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Alimullah M, Shuvo AUH, Jahan I, Ismail IN, Islam SM, Sultana M, Saad MR, Raihan S, Khan F, Alam MA, Subhan N. Evaluation of the modulating effect of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor cetuximab in carbon-tetrachloride induce hepatic fibrosis in rats. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 38:101689. [PMID: 38560050 PMCID: PMC10979143 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101689] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, developed in almost all chronic liver injuries. Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) have been thought to contribute to cirrhosis and liver fibrosis. Therefore, using a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrogenesis, we investigated the preventive effects of cetuximab, an inhibitor of the EGF receptor (EGFR). Ameliorative effects of cetuximab were examined in rats, brought on by biweekly doses of 50 mg/kg of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). There were a total of 24 male Long Evans rats split up into four distinct groups such as control, CCl4, control+cetuximab and CCl4+cetuximab. After two weeks of treatment with cetuximab (100 μg/kg), samples of tissue and blood were taken after all the rats had been sacrificed. Plasma samples were examined for the biochemical indicators of inflammation and oxidative stress. Histological staining on liver sections was performed for morphologic pathologies, and related genes expressions analysis were done with RT-PCR in liver tissue. The findings showed that cetuximab could raise the levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) and considerably lower the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO). Sirius red staining and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) displayed that cetuximab therapy reduced the inflammatory cells infiltration and enhanced fibrotic lesions. In the meantime, cetuximab therapy also dramatically reduces the expression of genes linked to inflammation in the liver tissue, including NF-кB, iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β. To sum up, the anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antioxidant properties of cetuximab confer curative efficacy against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirza Alimullah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bangladesh
| | | | - Ishrat Jahan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bangladesh
| | | | - S.M. Mufidul Islam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bangladesh
| | - Mahnaj Sultana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bangladesh
| | | | - Sabbir Raihan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bangladesh
| | - Ferdous Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Ashraful Alam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bangladesh
| | - Nusrat Subhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bangladesh
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Zhou X, Fu Y, Chen J, Liu P. Progress in clinical and basic research of fuzheng Huayu formula for the treatment of liver fibrosis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 327:118018. [PMID: 38453100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118018] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese medicine has great potential and advantages in the treatment of liver fibrosis, with Fuzheng Huayu formula (FZHY) serving as a prime example due to its remarkable efficacy in delaying and reversing liver fibrosis while simultaneously improving clinical symptoms for patients. AIM OF THE REVIEW In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of recent studies on the therapeutic potential of FZHY and its components/ingredients in the treatment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, with the aim of providing insights for future research endeavors. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted on FZHY, TCM319, traditional Chinese medicine 319, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis using multiple internationally recognized databases including PubMed, Embase, Springer, Web of science, SciVerse ScienceDirect, Clinical Trails. Gov, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP. RESULTS FZHY is widely used clinically for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis caused by various chronic liver diseases, with the effects of improving serum liver function, liver pathological histology, serological indices related to liver fibrosis, decreasing liver stiffness values and portal hypertension, as well as reducing the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and morbidity/mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Numerous in vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that FZHY possesses anti-fibrotic effects by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation, reducing inflammation, protecting hepatocytes, inhibiting hepatic sinusoidal capillarization and angiogenesis, promoting extracellular matrix degradation, and facilitating liver regeneration. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on investigating the primary active components/ingredients of FZHY, and significant strides have been made in comprehending their synergistic mechanisms that enhance efficacy. CONCLUSION FZHY is a safe and effective drug for treating liver fibrosis. Future research on FZHY should focus on its active components/ingredients and their synergistic effects, as well as the development of modern cocktail drugs based on its components/ingredients. This will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms and targets of FZHY in treating liver fibrosis, thereby further guide clinical applications and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxi Zhou
