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Chen C, Cai H, Shen J, Zhang X, Peng W, Li C, Lv H, Wen T. Exploration of a hypoxia-immune-related microenvironment gene signature and prediction model for hepatitis C-induced early-stage fibrosis. J Transl Med 2024; 22:116. [PMID: 38287425 PMCID: PMC10826039 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04912-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in Western nations, primarily attributed to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Hypoxia and immune status have been reported to be significantly correlated with the progression of liver fibrosis. The current research aimed to investigate the gene signature related to the hypoxia-immune-related microenvironment and identify potential targets for liver fibrosis. METHOD Sequencing data obtained from GEO were employed to assess the hypoxia and immune status of the discovery set utilizing UMAP and ESTIMATE methods. The prognostic genes were screened utilizing the LASSO model. The infiltration level of 22 types of immune cells was quantified utilizing CIBERSORT, and a prognosis-predictive model was established based on the selected genes. The model was also verified using qRT-PCR with surgical resection samples and liver failure samples RNA-sequencing data. RESULTS Elevated hypoxia and immune status were linked to an unfavorable prognosis in HCV-induced early-stage liver fibrosis. Increased plasma and resting NK cell infiltration were identified as a risk factor for liver fibrosis progression. Additionally, CYP1A2, CBS, GSTZ1, FOXA1, WDR72 and UHMK1 were determined as hypoxia-immune-related protective genes. The combined model effectively predicted patient prognosis. Furthermore, the preliminary validation of clinical samples supported most of the conclusions drawn from this study. CONCLUSION The prognosis-predictive model developed using six hypoxia-immune-related genes effectively predicts the prognosis and progression of liver fibrosis. The current study opens new avenues for the future prediction and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuwen Chen
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Haozheng Cai
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Junyi Shen
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wei Peng
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chuan Li
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Haopeng Lv
- Department of General Surgery, ChengDu Shi Xinjin Qu Renmin Yiyuan: People's Hospital of Xinjin District, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianfu Wen
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Nishiwaki R, Imoto I, Oka S, Yasuma T, Fujimoto H, D'Alessandro-Gabazza CN, Toda M, Kobayashi T, Osamu H, Fujibe K, Nishikawa K, Hamaguchi T, Sugimasa N, Noji M, Ito Y, Takeuchi K, Cann I, Inoue Y, Kato T, Gabazza EC. Elevated plasma and bile levels of corisin, a microbiota-derived proapoptotic peptide, in patients with severe acute cholangitis. Gut Pathog 2023; 15:59. [PMID: 38037145 PMCID: PMC10688013 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-023-00587-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute cholangitis is a severe, life-threatening infection of the biliary system that requires early diagnosis and treatment. The Tokyo Guidelines recommend a combination of clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings for diagnosis and severity assessment, but there are still challenges in identifying severe cases that need immediate intervention. The microbiota and its derived products have been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute cholangitis. Corisin is a microbiome-derived peptide that induces cell apoptosis, acute tissue injury, and inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of plasma and bile corisin as a biomarker of acute cholangitis. METHODS Forty patients with acute cholangitis associated with choledocholithiasis or malignant disease were enrolled. Nine patients without acute cholangitis were used as controls. Corisin was measured by enzyme immunoassays in plasma and bile samples. Patients were classified into severe and non-severe groups. The associations of plasma and bile corisin with the clinical grade of acute cholangitis and other parameters were analyzed by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS Plasma and bile corisin levels were significantly higher in patients with acute cholangitis than in controls. Patients with severe acute cholangitis had significantly higher plasma and bile corisin levels than those with non-severe form of the disease. Bile corisin level was significantly correlated with markers of inflammation, coagulation, fibrinolysis, and renal function. Univariate analysis revealed a significant association of bile corisin but a weak association of plasma corisin with the clinical grade of acute cholangitis. In contrast, multivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between plasma corisin level and the disease clinical grade. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed low sensitivity but high specificity for plasma and bile corisin to detect the severity of acute cholangitis. The plasma and bile corisin sensitivity was increased when serum C-reactive protein level was included in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these findings suggest that plasma and bile corisin levels may be useful biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring acute cholangitis and that corisin may play a role in the pathophysiology of the disease by modulating inflammatory, coagulation and renal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Nishiwaki
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Doshinkai Tohyama Hospital, Minamishinmachi 17-22, Tsu, Mie, 514-0043, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Doshinkai Tohyama Hospital, Minamishinmachi 17-22, Tsu, Mie, 514-0043, Japan
| | - Ichiro Imoto
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Doshinkai Tohyama Hospital, Minamishinmachi 17-22, Tsu, Mie, 514-0043, Japan
| | - Satoko Oka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Doshinkai Tohyama Hospital, Minamishinmachi 17-22, Tsu, Mie, 514-0043, Japan
| | - Taro Yasuma
- Microbiome Research Center, Mie University, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
- Department of Immunology, Mie University Faculty and Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University Hospital, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Hajime Fujimoto
- Microbiome Research Center, Mie University, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mie University Faculty and Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University Hospital, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Corina N D'Alessandro-Gabazza
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (Microbiome Metabolic Engineering), University of IL at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Immunology, Mie University Faculty and Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University Hospital, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Masaaki Toda
- Department of Immunology, Mie University Faculty and Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University Hospital, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Tetsu Kobayashi
- Microbiome Research Center, Mie University, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mie University Faculty and Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University Hospital, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Hataji Osamu
- Respiratory Center, Matsusaka Municipal Hospital, Tonomachi1550, Matsusaka, Mie, 515-8544, Japan
| | - Kodai Fujibe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Matsusaka Municipal Hospital, Tonomachi1550, Matsusaka, Mie, 515-8544, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Nishikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Matsusaka Municipal Hospital, Tonomachi1550, Matsusaka, Mie, 515-8544, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hamaguchi
- Department of Surgery, Doshinkai Tohyama Hospital, Minamishinmachi 17-22, Tsu, Mie, 514-0043, Japan
| | - Natsuko Sugimasa
- Department of Surgery, Doshinkai Tohyama Hospital, Minamishinmachi 17-22, Tsu, Mie, 514-0043, Japan
| | - Midori Noji
- Department of Surgery, Doshinkai Tohyama Hospital, Minamishinmachi 17-22, Tsu, Mie, 514-0043, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Ito
- Department of Surgery, Doshinkai Tohyama Hospital, Minamishinmachi 17-22, Tsu, Mie, 514-0043, Japan
| | - Kenji Takeuchi
- Department of Surgery, Doshinkai Tohyama Hospital, Minamishinmachi 17-22, Tsu, Mie, 514-0043, Japan
| | - Isaac Cann
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (Microbiome Metabolic Engineering), University of IL at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Microbiology, The University of IL at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Animal Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Inoue
- Department of Surgery, Doshinkai Tohyama Hospital, Minamishinmachi 17-22, Tsu, Mie, 514-0043, Japan
| | - Toshio Kato
- Department of Surgery, Doshinkai Tohyama Hospital, Minamishinmachi 17-22, Tsu, Mie, 514-0043, Japan
| | - Esteban C Gabazza
- Microbiome Research Center, Mie University, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (Microbiome Metabolic Engineering), University of IL at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Immunology, Mie University Faculty and Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University Hospital, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
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Ma X, Zhou W, Nie Y, Jing X, Li S, Jin C, Zhu A, Su J, Liao W, Ding K. A novel branched galacturonan from Gardenia jasminoides alleviates liver fibrosis linked to TLR4/NF-κB signaling. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125540. [PMID: 37355063 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Gardenia jasminoides (GJ) is a classic edible medicine in China of which the fruit has been proved to alleviate liver damage. We hypothesized whether polysaccharide in the fruit could have comparable bioactivity. To address this, a novel polysaccharide GJE0.2-2, is purified from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides. Indeed, GJE0.2-2 may attenuate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice and impede the expression of critical fibrogenesis associated molecules such as α-SMA, FN1, and Collagen I induced by TGF-β in human hepatic stellate LX-2 cells. Mechanism studies suggest that this bioactivity may be implicated in TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway via directly binding to TLR4. The structure characterization shows that the backbone of this polysaccharide is mainly composed of galacturonic acid with minor rhamnose, branched with galactose and arabinose, galacturonic acid, and esterified hexenuronic acid (HexpA). These findings provide evidence for a novel pectin-linked polysaccharide-based new drug candidate development for liver fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Ma
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wanqi Zhou
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China; Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yingmin Nie
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoqi Jing
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Saijuan Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China; Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Can Jin
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China; Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, SSIP Healthcare and Medicine Demonstration Zone, Zhongshan Tsuihang New District, Zhongshan, Guangdong 528400, China
| | - Anming Zhu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China; Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Juan Su
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenfeng Liao
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Kan Ding
- Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, SSIP Healthcare and Medicine Demonstration Zone, Zhongshan Tsuihang New District, Zhongshan, Guangdong 528400, China.
