello ML, Racanelli V, Prete M, Steffan A. Non-Classical HLA Class 1b and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1672. [PMID: 37371767 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of studies are underway to gain a better understanding of the role of immunity in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma and to identify subgroups of individuals who may benefit the most from systemic therapy according to the etiology of their tumor. Human leukocyte antigens play a key role in antigen presentation to T cells. This is fundamental to the host's defense against pathogens and tumor cells. In addition, HLA-specific interactions with innate lymphoid cell receptors, such those present on natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cell type 2, have been shown to be important activators of immune function in the context of several liver diseases. More recent studies have highlighted the key role of members of the non-classical HLA-Ib and the transcript adjacent to the HLA-F locus, FAT10, in hepatocarcinoma. The present review analyzes the major contribution of these molecules to hepatic viral infection and hepatocellular prognosis. Particular attention has been paid to the association of natural killer and Vδ2 T-cell activation, mediated by specific HLA class Ib molecules, with risk assessment and novel treatment strategies to improve immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valli De Re
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, School of Medicine, 'Aldo Moro' University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Marcella Prete
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, School of Medicine, 'Aldo Moro' University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Agostino Steffan
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 33081 Aviano, Italy
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Oh HR, Ko MK, Son D, Ki YW, Kim SI, Lee SY, Kang KW, Cheon GJ, Hwang DW, Youn H. Activated Natural Killer Cell Inoculation Alleviates Fibrotic Liver Pathology in a Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Cirrhosis Mouse Model. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041090. [PMID: 37189708 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a detrimental role in liver fibrosis progression. Natural killer (NK) cells are known to selectively recognize abnormal or transformed cells via their receptor activation and induce target cell apoptosis and, therefore, can be used as a potential therapeutic strategy for liver cirrhosis. In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects of NK cells in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver cirrhosis mouse model. NK cells were isolated from the mouse spleen and expanded in the cytokine-stimulated culture medium. Natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D)-positive NK cells were significantly increased after a week of expansion in culture. The intravenous injection of NK cells significantly alleviated liver cirrhosis by reducing collagen deposition, HSC marker activation, and macrophage infiltration. For in vivo imaging, NK cells were isolated from codon-optimized luciferase-expressing transgenic mice. Luciferase-expressing NK cells were expanded, activated and administrated to the mouse model to track them. Bioluminescence images showed increased accumulation of the intravenously inoculated NK cells in the cirrhotic liver of the recipient mouse. In addition, we conducted QuantSeq 3' mRNA sequencing-based transcriptomic analysis. From the transcriptomic analysis, 33 downregulated genes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and 41 downregulated genes involved in the inflammatory response were observed in the NK cell-treated cirrhotic liver tissues from the 1532 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). This result indicated that the repetitive administration of NK cells alleviated the pathology of liver fibrosis in the CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis mouse model via anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Taken together, our research demonstrated that NK cells could have therapeutic effects in a CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis mouse model. In particular, it was elucidated that extracellular matrix genes and inflammatory response genes, which were mainly affected after NK cell treatment, could be potential targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Rim Oh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kyung Ko
- Research & Development Center, THERABEST, Co., Ltd., Seoul 06656, Republic of Korea
| | - Daehee Son
- Research & Development Center, THERABEST, Co., Ltd., Seoul 06656, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Wook Ki
- Research & Development Center, THERABEST, Co., Ltd., Seoul 06656, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Il Kim
- Research & Development Center, THERABEST, Co., Ltd., Seoul 06656, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Yong Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Imaging Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Keon Wook Kang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Jeong Cheon
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Won Hwang
- Research & Development Center, THERABEST, Co., Ltd., Seoul 06656, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyewon Youn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Imaging Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