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yadong Fu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Matsuda KM, Kotani H, Hisamoto T, Kuzumi A, Fukasawa T, Yoshizaki-Ogawa A, Sato S, Yoshizaki A. Dual blockade of interleukin-17A and interleukin-17F as a therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis: Investigating the potential effect and mechanism of brodalumab. Cytokine 2024; 178:156587. [PMID: 38531177 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156587] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a terminal manifestation of various chronic liver diseases. There are no drugs that can reverse the condition. Recently, the importance of interleukin-17 (IL17) in the pathophysiology has been revealed and has attracted attention as a therapeutic target. We aimed to reveal the roles of IL17A and IL17F in liver fibrosis, and to validate the potential of their dual blockade as therapeutic strategy. First, we retrospectively reviewed the longitudinal change of FIB-4 index, a clinical indicator of liver fibrosis, among psoriasis patients treated by brodalumab, which blocks IL17 receptor A (IL17RA). Next, we examined anti-fibrotic efficacy of anti-IL17RA antibody (Ab) in two murine liver fibrosis models by histopathological investigation and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Finally, we analyzed the effect of IL17A and IL17F upon human hepatic stellate cells with RNA sequencing, real-time RT-PCR, western blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and flow cytometry. Clinical data showed that FIB-4 index significantly decreased among psoriasis patients treated by brodalumab. In vivo studies additionally demonstrated that anti-IL17RA Ab ameliorates liver fibrosis induced by tetrachloride and methionine-choline deficient diet. Furthermore, in vitro experiments revealed that both IL17A and IL17F enhance cell-surface expression of transforming growth factor-β receptor II and promote pro-fibrotic gene expression via the JUN pathway in human hepatic stellate cells. Our insights suggest that IL17A and IL17F share their pro-fibrotic function in the context of liver fibrosis, and moreover, dual blockade of IL17A and IL17F by anti-IL17RA Ab would be a promising strategy for the management of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki M Matsuda
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirohito Kotani
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teruyoshi Hisamoto
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ai Kuzumi
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takemichi Fukasawa
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asako Yoshizaki-Ogawa
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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Shi H, Duan X, Dong J, Tao Y, Lei Y. RNA-seq combined network pharmacology reveals that Fu-Gan-Wan (FGW) inhibits liver fibrosis via NF-κB/CCL2/CCR2 and lipid peroxidation via Nrf2/HMOX1 signaling pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117963. [PMID: 38387680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117963] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Liver fibrosis is a serious complication of liver disease characterized by excessive collagen deposition, without effective therapeutic agents in the clinic. Fu-Gan-Wan (FGW) is an empirical formula used for the clinical treatment of hepatitis and cirrhosis. It has been shown to reverse experimental liver fibrosis. However, its corresponding mechanisms remain unclear. AIM OF THE REVIEW This study aimed to elucidate the key pathways and target genes of FGW in attenuating liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The therapeutic effects of different doses of FGW on liver fibrosis were investigated using a 2 mL/kg 15% CCl4-induced mouse model. Then, RNA-seq combined with network pharmacology was used to analyze the key biological processes and signaling pathways underlying the anti-liver fibrosis exertion of FGW. These findings were validated in a TGF-β1-induced model of activation and proliferation of mouse hepatic stellate cell line JS-1. Finally, the key signaling pathways and molecular targets were validated using animal tissues, and the effect of FGW on tissue lipid peroxidation was additionally observed. RESULTS We found that 19.5 g/kg FGW significantly down-regulated CCl4-induced elevation of hepatic ALT and AST, decreased collagen deposition, and inhibited the expression of pro-fibrotic factors α-SMA, COL1α1, CTGF, TIMP-1, as well as pro-inflammatory factor TGF-β1. Additionally, FGW at doses of 62.5, 125, and 250 μg/mL dose-dependently blocked JS-1 proliferation, migration, and activation. Furthermore, RNA-seq identified the NF-κB signaling pathway as a key target molecular pathway for FGW against liver fibrosis, and network pharmacology combined with RNA-seq focused on 11 key genes. Significant changes were identified in CCL2 and HMOX1 by tissue RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. We further demonstrated that FGW significantly attenuated CCl4-induced increases in p-p65, CCL2, CCR2, and HMOX1, while significantly elevating Nrf2. Finally, FGW significantly suppressed the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products MDA and 4-HNE and reconfigured the oxidation-reduction balance, including promoting the increase of antioxidants GPx, GSH, and SOD, and the decrease of peroxidation products ROS and GSSG. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that FGW exhibits potential in mitigating CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, lipid peroxidation, and iron metabolism disorders in mice. This effect may be mediated through the NF-κB/CCL2/CCR2 and Nrf2/HMOX1 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanlin Shi
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Duan
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingcheng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyan Tao
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yang Lei