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Chen C, Chen J, Wang Y, Fang L, Guo C, Sang T, Peng H, Zhao Q, Chen S, Lin X, Wang X. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide inhibits HSC activation and liver fibrosis via targeting inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and ECM-receptor interaction mediated by TGF-β/Smad signaling. Phytomedicine 2023; 110:154626. [PMID: 36603342 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) has many biological properties, however, the anti-fibrosis effect of GLP is unknown at present. PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the anti-fibrogenic effect of GLP and its underlying molecular mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. STUDY DESIGN Both CCl4-induced mouse and TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cellular models of fibrosis were established to examine the anti-fibrogenic effect of a water-soluble GLP (25 kDa) extracted from the sporoderm-removed spores of G. lucidum.. METHOD Serum markers of liver injury, histology and fibrosis of liver tissues, and collagen formation were examined using an automatic biochemical analyzer, H&E staining, Sirius red staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR. RNA-sequencing, enrichment pathway analysis, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry were employed to identify the potential molecular targets and signaling pathways that are responsible for the anti-fibrotic effect of GLP. RESULTS We showed that GLP (150 and 300 mg/kg) significantly inhibited hepatic fibrogenesis and inflammation in CCl4-treated mice as mediated by the TLR4/NF-κB/MyD88 signaling pathway. We further demonstrated that GLP significantly inhibited hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation in mice and in TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cells as manifested by reduced collagen I and a-SMA expressions. RNA-sequencing uncovered inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, ECM-receptor interaction, TLR4/NF-κB, and TGF-β/Smad signalings as major pathways suppressed by GLP administration. Further studies demonstrated that GLP elicits anti-fibrotic actions that are associated with a novel dual effect on apoptosis in vivo (inhibit) or in vitro (promote), suppression of cell cycle in vivo, induction of S phase arrest in vitro, and attenuation of ECM-receptor interaction-associated molecule expressions including integrins ITGA6 and ITGA8. Furthermore, GLP significantly inhibited the TGF-β/Smad signaling in mice, and reduced TGF-β1 or its agonist SRI-011381-induced Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylations, but increased Samd7 expression in HSC-T6 cells. CONCLUSION This study provides the first evidence that GLP could be a promising dietary strategy for treating liver fibrosis, which protects against liver fibrosis and HSC activation through targeting inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and ECM-receptor interactions that are mediated by TGF-β/Smad signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojie Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Jiajun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Liu Fang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Cuiling Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Tingting Sang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - He Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Qian Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Shengjia Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Xiaojian Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Xingya Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China.
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Zhang J, Zao X, Zhang J, Guo Z, Jin Q, Chen G, Gan D, Du H, Ye Y. Is it possible to intervene early cirrhosis by targeting toll-like receptors to rebalance the intestinal microbiome? Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 115:109627. [PMID: 36577151 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver disease caused by one or more causes and characterized by diffuse fibrosis, pseudolobules, and regenerated nodules. Once progression to hepatic decompensation, the function of the liver and other organs is impaired and almost impossible to reverse and recover, which often results in hospitalization, impaired quality of life, and high mortality. However, in the early stage of cirrhosis, there seems to be a possibility of cirrhosis reversal. The development of cirrhosis is related to the intestinal microbiota and activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs) pathways, which could regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, expression of the hepatomitogen epiregulin, and liver inflammation. Targeting regulation of intestinal microbiota and TLRs pathways could affect the occurrence and development of cirrhosis and its complications. In this paper, we first reviewed the dynamic change of intestinal microbiota and TLRs during cirrhosis progression. And further discussed the interaction between them and potential therapeutic targets to reverse early staged cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobin Zao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziwei Guo
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Jin
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Da'nan Gan
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbo Du
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yong'an Ye
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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Qin X, Wang X, Tian M, Dong Z, Wang J, Wang C, Huang Q. The role of Andrographolide in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. Phytomedicine 2023; 109:154537. [PMID: 36610122 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence or absence of damage to the liver organ is crucial to a person's health. Nutritional disorders, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse are the main causes of liver disease. Liver transplantation is the last irrevocable option for liver disease and has become a serious economic burden worldwide. Andrographolide (AP) is one of the main active ingredients of Herba Andrographitis. It has several biological activities and has been reported to have protective and therapeutic effects against liver diseases. Earlier literature has been written on AP's role in treating inflammation and other diseases, and there has not been a systematic review on liver diseases. This review is dedicated to sorting out the research results of AP against liver diseases. Pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and nanotechnology to improve bioavailability are discussed. Finally, an outlook and assessment of its future are provided. METHODS Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. PubMed and web of Science databases were used to search all relevant literature on AP for liver disease up to 2022. RESULTS Studies have shown that AP plays an important role in different liver disease phenotypes, mainly through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. AP regulates HO-1 and inhibits hepatitis virus replication. It affects the NF-κB pathway, downregulates inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and reduces liver damage. In preventing liver fibrosis, AP inhibits angiogenesis and activation of hepatic stellate cells and reduces oxidative stress involved in the Nrf2 and TGF-β1/Smad pathways. In addition, AP impedes the development of liver cancer by promoting apoptosis and autonomous phagocytosis in a cell-dependent way. Interestingly, miRNAs are involved in the therapeutic process of liver cancer and hepatic fibrosis. The poor solubility of AP limits the development of dosage forms. Therefore, the advent of nanoformulations has improved bioavailability. Although the effect of AP is dose- and time-dependent, the magnitude of its toxicity is not negligible. Some clinical trials have shown that AP has mild side effects. CONCLUSIONS AP, as an effective natural product, has a good effect on the liver disease through multiple pathways and targets. However, the dose reaches a certain level, leading to its toxicity and side effects. For better clinical application of AP, high-quality clinical and toxic intervention mechanisms are needed to validate current studies. In addition, modulation of miRNA-mediated hepatocellular carcinoma and liver fibrosis and synergistic action with drugs may be the future focus of AP. In conclusion, AP can be regarded as an important candidate for treating different liver diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, No.1166, Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, PR. China; College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166, Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, PR. China
| | - Xi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, No.1166, Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, PR. China; College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166, Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, PR. China
| | - Maoying Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, No.1166, Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, PR. China; College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166, Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, PR. China
| | - Zhaowei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, No.1166, Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, PR. China; College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166, Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, PR. China
| | - Jin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, No.1166, Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, PR. China; College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166, Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, PR. China
| | - Chao Wang
- Sichuan Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, No.51, Section 4, Renmin South Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610042, PR. China.
| | - Qinwan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, No.1166, Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, PR. China; College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166, Liutai Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, PR. China.
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7
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Simbrunner B, Villesen IF, Königshofer P, Scheiner B, Bauer D, Paternostro R, Schwabl P, Timelthaler G, Ramazanova D, Wöran K, Stift J, Eigenbauer E, Stättermayer AF, Marculescu R, Pinter M, Møller S, Trauner M, Karsdal M, Leeming DJ, Reiberger T, Mandorfer M. Systemic inflammation is linked to liver fibrogenesis in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. Liver Int 2022; 42:2501-2512. [PMID: 35822301 PMCID: PMC9804351 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Experimental evidence indicates that systemic inflammation (SI) promotes liver fibrogenesis. This study investigated the potential link between SI and fibrogenesis in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). METHODS Serum biomarkers of SI (CRP, IL-6, procalcitonin [PCT]) and extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover (i.e., fibrogenesis/fibrolysis) were analysed in 215 prospectively recruited patients with ACLD (hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] ≥6 mm Hg) undergoing hepatic vein catheterization. Patients with non-elective hospitalization or bacterial infection were excluded. Histological alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) area was quantified on full biopsy scans by automated morphometric quantification in a subset of 34 patients who underwent concomitant transjugular liver biopsy. RESULTS Histological α-SMA proportionate area correlated with enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score (Spearman's ρ = 0.660, p < .001), markers of collagen formation (PRO-C3, ρ = 0.717, p < .001; PRO-C6, ρ = 0.526, p = .002) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP1; ρ = 0.547, p < .001), indicating that these blood biomarkers are capable of reflecting the dynamic process of ECM turnover. CRP, IL-6 and PCT levels correlated with ELF, biomarkers of collagen synthesis/degradation and TIMP1, both in compensated and decompensated patients. Multivariate linear regression models (adjusted for HVPG) confirmed that CRP, IL-6 and PCT were independently linked to markers of liver fibrogenesis and ECM turnover. CONCLUSION Systemic inflammation is linked to both liver fibrogenesis and ECM turnover in ACLD and this association is not confounded by the severity of liver disease, as evaluated by HVPG. Our study confirms experimental data on the detrimental impact of SI on ECM deposition and fibrosis progression in a thoroughly characterized cohort of patients with ACLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria.,CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ida Falk Villesen
- Nordic Bioscience, Herlev, Denmark.,University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Philipp Königshofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria.,CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Bauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rafael Paternostro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria.,CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald Timelthaler
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dariga Ramazanova
- Section for Medical Statistics, CeMSIIS, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Wöran
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Stift
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernst Eigenbauer
- IT Systems and Communications, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Albert Friedrich Stättermayer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodrig Marculescu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Søren Møller
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria.,CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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8
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Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) comprise a minor cell population in the liver but serve numerous critical functions in the normal liver and in response to injury. HSCs are primarily known for their activation upon liver injury and for producing the collagen-rich extracellular matrix in liver fibrosis. In the absence of liver injury, HSCs reside in a quiescent state, in which their main function appears to be the storage of retinoids or vitamin A-containing metabolites. Less appreciated functions of HSCs include amplifying the hepatic inflammatory response and expressing growth factors that are critical for liver development and both the initiation and termination of liver regeneration. Recent single-cell RNA sequencing studies have corroborated earlier studies indictaing that HSC activation involves a diverse array of phenotypic alterations and identified unique HSC populations. This review serves to highlight these many functions of HSCs, and to briefly describe the recent genetic tools that will help to thoroughly investigate the role of HSCs in hepatic physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakota R. Kamm
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Saint Louis University School of Medicine St. Louis MO
| | - Kyle S. McCommis
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Saint Louis University School of Medicine St. Louis MO
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9
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Wang CI, Chu PM, Chen YL, Lin YH, Chen CY. Chemotherapeutic Drug-Regulated Cytokines Might Influence Therapeutic Efficacy in HCC. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413627. [PMID: 34948424 PMCID: PMC8707970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Processes involved in HCC progression and development, including cell transformation, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, are inflammation-associated carcinogenic processes because most cases of HCC develop from chronic liver damage and inflammation. Inflammation has been demonstrated to be a crucial factor inducing tumor development in various cancers, including HCC. Cytokines play critical roles in inflammation to accelerate tumor invasion and metastasis by mediating the migration of immune cells into damaged tissues in response to proinflammatory stimuli. Currently, surgical resection followed by chemotherapy is the most common curative therapeutic regimen for HCC. However, after chemotherapy, drug resistance is clearly observed, and cytokine secretion is dysregulated. Various chemotherapeutic agents, including cisplatin, etoposide, and 5-fluorouracil, demonstrate even lower efficacy in HCC than in other cancers. Tumor resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs is the key limitation of curative treatment and is responsible for treatment failure and recurrence, thus limiting the ability to treat patients with advanced HCC. Therefore, the capability to counteract drug resistance would be a major clinical advancement. In this review, we provide an overview of links between chemotherapeutic agents and inflammatory cytokine secretion in HCC. These links might provide insight into overcoming inflammatory reactions and cytokine secretion, ultimately counteracting chemotherapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-I Wang
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Pei-Ming Chu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Li Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Yang-Hsiang Lin
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Yi Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +886-6-2353535 (ext. 5329)
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10
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Gibert-Ramos A, Sanfeliu-Redondo D, Aristu-Zabalza P, Martínez-Alcocer A, Gracia-Sancho J, Guixé-Muntet S, Fernández-Iglesias A. The Hepatic Sinusoid in Chronic Liver Disease: The Optimal Milieu for Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5719. [PMID: 34830874 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary During the development of chronic liver disease, the hepatic sinusoid undergoes major changes that further compromise the hepatic function, inducing persistent inflammation and the formation of scar tissue, together with alterations in liver hemodynamics. This diseased background may induce the formation and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most common form of primary liver cancer and a major cause of mortality. In this review, we describe the ways in which the dysregulation of hepatic sinusoidal cells—including liver sinusoidal cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells—may have an important role in the development of HCC. Our review summarizes all of the known sinusoidal processes in both health and disease, and possible treatments focusing on the dysregulation of the sinusoid; finally, we discuss how some of these alterations occurring during chronic injury are shared with the pathology of HCC and may contribute to its development. Abstract The liver sinusoids are a unique type of microvascular beds. The specialized phenotype of sinusoidal cells is essential for their communication, and for the function of all hepatic cell types, including hepatocytes. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) conform the inner layer of the sinusoids, which is permeable due to the fenestrae across the cytoplasm; hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) surround LSECs, regulate the vascular tone, and synthetize the extracellular matrix, and Kupffer cells (KCs) are the liver-resident macrophages. Upon injury, the harmonic equilibrium in sinusoidal communication is disrupted, leading to phenotypic alterations that may affect the function of the whole liver if the damage persists. Understanding how the specialized sinusoidal cells work in coordination with each other in healthy livers and chronic liver disease is of the utmost importance for the discovery of new therapeutic targets and the design of novel pharmacological strategies. In this manuscript, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of sinusoidal cells and their communication both in health and chronic liver diseases, and their potential pharmacologic modulation. Finally, we discuss how alterations occurring during chronic injury may contribute to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, which is usually developed in the background of chronic liver disease.
