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Wang Y, Ren J, Ren S. Larsucosterol: endogenous epigenetic regulator for treating chronic and acute liver diseases. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2024; 326:E577-E587. [PMID: 38381400 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00406.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Larsucosterol, a potent endogenous epigenetic regulator, has been reported to play a significant role in lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses, and cell survival. The administration of larsucosterol has demonstrated a reduction in lipid accumulation within hepatocytes and the attenuation of inflammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and TNFα in macrophages, alleviating LPS- and acetaminophen (ATMP)-induced multiple organ injury, and decreasing mortalities in animal models. Results from phase 1 and 2 clinical trials have shown that larsucosterol has potential as a biomedicine for the treatment of acute and chronic liver diseases. Recent evidence suggests that larsucosterol is a promising candidate for treating alcohol-associated hepatitis with positive results from a phase 2a clinical trial, and for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) from a phase 1b clinical trial. In this review, we present a culmination of our recent research efforts spanning two decades. We summarize the discovery, physiological and pharmacological mechanisms, and clinical applications of larsucosterol. Furthermore, we elucidate the pathophysiological pathways of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver diseases (MASLD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and acute liver injuries. A central focus of the review is the exploration of the therapeutic potential of larsucosterol in treating life-threatening conditions, including acetaminophen overdose, endotoxin shock, MASLD, MASH, hepatectomy, and alcoholic hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Jenna Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Shunlin Ren
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
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2
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Russo GI, Durukan E, Asmundo MG, Lo Giudice A, Salzano S, Cimino S, Rescifina A, Fode M, Abdelhameed AS, Caltabiano R, Broggi G. CYP7B1 as a Biomarker for Prostate Cancer Risk and Progression: Metabolic and Oncogenic Signatures (Diagnostic Immunohistochemistry Analysis by Tissue Microarray in Prostate Cancer Patients-Diamond Study). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4762. [PMID: 38731981 PMCID: PMC11083792 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094762] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to analyze the association between CYP7B1 and prostate cancer, along with its association with proteins involved in cancer and metabolic processes. A retrospective analysis was performed on 390 patients with prostate cancer (PC) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We investigated the interactions between CYP7B1 expression and proteins associated with PC and metabolic processes, followed by an analysis of the risk of biochemical recurrence based on CYP7B1 expression. Of the 139 patients with elevated CYP7B1 expression, 92.8% had prostate cancer. Overall, no increased risk of biochemical recurrence was associated with CYP7B1 expression. However, in a non-diabetic subgroup analysis, higher CYP7B1 expression indicated a higher risk of biochemical recurrence, with an HR of 1.78 (CI: 1.0-3.2, p = 0.05). PC is associated with elevated CYP7B1 expression. In a subgroup analysis of non-diabetic patients, elevated CYP7B1 expression was associated with an increased risk of biochemical recurrence, suggesting increased cancer aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Ivan Russo
- Urology Section, Department of Surgery, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.G.A.); (A.L.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Emil Durukan
- Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Hospital, 2730 Copenhagen, Denmark; (E.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Maria Giovanna Asmundo
- Urology Section, Department of Surgery, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.G.A.); (A.L.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Arturo Lo Giudice
- Urology Section, Department of Surgery, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.G.A.); (A.L.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Serena Salzano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G. F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (R.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Sebastiano Cimino
- Urology Section, Department of Surgery, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.G.A.); (A.L.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Mikkel Fode
- Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Hospital, 2730 Copenhagen, Denmark; (E.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Ali Saber Abdelhameed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G. F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (R.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G. F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (R.C.); (G.B.)
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Wakasa K, Tamura R, Osaka S, Takei H, Asai A, Nittono H, Kusuhara H, Hayashi H. Rapid in vivo evaluation system for cholestasis-related genes in mice with humanized bile acid profiles. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0382. [PMID: 38517206 PMCID: PMC10962888 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric cholestatic liver diseases (Ped-CLD) comprise many ultrarare disorders with a genetic basis. Pharmacologic therapy for severe cases of Ped-CLD has not been established. Species differences in bile acid (BA) metabolism between humans and rodents contribute to the lack of phenocopy of patients with Ped-CLD in rodents and hinder the development of therapeutic strategies. We aimed to establish an efficient in vivo system to understand BA-related pathogenesis, such as Ped-CLD. METHODS We generated mice that express spCas9 specifically in the liver (L-Cas9Tg/Tg [liver-specific Cas9Tg/Tg] mice) and designed recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 8 encoding small-guide RNA (AAV8 sgRNA) targeting Abcc2, Abcb11, and Cyp2c70. In humans, ABCC2 and ABCB11 deficiencies cause constitutional hyperbilirubinemia and most severe Ped-CLD, respectively. Cyp2c70 encodes an enzyme responsible for the rodent-specific BA profile. Six-week-old L-Cas9Tg/Tg mice were injected with this AAV8 sgRNA and subjected to biochemical and histological analysis. RESULTS Fourteen days after the injection with AAV8 sgRNA targeting Abcc2, L-Cas9Tg/Tg mice exhibited jaundice and phenocopied patients with ABCC2 deficiency. L-Cas9Tg/Tg mice injected with AAV8 sgRNA targeting Abcb11 showed hepatomegaly and cholestasis without histological evidence of liver injury. Compared to Abcb11 alone, simultaneous injection of AAV8 sgRNA for Abcb11 and Cyp2c70 humanized the BA profile and caused higher transaminase levels and parenchymal necrosis, resembling phenotypes with ABCB11 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS This study provides proof of concept for efficient in vivo assessment of cholestasis-related genes in humanized bile acid profiles. Our platform offers a more time- and cost-effective alternative to conventional genetically engineered mice, increasing our understanding of BA-related pathogenesis such as Ped-CLD and expanding the potential for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kihiro Wakasa
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacokinetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Tamura
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacokinetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuhei Osaka
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacokinetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Takei
- Junshin Clinic Bile Acid Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Asai
- Department of Gastroenterology, and Hepatology, and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Hiroyuki Kusuhara