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Xue Y, Zhu W, Qiao F, Yang Y, Qiu J, Zou C, Gao Y, Zhang X, Li M, Shang Z, Gao Y, Huang L. Ba-Qi-Rougan formula alleviates hepatic fibrosis by suppressing hepatic stellate cell activation via the MSMP/CCR2/PI3K pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 329:118169. [PMID: 38621463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118169] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Ba-Qi-Rougan formula (BQRGF) is a traditional and effective compound prescription from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) utilized in treating hepatic fibrosis (HF). AIM OF THE STUDY We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of BQRGF on HF and explore the underlying mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology was employed to identify the material basis of BQRGF. Mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced HF received BQRGF at three doses (3.87, 7.74, and 15.48 g/kg per day). We examined serum and liver biochemical indicators and liver histology to assess the therapeutic impact. Primary mouse cells were isolated and utilized for experimental analysis. MSMP expression levels were examined in vitro and in vivo experimental models, including human and mouse tissue. Furthermore, lentivirus and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfections were employed to manipulate microseminoprotein (MSMP) expression in LO2 cells (human normal liver cells). These manipulated LO2 cells were then co-cultured with LX2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Through the modulation of MSMP expression in co-cultured cells, administering recombinant MSMP (rMSMP) with or without BQRGF-medicated serum, and using specific pathway inhibitors or agonists in LX2 cells, we elucidated the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS A total of 48 compounds were identified from BQRGF, with 12 compounds being absorbed into the bloodstream and 9 compounds being absorbed into the liver. Four weeks of BQRGF treatment in the HF mouse model led to significant improvements in biochemical and molecular assays and histopathology, particularly in the medium and high-dose groups. These improvements included a reduction in the level of liver injury and fibrosis-related factors. MSMP levels were elevated in human and mouse fibrotic liver tissues, and this increase was mitigated in HF mice treated with BQRGF. Moreover, primary cells and co-culture studies revealed that BQRGF reduced MSMP expression, decreased the expression of the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation markers, and suppressed critical phosphorylated protein levels in the CCR2/PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings were further validated using CCR2/PI3K/AKT signaling inhibitors and agonists in MSMP-activated LX2 cells. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our results suggest that BQRGF combats HF by diminishing MSMP levels and inhibiting MSMP-induced HSC activation through the CCR2/PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xue
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Wanchun Zhu
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Fengjie Qiao
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yilan Yang
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jiaohao Qiu
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Chen Zou
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yating Gao
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Man Li
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Zhi Shang
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Institute of Infectious Disease, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yueqiu Gao
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Institute of Infectious Disease, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Lingying Huang
- Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Guo Y, Guo T, Huang C, Sun P, Wu Z, Jin Z, Zheng C, Li X. Combining T1rho and advanced diffusion MRI for noninvasively staging liver fibrosis: an experimental study in rats. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2024:10.1007/s00261-024-04327-3. [PMID: 38607572 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04327-3] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the value of imaging parameters derived from T1 relaxation times in the rotating frame (T1ρ or T1rho), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) in assessment of liver fibrosis in rats and propose an optimal diagnostic model based on multiparametric MRI. METHODS Thirty rats were divided into one control group and four fibrosis experimental groups (n = 6 for each group). Liver fibrosis was induced by administering thioacetamide (TAA) for 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. T1ρ, mean kurtosis (MK), mean diffusivity (MD), perfusion fraction (f), true diffusion coefficient (D), and pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*) were measured and compared among different fibrosis stages. An optimal diagnostic model was established and the diagnostic efficiency was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS The mean AUC values, sensitivity, and specificity of T1ρ and MD derived from DKI across all liver fibrosis stages were comparable but much higher than those of other imaging parameters (0.954, 92.46, 91.85 for T1ρ; 0.949, 92.52, 91.24 for MD). The model combining T1ρ and MD exhibited better diagnostic performance with higher AUC values than any individual method for staging liver fibrosis (≥ F1: 1.000 (0.884-1.000); ≥ F2: 0.935 (0.782-0.992); ≥ F3: 0.982 (0.852-1.000); F4: 0.986 (0.859-1.000)). CONCLUSION Among the evaluated imaging parameters, T1ρ and MD were superior for differentiating varying liver fibrosis stages. The model combining T1ρ and MD was promising to be a credible diagnostic biomarker to detect and accurately stage liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwan Guo
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Tingting Guo
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Clinical & Technical Support, Philips Healthcare, No. 1628, Zhongshan Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhigang Wu
- Clinical & Technical Support, Philips Healthcare, No. 1628, Zhongshan Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziwei Jin