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11
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Panwar A, Das P, Tan LP. 3D Hepatic Organoid-Based Advancements in LIVER Tissue Engineering. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:185. [PMID: 34821751 PMCID: PMC8615121 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8110185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver-associated diseases and tissue engineering approaches based on in vitro culture of functional Primary human hepatocytes (PHH) had been restricted by the rapid de-differentiation in 2D culture conditions which restricted their usability. It was proven that cells growing in 3D format can better mimic the in vivo microenvironment, and thus help in maintaining metabolic activity, phenotypic properties, and longevity of the in vitro cultures. Again, the culture method and type of cell population are also recognized as important parameters for functional maintenance of primary hepatocytes. Hepatic organoids formed by self-assembly of hepatic cells are microtissues, and were able to show long-term in vitro maintenance of hepato-specific characteristics. Thus, hepatic organoids were recognized as an effective tool for screening potential cures and modeling liver diseases effectively. The current review summarizes the importance of 3D hepatic organoid culture over other conventional 2D and 3D culture models and its applicability in Liver tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Panwar
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore;
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Institute of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Lucknow-Deva Road Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh 225003, India
| | - Prativa Das
- The Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA;
| | - Lay Poh Tan
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore;
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP), Singapore 639798, Singapore
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12
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Bolourani S, Brenner M, Wang P. The interplay of DAMPs, TLR4, and proinflammatory cytokines in pulmonary fibrosis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021. [PMID: 34258628 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02113-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic debilitating condition characterized by progressive deposition of connective tissue, leading to a steady restriction of lung elasticity, a decline in lung function, and a median survival of 4.5 years. The leading causes of pulmonary fibrosis are inhalation of foreign particles (such as silicosis and pneumoconiosis), infections (such as post COVID-19), autoimmune diseases (such as systemic autoimmune diseases of the connective tissue), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The therapeutics currently available for pulmonary fibrosis only modestly slow the progression of the disease. This review is centered on the interplay of damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-17) as they contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, and the possible avenues to develop effective therapeutics that disrupt this interplay.
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13
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis occurs in response to any etiology of chronic liver injury. Lack of appropriate clinical intervention will lead to liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), seriously affecting the quality of life of patients, but the current clinical treatments of liver fibrosis have not been developed yet. Recent studies have shown that hypoxia is a key factor promoting the progression of liver fibrosis. Hypoxia can cause liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis can, in turn, profoundly further deepen the degree of hypoxia. Therefore, exploring the role of hypoxia in liver fibrosis will help to further understand the process of liver fibrosis, and provide the theoretical basis for its diagnosis and treatment, which is of great significance to avoid further deterioration of liver diseases and protect the life and health of patients. This review highlights the recent advances in cellular and molecular mechanisms of hypoxia in developments of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiyang Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeng Ling
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
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14
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Abstract
TREM1 and TREM2 are members of the triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) family. Both TREM1 and TREM2 are immunoglobulin superfamily receptors. Their main function is to identify foreign antigens and toxic substances, thereby adjusting the inflammatory response. In the liver, TREM1 and TREM2 are expressed on non-parenchymal cells, such as liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells, and cells which infiltrate the liver in response to injury including monocyte-derived macrophages and neutrophils. The function of TREM1 and TREM2 in inflammatory response depends on Toll-like receptor 4. TREM1 mainly augments inflammation during acute inflammation, while TREM2 mainly inhibits chronic inflammation to protect the liver from pathological changes. Chronic inflammation often induces metabolic abnormalities, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis. The above physiological changes lead to liver-related diseases, such as liver injury, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we review the function of TREM1 and TREM2 in different liver diseases based on inflammation, providing a more comprehensive perspective for the treatment of liver-related diseases.
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15
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Sharma A, Verma AK, Kofron M, Kudira R, Miethke A, Wu T, Wang J, Gandhi CR. Lipopolysaccharide Reverses Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation Through Modulation of cMyb, Small Mothers Against Decapentaplegic, and CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein C/EBP Transcription Factors. Hepatology 2020; 72:1800-1818. [PMID: 32064648 PMCID: PMC8009050 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS During liver injury, quiescent hepatic stellate cells (qHSCs) transdifferentiate into proliferative and fibrogenic activated myofibroblastic phenotype (activated hepatic stellate cell; aHSCs) expressing smooth muscle α-actin (αSMA) and platelet-derived growth factor beta receptor (PDGFβR). Their interactions with gut-derived bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are implicated in hepatic fibrogenesis. However, LPS can also attenuate fibrogenic characteristics of aHSCs. APPROACH AND RESULTS We examined molecular mechanisms of antifibrogenic effects of LPS on aHSCs in vitro and in vivo. Culture-activated rat HSCs were exposed to 0-100 ng/mL of LPS or its active component, diphosphoryl-lipid A (DPLA), and parameters of fibrosis and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines were determined by qRT-PCR, western, and immunohistochemical analyses. In vivo, HSCs were activated by repeated CCl4 administration to rats every 3 days for 3 or 8 weeks, then challenged with LPS (5 mg/kg; IP). HSCs were isolated 24 hours later, and fibrogenic/inflammatory parameters were analyzed. LPS induced phenotypic changes in aHSCs (rounding, size reduction) and loss of proliferation. LPS down-regulated expression of αSMA, PDGFβR, transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFβR1), collagen 1α1 (Col1α1), and fibronectin while up-regulating tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 expression. LPS did not increase peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor gamma expression or lipid accumulation typical of qHSCs. DPLA elicited the same effects as LPS on aHSCs, indicating specificity, and monophosphoryl lipid A down-regulated fibrogenic markers, but elicited very weak inflammatory response. LPS down-regulated the expression of cMyb, a transcription factor for αSMA, and up-regulated small mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD)7 and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)δ, the transcriptional inhibitors of Col1α1 expression. In vivo LPS treatment of aHSCs inhibited their proliferation, down-regulated PDGFβR, αSMA, TGFβR1, Col1α1, and cMyb expression, and increased expression of SMAD7, C/EBPα, and C/EBPδ. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, LPS induces a unique phenotype in aHSCs associated with down-regulation of key fibrogenic mechanisms and thus may have an important role in limiting fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Sharma
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatries, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH,Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Alok K. Verma
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatries, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH,Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Matthew Kofron
- Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatries, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Ramesh Kudira
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatries, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Alexander Miethke
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatries, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Jiang Wang
- Deparment of Pathology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Chandrashekhar R. Gandhi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatries, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH,Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
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16
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Yue Y, Liu X, Li Y, Xia B, Yu W. The role of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in periodontitis-induced liver inflammation of rats. Oral Dis 2020; 27:1012-1021. [PMID: 32853444 PMCID: PMC8247295 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to clarify the immune mechanism of hepatic injury induced by periodontitis using a rat model. METHODS Twenty-four SPF male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group (CG) and periodontitis group (PG). In order to induce experimental periodontitis, we tied the wire ligature around bilateral maxillary first molar of rats. After 8 weeks, the following indicators were valued: gingival index, tooth mobility, probing pocket depth; indexes about oxidative stress and circulating biomarkers; bone retraction by micro-CT analysis; Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differential protein-88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) by qRT-PCR and Western blotting; tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining; inflammation of periodontal and hepatic tissues by histopathological observation. RESULTS Periodontal indicators and micro-CT results showed the raised levels of inflammatory response and bone retraction in PG compared with CG. The mRNA and protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6 have indicated high values in PG versus CG. Histopathological analysis revealed a correlation between periodontitis and hepatic injury. CONCLUSION TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway may play a role in periodontitis-induced liver inflammation of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyun Yue
- Department of Periodontology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinchan Liu
- Department of Geriatric Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Periodontology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Boyuan Xia
- Department of Periodontology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Weixian Yu
- Department of Geriatric Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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17
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Liao X, Zhan W, Tian T, Yu L, Li R, Yang Q. MicroRNA-326 attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by inhibiting TLR4 signaling. J Cell Biochem 2020; 121:3794-3803. [PMID: 31692098 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a chronic inflammatory and reversible repair reaction of the liver under the continuous action of virus or various injuries. In this study, we aimed at identifying the role of miR-326 in the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis and its potential mechanism. In this study, the liver fibrosis mouse model was developed by injecting CCl4 . Liver tissue morphology was observed and the expression level of α-smooth muscle actin, collagen1α1 and miR-326 was measured. Target gene identification was performed by loss-of-function and gain-of-function. The effect of miR-326 on the expression level of the cytokines associated with the TLR4/MyD88/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway was assessed in vitro and in vivo. We show that miR-326 was downregulated in CCl4 -induced fibrotic mice and activated HSCs. The target gene of miR-326 is TLR4. Moreover, miR-326 inhibited the activation of HSCs in vitro through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling. miR-326 attenuated hepatic fibrosis and inflammation of CCl4 -induced mice in vivo. Our results demonstrate for the first time that miR-326 inhibits HSC activation through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, miR-326 plays critical roles in attenuating liver fibrosis and inflammation, suggesting the therapeutic potential of miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liao