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacokinetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisamitsu Hayashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacokinetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Luo J, Lu Z, Zhong Z, Pi M, Xiong Y, Li L, Chen T, Chen Y, Wang CY, Liu Z, Ye Q. ALDH2 deficiency exacerbates MCD-diet induced MASLD by modulating bile acid metabolism. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 212:34-48. [PMID: 38104741 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), an acetaldehyde dehydrogenase in mitochondria, is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol-derived acetaldehyde and other endogenous aldehydes. Inactivating ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism is found in up to 8 % of the global population and 40 % of the East Asian population. Recent studies have shown that rs671 SNP mutation in the human ALDH2 gene is associated with an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver diseases (MASLD), but the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we identify the role of ALDH2 in MASLD. Firstly, ALDH2 activity was lower in MASLD patients and the methionine-choline deficiency (MCD) diet induced MASLD model. Secondly, activation of ALDH2 activity with Alda-1 (ALDH2 agonist) attenuated MCD-diet induced hepatic triglyceride (TG) accumulation and steatosis, whereas the opposite result was observed with cyanamide (CYA, ALDH2 inhibitor). Furthermore, ALDH2 deficiency exacerbated hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in the MCD-diet induced mice. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that oxysterol 7-α hydroxylase (Cyp7b1) and the related metabolic pathway significantly changed in the MCD-diet challenged ALDH2-/- mice. In ALDH2-/- mice, the expression of Cyp7b1 was downregulated and FXR/SHP signaling was inhibited, reducing the alternative bile acid (BA) synthetic pathway. In our in vitro experiments, knockdown of ALDH2 exacerbated TG accumulation in hepatocytes, whereas the opposite result was observed with overexpression of ALDH2. Moreover, chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) rescued ALDH2 downregulation induced TG accumulation in hepatocytes. Our study reveals that ALDH2 attenuates hepatocyte steatosis by regulating the alternative BA synthesis pathway, and ALDH2 may serve as a potential target for the treatment of MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Luo
- National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-Based Medical Materials, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhongshan Lu
- National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-Based Medical Materials, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zibiao Zhong
- National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-Based Medical Materials, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Meichen Pi
- Shenzhen Qianhai Taikang Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-Based Medical Materials, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Li
- National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-Based Medical Materials, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Wuhan Third Hospital and Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Cong-Yi Wang
- The Center for Biomedical Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Zhongzhong Liu
- National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-Based Medical Materials, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Qifa Ye
- National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-Based Medical Materials, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Research Center of National Health Ministry on Transplantation Medicine Engineering and Technology, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Wang Y, Pandak WM, Hylemon PB, Min HK, Min J, Fuchs M, Sanyal AJ, Ren S. Cholestenoic acid as endogenous epigenetic regulator decreases hepatocyte lipid accumulation in vitro and in vivo. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2024; 326:G147-G162. [PMID: 37961761 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00184.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Cholestenoic acid (CA) has been reported as an important biomarker of many severe diseases, but its physiological and pathological roles remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of CA in hepatic lipid homeostasis. Enzyme kinetic studies revealed that CA specifically activates DNA methyltransferases 1 (DNMT1) at low concentration with EC50 = 1.99 × 10-6 M and inhibits the activity at higher concentration with IC50 = 9.13 × 10-6 M, and specifically inhibits DNMT3a, and DNMT3b activities with IC50= 8.41 × 10-6 M and IC50= 4.89 × 10-6 M, respectively. In a human hepatocyte in vitro model of high glucose (HG)-induced lipid accumulation, CA significantly increased demethylation of 5mCpG in the promoter regions of over 7,000 genes, particularly those involved in master signaling pathways such as calcium-AMPK and 0.0027 at 6 h. RNA sequencing analysis showed that the downregulated genes are affected by CA encoding key enzymes, such as PCSK9, MVK, and HMGCR, which are involved in cholesterol metabolism and steroid biosynthesis pathways. In addition, untargeted lipidomic analysis showed that CA significantly reduced neutral lipid levels by 60% in the cells cultured in high-glucose media. Administration of CA in mouse metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) models significantly decreases lipid accumulation, suppresses the gene expression involved in lipid biosynthesis in liver tissues, and alleviates liver function. This study shows that CA as an endogenous epigenetic regulator decreases lipid accumulation via epigenetic regulation. The results indicate that CA can be considered a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic disorders.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To our knowledge, this study is the first to identify the mitochondrial monohydroxy bile acid cholestenoic acid (CA) as an endogenous epigenetic regulator that regulates lipid metabolism through epigenome modification in human hepatocytes. The methods used in this study are all big data analysis, and the results of each part show the global regulation of CA on human hepatocytes rather than narrow point effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Williams M Pandak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Phillip B Hylemon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Hae-Ki Min
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - John Min
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Michael Fuchs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Shunlin Ren
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States
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Syed-Abdul MM. Lipid Metabolism in Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). Metabolites 2023; 14:12. [PMID: 38248815 PMCID: PMC10818604 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010012] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a cluster of pathological conditions primarily developed due to the accumulation of ectopic fat in the hepatocytes. During the severe form of the disease, i.e., metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), accumulated lipids promote lipotoxicity, resulting in cellular inflammation, oxidative stress, and hepatocellular ballooning. If left untreated, the advanced form of the disease progresses to fibrosis of the tissue, resulting in irreversible hepatic cirrhosis or the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Although numerous mechanisms have been identified as significant contributors to the development and advancement of MASLD, altered lipid metabolism continues to stand out as a major factor contributing to the disease. This paper briefly discusses the dysregulation in lipid metabolism during various stages of MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Mufaqam Syed-Abdul
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
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7