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chuansheng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Liu KX, Wang ZY, Ying YT, Wei RM, Dong DL, Sun ZJ. The antiprotozoal drug nitazoxanide improves experimental liver fibrosis in mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116205. [PMID: 38615918 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116205] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Nitazoxanide is an FDA-approved antiprotozoal drug. Our previous studies find that nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide affect AMPK, STAT3, and Smad2/3 signals which are involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, therefore, in the present study, we examined the effect of nitazoxanide on experimental liver fibrosis and elucidated the potential mechanisms. The in vivo experiment results showed that oral nitazoxanide (75, 100 mg·kg-1) significantly improved CCl4- and bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Oral nitazoxanide activated the inhibited AMPK and inhibited the activated STAT3 in liver tissues from liver fibrosis mice. The in vitro experiment results showed that nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide activated AMPK and inhibited STAT3 signals in LX-2 cells (human hepatic stellate cells). Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited cell proliferation and collagen I expression and secretion of LX-2 cells. Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)- and IL-6-induced increases of cell proliferation, collagen I expression and secretion, inhibited TGF-β1- and IL-6-induced STAT3 and Smad2/3 activation in LX-2 cells. In mouse primary hepatic stellate cells, nitazoxanide and tizoxanide also activated AMPK, inhibited STAT3 and Smad2/3 activation, inhibited cell proliferation, collagen I expression and secretion. In conclusion, nitazoxanide inhibits liver fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms involve AMPK activation, and STAT3 and Smad2/3 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Xin Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeng-Yang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Ting Ying
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Miao Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - De-Li Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhi-Jie Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
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Zhu D, Sun Z, Wei J, Zhang Y, An W, Lin Y, Li X. BMP7-Loaded Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Ameliorate Liver Fibrosis by Targeting Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3475-3495. [PMID: 38623080 PMCID: PMC11018131 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s450284] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hucMSC)-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are natural nanocarriers with promising potential in treating liver fibrosis and have widespread applications in the fields of nanomedicine and regenerative medicine. However, the therapeutic efficacy of natural hucMSC-sEVs is currently limited owing to their non-specific distribution in vivo and partial removal by mononuclear macrophages following systemic delivery. Thus, the therapeutic efficacy can be improved through the development of engineered hucMSC-sEVs capable to overcome these limitations. Patients and Methods To improve the anti-liver fibrosis efficacy of hucMSC-sEVs, we genetically engineered hucMSC-sEVs to overexpress the anti-fibrotic gene bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7) in parental cells. This was achieved using lentiviral transfection, following which BMP7-loaded hucMSC-sEVs were isolated through ultracentrifugation. First, the liver fibrosis was induced in C57BL/6J mice by intraperitoneal injection of 50% carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) twice a week for 8 weeks. These mice were subsequently treated with BMP7+sEVs via tail vein injection, and the anti-liver fibrosis effect of BMP7+sEVs was validated using small animal in vivo imaging, immunohistochemistry (IHC), tissue immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Finally, cell function studies were performed to confirm the in vivo results. Results Liver imaging and liver histopathology confirmed that the engineered hucMSC-sEVs could reach the liver of mice and aggregate around activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) with a significantly stronger anti-liver fibrosis effect of BMP7-loaded hucMSC-sEVs compared to those of blank or negative control-transfected hucMSC-sEVs. In vitro, BMP7-loaded hucMSC-sEVs promoted the phenotypic reversal of aHSCs and inhibited their proliferation to enhance the anti-fibrotic effects. Conclusion These engineered BMP7-loaded hucMSC-sEVs offer a novel and promising strategy for the clinical treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhu
- First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zongbin Sun
- First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayun Wei
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yulin Zhang
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjing An
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Lin
- First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xun Li
- First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
