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Ajith A, Merimi M, Arki MK, Hossein-khannazer N, Najar M, Vosough M, Sokal EM, Najimi M. Immune regulation and therapeutic application of T regulatory cells in liver diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371089. [PMID: 38571964 PMCID: PMC10987744 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) are a subset of the immunomodulatory cell population that can inhibit both innate and adaptive immunity by various regulatory mechanisms. In hepatic microenvironment, proliferation, plasticity, migration, and function of Tregs are interrelated to the remaining immune cells and their secreted cytokines and chemokines. In normal conditions, Tregs protect the liver from inflammatory and auto-immune responses, while disruption of this crosstalk between Tregs and other immune cells may result in the progression of chronic liver diseases and the development of hepatic malignancy. In this review, we analyze the deviance of this protective nature of Tregs in response to chronic inflammation and its involvement in inducing liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. We will also provide a detailed emphasis on the relevance of Tregs as an effective immunotherapeutic option for autoimmune diseases, liver transplantation, and chronic liver diseases including liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Ajith
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Makram Merimi
- Genetics and Immune Cell Therapy Unit, LBBES Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Mandana Kazem Arki
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nikoo Hossein-khannazer
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Najar
- Osteoarthritis Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Etienne Marc Sokal
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Jiang S, Feng J, Jiang Y, Lu Z, Kong J, Li X, Lian H, Zhang F, Li Y, Li J. Triptolide attenuates CCL 4-induced liver fibrosis by regulating the differentiation of CD 4+ T cells in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111206. [PMID: 37956491 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111206] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a major global health issue, and immune dysregulation is a main contributor. Triptolide is a natural immunosuppressive agent with demonstrated effectiveness in ameliorating liver fibrosis, but whether it exerts anti-liver fibrotic effects via immunoregulation remains obscure. In this study, first, by employing a CCL4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model, we demonstrated that triptolide could alleviate pathological damage to liver tissue and attenuate liver function damaged by CCL4. In addition, triptolide inhibited the expression of liver fibrotic markers such as hydroxyproline, collagen type IV, hyaluronidase, laminin, and procollagen type III, and the protein expression of α-SMA in CCL4-induced liver fibrosis. Second, with the help of network pharmacology, we predicted that triptolide's anti-liver fibrotic effects might occur through the regulation of Th17, Th1, and Th2 cell differentiation, which indicated that triptolide might mitigate liver fibrosis via immunoregulation. Finally, multiplex immunoassays and flow cytometry were adopted to verify this prediction. The results suggested that triptolide could reverse the aberrant expression of inflammatory cytokines caused by CCL4 and regulate the differentiation of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells. In conclusion, triptolide could attenuate CCL4-induced liver fibrosis by regulating the differentiation of CD4+ T cells. The results obtained in this study extended the application of triptolide and introduced a new mechanism of triptolide's anti-liver fibrotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyuan Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jing Feng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Yanling Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhihao Lu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jingwei Kong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xueming Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Hui Lian
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Yu Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
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3
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Kondashevskaya MV, Mikhaleva LM, Artem’yeva KA, Aleksankina VV, Areshidze DA, Kozlova MA, Pashkov AA, Manukhina EB, Downey HF, Tseilikman OB, Yegorov ON, Zhukov MS, Fedotova JO, Karpenko MN, Tseilikman VE. Unveiling the Link: Exploring Mitochondrial Dysfunction as a Probable Mechanism of Hepatic Damage in Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13012. [PMID: 37629192 PMCID: PMC10455150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613012] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PTSD is associated with disturbed hepatic morphology and metabolism. Neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction is considered a subcellular determinant of PTSD, but a link between hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatic damage in PTSD has not been demonstrated. Thus, the effects of experimental PTSD on the livers of high anxiety (HA) and low anxiety (LA) rats were compared, and mitochondrial determinants underlying the difference in their hepatic damage were investigated. Rats were exposed to predator stress for 10 days. Then, 14 days post-stress, the rats were evaluated with an elevated plus maze and assigned to HA and LA groups according to their anxiety index. Experimental PTSD caused dystrophic changes in hepatocytes of HA rats and hepatocellular damage evident by increased plasma ALT and AST activities. Mitochondrial dysfunction was evident as a predominance of small-size mitochondria in HA rats, which was positively correlated with anxiety index, activities of plasma transaminases, hepatic lipids, and negatively correlated with hepatic glycogen. In contrast, LA rats had a predominance of medium-sized mitochondria. Thus, we show links between mitochondrial dysfunction, hepatic damage, and heightened anxiety in PTSD rats. These results will provide a foundation for future research on the role of hepatic dysfunction in PTSD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina V. Kondashevskaya
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, B.V. Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russia (L.M.M.)
| | - Lyudmila M. Mikhaleva
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, B.V. Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russia (L.M.M.)
| | - Kseniya A. Artem’yeva
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, B.V. Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russia (L.M.M.)
| | - Valentina V. Aleksankina
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, B.V. Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russia (L.M.M.)
| | - David A. Areshidze
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, B.V. Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russia (L.M.M.)
| | - Maria A. Kozlova
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, B.V. Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russia (L.M.M.)