- Department of Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Wei Zhan
- Surgery of Colorectal, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Doctoral Graduate Student of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Pathology, Guiyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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18
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Fuchs S, Yusta B, Baggio LL, Varin EM, Matthews D, Drucker DJ. Loss of Glp2r signaling activates hepatic stellate cells and exacerbates diet-induced steatohepatitis in mice. JCI Insight 2020; 5:136907. [PMID: 32191643 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.136907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analog is used in individuals with intestinal failure who are at risk for liver disease, yet the hepatic actions of GLP-2 are not understood. Treatment of high-fat diet-fed (HFD-fed) mice with GLP-2 did not modify the development of hepatosteatosis or hepatic inflammation. In contrast, Glp2r-/- mice exhibited increased hepatic lipid accumulation, deterioration in glucose tolerance, and upregulation of biomarkers of hepatic inflammation. Both mouse and human liver expressed the canonical GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R), and hepatic Glp2r expression was upregulated in mice with hepatosteatosis. Cell fractionation localized the Glp2r to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and markers of HSC activation and fibrosis were increased in livers of Glp2r-/- mice. Moreover, GLP-2 directly modulated gene expression in isolated HSCs ex vivo. Taken together, these findings define an essential role for the GLP-2R in hepatic adaptation to nutrient excess and unveil a gut hormone-HSC axis, linking GLP-2R signaling to control of HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai Fuchs
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,The Hospital for Sick Children and
| | - Bernardo Yusta
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laurie L Baggio
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elodie M Varin
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dianne Matthews
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel J Drucker
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Bhattacharyya S. Inflammation During Virus Infection: Swings and Roundabouts. Dynamics of Immune Activation in Viral Diseases 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-1045-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation constitutes a concerted series of cellular and molecular responses that follow disturbance of systemic homeostasis, by either toxins or infectious organisms. Leukocytes modulate inflammation through production of secretory mediators, like cytokines and chemokines, which work in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner. These mediators can either promote or attenuate the inflammatory response and depending on differential temporal and spatial expression play a crucial role in the outcome of infection. Even though the objective is clearance of the pathogen with minimum damage to host, the pathogenesis of multiple human pathogenic viruses has been suggested to emanate from a dysregulation of the inflammatory response, sometimes with fatal consequences. This review discusses the nature and the outcome of inflammatory response, which is triggered in the human host subsequent to infection by single-sense plus-strand RNA viruses. In view of such harmful effects of a dysregulated inflammatory response, an exogenous regulation of these reactions by either interference or supplementation of critical regulators has been suggested. Currently multiple such factors are being tested for their beneficial and adverse effects. A successful use of such an approach in diseases of viral etiology can potentially protect the affected individual without directly affecting the virus life cycle. Further, such approaches whenever applicable would be useful in mitigating death and/or debility that is caused by the infection of those viruses which have proven particularly difficult to control by either prophylactic vaccines and/or therapeutic strategies using specific antiviral drugs.
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20
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Li Y, Wang C, Lu J, Huang K, Han Y, Chen J, Yang Y, Liu B. PPAR δ inhibition protects against palmitic acid-LPS induced lipidosis and injury in cultured hepatocyte L02 cell. Int J Med Sci 2019; 16:1593-1603. [PMID: 31839747 PMCID: PMC6909814 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.37677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, and its pathogenesis and mechanism are intricate. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the role of PPAR δ in LPS associated NAFLD and to investigate the signal transduction pathways underlying PPAR δ treatment in vitro. Material and Methods: L02 cells were exposed to palmitic acid (PA) and/or LPS in the absence or presence of PPAR δ inhibition and/or activation. Results: LPS treatment markedly increased lipid deposition, FFA contents, IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and cell apoptosis in PA treatment (NAFLD model). PPAR δ inhibition protects L02 cells against LPS-induced lipidosis and injury. Conversely, the result of PPAR δ activation showed the reverse trend. LPS+PA treatment group significantly decreases the relative expression level of IRS-1, PI3K, AKT, phosphorylation of AKT, TLR-4, MyD88, phosphorylation of IKKα, NF-κB, Bcl-2 and increases the relative expression level of Bax, cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 8, compared with the cells treated with NAFLD model. PPAR δ inhibition upregulated the related proteins' expression level in insulin resistance and inflammation pathway and downregulated apoptotic relevant proteins. Instead, PPAR δ agonist showed the reverse trend. Conclusion: Our data show that PPAR δ inhibition reduces steatosis, inflammation and apoptosis in LPS-related NAFLD damage, in vitro. PPAR δ may be a potential therapeutic implication for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chenwei Wang
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiyuan Lu
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ke Huang
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yu Han
- College of Life Science & Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junlin Chen
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bin Liu
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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22
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Abstract
The article provides an overview of modern views on the role of intestinal microbiota in the formation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The general questions of the pathogenesis of the syndrome of excessive bacterial growth in the intestine, the participation of opportunistic microflora, the deficit of representatives of normal microflora, changes in the species composition of bile acids in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are considered.
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23
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Parola M, Pinzani M. Liver fibrosis: Pathophysiology, pathogenetic targets and clinical issues. Mol Aspects Med. 2019;65:37-55. [PMID: 30213667 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 551] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The progression of chronic liver diseases (CLD), irrespective of etiology, involves chronic parenchymal injury, persistent activation of inflammatory response as well as sustained activation of liver fibrogenesis and wound healing response. Liver fibrogenesis, is a dynamic, highly integrated molecular, cellular and tissue process responsible for driving the excess accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components (i.e., liver fibrosis) sustained by an eterogeneous population of hepatic myofibroblasts (MFs). The process of liver fibrogenesis recognizes a number of common and etiology-independent mechanisms and events but it is also significantly influenced by the specific etiology, as also reflected by peculiar morphological patterns of liver fibrosis development. In this review we will analyze the most relevant established and/or emerging pathophysiological issues underlying CLD progression with a focus on the role of critical hepatic cell populations, mechanisms and signaling pathways involved, as they represent potential therapeutic targets, to finally analyze selected and relevant clinical issues.
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24
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La Rosa F, Clerici M, Ratto D, Occhinegro A, Licito A, Romeo M, Iorio CD, Rossi P. The Gut-Brain Axis in Alzheimer's Disease and Omega-3. A Critical Overview of Clinical Trials. Nutrients 2018; 10:E1267. [PMID: 30205543 PMCID: PMC6164598 DOI: 10.3390/nu10091267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite intensive study, neurodegenerative diseases remain insufficiently understood, precluding rational design of therapeutic interventions that can reverse or even arrest the progressive loss of neurological function. In the last decade, several theories investigating the causes of neurodegenerative diseases have been formulated and a condition or risk factor that can contribute is described by the gut-brain axis hypothesis: stress, unbalanced diet, and drugs impact altering microbiota composition which contributes to dysbiosis. An altered gut microbiota may lead to a dysbiotic condition and to a subsequent increase in intestinal permeability, causing the so-called leaky-gut syndrome. Herein, in this review we report recent findings in clinical trials on the risk factor of the gut-brain axis in Alzheimer's disease and on the effect of omega-3 supplementation, in shifting gut microbiota balance towards an eubiosis status. Despite this promising effect, evidences reported in selected randomized clinical trials on the effect of omega-3 fatty acid on cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease are few. Only Mild Cognitive Impairment, a prodromal state that could precede the progress to Alzheimer's disease could be affected by omega-3 FA supplementation. We report some of the critical issues which emerged from these studies. Randomized controlled trials in well-selected AD patients considering the critical points underlined in this review are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 20100 Milan, Italy.
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplants, University of Milano, 20100 Milan, Italy.
| | - Daniela Ratto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | | | - Anna Licito
- Istituto per lo Studio e la Cura del Diabete [ISCD], Casagiove, 81022 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Marcello Romeo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Carmine Di Iorio
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Paola Rossi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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25
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Kutlu O, Kaleli HN, Ozer E. Molecular Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis- (NASH-) Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:8543763. [PMID: 30228976 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8543763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The proportion of obese or diabetic population has been anticipated to increase in the upcoming decades, which rises the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Recent evidence indicates that NASH is the main cause of chronic liver diseases and it is an important risk factor for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the literature addressing NASH-HCC is growing rapidly, limited data is available about the etiology of NASH-related HCC. Experimental studies on the molecular mechanism of HCC development in NASH reveal that the carcinogenesis is relevant to complex changes in signaling pathways that mediate cell proliferation and energy metabolism. Genetic or epigenetic modifications and alterations in metabolic, immunologic, and endocrine pathways have been shown to be closely related to inflammation, liver injury, and fibrosis in NASH along with its subsequent progression to HCC. In this review, we provide an overview on the current knowledge of NASH-related HCC development and emphasize molecular signaling pathways regarding their mechanism of action in NASH-derived HCC.