- General Surgery Department, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Fathi P, Sundaresan V, Alfonso AL, Rama Varma A, Sadtler K. Factors Affecting the Evaluation of Collagen Deposition and Fibrosis In Vitro. Tissue Eng Part A 2024. [PMID: 38511512 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2023.0284] [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] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune responses to biomedical implants, wound healing, and diseased tissues often involve collagen deposition by fibroblasts and other stromal cells. Dysregulated collagen deposition can lead to complications, such as biomaterial fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, desmoplasia, liver fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis, which can ultimately result in losses of organ function or failure of biomedical implants. Current in vitro methods to induce collagen deposition include growing the cells under macromolecular crowding conditions or on fibronectin-coated surfaces. However, the majority of these methods have been demonstrated with a single cell line, and the combined impacts of culture conditions and postculture processing on collagen deposition have not been explored in detail. In this work, the effects of macromolecular crowding versus fibronectin coating, fixation with methanol versus fixation with paraformaldehyde, and use of plastic substrates versus glass substrates were evaluated using the WI-38 human lung fibroblast cell line. Fibronectin coating was found to provide enhanced collagen deposition under macromolecular crowding conditions, while a higher plating density led to improved collagen I deposition compared with macromolecular crowding. Collagen deposition was found to be more apparent on plastic substrates than on glass substrates. The effects of primary cells versus cell lines, and mouse cells versus human cells, were evaluated using WI-38 cells, primary human lung fibroblasts, primary human dermal fibroblasts, primary mouse lung fibroblasts, primary mouse dermal fibroblasts, and the L929 mouse fibroblast cell line. Cell lines exhibited enhanced collagen I deposition compared with primary cells. Furthermore, collagen deposition was quantified with picrosirius red staining, and plate-based drug screening through picrosirius red staining of decellularized extracellular matrices was demonstrated. The results of this study provide detailed conditions under which collagen deposition can be induced in vitro in multiple cell types, with applications including material development, development of potential antifibrotic therapies, and mechanistic investigation of disease pathways. Impact Statement This study demonstrated the effects of cell type, biological conditions, fixative, culture substrate, and staining method on in vitro collagen deposition and visualization. Further the utility of plate-based picrosirius red staining of decellularized extracellular matrices for drug screening through collagen quantification was demonstrated. These results should provide clarity and a path forward for researchers who aim to conduct in vitro experiments on collagen deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parinaz Fathi
- Section on Immunoengineering, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Unit for NanoEngineering and MicroPhysiological Systems (UNEMPS), National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Vanathi Sundaresan
- Section on Immunoengineering, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea Lucia Alfonso
- Section on Immunoengineering, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anagha Rama Varma
- Section on Immunoengineering, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Unit for NanoEngineering and MicroPhysiological Systems (UNEMPS), National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Sadtler
- Section on Immunoengineering, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Miryan M, Rashid SA, Navashenaq JG, Soleimani D, Nematy M, Moludi J. Dietary inflammatory index in relation to the progression of hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis: evaluation by elastography/Fibroscan. BMC Gastroenterol 2024; 24:128. [PMID: 38589782 PMCID: PMC11000290 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03209-8] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the proposed mechanisms by which nutrition influences the progression of hepatic steatosis to fibrosis is inflammation. The study investigated how the inflammatory potential of the diet affects the risk of liver damage in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition where fat accumulates in the liver. This cross-sectional study included 170 outpatients with newly diagnosed NAFLD. This study used a device called Fibroscan® to measure the degree of liver fibrosis, which is the scarring of the liver tissue due to chronic inflammation. The study also used a tool called the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) to measure the inflammatory potential of the diet based on the intake of different foods and nutrients. In the findings of the study, patients with more severe fat accumulation in the liver (hepatic steatosis) had higher DII scores, meaning they had more inflammatory diets. The study also found that higher DII scores were associated with higher weight and body mass index (BMI). One standard deviation (SD) increase in DII scores was associated with a 0.29 kilopascal (95% CI: 0.10-0.44; P-value 0.001) increase in the mean liver stiffness, an indicator of liver fibrosis. The study concluded that patients with higher DII scores had a higher risk of developing liver fibrosis than those with lower DII scores, even after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio: 5.89; P-value: 0.001). The study suggested that eating less inflammatory foods may help prevent or slow down the progression of hepatic steatosis and liver in patients with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Miryan
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | | | - Davood Soleimani
- Nutritional Sciences Department, School of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Research Center of Oils and Fats, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nematy
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jalal Moludi
- Nutritional Sciences Department, School of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
- Research Center of Oils and Fats, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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11