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Zhang C, Sui Y, Liu S, Yang M. Molecular mechanisms of metabolic disease-associated hepatic inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. EXPLORATION OF DIGESTIVE DISEASES 2023:246-275. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.37349/edd.2023.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading chronic liver disease worldwide, with a progressive form of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It may progress to advanced liver diseases, including liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD/NASH is a comorbidity of many metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. These metabolic diseases are often accompanied by systemic or extrahepatic inflammation, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of NAFLD or NASH. Metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, impact the function, inflammation, and death of hepatocytes, the primary parenchymal cells in the liver tissue. Cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells that line the bile ducts, can differentiate into proliferative hepatocytes in chronic liver injury. In addition, hepatic non-parenchymal cells, including liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells, and innate and adaptive immune cells, are involved in liver inflammation. Proteins such as fibroblast growth factors, acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylases, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 are involved in liver metabolism and inflammation, which are potential targets for NASH treatment. This review focuses on the effects of metabolic disease-induced extrahepatic inflammation, liver inflammation, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms of liver metabolism on the development and progression of NAFLD and NASH, as well as the associated treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunye Zhang
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Yuxiang Sui
- School of Life Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen 041004, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Kuang J, Wang J, Li Y, Li M, Zhao M, Ge K, Zheng D, Cheung KCP, Liao B, Wang S, Chen T, Zhang Y, Wang C, Ji G, Chen P, Zhou H, Xie C, Zhao A, Jia W, Zheng X, Jia W. Hyodeoxycholic acid alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through modulating the gut-liver axis. Cell Metab 2023; 35:1752-1766.e8. [PMID: 37591244 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is regarded as a pandemic that affects about a quarter of the global population. Recently, host-gut microbiota metabolic interactions have emerged as distinct mechanistic pathways implicated in the development of NAFLD. Here, we report that a group of gut microbiota-modified bile acids (BAs), hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA) species, are negatively correlated with the presence and severity of NAFLD. HDCA treatment has been shown to alleviate NAFLD in multiple mouse models by inhibiting intestinal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and upregulating hepatic CYP7B1. Additionally, HDCA significantly increased abundances of probiotic species such as Parabacteroides distasonis, which enhances lipid catabolism through fatty acid-hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) signaling, which in turn upregulates hepatic FXR. These findings suggest that HDCA has therapeutic potential for treating NAFLD, with a unique mechanism of simultaneously activating hepatic CYP7B1 and PPARα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junliang Kuang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Jieyi Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yitao Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mengci Li
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Mingliang Zhao
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Kun Ge
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Dan Zheng
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Kenneth C P Cheung
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Boya Liao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shouli Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Tianlu Chen
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yinan Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Congrong Wang
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Guang Ji
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hongwei Zhou
- Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Cen Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Aihua Zhao
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Weiping Jia
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Xiaojiao Zheng
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Wei Jia
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China; School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China.
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9
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Ding Y, Dai X, Bao M, Xing Y, Liu J, Zhao S, Liu E, Yuan Z, Bai L. Hepatic transcriptome signatures in mice and humans with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:317-328. [PMID: 37565549 PMCID: PMC10486336 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12338] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the main reason for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. As a starting point for NAFLD, the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) is receiving increasing attention. Mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and hereditary leptin deficiency (ob/ob) mice are important NAFL animal models. However, the comparison of these mouse models with human NAFL is still unclear. METHODS In this study, HFD-fed mice and ob/ob mice were used as NAFL animal models. Liver histopathological characteristics were compared, and liver transcriptome from both mouse models was performed using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). RNA-seq data obtained from the livers of NAFL patients was downloaded from the GEO database. Global gene expression profiles in the livers were further analyzed using functional enrichment analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. RESULTS Our results showed that the biochemical parameters of both mouse models and human NAFL were similar. Compared with HFD-fed mice, ob/ob mice were more similar in histologic appearance to NAFL patients. The liver transcriptome characteristics partly overlapped in mice and humans. Furthermore, in the NAFL pathway, most genes showed similar trends in mice and humans, thus demonstrating that both types of mice can be used as models for basic research on NAFL, considering the differences. CONCLUSION Our findings show that HFD-fed mice and ob/ob mice can mimic human NAFL partly in pathophysiological process. The comparative analysis of liver transcriptome profile in mouse models and human NAFL presented here provides insights into the molecular characteristics across these NAFL models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Ding
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
- Department of CardiologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine InstituteXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
| | - Xulei Dai
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine InstituteXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
| | - Miaoye Bao
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine InstituteXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
| | - Yuanming Xing
- Department of CardiologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine InstituteXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
| | - Junhui Liu
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryFirst Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Sihai Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine InstituteXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
| | - Enqi Liu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine InstituteXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
| | - Zuyi Yuan
- Department of CardiologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Liang Bai
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Translational Medicine InstituteXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anChina