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Morales R, Bolarín JM, Muro M, Legaz I. Presence of KIR2DL2/S2, KIR2DL5, and KIR3DL1 Molecules in Liver Transplant Recipients with Alcoholic Cirrhosis Could Be Implicated in Death by Graft Failure. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13071217. [PMID: 37046435 PMCID: PMC10093628 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13071217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The second-most frequent diagnosis among patients receiving liver transplants (LTs) is alcoholic liver disease. The multifactorial pathophysiology of alcoholic liver disease depends on the innate immune system and the inflammatory cascade. According to recent studies on these receptors, killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) may be involved in sepsis, liver rejection, and virus relapse. We aimed to investigate the impact of preclinical issues like ascites and encephalopathy and KIR genetic traits on death from sepsis, multiorgan failure (MF), and graft failure (GF) in AC patients undergoing LTs. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 164 consecutive and deceased Caucasian AC patients who underwent LTs. Pre-transplant complications, cause of death, and patient survival were analyzed. Genomic DNA was taken from peripheral blood, and PCR-SSO was used for genotyping KIR. Results: Compared to GF patients, there was a statistically significant increase in the frequency of KIR2DL2+ (75.8% vs. 51.2%; p = 0.047). Another increase in frequency was also observed in KIR2DS2+ in sepsis compared to the GF group (51.2% vs. 43.7%; p = 0.018). In patients who passed away from MF, a decrease in KIR2DL5+ was observed in AC patients with and without encephalopathy (p = 0.018). The frequency of KIR3DL1+ in the AC patients significantly increased the mortality from sepsis (p = 0.045), which was confirmed by multivariate logistic regression. The frequency of KIR3DL1+ in the AC patients significantly increased the mortality from sepsis (p = 0.012) and was confirmed by multivariate logistic regression. KIR2DS1+ and KIR2DS4+ showed increased mortality due to GF compared to patients without these genes (p = 0.011 and 0.012, respectively). However, this fact was confirmed only for KIR2DS1+ by multivariate logistic Cox regression. Conclusions: The presence of the KIR2DL2/S2+, KIR2DL5+, and KIR3DL1+ genes increases the frequency of death from multiple organ failure or graft failure. Our findings highlight the AC patient’s vulnerability to a LT during hospitalization. Following the transplant and outside of it, we adopt essential preventive measures to create a routine healthcare screening to enhance and modify treatments to increase survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Morales
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Miguel Bolarín
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (I.L.); Tel.: +34-968-369-599 (M.M.); +34-868-883-957 (I.L.); Fax: +34-968-349-678 (M.M.); +34-868-834-307 (I.L.)
| | - Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (I.L.); Tel.: +34-968-369-599 (M.M.); +34-868-883-957 (I.L.); Fax: +34-968-349-678 (M.M.); +34-868-834-307 (I.L.)
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Tsomidis I, Notas G, Xidakis C, Voumvouraki A, Samonakis DN, Koulentaki M, Kouroumalis E. Enzymes of Fibrosis in Chronic Liver Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123179. [PMID: 36551935 PMCID: PMC9776355 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Liver fibrosis has been extensively studied at the cellular and molecular level, but very few data exist on the final enzymatic stages of collagen synthesis (prolyl hydroxylase, PH) and degradation (matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs), particularly in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Aim: We studied enzyme activities in liver tissue from patients with chronic liver diseases and compared them to normal livers. Patients: Eighteen patients with PBC of early and late stages (Ludwig’s classification) and seven on treatment with ursodeoxycholate (UDCA) were studied and compared to 34 patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD), 25 patients with chronic viral liver disease and five normal biopsies. Sera were available from a total of 140 patients. Methods: The tritiated water released from the tritiated proline was measured in PH assessment. 14C intact and heat-denatured collagen substrates were used to measure collagenase and gelatinases, respectively. 3H Elastin was the substrate for elastase. In serum, ELISAs were used for MMP-1, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 measurements while MMP-2 and MMP-9 were estimated by zymography. Results: PH was significantly increased in early and late PBC. Collagenase was reduced only in the late stages (p < 0.01), where the ratio PH/collagenase was increased. UDCA treatment restored values to almost normal. Gelatinases were reduced in late stages (p < 0.05). In contrast to PBC and ALD fibrosis, collagen synthesis is not increased in viral fibrosis. The balance shifted towards collagen deposition due to reduced degradation. Interestingly, gelatinolytic activity is not impaired in ALD. Elastase was similar to controls in all diseases studied. TIMP-1 was reduced in early PBC and viral and alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis (p < 0.001). Conclusions: (1) There is evidence that collagen synthesis increases in the early stages of PBC, but the collagenolytic mechanism may compensate for the increased synthesis. (2) In viral disease, fibrosis may be due to decreased degradation rather than increased synthesis. (3) The final biochemical stages of liver fibrosis may be quantitatively different according to underlying etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Tsomidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki, Greece
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - George Notas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Costas Xidakis
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Argyro Voumvouraki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios N Samonakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, PAGNI University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Mairi Koulentaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, PAGNI University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elias Kouroumalis
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Gastroenterology, PAGNI University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Correspondence:
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