| | - Anton A. Pashkov
- Scientific and Educational Center ‘Biomedical Technologies’, School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
- Federal Neurosurgical Center, Novosibirsk 630048, Russia
| | - Eugenia B. Manukhina
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow 125315, Russia
| | - H. Fred Downey
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Olga B. Tseilikman
- Scientific and Educational Center ‘Biomedical Technologies’, School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chelyabinsk State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
| | - Oleg N. Yegorov
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chelyabinsk State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
| | - Maxim S. Zhukov
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, B.V. Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow 119991, Russia (L.M.M.)
| | - Julia O. Fedotova
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Marina N. Karpenko
- Department of Physiology, Pavlov Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg 197376, Russia
| | - Vadim E. Tseilikman
- Scientific and Educational Center ‘Biomedical Technologies’, School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
- Zelman Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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Yin KL, Li M, Song PP, Duan YX, Ye WT, Tang W, Kokudo N, Gao Q, Liao R. Unraveling the Emerging Niche Role of Hepatic Stellate Cell-derived Exosomes in Liver Diseases. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:441-451. [PMID: 36643031 PMCID: PMC9817040 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play an essential role in various liver diseases, and exosomes are critical mediators of intercellular communication in local and distant microenvironments. Cellular crosstalk between HSCs and surrounding multiple tissue-resident cells promotes or inhibits the activation of HSCs. Substantial evidence has revealed that HSC-derived exosomes are involved in the occurrence and development of liver diseases through the regulation of retinoid metabolism, lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, protein metabolism, and mitochondrial metabolism. HSC-derived exosomes are underpinned by vehicle molecules, such as mRNAs and microRNAs, that function in, and significantly affect, the processes of various liver diseases, such as acute liver injury, alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, fibrosis, and cancer. As such, numerous exosomes derived from HSCs or HSC-associated exosomes have attracted attention because of their biological roles and translational applications as potential targets for therapeutic targets. Herein, we review the pathophysiological and metabolic processes associated with HSC-derived exosomes, their roles in various liver diseases and their potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Li Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pei-Pei Song
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu-Xin Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Tao Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Tang
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norihiro Kokudo
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence to: Qiang Gao, Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6695-9906. ; Rui Liao, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0057-2792. E-mail:
| | - Rui Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Correspondence to: Qiang Gao, Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6695-9906. ; Rui Liao, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0057-2792. E-mail:
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Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in liver fibrosis. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:53. [PMID: 36759593 PMCID: PMC9911787 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01347-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of the human liver to both synthesize extracellular matrix(ECM), as well as regulate fibrogenesis, are integral functions to maintaining homoeostasis. Chronic liver injury stimulates fibrogenesis in response to the imbalance between ECM accumulation and fibrosis resolution. Liver disease that induces fibrogenesis is associated with multiple risk factors like hepatitis infection, schistosomiasis, alcohol, certain drugs, toxicants and emerging aetiology like diabetes and obesity. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), whose function is to generate and accumulate ECM, is a pivotal event in liver fibrosis. Simultaneously, HSCs selectively promote regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in an interleukin-2-dependent pattern that displays a dual relationship. On the one hand, Tregs can protect HSCs from NK cell attack, while on the other hand, they demonstrate an inhibitory effect on HSCs. This paper reviews the dual role of Tregs in liver fibrogenesis which includes its promotion of immunosuppression, as well as its activation of fibrosis. In particular, the balance between Tregs and the Th17 cell population, which produce interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-22, is explored to demonstrate their key role in maintaining homoeostasis and immunoregulation. The contradictory roles of Tregs in liver fibrosis in different immune microenvironments and molecular pathways need to be better understood if they are to be deployed to manage this disease.
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6
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Olveira A, Augustin S, Benlloch S, Ampuero J, Suárez-Pérez JA, Armesto S, Vilarrasa E, Belinchón-Romero I, Herranz P, Crespo J, Guimerá F, Gómez-Labrador L, Martín V, Carrascosa JM. The Essential Role of IL-17 as the Pathogenetic Link between Psoriasis and Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:419. [PMID: 36836776 PMCID: PMC9963792 DOI: 10.3390/life13020419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is an effector cytokine that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of both psoriasis and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a condition that is more prevalent and severe in patients with psoriasis. In liver inflammation, IL-17 is mainly produced by CD4+ T (TH17) and CD8+ T cells (Tc17), although numerous other cells (macrophages, natural killer cells, neutrophils and Tγδ cells) also contribute to the production of IL-17. In hepatocytes, IL-17 mediates systemic inflammation and the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the liver, and it is also implicated in the development of fibrosis and insulin resistance. IL-17 levels have been correlated with progression from MAFLD to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical trials have shown that inhibiting IL-17A in patients with psoriasis could potentially contribute to the improvement of metabolic and liver parameters. A better understanding of the key factors involved in the pathogenesis of these chronic inflammatory processes could potentially lead to more efficient treatment for both psoriasis and MAFLD, and help to develop holistic strategies to improve the management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Olveira
- Department of Digestive Diseases, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Augustin
- Liver Unit, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvador Benlloch
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Arnau de Vilanova Hospital, Centro Biomédico en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Ampuero
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Lab 213, Institute of Biomedicine of Sevilla (IBIS), Department of Medicine, University of Sevilla, Centro Biomédico en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 41004 Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Susana Armesto
- Department of Dermatology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Eva Vilarrasa
- Department of Dermatology, Santa Creu i Sant Pau Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Belinchón-Romero
- Dermatology Department, Alicante University General Hospital, Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Alicante, Spain
| | - Pedro Herranz
- Department of Dermatology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Crespo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, IDIVAL, School Medicine, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Francisco Guimerá
- Dermatology and Pathology Department, Canarias University Hospital, 38320 La Laguna, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Martín
- Immunology Franchise, Novartis Farmacéutica S.A., 28033 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel Carrascosa
- Department of Dermatology, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, IGTP, 08193 Badalona, Spain
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Cross-talk between hepatic stellate cells and T lymphocytes in liver fibrosis. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2021; 20:207-214. [PMID: 33972160 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis results from inflammation and healing following injury. The imbalance between extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion and degradation leads to the ECM accumulation and liver fibrosis. This process is regulated by immune cells. T lymphocytes, including alpha beta (αβ) T cells, which have adaptive immune functions, and gamma delta (γδ) T cells, which have innate immune functions, are considered regulators of liver fibrosis. This review aimed to present the current understanding of the cross-talk between T lymphocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are the key cells in liver fibrosis. DATA SOURCES The keywords "liver fibrosis", "immune", and "T cells" were used to retrieve articles published in PubMed database before January 31, 2020. RESULTS The ratio of CD8+ (suppressor) T cells to CD4+ (helper) T cells is significantly higher in the liver than in the peripheral blood. T cells secrete a series of cytokines and chemokines to regulate the inflammation in the liver and the activation of HSCs to influence the course of liver fibrosis. In addition, HSCs also regulate the differentiation and proliferation of T cells. CONCLUSIONS The cross-talk between T cells and HSCs regulates liver fibrosis progression. The elucidation of this communication process will help us to understand the pathological process of liver fibrosis.