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Bonadio JD, Bashiri G, Halligan P, Kegel M, Ahmed F, Wang K. Delivery technologies for therapeutic targeting of fibronectin fibrosis in autoimmunity and applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024:115303. [PMID: 38588958 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115303] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Fibronectin (FN) is a critical component of extracellular matrix (ECM) contributing to various physiological processes, including tissue repair and immune response regulation. FN regulates various cellular functions such as adhesion, proliferation, migration, differentiation, and cytokine release. Alterations in FN expression, deposition, and molecular structure can profoundly impact its interaction with cells, growth factors, ECM components, and associated signaling pathways, thus influencing the progress of diseases such as fibrosis and autoimmune disorders. Therefore, developing therapeutics that directly target FN, or its interaction with cells and other ECM components can be an intriguing approach to address autoimmune and fibrosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob D Bonadio
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ghazal Bashiri
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Patrick Halligan
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael Kegel
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Fatima Ahmed
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Karin Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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Peng W, Yang Y, Lu H, Shi H, Jiang L, Liao X, Zhao H, Wang W, Liu J. Network pharmacology combines machine learning, molecular simulation dynamics and experimental validation to explore the mechanism of acetylbinankadsurin A in the treatment of liver fibrosis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 323:117682. [PMID: 38169205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117682] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A. C. Smith is known as "Heilaohu" of the Tujia ethnomedicine in China. It has anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory and liver protective effects, used to treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, gastritis and hepatitis. In this research, we investigated the anti-fibrotic effect and possible mechanisms of acetylbinankadsurin A (ACBA) in vitro and in vivo, which is a natural compound derived from roots of K. coccinea. AIM OF THE STUDY We try to evaluate the efficacy of ACBA in the treatment of liver fibrosis and to explore the underlying mechanisms of ACBA by network pharmacology, machine learning, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and experimental assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS ACBA was isolated from the CH2Cl2 layer of the roots of K. coccinea through column chromatographic techniques. The structure of ACBA was determined by using 1D and 2D NMR. CCl4-induced C57BL/6 mouse liver fibrosis models were established to evaluate the anti-fibrosis effects of ACBA in vivo. The molecular targets of ACBA and liver fibrosis were obtained from various databases, then constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks through the STRING database. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis were applied using the "clusterProfiler" R package. Furthermore, the key genes for ACBA treatment of liver fibrosis were identified by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were also carried out. Finally, the target and pathway of ACBA were verified by immunofluorescence staining, RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULT First, ACBA attenuated CCl4-induced liver injury and fibrosis in vivo. These findings were accompanied by decreased expression of α-SMA and collagen I. Second, ACBA significantly decreased serum levels of ALT, AST, TNF-α and IL-6. Then, we identified 133 potential targets of ACBA and 7987 targets of liver fibrosis. KEGG analysis showed that ACBA could regulate the drug metabolism - cytochrome P450, fructose and mannose metabolism, IL-17 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Next, six core targets was screened by LASSO analysis including AKR1B1, PFKFB3, EPHA3, CDK1, CCR1 and CYP3A4. Molecular docking showed that ACBA has a good binding affinity for CCR1. Furthermore, compared with CCR1 inhibitor BX-471, The results of molecular simulation dynamics showed that ACBA was stable in binding with CCR1. Consistently, ACBA remarkably downregulated the expression of CCR1, p-NF-κBp65, p-IκBα, p-STAT1 and TNF-α proteins, which were upregulated in CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis and LPS-THP-1 cells. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that ACBA significantly attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in histopathological and in serum level. This effect may be mediated by CCR1, NF-κB and STAT1 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangxia Peng
- Science and Technology Innovation Center of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Innovation Base of Hunan State Key Laboratory of Innovative Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Yupei Yang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Huaguan Lu
- Science and Technology Innovation Center of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Innovation Base of Hunan State Key Laboratory of Innovative Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Huan Shi
- Science and Technology Innovation Center of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Innovation Base of Hunan State Key Laboratory of Innovative Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Lihong Jiang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Innovation Base of Hunan State Key Laboratory of Innovative Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Xiaolin Liao
- Science and Technology Innovation Center of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Innovation Base of Hunan State Key Laboratory of Innovative Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Hongqing Zhao