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10
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Kakiyama G, Rodriguez-Agudo D, Pandak WM. Mitochondrial Cholesterol Metabolites in a Bile Acid Synthetic Pathway Drive Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Revised "Two-Hit" Hypothesis. Cells 2023; 12:1434. [PMID: 37408268 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related cirrhosis highlights the need for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for driving the transition of hepatic steatosis (fatty liver; NAFL) to steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis/cirrhosis. Obesity-related insulin resistance (IR) is a well-known hallmark of early NAFLD progression, yet the mechanism linking aberrant insulin signaling to hepatocyte inflammation has remained unclear. Recently, as a function of more distinctly defining the regulation of mechanistic pathways, hepatocyte toxicity as mediated by hepatic free cholesterol and its metabolites has emerged as fundamental to the subsequent necroinflammation/fibrosis characteristics of NASH. More specifically, aberrant hepatocyte insulin signaling, as found with IR, leads to dysregulation in bile acid biosynthetic pathways with the subsequent intracellular accumulation of mitochondrial CYP27A1-derived cholesterol metabolites, (25R)26-hydroxycholesterol and 3β-Hydroxy-5-cholesten-(25R)26-oic acid, which appear to be responsible for driving hepatocyte toxicity. These findings bring forth a "two-hit" interpretation as to how NAFL progresses to NAFLD: abnormal hepatocyte insulin signaling, as occurs with IR, develops as a "first hit" that sequentially drives the accumulation of toxic CYP27A1-driven cholesterol metabolites as the "second hit". In the following review, we examine the mechanistic pathway by which mitochondria-derived cholesterol metabolites drive the development of NASH. Insights into mechanistic approaches for effective NASH intervention are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genta Kakiyama
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Research Services, Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Richmond, VA 23249, USA
| | - Daniel Rodriguez-Agudo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Research Services, Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Richmond, VA 23249, USA
| | - William M Pandak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Research Services, Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Richmond, VA 23249, USA
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11
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Gao X, Lin X, Xin Y, Zhu X, Li X, Chen M, Huang Z, Guo H. Dietary cholesterol drives the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by altering gut microbiota mediated bile acid metabolism in high-fat diet fed mice. J Nutr Biochem 2023; 117:109347. [PMID: 37031879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2023.109347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most widespread chronic liver disorder globally. Unraveling the pathogenesis of simple fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has important clinical significance for improving the prognosis of NAFLD. Here, we explored the role of a high-fat diet alone or combined with high cholesterol in causing NASH progression. Our results demonstrated that high dietary cholesterol intakes accelerate the progression of spontaneous NAFLD and induces liver inflammation in mice. An elevation of hydrophobic unconjugated bile acids cholic acid (CA), deoxycholic acid (DCA), muricholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid, was observed in high-fat and high-cholesterol diet fed mice. Full-length sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of gut microbiota revealed a significant increase in the abundance of Bacteroides, Clostridium and Lactobacillus that possess bile salt hydrolase activity. Furthermore, the relative abundance of these bacterial species was positively correlated with content of unconjugated bile acids in liver. Moreover, the expression of genes related to bile acid reabsorption (organic anion-transporting polypeptides, Na+-taurocholic acid cotransporting polypeptide, apical sodium dependent bile acid transporter and organic solute transporter β) was found to be increased in mice with a high-cholesterol diet. Lastly, we observed that hydrophobic bile acids CA and DCA induce an inflammatory response in free fatty acids-induced steatotic HepG2 cells. In conclusion, high dietary cholesterol promotes the development of NASH by altering gut microbiota composition and abundance and thereby influencing with bile acid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuebin Gao
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; Department of Science and Education, Yuebei People's Hospital, Shaoguan 512026, China
| | - Xiaozhuan Lin
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Yan Xin
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Xuan Zhu
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Zhigang Huang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Honghui Guo
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China.
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12
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Chiang JYL. My lifelong dedication to bile acid research. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104672. [PMID: 37019215 PMCID: PMC10173005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is a great honor to be invited to write a reflections article on my scientific journey and lifelong bile acid research for the Journal of Biological Chemistry, in which I am proud to have published 24 manuscripts. I have also published 21 manuscripts in the Journal of Lipid Research, another journal of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I begin my reflections from my early education in Taiwan, my coming to America for graduate study, and continue with my postdoctoral training in cytochrome P450 research, and my lifelong bile acid research career at Northeast Ohio Medical University. I have witnessed and helped in the transformation of this rural, not so visible medical school to a well-funded leader in liver research. Writing this reflections article on my long and rewarding journey in bile acid research brings back many good memories. I am proud of my scientific contributions and attribute my academic success to hard work, perseverance, good mentoring, and networking. I hope these reflections of my academic career would help inspire young investigators to pursue an academic career in biochemistry and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Y L Chiang
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio, USA.
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13
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Minowa K, Rodriguez-Agudo D, Suzuki M, Muto Y, Hirai S, Wang Y, Su L, Zhou H, Chen Q, Lesnefsky EJ, Mitamura K, Ikegawa S, Takei H, Nittono H, Fuchs M, Pandak WM, Kakiyama G. Insulin dysregulation drives mitochondrial cholesterol metabolite accumulation: Initiating hepatic toxicity in NAFLD. J Lipid Res 2023; 64:100363. [PMID: 36966904 PMCID: PMC10182330 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2023.100363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CYP7B1 catalyzes mitochondria-derived cholesterol metabolites such as (25R)26-hydroxycholesterol (26HC) and 3β-hydroxy-5-cholesten-(25R)26-oic acid (3βHCA) and facilitates their conversion to bile acids. Disruption of 26HC/3βHCA metabolism in the absence of CYP7B1 leads to neonatal liver failure. Disrupted 26HC/3βHCA metabolism with reduced hepatic CYP7B1 expression is also found in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The current study aimed to understand the regulatory mechanism of mitochondrial cholesterol metabolites and their contribution to onset of NASH. We used Cyp7b1-/- mice fed a normal diet (ND), Western diet (WD), or high-cholesterol diet (HCD). Serum and liver cholesterol metabolites as well as hepatic gene expressions were comprehensively analyzed. Interestingly, 26HC/3βHCA levels were maintained at basal levels in ND-fed Cyp7b1-/- mice livers by the reduced cholesterol transport to mitochondria, and the upregulated glucuronidation and sulfation. However, WD-fed Cyp7b1-/- mice developed insulin resistance (IR) with subsequent 26HC/3βHCA accumulation due to overwhelmed glucuronidation/sulfation with facilitated mitochondrial cholesterol transport. Meanwhile, Cyp7b1-/- mice fed an HCD did not develop IR or subsequent evidence of liver toxicity. HCD-fed mice livers revealed marked cholesterol accumulation but no 26HC/3βHCA accumulation. The results suggest 26HC/3βHCA-induced cytotoxicity occurs when increased cholesterol transport into mitochondria is coupled to decreased 26HC/3βHCA metabolism driven with IR. Supportive evidence for cholesterol metabolite-driven hepatotoxicity is provided in a diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver mouse model and by human specimen analyses. This study uncovers an insulin-mediated regulatory pathway that drives the formation and accumulation of toxic cholesterol metabolites within the hepatocyte mitochondria, mechanistically connecting IR to cholesterol metabolite-induced hepatocyte toxicity which drives nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