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Ahmed LA, Mohamed AF, Abd El-Haleim EA, El-Tanbouly DM. Boosting Akt Pathway by Rupatadine Modulates Th17/Tregs Balance for Attenuation of Isoproterenol-Induced Heart Failure in Rats. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:651150. [PMID: 33995066 PMCID: PMC8121023 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.651150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of Th17/Tregs homeostasis plays a crucial role in governing the immune response during myocardial fibrosis and its progression to heart failure. The present study aimed to assess for the first time the possible protection afforded by rupatadine against isoproterenol-induced heart failure in rats. It also explored the role of PI3k/Akt as a possible mechanistic pathway, through which rupatadine could modulate Th17/Tregs balance to display its effect. Isoproterenol (85 and 170 mg/kg/day) was injected subcutaneously for 2 successive days, respectively and rupatadine (4 mg/kg/day) was then given orally for 14 days with or without wortmannin (PI3K/Akt inhibitor). Rupatadine succeeded to completely ameliorate isoproterenol-induced cardiac dysfunction as demonstrated by improvements of electrocardiographic and echocardiographic measurements. Moreover, rupatadine prevented the marked elevation of PAF and oxidative stress in addition to Th17 promoting cytokines (IL-6, IL-23, and TGF-β). Accordingly, rupatadine prevented Th17 stimulation or expansion as indicated by increased Foxp3/RORγt ratio and decreased production of its pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-17). Rupatadine treatment mitigated isoproterenol-induced activation of STAT-3 signaling and the imbalance in p-Akt/total Akt ratio affording marked decrease in atrogin-1 and apoptotic biomarkers. Finally, this therapy was effective in averting cardiac troponin loss and reverting the histological alterations as assessed by myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy grading. Contrariwise, co-administration of wortmannin mostly attenuated the protective effects of rupatadine affording more or less similar results to that of isoproterenol-untreated rats. In conclusion, rupatadine could be an effective therapy against the development of isoproterenol-induced heart failure where PI3K/Akt pathway seems to play a crucial role in its protective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamiaa A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed F Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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9
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Wan M, Han J, Ding L, Hu F, Gao P. Novel Immune Subsets and Related Cytokines: Emerging Players in the Progression of Liver Fibrosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:604894. [PMID: 33869241 PMCID: PMC8047058 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.604894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process caused by persistent chronic injury of the liver. Kupffer cells, natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, and dendritic cells (DCs), which are in close contact with T and B cells, serve to bridge innate and adaptive immunity in the liver. Meanwhile, an imbalanced inflammatory response constitutes a challenge in liver disease. The dichotomous roles of novel immune cells, including T helper 17 (Th17), regulatory T cells (Tregs), mucosa-associated invariant T cells (MAIT), and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in liver fibrosis have gradually been revealed. These cells not only induce damage during liver fibrosis but also promote tissue repair. Hence, immune cells have unique, and often opposing, roles during the various stages of fibrosis. Due to this heterogeneity, the treatment, or reversal of fibrosis through the target of immune cells have attracted much attention. Moreover, activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) constitutes the core of fibrosis. This activation is regulated by various immune mediators, including Th17, Th22, and Th9, MAIT, ILCs, and γδ T cells, as well as their related cytokines. Thus, liver fibrosis results from the complex interaction of these immune mediators, thereby complicating the ability to elucidate the mechanisms of action elicited by each cell type. Future developments in biotechnology will certainly aid in this feat to inform the design of novel therapeutic targets. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize the role of specific immune cells in liver fibrosis, as well as biomarkers and treatment methods related to these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Wan
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiawen Han
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lili Ding
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Intensive Care Unit, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Feng Hu
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, The Second Part of First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pujun Gao
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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10
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Xuan J, Huang A, Hu D, Geng J, Tian Y, Cheng Z, Qiu Y. Huagan tongluo Fang improves liver fibrosis via down-regulating miR-184 and up-regulating FOXO1 to inhibit Th17 cell differentiation. Exp Mol Pathol 2020; 115:104447. [PMID: 32380055 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2020.104447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this research is to reveal the improvement effect and potential mechanism of Huagan tongluo Fang (HGTLF) on liver fibrosis. METHODS A mouse model of liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 was established to analyze the effect of HGTLF on liver fibrosis. The expression changes of miRNA after HGTLF stimulation were detected by qRT-PCR. After interference with miR-184 in Th17 cells, the concentration of IL-17A in cell culture supernatants was detected by ELISA and the proportion of Th17 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The relationship between miR-184 and FOXO1 was verified by online software and dual-luciferase reporter system. After HGTLF treatment of Th17 cells overexpressing miR-184, the protein level of FOXO1 was detected by Western blot. RESULTS HGTLF could significantly improve liver fibrosis in mice. By qRT-PCR, miR-184 was most significantly expressed after HGTLF drug stimulation, and miR-184 was considered to be the major RNA involved in Th17 cell differentiation. Interference with miR-184 in Th17 cells inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells. By online software and dual-luciferase reporter system assay, the direct interaction of miR-184 with FOXO1 was confirmed. After HGTLF treatment of Th17 cells overexpressing miR-184, FOXO1 protein levels were significantly up-regulated and inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells, which was reversed by miR-184 inhibitors. The Vivo experiments also confirmed the improvement effect of HGTLF on liver fibrosis in mice. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that HGTLF could improve liver fibrosis via down-regulating miR-184 and up-regulating of FOXO1 to inhibit Th17 cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Xuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ang Huang