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26
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Zampino R, Marrone A, Rinaldi L, Guerrera B, Nevola R, Boemio A, Iuliano N, Giordano M, Passariello N, Sasso FC. Endotoxinemia contributes to steatosis, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis in chronic hepatitis C: the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Infection. 2018;. [PMID: 30066228 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-018-1185-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Endotoxin is a component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria that live in the intestine. Endotoxinemia is reported in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and in cirrhotic patients, causing various biological and clinical effects in the host. It is not known whether endotoxinemia occurs in chronic hepatitis C patients (CHC), therefore we evaluated the occurrence of endotoxinemia and its effect on inflammation, liver damage, insulin resistance (IR) and atherosclerosis. METHODS Consecutive CHC patients assessed by liver biopsy were enrolled. Endotoxinemia was evaluated by LAL test. IR was estimated by HOMA-IR. Serum TNF-α, IL-8, adiponectin and MCP-1 were measured with ELISA tests. Oxidative stress was estimated by circulating IgG against malondialdehyde adducts with human serum albumin (MDA-HAS). Carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by ultrasonography. RESULTS Endotoxinemia was found in 60% of the 126 patients enrolled. A serum level-dependent association between endotoxinemia, steatosis (p < 0.001) and HOMA-IR (p < 0.006) was observed. Patients with endotoxinemia showed significant increase in TNF-α and IL8 levels. TNF-α correlated with steatosis (p < 0.001) and HOMA-IR (p < 0.03), whereas IL8 correlated with steatosis (p = <0.001), TNF-α (p < 0.04) and atherosclerosis (p < 0.01). The highest levels of endotoxinemia were associated with oxidative stress and a higher prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the independent factors associated with endotoxinemia were hepatic steatosis, HOMA-IR, IL8 and MDA-HAS. CONCLUSIONS Endotoxinemia occurs with high frequency in CHC patients and contributes to the development of hepatic steatosis, IR and atherosclerosis through increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Anti-endotoxin treatment could be of clinical relevance.
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Borrelli A, Bonelli P, Tuccillo FM, Goldfine ID, Evans JL, Buonaguro FM, Mancini A. Role of gut microbiota and oxidative stress in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to hepatocarcinoma: Current and innovative therapeutic approaches. Redox Biol 2018; 15:467-479. [PMID: 29413959 PMCID: PMC5975181 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the most common chronic liver disease in industrialized countries. NAFLD progresses through the inflammatory phase of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to fibrosis and cirrhosis, with some cases developing liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver biopsy remains the gold standard approach to a definitive diagnosis of NAFLD and the distinction between simple steatosis and NASH. The pathogenesis of NASH is still not clear. Several theories have been proposed ranging from the "Two Hit Theory" to the "Multiple Hit Theory". However, the general consensus is that the gut microbiota, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial damage play key roles in the pathogenesis of NASH. The interaction between the gut epithelia and some commensal bacteria induces the rapid generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The main goal of any therapy addressing NASH is to reverse or prevent progression to liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. This problem represents the first "Achilles' heel" of the new molecules being evaluated in most ongoing clinical trials. The second is the inability of these molecules to reach the mitochondria, the primary sites of energy production and ROS generation. Recently, a variety of non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment approaches for NASH have been evaluated including vitamin E, the thiazolidinediones, and novel molecules related to NASH pathogenesis (including obeticholic acid and elafibranor). Recently, a new isoform of human manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) was isolated and obtained in a synthetic recombinant form designated rMnSOD. This protein has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant capable of mediating ROS dismutation, penetrating biological barriers via its uncleaved leader peptide, and reducing portal hypertension and fibrosis in rats affected by liver cirrhosis. Based on these distinctive characteristics, it can be hypothesized that this novel recombinant protein (rMnSOD) potentially represents a new and highly efficient adjuvant therapy to counteract the progression from NASH to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Borrelli
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G Pascale", 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Bonelli
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G Pascale", 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Franca Maria Tuccillo
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G Pascale", 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Franco Maria Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G Pascale", 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Aldo Mancini
- Leadhexa Biotechnologies Inc., Belvedere, CA, USA
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28
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Lin L, Li R, Cai M, Huang J, Huang W, Guo Y, Yang L, Yang G, Lan T, Zhu K. Andrographolide Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis in Mice: Involvement of TLR4/NF- κB and TGF- β1/Smad2 Signaling Pathways. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2018; 2018:7808656. [PMID: 29743985 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7808656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and extracellular matrix accumulation. Blocking the activation of HSC and the inflammation response are two major effective therapeutic strategies for liver fibrosis. In addition to the long history of using andrographolide (Andro) for inflammatory disorders, we aimed at elucidating the pharmacological effects and potential mechanism of Andro on liver fibrosis. In this study, liver fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and the mice were intraperitoneally injected with Andro for 6 weeks. HSC cell line (LX-2) and primary HSC were also treated with Andro in vitro. Treatment of CCl4-induced mice with Andro decreased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Sirius red staining as well as the expression of α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1. Furthermore, the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 and NF-κB p50 was also inhibited by Andro. Additionally, in vitro data confirmed that Andro treatment not only attenuated the expression of profibrotic and proinflammatory factors but also blocked the TGF-β1/Smad2 and TLR4/NF-κB p50 pathways. These results demonstrate that Andro prevents liver inflammation and fibrosis, which is in correlation with the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad2 and TLR4/NF-κB p50 pathways, highlighting Andro as a potential therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
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29
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Liang L, Yang X, Yu Y, Li X, Wu Y, Shi R, Jiang J, Gao L, Ye F, Zhao Q, Li R, Wei L, Han Z. Babao Dan attenuates hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cells activation and proliferation via TLR4 signaling pathway. Oncotarget 2018; 7:82554-82566. [PMID: 27776340 PMCID: PMC5347713 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Babao Dan (BBD), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used as a complementary and alternative medicine to treat chronic liver diseases. In this study, we aimed to observe the protective effect of BBD on rat hepatic fibrosis induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and explore it possible mechanism. BBD was administrated while DEN was given. After eight weeks, values of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) indicated that BBD significantly protected liver from damaging by DEN and had no obvious side effect on normal rat livers. Meanwhile, BBD attenuated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in DEN-induced rat livers through histopathological examination and hepatic hydroxyproline content. Furthermore, we found that BBD inhibited hepatic stellate cells activation and proliferation without altering the concentration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in portal vein. In vitro study, serum from BBD treated rats (BBD-serum) could also significantly suppress LPS-induced HSCs activation through TLR4/NF-κB pathway. In addition, BBD-serum also inhibited the proliferation of HSCs by regulating TLR4/ERK pathway. Our study demonstrated that BBD may provide a new therapy strategy of hepatic injury and hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liang
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Xiaoyong Li
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yechen Wu
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Rongyu Shi
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinghua Jiang
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Gao
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiudong Zhao
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Li
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixin Wei
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhipeng Han
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Cao F, Zhang Y, Li W, Shimizu K, Xie H, Zhang C. Mogroside IVE attenuates experimental liver fibrosis in mice and inhibits HSC activation through downregulating TLR4-mediated pathways. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 55:183-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2017.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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31
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Böttcher K, Pinzani M. Pathophysiology of liver fibrosis and the methodological barriers to the development of anti-fibrogenic agents. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 121:3-8. [PMID: 28600202 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis resulting from long-standing liver damage represents a major health care burden worldwide. To date, there is no anti-fibrogenic agent available, making liver transplantation the only curative treatment for decompensated cirrhotic liver disease. Liver fibrosis can result from different underlying chronic liver disease, such as chronic viral infection, excessive alcohol consumption, fatty liver disease or autoimmune liver diseases. It is becoming increasingly recognised that as a result from different pathogenic mechanisms liver fibrosis must be considered as many different diseases for which individual treatment strategies need to be developed. Moreover, the pathogenic changes of both liver architecture and vascularisation in cirrhotic livers, as well as the lack of "true-to-life" in vitro models have impeded the development of an effective anti-fibrogenic drug. Thus, in order to identify an efficient anti-fibrogenic compound, novel in-vitro models mimicking the interplay between pro-fibrogenic cell populations, immune cells and, importantly, the extracellular matrix need to be developed.
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Kao YH, Chen PH, Wu TY, Lin YC, Tsai MS, Lee PH, Tai TS, Chang HR, Sun CK. Lipopolysaccharides induce Smad2 phosphorylation through PI3K/Akt and MAPK cascades in HSC-T6 hepatic stellate cells. Life Sci 2017; 184:37-46. [PMID: 28689803 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Endotoxemia and its pro-fibrogenic signaling play a significant role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. This study investigated whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) directly activate cultured HSC-T6 hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) through triggering Smad-dependent pro-fibrogenic signaling pathway. MAIN METHODS Direct cell counting and assays for cell proliferation and migration were used to measure the effects of LPS on HSC behaviors. Quantitative PCR, Western blot, and gelatin zymography were used to quantify the molecular effects of LPS on expression of HSC activation markers and signaling activity. KEY FINDINGS Long-term exposure to LPS exhibited moderately stimulatory effect on HSC cell growth. A wound-healing cell migration assay showed that LPS suppressed HSC-T6 cell migration. qPCR and Western blotting detection indicated that LPS treatment induced upregulation of type I and IV collagens, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Gelatin zymography confirmed that LPS elevated MMP-9, but not MMP-2 gelatinolytic activity. Moreover, LPS immediately stimulated Akt, EKR1/2, JNK, p38 MAPK, and Smad2 hyperphosphorylation, supporting that LPS directly triggers pro-fibrogenic Smad signaling cascade without TGF-β1 stimulation. Kinase blockade experiments demonstrated the involvement of PI3K/Akt, JNK, p38 MAPK, but not ERK1/2 signaling activation in the LPS-elicited Smad2 phosphorylation as well as the overexpression of type I collagen and α-SMA in HSC-T6 cells. SIGNIFICANCE These findings demonstrate that LPS exerts pro-fibrogenic effect through activation and transformation of HSCs. The tissue-remodeling effect of LPS may be attributable to its ability to activate non-canonical Smad pathway through PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling cascades.