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14
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Chiang JL. My lifelong dedication to bile acid research. J Biol Chem 2023:103070. [PMID: 36842499 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.103070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
It is a great honor to be invited to write a reflection of my lifelong bile acid research for the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the premier biochemistry journal in which I am proud to have published 24 manuscripts. I published 21 manuscripts in the Journal of Lipid Research, also a journal of American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I started my reflection from my early education in Taiwan, my coming to America for graduate study, my postdoctoral training in cytochrome P450 research, and my lifelong bile acid research career at the not so "visible" Northeast Ohio Medical University. I have witnesses and help to transform this sleepy rural medical school to a well-funded powerhouse in liver research. Writing this reflection of my long, exciting, and rewarding journey in bile acid research brought back many good memories. I am proud of my scientific contribution. I attribute my lifelong academic success to working hard, perseverance, good mentoring, and networking. I hope that this reflection of my academic career may provide guidance to younger investigators who are pursuing academic teaching and research and might inspire the next generation of researchers in biochemistry and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- JohnY L Chiang
- Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, 44272.
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15
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Kakiyama G, Minowa K, Rodriguez-Agudo D, Martin R, Takei H, Mitamura K, Ikegawa S, Suzuki M, Nittono H, Fuchs M, Heuman DM, Zhou H, Pandak WM. Coffee modulates insulin-hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α-Cyp7b1 pathway and reduces oxysterol-driven liver toxicity in a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease mouse model. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 323:G488-G500. [PMID: 36193897 PMCID: PMC9639758 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00179.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7B1) controls the levels of intracellular regulatory oxysterols generated by the "acidic pathway" of cholesterol metabolism. Previously, we demonstrated that an inability to upregulate CYP7B1 in the setting of insulin resistance leads to the accumulation of cholesterol metabolites such as (25R)26-hydroxycholesterol (26HC) that initiate and promote hepatocyte injury; followed by an inflammatory response. The current study demonstrates that dietary coffee improves insulin resistance and restores Cyp7b1 levels in a well-characterized Western diet (WD)-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mouse model. Ingestion of a WD containing caffeinated (regular) coffee or decaffeinated coffee markedly reduced the serum ALT level and improved insulin resistance. Cyp7b1 mRNA and protein levels were preserved at normal levels in mice fed the coffee containing WD. Additionally, coffee led to upregulated steroid sulfotransferase 2b1 (Sult2b1) mRNA expression. In accordance with the response in these oxysterol metabolic genes, hepatocellular 26HC levels were maintained at physiologically low levels. Moreover, the current study provided evidence that hepatic Cyp7b1 and Sult2b1 responses to insulin signaling can be mediated through a transcriptional factor, hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-4α. We conclude coffee achieves its beneficial effects through the modulation of insulin resistance. Both decaffeinated and caffeinated coffee had beneficial effects, demonstrating caffeine is not fundamental to this effect. The effects of coffee feeding on the insulin-HNF4α-Cyp7b1 signaling pathway, whose dysregulation initiates and contributes to the onset and progression of NASH as triggered by insulin resistance, offer mechanistic insight into approaches for the treatment of NAFLD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrated dietary coffee prevented the accumulation of hepatic oxysterols by maintaining Cyp7b1/Sult2b1 expression in a diet-induced NAFLD mice model. Lowering liver oxysterols markedly reduced inflammation in the coffee-ingested mice. Caffeine is not fundamental to this effect. In addition, this study showed Cyp7b1/Sult2b1 responses to insulin signaling can be mediated through a transcriptional factor, HNF4α. The insulin-HNF4α-Cyp7b1/Sult2b1 signaling pathway, which directly correlates to the onset of NASH triggered by insulin resistance, offers insight into approaches for NAFLD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genta Kakiyama
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Kei Minowa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daniel Rodriguez-Agudo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Rebecca Martin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Hajime Takei
- Junshin Clinic Bile Acid Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Mitsuyoshi Suzuki
- Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Michael Fuchs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Douglas M Heuman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - William M Pandak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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16
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Characterization and quantification of representative bile acids in ileal contents and feces of diet-induced obese mice by UPLC-MS/MS. CHINESE JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjac.2022.100175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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17
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Evangelakos I, Kuhl A, Baguhl M, Schlein C, John C, Rohde JK, Heine M, Heeren J, Worthmann A. Cold-Induced Lipoprotein Clearance in Cyp7b1-Deficient Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:836741. [PMID: 35478959 PMCID: PMC9038073 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.836741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has emerged as an appealing therapeutic target for cardio metabolic diseases. BAT is a heat-producing organ and upon activation substantially lowers hyperlipidemia. In response to cold exposure, not only the uptake of lipids into BAT is increased but also the Cyp7b1-mediated synthesis of bile acids (BA) from cholesterol in the liver is triggered. In addition to their role for intestinal lipid digestion, BA act as endocrine signals that can activate thermogenesis in BAT. When exposed to cold temperatures, Cyp7b1−/− mice have compromised BAT function along with reduced fecal bile acid levels. Here, we aim to evaluate the role of Cyp7b1 for BAT-dependent lipid clearance. Using metabolic studies with radioactive tracers, we show that in response to a cold stimulus, BAT-mediated clearance of fatty acids derived from triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL), and their remnants are reduced in Cyp7b1−/− mice. The impaired lipid uptake can be explained by reduced BAT lipoprotein lipase (LPL) levels and compromised organ activity in Cyp7b1−/− mice, which may be linked to impaired insulin signaling. Overall, our findings reveal that alterations of systemic lipoprotein metabolism mediated by cold-activated BAT are dependent, at least in part, on CYP7Β1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Evangelakos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anastasia Kuhl