- Science and Technology Innovation Center of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Innovation Base of Hunan State Key Laboratory of Innovative Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Wei Wang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Science and Technology Innovation Center of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Innovation Base of Hunan State Key Laboratory of Innovative Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
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13
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Vidal-Correoso D, Mateo SV, Muñoz-Morales AM, Lucas-Ruiz F, Jover-Aguilar M, Alconchel F, Martínez-Alarcón L, Sánchez-Redondo S, Santos V, López-López V, Ríos-Zambudio A, Cascales P, Pons JA, Ramírez P, Pelegrín P, Peinado H, Baroja-Mazo A. Cell-specific Extracellular Vesicles and Their miRNA Cargo Released Into the Organ Preservation Solution During Cold Ischemia Storage as Biomarkers for Liver Transplant Outcomes. Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00721. [PMID: 38578699 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation (LT) is crucial for end-stage liver disease patients, but organ shortages persist. Donation after circulatory death (DCD) aims to broaden the donor pool but presents challenges. Complications like acute rejection, hepatic artery thrombosis, and biliary issues still impact posttransplant prognosis. Biomarkers, including extracellular vesicles (EVs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), show promise in understanding and monitoring posttransplant events. This study explores the role of EVs and their miRNA cargo in LT, including their potential as diagnostic tools. METHODS EVs from intrahepatic end-ischemic organ preservation solution (eiOPS) in 79 donated livers were detected using different techniques (nanosight tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and flow cytometry). EV-derived miRNAs were identified by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using the R platform. RESULTS Different-sized and origin-specific EVs were found in eiOPS, with significantly higher concentrations in DCD compared with donation after brain death organs. Additionally, several EV-associated miRNAs, including let-7d-5p, miR-28-5p, miR-200a-3p, miR-200b-3p, miR-200c-3p, and miR-429, were overexpressed in DCD-derived eiOPS. These miRNAs also exhibited differential expression patterns in liver tissue biopsies. Pathway analysis revealed enrichment in signaling pathways involved in extracellular matrix organization and various cellular processes. Moreover, specific EVs and miRNAs correlated with clinical outcomes, including survival and early allograft dysfunction. A predictive model combining biomarkers and clinical variables showed promise in acute rejection detection after LT. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide new insights into the use of EVs and miRNAs as biomarkers and their possible influence on posttransplantation outcomes, potentially contributing to improved diagnostic approaches and personalized treatment strategies in LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Vidal-Correoso
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Sandra V Mateo
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Ana M Muñoz-Morales
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Fernando Lucas-Ruiz
- Experimental Ophthalmology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla) & Ophthalmology Department, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marta Jover-Aguilar
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Felipe Alconchel
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Laura Martínez-Alarcón
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Sara Sánchez-Redondo
- Microenvironment & Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Santos
- Microenvironment & Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor López-López
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Ríos-Zambudio
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro Cascales
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Pons
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Ramírez
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Pelegrín
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Héctor Peinado
- Microenvironment & Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Baroja-Mazo
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
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Bader El Din NG, Farouk S. Exploring the Impact of Different Inflammatory Cytokines on Hepatitis C Virus Infection. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2024. [PMID: 38563804 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2024.0003] [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] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern affecting millions worldwide. Chronic HCV infection often leads to liver inflammation and can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Inflammatory cytokines are crucial in modulating the immune response during HCV infection. This review aims to investigate the impact of different inflammatory cytokines on HCV infection and associated immune responses. This review was conducted to identify relevant studies on the interplay between inflammatory cytokines and HCV infection. The analysis focused on the effects of key inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), on HCV replication, immune cell activation, and liver inflammation. The findings reveal that these inflammatory cytokines can significantly influence HCV infection and the subsequent immune response. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 have been shown to enhance HCV replication, while IFN-γ exerts antiviral effects by inhibiting viral replication and promoting immune cell-mediated clearance of infected hepatocytes. Moreover, these cytokines contribute to the recruitment and activation of immune cells, such as natural killer cells, T cells, and macrophages, which play critical roles in controlling HCV infection. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which inflammatory cytokines impact HCV infection is crucial for developing more targeted therapeutic strategies. Modulating the levels or activity of specific cytokines may provide opportunities to attenuate HCV replication, reduce liver inflammation, and improve treatment outcomes. In conclusion, this review highlights the significance of inflammatory cytokines in influencing HCV infection and associated immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha G Bader El Din