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Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a reversible wound-healing response to either acute or chronic liver injury caused by hepatitis B or C, alcohol, and toxic agents. Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by excessive accumulation and reduced degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Excessive accumulation of ECM alters the hepatic architecture leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis results in failure of common functions of the liver. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a major role in the development of liver fibrosis as HSC are the main source of the excessive production of ECM in an injured liver. RNA interference (RNAi) is a recently discovered therapeutic tool that may provide a solution to manage multiple diseases including liver fibrosis through silencing of specific gene expression in diseased cells. However, gene silencing using small interfering RNA (siRNA) is encountering many challenges in the body after systemic administration. Efficient and stable siRNA delivery to the target cells is a key issue for the development of siRNA therapeutic. For that reason, various viral and non-viral carriers for liver-targeted siRNA delivery have been developed. This review will cover the current strategies for the treatment of liver fibrosis as well as discussing non-viral approaches such as cationic polymers and lipid-based nanoparticles for targeted delivery of siRNA to the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refaat Omar
- College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3E 0T5
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3E 0T5
| | - Haoyuan Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3E 0T5
| | - Neal M Davies
- College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3E 0T5
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, 8613-114 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2H1
| | - Yuewen Gong
- College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3E 0T5.
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Kumar S, Wang J, Shanmukhappa SK, Gandhi CR. Toll-Like Receptor 4-Independent Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Fibrosis and Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice: Role of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Am J Pathol 2017; 187:1356-1367. [PMID: 28412299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is implicated in acute and chronic liver injury; its effects are mediated predominantly via the membrane receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, TLR4-independent effects of LPS may play important role in hepatic pathophysiology. We investigated carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrosis and LPS-induced acute liver injury in wild-type (WT) and B6.B10ScN-Tlr4lps-del/JthJ [TLR4-knockout (KO)] mice. Effects of LPS on fibrogenic hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from WT and TLR4-KO mice were assessed in vitro. CCl4 produced similar fibrosis and necroinflammation and increased the mRNA and protein expression of cytokines and chemokines in WT and TLR4-KO mice. However, circulating LPS concentration did not increase in CCl4-treated mice. Interestingly, LPS down-modulated α-smooth muscle actin (activated HSC marker) and collagen 1 in both WT and TLR4-KO HSCs. LPS induced similar activation of NF-κB, and stimulated the expression of cytokines and chemokines in WT and TLR4-KO HSCs. Finally, LPS caused similar inflammation and injury in previously untreated WT and TLR4-KO mice. The results provide evidence of the TLR4/LPS-independent mechanisms of liver fibrosis and also indicate that TLR4 is not entirely critical to LPS-induced acute liver injury. The results further indicate that LPS signaling in activated HSCs might be a mechanism of limiting liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jiang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Shiva Kumar Shanmukhappa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Chandrashekhar R Gandhi
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Abstract
Cirrhosis due to any etiology disrupts the homeostatic role of liver in the body. Cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction leads to alterations in both innate and acquired immunity, due to defects in the local immunity of liver as well as in systemic immunity. Cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction is a dynamic phenomenon, comprised of both increased systemic inflammation and immunodeficiency, and is responsible for 30% mortality. It also plays an important role in acute as well as chronic decompensation. Immune paralysis can accompany it, which is characterized by increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines. There is also presence of increased gut permeability, reduced gut motility and altered gut flora, all of which leads to increased bacterial translocation. This increased bacterial translocation and consequent endotoxemia leads to increased blood stream bacterial infections that cause systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, multiorgan failure and death. The gut microbiota of cirrhotic patients has more pathogenic microbes than that of non-cirrhotic individuals, and this disturbs the homeostasis and favors gut translocation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of such infections are necessary for better survival. We have reviewed the various mechanisms of immune dysfunction and its consequences in cirrhosis. Recognizing the exact pathophysiology of immune dysfunction will help treating clinicians in avoiding its complications in their patients and can lead to newer therapeutic interventions and reducing the morbidity and mortality rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Talha Noor
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, India
- *Correspondence to: Mohd Talha Noor, Department of Gastroenterology, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore 453 111, India. Tel: +91-7314231751, +91-8305421496, Fax: +91-7314231012, E-mail: ,
| | - Piyush Manoria
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, India
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Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors that participate in host defense by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns alongside inflammatory processes by recognizing damage associated molecular patterns. Given constant exposure to pathogens from gut, strict control of TLR-associated signaling pathways is essential in the liver, which otherwise may lead to inappropriate production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and interferons and may generate a predisposition to several autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. The liver is considered to be a site of tolerance induction rather than immunity induction, with specificity in hepatic cell functions and distribution of TLR. Recent data emphasize significant contribution of TLR signaling in chronic liver diseases via complex immune responses mediating hepatocyte (i.e., hepatocellular injury and regeneration) or hepatic stellate cell (i.e., fibrosis and cirrhosis) inflammatory or immune pathologies. Herein, we review the available data on TLR signaling, hepatic expression of TLRs and associated ligands, as well as the contribution of TLRs to the pathophysiology of hepatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safak Kiziltas
- Safak Kiziltas, Department of Gastroenterology, Baskent University Istanbul Hospital, 34662 Istanbul, Turkey
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Pagliuca C, Cicatiello AG, Colicchio R, Greco A, Cerciello R, Auletta L, Albanese S, Scaglione E, Pagliarulo C, Pastore G, Mansueto G, Brunetti A, Avallone B, Salvatore P. Novel Approach for Evaluation of Bacteroides fragilis Protective Role against Bartonella henselae Liver Damage in Immunocompromised Murine Model. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1750. [PMID: 27872616 PMCID: PMC5097911 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella henselae is a gram-negative facultative intracellular bacterium and is the causative agent of cat-scratch disease. Our previous data have established that Bacteroides fragilis colonization is able to prevent B. henselae damages through the polysaccharide A (PSA) in an experimental murine model. In order to determine whether the PSA is essential for the protection against pathogenic effects of B. henselae in immunocompromised hosts, SCID mice were co-infected with B. fragilis wild type or its mutant B. fragilis ΔPSA and the effects of infection on murine tissues have been observed by High-Frequency Ultrasound (HFUS), histopathological examination, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). For the first time, echostructure, hepatic lobes length, vascular alterations, and indirect signs of hepatic dysfunctions, routinely used as signs of disease in humans, have been analyzed in an immunocompromised murine model. Our findings showed echostructural alterations in all infected mice compared with the Phosphate Buffer Solution (PBS) control group; further, those infected with B. henselae and co-infected with B. henselae/B. fragilis ΔPSA presented the major echostructural alterations. Half of the mice infected with B. henselae and all those co-infected with B. henselae/B. fragilis ΔPSA have showed an altered hepatic echogenicity compared with the renal cortex. The echogenicity score of co-infected mice with B. henselae/B. fragilis ΔPSA differed significantly compared with the PBS control group (p < 0.05). Moreover the inflammation score of the histopathological evaluation was fairly concordant with ultrasound findings. Ultrastructural analysis performed by TEM revealed no significant alterations in liver samples of SCID mice infected with B. fragilis wild type while those infected with B. fragilis ΔPSA showed the presence of collagen around the main vessels compared with the PBS control group. The liver samples of mice infected with B. henselae showed macro-areas rich in collagen, stellate cells, and histiocytic cells. Interestingly, our data demonstrated that immunocompromised SCID mice infected with B. henselae and co-infected with B. henselae/B. fragilis ΔPSA showed the most severe morpho-structural liver damage. In addition, these results suggests that the HFUS together with histopathological evaluation could be considered good imaging approach to evaluate hepatic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pagliuca
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University Medical SchoolNaples, Italy; CEINGE-Advanced BiotechnologiesNaples, Italy
| | - Annunziata G Cicatiello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University Medical School Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Colicchio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University Medical School Naples, Italy
| | - Adelaide Greco
- CEINGE-Advanced BiotechnologiesNaples, Italy; Department of Advanced Biomedical Science, Federico II University Medical SchoolNaples, Italy; Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research CouncilNaples, Italy
| | | | | | - Sandra Albanese
- CEINGE-Advanced BiotechnologiesNaples, Italy; Department of Advanced Biomedical Science, Federico II University Medical SchoolNaples, Italy
| | - Elena Scaglione
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University Medical School Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Pagliarulo
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio Benevento, Italy
| | - Gabiria Pastore
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio Benevento, Italy
| | - Gelsomina Mansueto
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science, Federico II University Medical School Naples, Italy
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- CEINGE-Advanced BiotechnologiesNaples, Italy; Department of Advanced Biomedical Science, Federico II University Medical SchoolNaples, Italy; Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research CouncilNaples, Italy
| | - Bice Avallone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Salvatore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University Medical SchoolNaples, Italy; CEINGE-Advanced BiotechnologiesNaples, Italy
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Ceccarelli S, Panera N, Mina M, Gnani D, De Stefanis C, Crudele A, Rychlicki C, Petrini S, Bruscalupi G, Agostinelli L, Stronati L, Cucchiara S, Musso G, Furlanello C, Svegliati-Baroni G, Nobili V, Alisi A. LPS-induced TNF-α factor mediates pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic pattern in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Oncotarget 2016; 6:41434-52. [PMID: 26573228 PMCID: PMC4747165 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is currently considered one of the major players in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis and progression. Here, we aim to investigate the possible role of LPS-induced TNF-α factor (LITAF) in inducing a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic phenotype of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).We found that children with NAFLD displayed, in different liver-resident cells, an increased expression of LITAF which correlated with histological traits of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Total and nuclear LITAF expression increased in mouse and human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Moreover, LPS induced LITAF-dependent transcription of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the clonal myofibroblastic HSC LX-2 cell line, and this effect was hampered by LITAF silencing. We showed, for the first time in HSCs, that LITAF recruitment to these cytokine promoters is LPS dependent. However, preventing LITAF nuclear translocation by p38MAPK inhibitor, the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α was significantly reduced with the aid of p65NF-ĸB, while IL-1β transcription exclusively required LITAF expression/activity. Finally, IL-1β levels in plasma mirrored those in the liver and correlated with LPS levels and LITAF-positive HSCs in children with NASH.In conclusion, a more severe histological profile in paediatric NAFLD is associated with LITAF over-expression in HSCs, which in turn correlates with hepatic and circulating IL-1β levels outlining a panel of potential biomarkers of NASH-related liver damage. The in vitro study highlights the role of LITAF as a key regulator of the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory pattern in HSCs and suggests p38MAPK inhibitors as a possible therapeutic approach against hepatic inflammation in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ceccarelli
- Liver Research Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia Panera
- Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Mina
- Predictive Models for Biomedicine and Environment Unit, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Daniela Gnani
- Liver Research Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiano De Stefanis
- Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Crudele
- Liver Research Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Rychlicki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Petrini
- Confocal Microscopy Core Facility, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovannella Bruscalupi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Agostinelli
- Department of Gastroenterology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cesare Furlanello
- Predictive Models for Biomedicine and Environment Unit, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Gianluca Svegliati-Baroni
- Department of Gastroenterology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center for Obesity, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valerio Nobili
- Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Alisi
- Liver Research Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Pritchard MT, McCracken JM. Identifying Novel Targets for Treatment of Liver Fibrosis: What Can We Learn from Injured Tissues which Heal Without a Scar? Curr Drug Targets 2016; 16:1332-46. [PMID: 26302807 DOI: 10.2174/1389450116666150825111439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The liver is unique in that it is able to regenerate. This regeneration occurs without formation of a scar in the case of non-iterative hepatic injury. However, when the liver is exposed to chronic liver injury, the purely regenerative process fails and excessive extracellular matrix proteins are deposited in place of normal liver parenchyma. While much has been discovered in the past three decades, insights into fibrotic mechanisms have not yet lead to effective therapies; liver transplant remains the only cure for advanced liver disease. In an effort to broaden the collection of possible therapeutic targets, this review will compare and contrast the liver wound healing response to that found in two types of wound healing: scarless wound healing of fetal skin and oral mucosa and scar-forming wound healing found in adult skin. This review will examine wound healing in the liver and the skin in relation to the role of humoral and cellular factors, as well as the extracellular matrix, in this process. While several therapeutic targets are similar between fibrotic liver and adult skin wound healing, others are unique and represent novel areas for hepatic anti-fibrotic research. In particular, investigations into the role of hyaluronan in liver fibrosis and fibrosis resolution are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele T Pritchard
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66161, USA.