- Department of non-infection liver disease, The Center of Liver Disease, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Dashan Hu
- Department of infection internal medicine, The Eighth Second Hospital of the General Hospital of the East War Zone, Huaian 223001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiabao Geng
- Department of infection internal medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaozhou Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Branch of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhengyuan Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuping Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu, China
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Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a hallmark of chronic kidney disease. Although considerable achievements in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis have been made, the underlying mechanisms of renal fibrosis remain largely to be explored. Now we have reached the consensus that TGF-β is a master regulator of renal fibrosis. Indeed, TGF-β regulates renal fibrosis via both canonical and noncanonical TGF-β signaling. Moreover, ongoing renal inflammation promotes fibrosis as inflammatory cells such as macrophages, conventional T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells may directly or indirectly contribute to renal fibrosis, which is also tightly regulated by TGF-β. However, anti-TGF-β treatment for renal fibrosis remains ineffective and nonspecific. Thus, research into mechanisms and treatment of renal fibrosis remains highly challenging.
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12
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Wang H, Feng X, Han P, Lei Y, Xia Y, Tian D, Yan W. The JAK inhibitor tofacitinib ameliorates immune‑mediated liver injury in mice. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:4883-4892. [PMID: 31638166 PMCID: PMC6854585 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of immune-mediated liver diseases such as autoimmune liver disease or viral hepatitis has increased in recent years, and the side effects of pre-existing treatments are a worldwide problem. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells play important roles in the development of immune-mediated hepatitis and may serve as potential therapeutic targets. Tofacitinib, a new Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, is under investigation for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; it is also helpful in treating ulcerative colitis and psoriasis. The roles of tofacitinib were investigated in conferring protection against immune-mediated liver injury in mice. T cell-mediated hepatitis was induced by concanavalin A (ConA). The mice in the treatment groups were administered with tofacitinib intragastrically before the ConA injection. Histopathological examination was performed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and the serum transaminase and inflammatory cytokine levels were determined using an automatic biochemistry analysis apparatus or cytometric bead array (CBA) kits. Flow cytometric analysis was used to detect Tregs and Th17 cells. Tofacitinib significantly decreased the hepatic injury induced by ConA and prominently decreased the liver transaminase level. The secretion of several anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-10 was upregulated in mice from the treatment group, compared to that in mice treated with ConA alone, while the expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) decreased. Tofacitinib treatment increased the number of Tregs and reduced the number of Th17 cells. Furthermore, tofacitinib could relieve liver fibrosis under conditions of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The present results indicated that tofacitinib improved immune-mediated hepatitis and restored the impaired Treg/Th17 cell ratio, which suggests that it may serve as a novel treatment approach for immune-mediated liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xinxia Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Ping Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Yujia Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Dean Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
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Zhang H, Jiang Z, Zhang L. Dual effect of T helper cell 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cell (Treg) in liver pathological process: From occurrence to end stage of disease. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 69:50-59. [PMID: 30669025 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver disease is a complicated pathological status with acute or chronic progressions, causing a series of damages to liver and massive burden to public health and society. Th17 and Treg, two subsets of CD4+ T helper cells, seem to keep a subtle balance in the maintenance of organic immune homeostasis including liver. The dysfunction of Th17/Treg balance in liver has been proved associated with hepatic injury and disease. Herein, we summarized the research advance of Th17 and Treg cells in different phenotypes of liver diseases in the past decade. It is known to all that hepatic diseases start from stimulations or infections like virus, autoimmune, alcohol and so on in the early stage, which would cause inflammation. With the disease consistently existed, severe outcomes like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma appear finally. In conclusion, it is found that Th17 and Treg cells serve as an important role in the immune response imbalance of liver diseases from the beginning to the end stage. However, the effect of these two subsets of CD4+ T helper cells is not a stereotype. Pathological role which exacerbates the disease and protective character which inhibits damage to liver are co-existed in the effect of Th17 and Treg cells. Still, more studies should be carried out to enrich the understandings of liver disease and Th17/Treg immune balance in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhenzhou Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Luyong Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Center for Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Interleukin 10 Gene-Modified Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells Attenuate Liver Fibrosis in Mice by Inducing Regulatory T Cells and Inhibiting the TGF- β/Smad Signaling Pathway. Mediators Inflamm 2019; 2019:4652596. [PMID: 30800002 PMCID: PMC6360045 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4652596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of interleukin 10 gene-modified bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DC-IL10) on liver fibrosis. Methods In vitro, BMDCs were transfected with lentiviral-interleukin 10-GFP (LV-IL10-GFP) at the MOI of 1 : 40. Then, the phenotype (MHCII, CD80, and CD86) and allo-stimulatory ability of DC-IL10 were identified by flow cytometry, and the levels of IL-10 and IL-12 (p70) secreted into the culture supernatants were quantified by ELISA. In vivo, DC-IL10 was injected into mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis through the tail vein. Lymphocytes were isolated to investigate the differentiation of T cells, and serum and liver tissue were collected for biochemical, cytokine, histopathologic, immune-histochemical, and Western blot analyzes. Results In vitro, the expressions of MHCII, CD80, and CD86 in DC-IL10 were significantly suppressed, allogeneic CD4+T cells incubated with DC-IL10 showed a lower proliferative response, and the levels of IL-10 and IL-12 (p70) secreted into the DC-IL10 culture supernatants were significantly increased and decreased, respectively. In vivo, regulatory T cells (Tregs) were significantly increased, while ALT, AST, and inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced in the DC-IL10 treatment group, and the degree of hepatic fibrosis was obviously reversed. The TGF-β/smad pathway was inhibited following DC-IL10 treatment compared to the liver fibrosis group. Conclusion IL-10 genetic modification of BMDCs may maintain DC in the state of tolerance and allow DC to induce T cell hyporesponsiveness or tolerance. DC-IL10 suppressed liver fibrosis by inducing Treg production and inhibiting the TGF-β/smad signaling pathway.
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Beringer A, Miossec P. IL-17 and IL-17-producing cells and liver diseases, with focus on autoimmune liver diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2018; 17:1176-1185. [PMID: 30321671 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin(IL)-17 and IL-17-producing cells are important players in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune / inflammatory diseases. More recently, they have been associated with liver diseases. This review first describes the general knowledge on IL-17 and IL-17 producing cells. The second part describes the in vitro and in vivo effects of IL-17 on liver cells and the contribution of IL-17 producing cells to liver diseases. IL-17 induces immune cell infiltration and liver damage driving to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis and contributes to autoimmune liver diseases. The circulating levels of IL-17 and the frequency of IL-17-producing cells are elevated in a variety of acute and chronic liver diseases. The last part focuses on the effects of IL-17 deletion or neutralization in various murine models. Some of these observed beneficial effects suggest that targeting the IL-17 axis could be a new therapeutic strategy to prevent chronicity and progression of various liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Beringer
- Immunogenomics and Inflammation Research Unit EA4130, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Miossec
- Immunogenomics and Inflammation Research Unit EA4130, University of Lyon, Lyon, France.
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Milosavljevic N, Gazdic M, Simovic Markovic B, Arsenijevic A, Nurkovic J, Dolicanin Z, Jovicic N, Jeftic I, Djonov V, Arsenijevic N, Lukic ML, Volarevic V. Mesenchymal stem cells attenuate liver fibrosis by suppressing Th17 cells - an experimental study. Transpl Int 2017; 31:102-115. [PMID: 28805262 DOI: 10.1111/tri.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-mediated modulation of IL-17 signaling during liver fibrosis. Mice received CCl4 (1 μl/g intraperitoneally) twice/week for 1 month. MSCs (1 × 106 ), or MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM), were intravenously injected 24 h after CCl4 and on every 7th day. Liver fibrosis was determined by macroscopic examination, histological analysis, Sirius red staining, and RT-PCR. Serum levels of cytokines, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and kynurenine were determined by ELISA. Flow cytometry was performed to identify liver-infiltrated cells. In vitro, CD4+ T cells were stimulated and cultured with MSCs. 1-methyltryptophan was used for inhibition of IDO. MSCs significantly attenuated CCl4 -induced liver fibrosis by decreasing serum levels of inflammatory IL-17, increasing immunosuppressive IL-10, IDO, and kynurenine, reducing number of IL-17 producing Th17 cells, and increasing percentage of CD4+ IL-10+ T cells. Injection of MSC-CM resulted with attenuated fibrosis accompanied with the reduced number of Th17 cells in the liver and decreased serum levels of IL-17. MSC-CM promoted expansion of CD4+ FoxP3+ IL-10+ T regulatory cells and suppressed proliferation of Th17 cells. This phenomenon was completely abrogated in the presence of IDO inhibitor. MSCs, in IDO-dependent manner, suppress liver Th17 cells which lead to the attenuation of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Milosavljevic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marina Gazdic
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Bojana Simovic Markovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Arsenijevic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Jasmin Nurkovic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of Novi Pazar, Novi Pazar, Serbia
| | - Zana Dolicanin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of Novi Pazar, Novi Pazar, Serbia
| | - Nemanja Jovicic
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ilija Jeftic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | | | - Nebojsa Arsenijevic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Miodrag L Lukic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Vladislav Volarevic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
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Xu M, Wang X, Zou Y, Zhong Y. Key role of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in liver fibrosis. Biosci Trends 2017; 11:163-168. [PMID: 28250338 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2017.01007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Because of the prevalence of viral hepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis has become a very common disease in Asia and elsewhere in the world, constantly increasing the burden of care borne by society. Hepatic sinusoidal capillarization, characterized by gradually shrinking fenestrae on the surface of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and the formation of an organized basement membrane, is an initial pathologic change associated with liver fibrosis. Basic and clinical studies have indicated that LSECs play a key role in hepatic sinusoidal capillarization by affecting various aspects of the development and progression of liver fibrosis. Reviewing studies on the effect of LSECs on liver fibrosis is essential to better understanding the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and its mechanism of progression. Moreover, such a review will provide a theoretical basis for identifying new methods to promote the regression or even inhibition of fibrosis. This review will focus on structural and functional changes in LSECs during hepatic sinusoidal capillarization and the interaction between the micro-environment of the liver and the body's immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University