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Baguhl
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Schlein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Clara John
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia K. Rohde
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Heine
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joerg Heeren
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Worthmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Anna Worthmann,
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18
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Ngo MD, Bartlett S, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Foo CX, Sinha R, Arachige BJ, Reed S, Mandrup-Poulsen T, Rosenkilde MM, Ronacher K. A blunted GPR183/oxysterol axis during dysglycemia results in delayed recruitment of macrophages to the lung during M. tuberculosis infection. J Infect Dis 2022; 225:2219-2228. [PMID: 35303091 PMCID: PMC9200159 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We previously reported that reduced GPR183 expression in blood from tuberculosis (TB) patients with diabetes is associated with more severe TB. Methods To further elucidate the role of GPR183 and its oxysterol ligands in the lung, we studied dysglycemic mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Results We found upregulation of the oxysterol-producing enzymes CH25H and CYP7B1 and increased concentrations of 25-hydroxycholesterol upon Mtb infection in the lungs of mice. This was associated with increased expression of GPR183 indicative of oxysterol-mediated recruitment of GPR183-expressing immune cells to the lung. CYP7B1 was predominantly expressed by macrophages in TB granulomas. CYP7B1 expression was significantly blunted in lungs from dysglycemic animals, which coincided with delayed macrophage infiltration. GPR183-deficient mice similarly had reduced macrophage recruitment during early infection. Conclusions Taken together, we demonstrate a requirement of the GPR183/oxysterol axis for positioning of macrophages to the site of infection and add an explanation to more severe TB in diabetes patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Dao Ngo
- Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Stacey Bartlett
- Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre - The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Cheng Xiang Foo
- Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Roma Sinha
- Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Sarah Reed
- Centre for Clinical Research, The Univeristy of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Katharina Ronacher
- Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre - The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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19
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Zhang J, Feng Q. Pharmacological Effects and Molecular Protective Mechanisms of Astragalus Polysaccharides on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:854674. [PMID: 35308224 PMCID: PMC8929346 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.854674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a condition for which there is now no authorized treatment. The search for new medications to treat MAFLD made from natural substances is gaining traction. The function of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, hypoglycaemic, antiviral, hypolipidemic, and immunomodulatory actions of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), a chemical molecule isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, has become the focus of therapeutic attention. We have a large number of papers on the pharmacological effects of APS on NAFLD that have never been systematically reviewed before. According to our findings, APS may help to slow the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Lipid metabolism, insulin resistance (IR), oxidative stress (OS), endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), inflammation, fibrosis, autophagy, and apoptosis are some of the pathogenic pathways involved. SIRT1/PPARα/FGF21, PI3K/AKT/IRS-1, AMPK/ACC, mTOR/4EBP-1/S6K1, GRP78/IRE-1/JNK, AMPK/PGC-1/NRF1, TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, and TGF-β/Smad pathways were the most common molecular protective mechanisms. All of the information presented in this review suggests that APS is a natural medication with a lot of promise for NAFLD, but more study, bioavailability studies, medicine type and dosage, and clinical proof are needed. This review could be useful for basic research, pharmacological development, and therapeutic applications of APS in the management of MAFLD.
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20
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Lu Y, Hu L, Song J, Wan J, Chen H, Yin J. Gallstone disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study. BMC Endocr Disord 2021; 21:231. [PMID: 34794397 PMCID: PMC8603504 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-021-00899-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and gallstone disease (GSD) often coexist in the general population owing to shared risk factors. This study explored the relationship between NAFLD and GSD in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 4325 patients with type 2 diabetes. GSD and NAFLD were confirmed using ultrasonography. GSD was defined as either asymptomatic gallstones or previous cholecystectomy, and each was analyzed separately. RESULT There was no significant difference in the prevalence of GSD between patients with and without NAFLD (23.8% vs. 21.2%, P = 0.15). After case-control matching (1:1) of baseline data such as age, sex, duration of diabetes, and HbA1c between patients with and without NAFLD, there was still no significant difference in the prevalence of GSD (25.5% vs. 23.6%, P = 0.15). The prevalence of NAFLD in patients with asymptomatic gallstones was lower than that of patients without GSD (38.6% vs. 47.3%, P < 0.001), whereas the prevalence in those who had undergone cholecystectomy was much higher (61.2% vs. 47.3%, P < 0.001). The ratio of cholecystectomy to asymptomatic gallstone in patients with or without NAFLD was 1.97 and 0.79, respectively. The rate of cholecystectomy was higher in the patients with NAFLD than in those without NAFLD (15.8% vs. 9.3%, P < 0.001), consistent with the result after case-control matching (17.3% vs. 11.2%, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for numerous potential confounding factors, revealed that GSD (OR = 1.241, 95%CI: 1.036-1.488, P = 0.002) and cholecystectomy (OR = 1.946, 95%CI: 1.546-2.445, P < 0.001) were both strongly associated with NAFLD. However, asymptomatic gallstone (OR = 0.663, 95%CI: 0.513-0.856, P = 0.002) seemed to be negatively correlated with NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of GSD was similar in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without NAFLD. The higher proportion of cholecystectomy and lower proportion of asymptomatic gallstones in patients with NAFLD suggests that NAFLD may increase the risk of complications of GSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Lu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200235, China
| | - Lili Hu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Jing Song
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200235, China
| | - Jing Wan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200235, China
| | - Haibing Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Jun Yin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200235, China.
