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Michalak A, Lach T, Szczygieł K, Cichoż-Lach H. COVID-19, Possible Hepatic Pathways and Alcohol Abuse-What Do We Know up to 2023? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2212. [PMID: 38396888 PMCID: PMC10888568 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042212] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The pandemic period due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) revolutionized all possible areas of global health. Significant consequences were also related to diverse extrapulmonary manifestations of this pathology. The liver was found to be a relatively common organ, beyond the respiratory tract, affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Multiple studies revealed the essential role of chronic liver disease (CLD) in the general outcome of coronavirus infection. Present concerns in this field are related to the direct hepatic consequences caused by COVID-19 and pre-existing liver disorders as risk factors for the severe course of the infection. Which mechanism has a key role in this phenomenon-previously existing hepatic disorder or acute liver failure due to SARS-CoV-2-is still not fully clarified. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) constitutes another not fully elucidated context of coronavirus infection. Should the toxic effects of ethanol or already developed liver cirrhosis and its consequences be perceived as a causative or triggering factor of hepatic impairment in COVID-19 patients? In the face of these discrepancies, we decided to summarize the role of the liver in the whole picture of coronavirus infection, paying special attention to ALD and focusing on the pathological pathways related to COVID-19, ethanol toxicity and liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Michalak
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Lach
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Karolina Szczygieł
- Clinical Dietetics Unit, Department of Bioanalytics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 7, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Halina Cichoż-Lach
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
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Casotto V, Amidei CB, Saia M, Gregori D, Zanetto A, Fedeli U, Russo FP. Mortality related to HCV and other chronic liver diseases in Veneto (Italy), 2008-2021: Changes in trends and age-period-cohort effects. Liver Int 2024; 44:559-565. [PMID: 38031995 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15798] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents on mortality related to chronic liver diseases (CLD). METHODS Age-standardized mortality rates were computed based on CLD as the underlying cause of death (UCOD) and as any mention in death certificates (multiple causes of death-MCOD). Time trends in age-standardized mortality rates were investigated using generalized estimation equation models. Additionally, we conducted age, period, and birth cohort (APC) analyses on CLD-related mortality associated with alcohol and hepatitis C virus (HCV). RESULTS Between 2008 and 2021, among residents in the Veneto region (Northeastern Italy) aged ≥35 years, there were 20 409 deaths based on the UCOD and 30 069 deaths based on MCOD from all CLD. We observed a 4% annual decline in age-standardized MCOD-based mortality throughout 2008-2021, with minor peaks corresponding to COVID-19 epidemic waves. Starting in 2016, the decline in HCV-related mortality accelerated further (p < .001). A peak in HCV-related mortality in the 1963-1967 birth cohort was observed, which levelled off by the end of the study period. Mortality related to alcoholic liver disease declined at a slower pace, becoming the most common aetiology mentioned in death certificates. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates a significant decrease in HCV-related mortality at the population level in Italy with the introduction of DAAs. Continuous monitoring of MCOD data is warranted to determine if this favourable trend will continue. Further studies utilizing additional health records are needed to clarify the role of other CLD etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mario Saia
- Clinical Governance, Azienda Zero, Padova, Italy
| | - Dario Gregori
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Zanetto
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ugo Fedeli
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco P Russo
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
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Weber J, Linti C, Lörch C, Weber M, Andt M, Schlensak C, Wendel HP, Doser M, Avci-Adali M. Combination of melt-electrospun poly-ε-caprolactone scaffolds and hepatocyte-like cells from footprint-free hiPSCs to create 3D biohybrid constructs for liver tissue engineering. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22174. [PMID: 38092880 PMCID: PMC10719291 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49117-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a vital organ with numerous functions, including metabolic functions, detoxification, and the synthesis of secretory proteins. The increasing prevalence of liver diseases requires the development of effective treatments, models, and regenerative approaches. The field of liver tissue engineering represents a significant advance in overcoming these challenges. In this study, 3D biohybrid constructs were created by combining hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) derived from patient-specific footprint-free human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and 3D melt-electrospun poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) scaffolds. First, a differentiation procedure was established to obtain autologous HCLs from hiPSCs reprogrammed from renal epithelial cells using self-replicating mRNA. The obtained cells expressed hepatocyte-specific markers and exhibited important hepatocyte functions, such as albumin synthesis, cytochrome P450 activity, glycogen storage, and indocyanine green metabolism. Biocompatible PCL scaffolds were fabricated by melt-electrospinning and seeded with pre-differentiated hepatoblasts, which uniformly attached to the fibers of the scaffolds and successfully matured into HLCs. The use of patient-specific, footprint-free hiPSC-derived HLCs represents a promising cell source for personalized liver regeneration strategies. In combination with biocompatible 3D scaffolds, this innovative approach has a broader range of applications spanning liver tissue engineering, drug testing and discovery, and disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefin Weber
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Carsten Linti
- Biomedical Engineering, German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf DITF, Körschtalstraße 26, 73770, Denkendorf, Germany
| | - Christiane Lörch
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marbod Weber
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Madelene Andt
- Biomedical Engineering, German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf DITF, Körschtalstraße 26, 73770, Denkendorf, Germany
| | - Christian Schlensak
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Hans Peter Wendel
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Michael Doser
- Biomedical Engineering, German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf DITF, Körschtalstraße 26, 73770, Denkendorf, Germany
| | - Meltem Avci-Adali
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Calwerstraße 7/1, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
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Kholodenko IV, Kholodenko RV, Yarygin KN. The Crosstalk between Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells and Hepatocytes in Homeostasis and under Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15212. [PMID: 37894893 PMCID: PMC10607347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015212] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases, characterized by high morbidity and mortality, represent a substantial medical problem globally. The current therapeutic approaches are mainly aimed at reducing symptoms and slowing down the progression of the diseases. Organ transplantation remains the only effective treatment method in cases of severe liver pathology. In this regard, the development of new effective approaches aimed at stimulating liver regeneration, both by activation of the organ's own resources or by different therapeutic agents that trigger regeneration, does not cease to be relevant. To date, many systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been published confirming the effectiveness of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) transplantation in the treatment of liver diseases of various severities and etiologies. However, despite the successful use of MSCs in clinical practice and the promising therapeutic results in animal models of liver diseases, the mechanisms of their protective and regenerative action remain poorly understood. Specifically, data about the molecular agents produced by these cells and mediating their therapeutic action are fragmentary and often contradictory. Since MSCs or MSC-like cells are found in all tissues and organs, it is likely that many key intercellular interactions within the tissue niches are dependent on MSCs. In this context, it is essential to understand the mechanisms underlying communication between MSCs and differentiated parenchymal cells of each particular tissue. This is important both from the perspective of basic science and for the development of therapeutic approaches involving the modulation of the activity of resident MSCs. With regard to the liver, the research is concentrated on the intercommunication between MSCs and hepatocytes under normal conditions and during the development of the pathological process. The goals of this review were to identify the key factors mediating the crosstalk between MSCs and hepatocytes and determine the possible mechanisms of interaction of the two cell types under normal and stressful conditions. The analysis of the hepatocyte-MSC interaction showed that MSCs carry out chaperone-like functions, including the synthesis of the supportive extracellular matrix proteins; prevention of apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis; support of regeneration; elimination of lipotoxicity and ER stress; promotion of antioxidant effects; and donation of mitochondria. The underlying mechanisms suggest very close interdependence, including even direct cytoplasm and organelle exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina V. Kholodenko
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Orekhovich Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Roman V. Kholodenko
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Konstantin N. Yarygin
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Orekhovich Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119121 Moscow, Russia
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