| | - Xuehua Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University
| | - Yong Zou
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University
| | - Yuesi Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University
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18
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Deregulation of Regulatory T Cells in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: A Rat Model. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:1390458. [PMID: 28194045 PMCID: PMC5282067 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1390458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and acute liver failure (ALF) are similar in many respects during their acute exacerbation; however, ACLF generally has a poorer prognosis. We aimed to investigate the role and dynamic changes of regulatory T cell (Treg) and T helper 17 (Th17) cell proportions during ACLF progress. Methods. All rats were classified into two groups randomly: ACLF group and ALF group (control group). The rat model of ACLF was preestablished by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride for 2 months. Then acute liver injury was induced by combined D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide. Six time points were examined before or after acute induction. Liver samples were performed with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining; circulatory Treg and Th17 cell frequencies were determined using flow cytometry assays; serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were examined. Results. In group ACLF, both Th17 cell proportion and IFN-γ level presented upgrade firstly and then descend latter tendency; the trends of Treg cell proportion and IL-10 level were observed to gradually decrease and became stable. Conclusion. The Treg cells played an important role in the immunologic mechanism during the process of ACLF. And the function of Treg cells in ACLF was defective.
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Chackelevicius CM, Gambaro SE, Tiribelli C, Rosso N. Th17 involvement in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:9096-9103. [PMID: 27895397 PMCID: PMC5107591 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i41.9096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. NAFLD encompasses a wide histological spectrum ranging from benign simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Sustained inflammation in the liver is critical in this process. Hepatic macrophages, including liver resident macropaghes (Kupffer cells), monocytes infiltrating the injured liver, as well as specific lymphocytes subsets play a pivotal role in the initiation and perpetuation of the inflammatory response, with a major deleterious impact on the progression of fatty liver to fibrosis. During the last years, Th17 cells have been involved in the development of inflammation not only in liver but also in other organs, such as adipose tissue or lung. Differentiation of a naïve T cell into a Th17 cell leads to pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production with subsequent myeloid cell recruitment to the inflamed tissue. Th17 response can be mitigated by T regulatory cells that secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines. Both T cell subsets need TGF-β for their differentiation and a characteristic plasticity in their phenotype may render them new therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss the role of the Th17 pathway in NAFLD progression to NASH and to liver fibrosis analyzing different animal models of liver injury and human studies.
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Gu L, Deng WS, Sun XF, Zhou H, Xu Q. Rapamycin ameliorates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice through reciprocal regulation of the Th17/Treg cell balance. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:1153-61. [PMID: 27315465 PMCID: PMC4940054 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous investigations have suggested that the activation of Th17 cells and/or deficiency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) are involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of rapamycin on immune responses in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced murine liver fibrosis model. Liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal administration with CCl4. Following injection of CCl4, the mice were treated intraperitoneally with rapamycin (1.25 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used for histological examination. The protein levels of forkhead/winged helix transcription factor P3, retinoic-acid-related orphan receptor (ROR)-γt in liver tissue were determined by western blotting, the frequency of Th17 and Treg cells in the liver was evaluated by flow cytometry, and a suppression assay was measured by incorporating [3H]-thymidine. In addition, to explore the effect of Tregs expanded with rapamycin on hepatic stellate cells (HSC), HSCs were co-cultured with Tregs from rapamycin or phosphate-buffered saline-treated mice. It was found that rapamycin treatment led to a significant reduction in the number of Th17 cells and in the expression levels of ROR-γt in the liver tissues. Simultaneously, the results of the present study showed a significant increase in the frequency of Tregs and a marked enhancement in the expression of forkhead/winged helix transcription factor P3 in the rapamycin-treated mice. Furthermore, the Tregs in rapamycin-treated mice had significantly higher suppressive effects, compared with the cells from mice treated with phospphate-buffered saline. Consequently, rapamycin treatment prevented the development of CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, which was shown by its histological appearances. These results suggested that the immunosuppressive effect of rapamycin on liver fibrosis was associated with the suppression of hepatic fibrogenesis and regulation of the Th17/Treg cell balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Sheng Deng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Fei Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