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Center for Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai, 200233, China.
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21
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Bile Acid Receptors and the Gut-Liver Axis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112806. [PMID: 34831031 PMCID: PMC8616422 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been significantly increased due to the global epidemic of obesity. The disease progression from simple steatosis (NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is closely linked to inflammation, insulin resistance, and dysbiosis. Although extensive efforts have been aimed at elucidating the pathological mechanisms of NAFLD disease progression, current understanding remains incomplete, and no effective therapy is available. Bile acids (BAs) are not only important physiological detergents for the absorption of lipid-soluble nutrients in the intestine but also metabolic regulators. During the last two decades, BAs have been identified as important signaling molecules involved in lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism. Dysregulation of BA homeostasis has been associated with NAFLD disease severity. Identification of nuclear receptors and G-protein-coupled receptors activated by different BAs not only significantly expanded the current understanding of NAFLD/NASH disease progression but also provided the opportunity to develop potential therapeutics for NAFLD/NASH. In this review, we will summarize the recent studies with a focus on BA-mediated signaling pathways in NAFLD/NASH. Furthermore, the therapeutic implications of targeting BA-mediated signaling pathways for NAFLD will also be discussed.
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Oxysterol 7-α Hydroxylase (CYP7B1) Attenuates Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Mice at Thermoneutrality. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102656. [PMID: 34685636 PMCID: PMC8534379 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ambient temperature is an important determinant of both the alternative bile acid synthesis pathway controlled by oxysterol 7-α hydroxylase (CYP7B1) and the progression of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Here, we investigated whether CYP7B1 is involved in the etiology of MAFLD under conditions of low and high energy expenditure. For this, Cyp7b1−/− and wild type (WT) mice were fed a choline-deficient high-fat diet and housed either at 30 °C (thermoneutrality) or at 22 °C (mild cold). To study disease phenotype and underlying mechanisms, plasma and organ samples were analyzed to determine metabolic parameters, immune cell infiltration by immunohistology and flow cytometry, lipid species including hydroxycholesterols, bile acids and structural lipids. In WT and Cyp7b1−/− mice, thermoneutral housing promoted MAFLD, an effect that was more pronounced in CYP7B1-deficient mice. In these mice, we found higher plasma alanine aminotransferase activity, hyperlipidemia, hepatic accumulation of potentially harmful lipid species, aggravated liver fibrosis, increased inflammation and immune cell infiltration. Bile acids and hydroxycholesterols did not correlate with aggravated MAFLD in Cyp7b1−/− mice housed at thermoneutrality. Notably, an up-regulation of lipoprotein receptors was detected at 22 °C but not at 30 °C in livers of Cyp7b1−/− mice, suggesting that accelerated metabolism of lipoproteins carrying lipotoxic molecules counteracts MAFLD progression.
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Chen L, Wu N, Kennedy L, Francis H, Ceci L, Zhou T, Samala N, Kyritsi K, Wu C, Sybenga A, Ekser B, Dar W, Atkins C, Meadows V, Glaser S, Alpini G. Inhibition of Secretin/Secretin Receptor Axis Ameliorates NAFLD Phenotypes. Hepatology 2021; 74:1845-1863. [PMID: 33928675 PMCID: PMC8782246 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Human NAFLD is characterized at early stages by hepatic steatosis, which may progress to NASH when the liver displays microvesicular steatosis, lobular inflammation, and pericellular fibrosis. The secretin (SCT)/secretin receptor (SCTR) axis promotes biliary senescence and liver fibrosis in cholestatic models through down-regulation of miR-125b signaling. We aim to evaluate the effect of disrupting biliary SCT/SCTR/miR-125b signaling on hepatic steatosis, biliary senescence, and liver fibrosis in NAFLD/NASH. APPROACH AND RESULTS In vivo, 4-week-old male wild-type, Sct-/- and Sctr-/- mice were fed a control diet or high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. The expression of SCT/SCTR/miR-125b axis was measured in human NAFLD/NASH liver samples and HFD mouse livers by immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR. Biliary/hepatocyte senescence, ductular reaction, and liver angiogenesis were evaluated in mouse liver and human NAFLD/NASH liver samples. miR-125b target lipogenesis genes in hepatocytes were screened and validated by custom RT2 Profiler PCR array and luciferase assay. Biliary SCT/SCTR expression was increased in human NAFLD/NASH samples and in livers of HFD mice, whereas the expression of miR-125b was decreased. Biliary/hepatocyte senescence, ductular reaction, and liver angiogenesis were observed in human NAFLD/NASH samples as well as HFD mice, which were decreased in Sct-/- and Sctr-/- HFD mice. Elovl1 is a lipogenesis gene targeted by miR-125b, and its expression was also decreased in HFD mouse hepatocytes following Sct or Sctr knockout. Bile acid profile in fecal samples have the greatest changes between wild-type mice and Sct-/- /Sctr-/- mice. CONCLUSION The biliary SCT/SCTR/miR-125b axis promotes liver steatosis by up-regulating lipid biosynthesis gene Elovl1. Targeting the biliary SCT/SCTR/miR-125b axis may be key for ameliorating phenotypes of human NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixian Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Niharika Samala
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Amelia Sybenga
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Wasim Dar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care Surgery, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston
| | - Constance Atkins
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston
| | - Vik Meadows
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, College of Medicine, Bryan, TX
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN
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Reinmuth L, Hsiao CC, Hamann J, Rosenkilde M, Mackrill J. Multiple Targets for Oxysterols in Their Regulation of the Immune System. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082078. [PMID: 34440846 PMCID: PMC8391951 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxysterols, or cholesterol oxidation products, are naturally occurring lipids which regulate the physiology of cells, including those of the immune system. In contrast to effects that are mediated through nuclear receptors or by epigenetic mechanism, which take tens of minutes to occur, changes in the activities of cell-surface receptors caused by oxysterols can be extremely rapid, often taking place within subsecond timescales. Such cell-surface receptor effects of oxysterols allow for the regulation of fast cellular processes, such as motility, secretion and endocytosis. These cellular processes play critical roles in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. This review will survey the two broad classes of cell-surface receptors for oxysterols (G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels), the mechanisms by which cholesterol oxidation products act on them, and their presence and functions in the different cell types of the immune system. Overall, this review will highlight the potential of oxysterols, synthetic derivatives and their receptors for physiological and therapeutic modulation of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Reinmuth
- Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Cheng-Chih Hsiao
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.-C.H.); (J.H.)