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Marzaro G, Castagliuolo I, Schirato G, Palu' G, Dalla Via M, Chilin A, Brun P. Substituted quinazolinones as kinase inhibitors endowed with anti-fibrotic properties. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 115:416-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Noureddin M, Anstee QM, Loomba R. Review article: emerging anti-fibrotic therapies in the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 43:1109-23. [PMID: 27061197 PMCID: PMC5906100 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Fibrosis predicts worse outcomes and mortality. New treatments targeting fibrosis are being investigated to reverse disease progression. AIM To review the new pipeline therapeutic agents targeting fibrosis in NASH patients, with particular focus on clinical trials in which reversing fibrosis and portal hypertension are the primary outcomes. METHODS The literature was searched in PubMed between January 2000 and January 2016 using search terms non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and NASH, with filters of 'English language'. We focused on fibrosis improvement as the key outcome. We also searched the ClinicalTrials.gov for promising agents that target fibrosis in NASH patients. RESULTS Significant advances have been made on approaches targeting fibrosis in NASH patients. Many therapeutic agents are already in development, some of which have shown promising results in preclinical and phase I studies. Novel therapies have entered phase II and III studies targeting fibrosis reversal and/or improvement in portal hypertension. Innovative studies have also started looking into combining these agents, aiming at different mechanisms to maximise therapeutic outcomes. We found five clinical trials in phase II and one in phase III focusing on fibrosis in NASH patients as key outcomes. One of the phase II trials is using combination therapy to target fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Ongoing research studies are already investigating new pathways aimed at reversing fibrosis in NASH patients. Novel therapeutic agents are in development and are expected to offer unique options to NASH patients with advanced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Noureddin
- Fatty Liver Program, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Q. M. Anstee
- Liver Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - R. Loomba
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA,Division of Epidemiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA,NAFLD Research Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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42
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Nafady AM, Ahmed OB, Ghafeer HH. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the cells forming the hepatic sinusoidal wall of rat in acetaminophen and Escherichia coli endotoxin-induced hepatotoxicity. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2017; 5:21-7. [PMID: 30023233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs and xenobiotics as well as bacterial endotoxins may reach the liver either systematically or after intestinal absorption. Therefore, cells lining the sinusoidal wall form the last barrier before blood constituents get in contact with the parenchymal cells. In this work, the ultrastructure of the cells forming the sinusoidal wall was studied after acetaminophen and Escherichia coli endotoxin treatments. Rats received acetaminophen at a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight by intraperitoneal injection once in acute and four times with a 1-week interval in chronic treatments, and E. coli endotoxin at a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight by intraperitoneal injection once in acute and four times with a 1-week interval in chronic treatments. Tissue samples were collected for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Swelling of sinusoidal endothelial cells was noticed in both acute intoxicated groups with narrowing of the fenestrae, whereas large gaps were formed in chronic toxicity. Activation of Kupffer cells was a prominent common feature between the four toxicity groups. Interestingly, hepatic stellate cell activation was evident in both chronic acetaminophen and chronic endotoxin groups. Large amounts of collagen fibers were seen surrounding the hepatic stellate cells and in Disse space.
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Lai L, Chen Y, Tian X, Li X, Zhang X, Lei J, Bi Y, Fang B, Song X. Artesunate alleviates hepatic fibrosis induced by multiple pathogenic factors and inflammation through the inhibition of LPS/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 765:234-41. [PMID: 26318197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The current study was performed in order to explore the effect of artesunate (Art) on experimental hepatic fibrosis and the potential mechanism involved. Art, a water-soluble hemisuccinate derivative of artemisinin extracted from the Chinese herb Artemisia Annua, is a safe and effective antimalarial drug. Hepatic fibrosis was induced in SD rats by multiple pathogenic factors. Rats were treated concurrently with Art (28.8 mg/kg) given daily by oral gavage for 6 or 8 weeks to evaluate its protective effects. Our data demonstrated that Art treatment obviously attenuated hepatic fibrosis, characterized by less inflammatory infiltration and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Art remarkably decreased endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels as well. Art significantly downregulated protein and mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). Art also significantly inhibited the nuclear transcription factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) translocation into the nucleus. In addition, there were no remarkable differences between the N group and the NA group. In conclusion, we found that Art could alleviate hepatic fibrosis induced by multiple pathogenic factors and inflammation through the inhibition of LPS/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats, suggesting that Art may be a potential candidate for the therapy of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Lai
- Department of Pharmacology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China
| | - Yunxia Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China
| | - Xiaoxia Tian
- Department of Pathophysiology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China
| | - Xujiong Li
- Department of Physiology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China
| | - Jingwen Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China
| | - Yanghui Bi
- Undergraduate of Clinical Medicine Department, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China
| | - Buwu Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University, TianJin 300070, China
| | - Xiaoliang Song
- Department of Pharmacology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China.
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Liu LH, Lai QN, Chen JY, Zhang JX, Cheng B. Overexpression of pim-3 and protective role in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated hepatic stellate cells. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:8858-8867. [PMID: 26269675 PMCID: PMC4528028 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i29.8858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate pim-3 expression in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and its protective effect on HSCs.
METHODS: Rat HSC-T6 cells were stimulated by LPS. The effect of LPS on proliferation and apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells was investigated by methyl thiazoyltetrazolium (MTT) assay and flow cytometry after annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining. pim-3 mRNA and protein were detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting at 48 h when HSC-T6 cells were stimulated with 1 μg/mL LPS for 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. The cells without stimulation served as controls. To study the effect of pim-3 kinase on HSC-T6 cells, si-pim3 (siRNA against pim-3) was transfected into HSC-T6 cells. HSC-T6 cells were subjected to different treatments, including LPS, si-pim3, or si-pim3 plus LPS, and control cells were untreated. Protein expression of pim-3 was detected at 48 h after treatment, and cell proliferation at 24 and 48 h by MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and confirmed with caspase-3 activity assay.
RESULTS: LPS promoted HSC-T6 cell proliferation and protected against apoptosis. Significantly delayed upregulation of pim-3 expression induced by LPS occurred at 24 and 48 h for mRNA expression (pim-3/β-actin RNA, 24 or 48 h vs 0 h, 0.81 ± 0.20 or 0.78 ± 0.21 vs 0.42 ± 0.13, P < 0.05), and occurred at 12 h and peaked at 24 and 48 h for protein expression (pim-3/GAPDH protein, 12, or 24 or 48 h vs 0 h, 0.68 ± 0.12, 1.47 ± 0.25 or 1.51 ± 0.23 vs 0.34 ± 0.04, P < 0.01). pim-3 protein was ablated by si-pim3 and upregulated by LPS in HSC-T6 cells at 48 h after treatment (pim-3/GAPDH: si-pim3, si-pim3 plus LPS or LPS vs control, 0.11 ± 0.05, 0.12 ± 0.05 or 1.08 ± 0.02 vs 0.39 ± 0.03, P < 0.01). Ablation of pim-3 by si-pim3 in HSC-T6 cells partly abolished proliferation (OD at 24 h, si-pim3 group or si-pim3 plus LPS vs control, 0.2987 ± 0.050 or 0.4063 ± 0.051 vs 0.5267 ± 0.030, P < 0.01; at 48 h 0.4634 ± 0.056 or 0.5433 ± 0.031 vs 0.8435 ± 0.028, P < 0.01; si-pim3 group vs si-pim3 plus LPS, P < 0.01 at 24 h and P < 0.05 at 48 h), and overexpression of pim-3 in the LPS group increased cell proliferation (OD: LPS vs control, at 24 h, 0.7435 ± 0.028 vs 0.5267 ± 0.030, P < 0.01; at 48 h, 1.2136 ± 0.048 vs 0.8435 ± 0.028, P < 0.01). Ablation of pim3 with si-pim3 in HSC-T6 cells aggravated apoptosis (si-pim3 or si-pim3 plus LPS vs control, 42.3% ±1.1% or 40.6% ± 1.3% vs 16.8% ± 3.3%, P < 0.01; si-pim3 vs si-pim3 plus LPS, P > 0.05), and overexpression of pim-3 in the LPS group attenuated apoptosis (LPS vs control, 7.32% ± 2.1% vs 16.8% ± 3.3%, P < 0.05). These results were confirmed by caspase-3 activity assay.