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IL-10-producing regulatory B-cells suppressed effector T-cells but enhanced regulatory T-cells in chronic HBV infection. Clin Sci (Lond) 2016; 130:907-19. [PMID: 26980345 DOI: 10.1042/cs20160069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-specific immune responses to antigens have been demonstrated as being enhanced during chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Here, we evaluated the role of interleukin-10 (IL-10)-producing regulatory B-cells (Bregs) in the pathogenesis of HBV-related liver fibrosis (HBV-LF) and assessed their immunoregulatory effects. Sixty-seven patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were enrolled in this study. Numbers and frequencies of peripheral B-cells (memory CD19(+)CD24(hi)CD27(+) cells, immature/transitional CD19(+)CD24(hi)CD38(hi) cells, mature CD19(+)CD24(int)CD38(int) cells) were tested and analysed. Flow cytometry-sorted CD4(+)T cells were cultured with autologous Bregs to elucidate the effects of Bregs on CD4(+)T cells, including effector T and regulatory T-cells (Tregs). The potential immunoregulatory mechanism of Bregs was also investigated. The numbers of total B-cells and Bregs were enriched in CHB patients. The frequency of Bregs was negatively correlated with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and histological inflammation grades (G), but positively correlated with advanced histological fibrosis stages (S) and enhanced HBV replication. The phenotype of Bregs was predominantly characterized as CD19(+)CD24(hi)CD38(hi) In co-culture with Bregs, CD4(+)CD25(-)T cells from CHB patients produced less interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-17 but more IL-4 than CD4(+)CD25(-)T cells alone, whereas their conversions into Tregs and IL-10(+)T cells were enhanced. In addition, Breg depletion in CHB samples dramatically decreased Treg numbers and expression of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Moreover, the observed regulatory effect was partly dependent on IL-10 release and cell-to-cell contact. Elevated Bregs can suppress effector T but enhance Treg functions, which might influence immune tolerance in chronic HBV infection.
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A deleterious role for Th9/IL-9 in hepatic fibrogenesis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:18694. [PMID: 26728971 PMCID: PMC4700496 DOI: 10.1038/srep18694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T helper 9 (Th9) cells, a recently recognized Th cell subset, are involved in autoimmune diseases. We aimed to investigate the role of Th9/interleukin-9 (IL-9) in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Th9 and Th17 cells were quantified in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with hepatic fibrosis, HBV-associated liver cirrhosis (LC) patients and healthy controls (HC). The percentages of Th9 and Th17 cells, concentrations of IL-9 and IL-17, as well as expression of IL-17, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, IL-21, TGF-β1 and IFN-γ were significantly increased in plasma of CHB and LC patients compared with those in HC. Splenic Th9 and Th17 cells, plasma concentrations and liver expression of IL-9 and IL-17A were significantly elevated in mice with hepatic fibrosis compared with controls. Neutralization of IL-9 in mice ameliorated hepatic fibrosis, attenuated the activation of hepatic stellate cells, reduced frequencies of Th9, Th17 and Th1 cells in spleen, and suppressed expression of IL-9, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TGF-β1, IL-6, IL-4 and TNF-α in plasma and liver respectively. Our data suggest a deleterious role of Th9/IL-9 in increasing hepatic fibrosis and exacerbating disease endpoints, indicating that Th9/IL9 based immunotherapy may be a promising approach for treating hepatic fibrosis.
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Yan C, Zhang BB, Hua H, Li B, Zhang B, Yu Q, Li XY, Liu Y, Pan W, Liu XY, Tang RX, Zheng KY. The Dynamics of Treg/Th17 and the Imbalance of Treg/Th17 in Clonorchis sinensis-Infected Mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143217. [PMID: 26599407 PMCID: PMC4658164 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Clonorchiasis, caused by the liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis, is a chronic parasitic infection regulated by T cell subsets. An imbalance of CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+regulatory T (Treg) and interleukin (IL)-17-secreting T cells (Th17) may control inflammation and play an important role in the pathogenesis of immune evasion. In the present study, we assessed the dynamics of Treg/Th17 and determined whether the Treg/Th17 ratio is altered in C. sinensis-infected mice. The results showed that the percentages of splenic Treg cells in CD4+ T cells were suppressed on day 14 post-infection (PI) but increased on day 56 PI, while Th17 cells were increased on day 56 PI compared with normal control (NC) mice. The Treg/Th17 ratio steadily increased from day 28 to day 56 PI. The hepatic levels of their specific transcription factors (Foxp3 for Treg and RORγt for Th17) were increased in C. sinensis-infected mice from day 14 to 56 PI, and significantly higher than those in NC mice. Meanwhile, serum levels of IL-2 and IL-17 were profoundly increased in C. sinensis-infected mice throughout the experiment; while the concentrations of IL-6 and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) peaked on day 14 PI, but then decreased on day 28 and 56 PI. Our results provide the first evidence of an increased Treg/Th17 ratio in C. sinensis-infected mice, suggesting that a Treg/Th17 imbalance may play a role in disease outcomes of clonorchiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bei-Bei Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qian Yu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiang-Yang Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiang-Ye Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ren-Xian Tang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
- * E-mail: (K-YZ); (R-XT)
| | - Kui-Yang Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu Province, China
- * E-mail: (K-YZ); (R-XT)
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Cheng LS, Liu Y, Jiang W. Restoring homeostasis of CD4 + T cells in hepatitis-B-virus-related liver fibrosis. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:10721-10731. [PMID: 26478664 PMCID: PMC4600574 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i38.10721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune-mediated liver injury is widely seen during hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Unsuccessful immune clearance of HBV results in chronic hepatitis and increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV-related liver fibrosis (HBVLF), occurring as a result of HBV-induced chronic hepatitis, is a reversible, intermediate stage of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and liver cirrhosis. Therefore, defining the pathogenesis of HBVLF is of practical significance for achieving better clinical outcomes. Recently, the homeostasis of CD4+ T cells was considered to be pivotal in the process of HBVLF. To better uncover the underlying mechanisms, in this review, we systematically retrospect the impacts of different CD4+ T-cell subsets on CHB and HBVLF. We emphasize CD4+ T-cell homeostasis and the important balance between regulatory T (Treg) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells. We discuss some cytokines associated with Treg and Th17 cells such as interleukin (IL)-17, IL-22, IL-21, IL-23, IL-10, IL-35 and IL-33, as well as surface molecules such as programmed cell death protein 1, cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4, T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 and cannabinoid receptor 2 that have potential therapeutic implications for the homeostasis of CD4+ T cells in CHB and HBVLF.