- Neuroimmunology Research Group, The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jörg Hamann
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.-C.H.); (J.H.)
- Neuroimmunology Research Group, The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mette Rosenkilde
- Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (J.M.); Tel.: +353-(0)21-490-1400 (J.M.)
| | - John Mackrill
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, College Road, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (J.M.); Tel.: +353-(0)21-490-1400 (J.M.)
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25
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Heterozygous Nme7 Mutation Affects Glucose Tolerance in Male Rats. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12071087. [PMID: 34356103 PMCID: PMC8305224 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity result from the interaction of numerous genetic and environmental factors. While the family of Nme proteins has been connected so far mostly to development, proliferation, or ciliary functions, several lines of evidence from human and experimental studies point to the potential involvement of one of its members, NME7 (non-metastatic cells 7, nucleoside diphosphate kinase 7) in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. As a complete lack of Nme7 is semilethal in rats, we compared morphometric, metabolic, and transcriptomic profiles of standard diet-fed heterozygous Nme7+/− on male rats vs. their wild-type Nme7+/+ controls. Nme7+/− animals showed increased body weight, adiposity, higher insulin levels together with decreased glucose tolerance. Moreover, they displayed pancreatic islet fibrosis and kidney tubular damage. Despite no signs of overt liver steatosis or dyslipidemia, we found significant changes in the hepatic transcriptome of Nme7+/− male rats with a concerted increase of expression of lipogenic enzymes including Scd1, Fads1, Dhcr7 and a decrease of Cyp7b1 and Nme7. Network analyses suggested possible links between Nme7 and the activation of Srebf1 and Srebf2 upstream regulators. These results further support the implication of NME7 in the pathogenesis of glucose intolerance and adiposity.
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26
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Wang Y, Yutuc E, Griffiths WJ. Cholesterol metabolism pathways - are the intermediates more important than the products? FEBS J 2021; 288:3727-3745. [PMID: 33506652 PMCID: PMC8653896 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Every cell in vertebrates possesses the machinery to synthesise cholesterol and to metabolise it. The major route of cholesterol metabolism is conversion to bile acids. Bile acids themselves are interesting molecules being ligands to nuclear and G protein‐coupled receptors, but perhaps the intermediates in the bile acid biosynthesis pathways are even more interesting and equally important. Here, we discuss the biological activity of the different intermediates generated in the various bile acid biosynthesis pathways. We put forward the hypothesis that the acidic pathway of bile acid biosynthesis has primary evolved to generate signalling molecules and its utilisation by hepatocytes provides an added bonus of producing bile acids to aid absorption of lipids in the intestine.
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27
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Wang Y, Tai YL, Zhao D, Zhang Y, Yan J, Kakiyama G, Wang X, Gurley EC, Liu J, Liu J, Liu J, Lai G, Hylemon PB, Pandak WM, Chen W, Zhou H. Berberine Prevents Disease Progression of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis through Modulating Multiple Pathways. Cells 2021; 10:210. [PMID: 33494295 PMCID: PMC7912096 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The disease progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from simple steatosis (NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is driven by multiple factors. Berberine (BBR) is an ancient Chinese medicine and has various beneficial effects on metabolic diseases, including NAFLD/NASH. However, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood due to the limitation of the NASH animal models used. Methods: A high-fat and high-fructose diet-induced mouse model of NAFLD, the best available preclinical NASH mouse model, was used. RNAseq, histological, and metabolic pathway analyses were used to identify the potential signaling pathways modulated by BBR. LC-MS was used to measure bile acid levels in the serum and liver. The real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to validate the RNAseq data. Results: BBR not only significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation by modulating fatty acid synthesis and metabolism but also restored the bile acid homeostasis by targeting multiple pathways. In addition, BBR markedly inhibited inflammation by reducing immune cell infiltration and inhibition of neutrophil activation and inflammatory gene expression. Furthermore, BBR was able to inhibit hepatic fibrosis by modulating the expression of multiple genes involved in hepatic stellate cell activation and cholangiocyte proliferation. Consistent with our previous findings, BBR's beneficial effects are linked with the downregulation of microRNA34a and long noncoding RNA H19, which are two important players in promoting NASH progression and liver fibrosis. Conclusion: BBR is a promising therapeutic agent for NASH by targeting multiple pathways. These results provide a strong foundation for a future clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Qianjiang, Hefei 230012, China;
| | - Yun-Ling Tai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
| | - Derrick Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
| | - Junkai Yan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
| | - Genta Kakiyama
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (G.K.); (W.M.P.)
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
| | - Emily C. Gurley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
| | - Jinze Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Jinpeng Liu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA;
| | - Jimin Liu
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L6M0L8, Canada;
| | - Guanhua Lai
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Virginia, 23298 Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Phillip B. Hylemon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
| | - William M. Pandak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (G.K.); (W.M.P.)
| | - Weidong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Qianjiang, Hefei 230012, China;
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
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