CONCLUSION: Overexpression of pim-3 plays a protective role in LPS-stimulated HSC-T6 cells.
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Abstract
Progressive accumulation of fibrillar extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver is the consequence of reiterated liver tissue damage due to infective (mostly hepatitis B and C viruses), toxic/drug-induced, metabolic and autoimmune causes, and the relative chronic activation of the wound-healing reaction. The process may result in clinically evident liver cirrhosis and hepatic failure. Although cirrhosis is the common result of progressive fibrogenesis, there are distinct patterns of fibrotic development related to the underlying disorders causing the fibrosis. These different patterns of fibrogenic evolution are related to different factors and particularly: (1) the topographic localization of tissue damage, (2) the relative concentration of profibrogenic factors and (3) the prevalent profibrogenic mechanism(s). The mechanisms responsible for the fibrogenic evolution of chronic liver diseases can be summarized in three main groups: chronic activation of the wound-healing reaction, oxidative stress-related molecular mechanisms, and the derangement of the so-called 'epithelial-mesenchymal' interaction leading to the generation of reactive cholangiocytes and peribiliary fibrosis. Most of the knowledge on the cell and molecular biology of hepatic fibrosis derives from in vitro studies employing culture of activated hepatic stellate cells isolated from rat, mouse or human liver. It is now evident that other ECM-producing cells, i.e. fibroblasts and myofibroblasts of the portal tract and circulating 'fibrocytes', are likely to contribute to liver fibrosis. More recently, the attention is progressively shifting to the profibrotic microenvironment of the liver with increasing interest for the role of immune cells and specific subsets of macrophages regulating the progression or the regression of fibrosis, the role of intestinal microbiota and the influence of tissue stiffness. Other major areas of development include the role of tissue hypoxia and the establishment of an anaerobic proinflammatory environment and the influence of epigenetic modification in conditioning the progression of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Pinzani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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46
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Cengiz M, Ozenirler S, Elbeg S. Role of serum toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 30:1190-6. [PMID: 25684563 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a common cause of chronic liver disease, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our aim was to investigate whether serum toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2 and TLR4) levels are correlated with NASH and able to predict liver fibrosis, as well as to compare these markers with other non-invasive fibrosis scores (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] to alanine aminotransferase ratio, AST to platelet ratio index, fibrosis index, fibrosis 4, and fibrosis cirrhosis index). METHODS Serum samples were obtained from consecutive biopsy proven NASH patients and healthy controls. Serum TLR2 and TLR4 were measured using ELISA. Stage of fibrosis was evaluated using the Brunt Criteria. The different non-invasive fibrosis scores were compared using areas under the curve. RESULTS Fifty-seven patients with NASH and 57 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Serum TLR2 levels were not significantly different between the healthy controls and NASH patients. The medians were 3.88 ng/mL ± 0.29 versus 3.81 ng/mL ± 0.32, respectively (P = 0.587). In comparing the levels of TLR4 between groups, the medians were 1.05 ng/mL ± 0.13 versus 1.46 ng/mL ± 0.27, respectively (P < 0.001). In NASH patients, the levels of serum TLR4 increased with the stage of fibrosis: TLR4 medians were F0:1.01, F1:1.46, F2:2.14, F3:3.74, F4:5.83 (P < 0.001). TLR4 produced AUCs for ≥ F1, ≥ F2, and ≥ F3 of 0.862, 0.810, and 0.905, respectively (P < 0.001). TLR4 levels were more predictive than other non-invasive fibrosis scores in liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION Serum TLR4 levels but not TLR2 were elevated in NASH patients in comparison with healthy controls. And in NASH patients, serum TLR4 levels both correlated with and were able to predict liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Cengiz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dr. A.Y. Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seren Ozenirler
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sehri Elbeg
- Department of Biochemistry, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying liver fibrogenesis is fundamentally relevant to developing new treatments that are independent of the underlying etiology. The increasing success of antiviral treatments in blocking or reversing the fibrogenic progression of chronic liver disease has unearthed vital information about the natural history of fibrosis regression, and has established important principles and targets for antifibrotic drugs. Although antifibrotic activity has been demonstrated for many compounds in vitro and in animal models, none has been thoroughly validated in the clinic or commercialized as a therapy for fibrosis. In addition, it is likely that combination therapies that affect two or more key pathogenic targets and/or pathways will be needed. To accelerate the preclinical development of these combination therapies, reliable single target validation is necessary, followed by the rational selection and systematic testing of combination approaches. Improved noninvasive tools for the assessment of fibrosis content, fibrogenesis and fibrolysis must accompany in vivo validation in experimental fibrosis models, and especially in clinical trials. The rapidly changing landscape of clinical trial design for liver disease is recognized by regulatory agencies in the United States (FDA) and Western Europe (EMA), who are working together with the broad range of stakeholders to standardize approaches to testing antifibrotic drugs in cohorts of patients with chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.
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48
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Brun P, Pathak S, Castagliuolo I, Palù G, Brun P, Zuin M, Cavazzana R, Martines E. Helium generated cold plasma finely regulates activation of human fibroblast-like primary cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104397. [PMID: 25127477 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas are being developed for a wide range of health care applications, including wound healing. However in order to exploit the potential of plasma for clinical applications, the understanding of the mechanisms involved in plasma-induced activation of fibroblasts, the cells active in the healing process, is mandatory. In this study, the role of helium generated plasma in the tissue repairing process was investigated in cultured human fibroblast-like primary cells, and specifically in hepatic stellate cells and intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts. Five minutes after treatment, plasma induced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cultured cells, as assessed by flow cytometric analysis of fluorescence-activated 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate probe. Plasma-induced intracellular ROS were characterized by lower concentrations and shorter half-lives with respect to hydrogen peroxide-induced ROS. Moreover ROS generated by plasma treatment increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, nuclear receptor that modulates the inflammatory responses. Plasma exposure promoted wound healing in an in vitro model and induced fibroblast migration and proliferation, as demonstrated, respectively, by trans-well assay and partitioning between daughter cells of carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester fluorescent dye. Plasma-induced fibroblast migration and proliferation were found to be ROS-dependent as cellular incubation with antioxidant agents (e.g. N-acetyl L-cysteine) cancelled the biological effects. This study provides evidence that helium generated plasma promotes proliferation and migration in liver and intestinal fibroblast-like primary cells mainly by increasing intracellular ROS levels. Since plasma-evoked ROS are time-restricted and elicit the PPAR-γ anti-inflammatory molecular pathway, this strategy ensures precise regulation of human fibroblast activation and can be considered a valid therapeutic approach for liver and gut lesions.
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Peverill W, Powell LW, Skoien R. Evolving concepts in the pathogenesis of NASH: beyond steatosis and inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:8591-638. [PMID: 24830559 PMCID: PMC4057750 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15058591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterised by hepatic steatosis and inflammation and, in some patients, progressive fibrosis leading to cirrhosis. An understanding of the pathogenesis of NASH is still evolving but current evidence suggests multiple metabolic factors critically disrupt homeostasis and induce an inflammatory cascade and ensuing fibrosis. The mechanisms underlying these changes and the complex inter-cellular interactions that mediate fibrogenesis are yet to be fully elucidated. Lipotoxicity, in the setting of excess free fatty acids, obesity, and insulin resistance, appears to be the central driver of cellular injury via oxidative stress. Hepatocyte apoptosis and/or senescence contribute to activation of the inflammasome via a variety of intra- and inter-cellular signalling mechanisms leading to fibrosis. Current evidence suggests that periportal components, including the ductular reaction and expansion of the hepatic progenitor cell compartment, may be involved and that the Th17 response may mediate disease progression. This review aims to provide an overview of the pathogenesis of NASH and summarises the evidence pertaining to key mechanisms implicated in the transition from steatosis and inflammation to fibrosis. Currently there are limited treatments for NASH although an increasing understanding of its pathogenesis will likely improve the development and use of interventions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Peverill
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane 4029, Australia.
| | - Lawrie W Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane 4029, Australia.
| | - Richard Skoien
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane 4029, Australia.
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50
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Paschos KA, Majeed AW, Bird NC. Natural history of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer - pathobiological pathways with clinical significance. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:3719-3737. [PMID: 24744570 PMCID: PMC3983432 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i14.3719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer hepatic metastases represent the final stage of a multi-step biological process. This process starts with a series of mutations in colonic epithelial cells, continues with their detachment from the large intestine, dissemination through the blood and/or lymphatic circulation, attachment to the hepatic sinusoids and interactions with the sinusoidal cells, such as sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, stellate cells and pit cells. The metastatic sequence terminates with colorectal cancer cell invasion, adaptation and colonisation of the hepatic parenchyma. All these events, termed the colorectal cancer invasion-metastasis cascade, include multiple molecular pathways, intercellular interactions and expression of a plethora of chemokines and growth factors, and adhesion molecules, such as the selectins, the integrins or the cadherins, as well as enzymes including matrix metalloproteinases. This review aims to present recent advances that provide insights into these cell-biological events and emphasizes those that may be amenable to therapeutic targeting.
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