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25
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Kasztelan-Szczerbińska B, Surdacka A, Celiński K, Roliński J, Zwolak A, Miącz S, Szczerbiński M. Prognostic Significance of the Systemic Inflammatory and Immune Balance in Alcoholic Liver Disease with a Focus on Gender-Related Differences. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128347. [PMID: 26107937 PMCID: PMC4480424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Mechanisms of immune regulation in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are still unclear. The aim of our study was to determine an impact of Th17 / regulatory T (Treg) cells balance and its corresponding cytokine profile on the ALD outcome. Possible gender-related differences in the alcohol-induced inflammatory response were also assessed. Materials and Methods 147 patients with ALD were prospectively recruited, assigned to subgroups based on their gender, severity of liver dysfunction and presence of ALD complications at admission, and followed for 90 days. Peripheral blood frequencies of Th17 and Treg cells together with IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-23, and TGF-beta1 levels were investigated. Flow cytometry was used to identify T cell phenotype and immunoenzymatic ELISAs for the corresponding cytokine concentrations assessment. Multivariable logistic regression was applied in order to select independent predictors of advanced liver dysfunction and the disease complications. Results IL-17A, IL-1beta, IL-6 levels were significantly increased, while TGF-beta1 decreased in ALD patients. The imbalance with significantly higher Th17 and lower Treg frequencies was observed in non-survivors. IL-6 and TGF-beta1 levels differed in relation to patient gender in ALD group. Concentrations of IL-6 were associated with the severity of liver dysfunction, development of ALD complications, and turned out to be the only independent immune predictor of 90-day survival in the study cohort. Conclusions We conclude that IL-6 revealed the highest diagnostic and prognostic potential among studied biomarkers and was related to the fatal ALD course. Gender-related differences in immune regulation might influence the susceptibility to alcohol-associated liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agata Surdacka
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Celiński
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Roliński
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Sławomir Miącz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Provincial Specialist Hospital, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mariusz Szczerbiński
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Lu DH, Guo XY, Qin SY, Luo W, Huang XL, Chen M, Wang JX, Ma SJ, Yang XW, Jiang HX. Interleukin-22 ameliorates liver fibrogenesis by attenuating hepatic stellate cell activation and downregulating the levels of inflammatory cytokines. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:1531-45. [PMID: 25663772 PMCID: PMC4316095 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i5.1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effect of interleukin (IL)-22 on hepatic fibrosis in mice and the possible mechanism involved. METHODS Liver fibrosis was induced in male BALB/c mice by CCl₄. Recombinant IL-22 (rmIL-22) was administered intraperitoneally in CCl₄-treated mice. Fibrosis was assessed by histology and Masson staining. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was investigated by analysis of α-smooth muscle actin expression. The frequencies of T helper (Th) 22 cells, Th17 cells and Th1 cells, the expression of inflammatory cytokines [IL-22, IL-17A, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-1β] and transcription factors [aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), RAR-related orphan receptor (RORγt), T-bet] mRNA in the liver were investigated. In addition, the plasma levels of IL-22, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were evaluated. RESULTS Significant elevations in circulating Th22 cells, Th17 cells, Th1 cells, IL-22, IL-17A, and IFN-γ were observed in the hepatic fibrosis group compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Treatment with rmIL-22 in mice with hepatic fibrosis ameliorated the severity of hepatic fibrosis, which was confirmed by lower hepatic fibrosis pathological scores (P < 0.01). RmIL-22 decreased the frequencies of Th22 cells (6.71% ± 0.97% vs 8.09% ± 0.74%, P < 0.01), Th17 cells (4.34% ± 0.37% vs 5.71% ± 0.24%, P < 0.01), Th1 cells (3.09% ± 0.49% vs 4.91% ± 0.73%, P < 0.01), and the levels of IL-22 (56.23 ± 3.08 vs 70.29 ± 3.01, P < 0.01), IL-17A (30.74 ± 2.77 vs 45.68 ± 2.71, P < 0.01), and IFN-γ (74.78 ± 2.61 vs 124.89 ± 2.82, P < 0.01). Down-regulation of IL-22, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, AHR RORγt, and T-bet gene expression in the liver was observed in the rmIL-22 group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The frequencies of Th22, Th17 and Th1 cells are elevated in hepatic fibrosis. RmIL-22 can attenuate HSC activation and down-regulate the levels of inflammatory cytokines, thereby ameliorating liver fibrogenesis.
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