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Institute, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sally Farouk
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Institute, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
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15
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Jiao M, Zhang Y, Song X, Xu B. The role and mechanism of TXNDC5 in disease progression. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1354952. [PMID: 38629066 PMCID: PMC11019510 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1354952] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Thioredoxin domain containing protein-5 (TXNDC5), also known as endothelial protein-disulfide isomerase (Endo-PDI), is confined to the endoplasmic reticulum through the structural endoplasmic reticulum retention signal (KDEL), is a member of the PDI protein family and is highly expressed in the hypoxic state. TXNDC5 can regulate the rate of disulfide bond formation, isomerization and degradation of target proteins through its function as a protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), thereby altering protein conformation, activity and improving protein stability. Several studies have shown that there is a significant correlation between TXNDC5 gene polymorphisms and genetic susceptibility to inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid, fibrosis and tumors. In this paper, we detail the expression characteristics of TXNDC5 in a variety of diseases, summarize the mechanisms by which TXNDC5 promotes malignant disease progression, and summarize potential therapeutic strategies to target TXNDC5 for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Jiao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation and Nephrosis, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yeyong Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xie Song
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation and Nephrosis, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
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16
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Mao S, Wang X, Li M, Liu H, Liang H. The role and mechanism of hydrogen sulfide in liver fibrosis. Nitric Oxide 2024; 145:41-48. [PMID: 38360133 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2024.02.002] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the third new gas signaling molecule in the human body after the discovery of NO and CO. Similar to NO, it has the functions of vasodilation, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regulation of cell formation. Enzymes that can produce endogenous H2S, such as CSE, CSB, and 3-MST, are common in liver tissues and are important regulatory molecules in the liver. In the development of liver fibrosis, H2S concentration and expression of related enzymes change significantly, which makes it possible to use exogenous gases to treat liver diseases. This review summarizes the role of H2S in liver fibrosis and its complications induced by NAFLD and CCl4, and elaborates on the anti-liver fibrosis effect of H2S through the mechanism of reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation, regulating autophagy, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, providing theoretical reference for further research on the treatment of liver fibrosis with H2S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyu Mao
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Miaoqing Li
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Hanshu Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Hongxia Liang
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Chen M, Wu GB, Hua S, Zheng L, Fan Q, Luo M. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) to aggravate liver fibrosis into cirrhosis and portal hypertension (PHT) via ROS/TGF-β1/Snail-1 signalling pathway in adult rats. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2024; 274:116124. [PMID: 38503108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116124] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to investigate the toxicological impact of Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on the process of liver fibrosis transitioning into cirrhosis and the subsequent development of portal hypertension (PHT) through the mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mediated by the ROS/TGF-β/Snail-1 signaling pathway. METHOD Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (1 mg/kg) was introduced in adult rats by oral feeding in CCl4 and CCl4+DBP groups twice a week for 8 weeks, and twice for another 8 week in CCl4 group. DBP was introduced by oral feeding in the CCl4+DBP group twice over the following 8 weeks. We subsequently analyzed hemodynamics measurements and liver cirrhosis degree, hepatic inflammation and liver function in the different groups. EMT related genes expression in rats in the groups of Control, DBP, CCl4 and CCl4+DBP were measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), qRT-PCR, western blot were used to detect the EMT related proteins and mRNA gene expression levels in rats and primary hepatocytes (PHCs). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined with a ROS detection kit. RESULTS The results showed that the CCl4+DBP group had higher portal pressure (PP) and lower mean arterial pressure (MAP) than the other groups. Elevated collagen deposition, profibrotic factor, inflammation, EMT levels were detected in DBP and CCl4+DBP groups. ROS, TGF-β1 and Snail-1 were highly expressed after DBP exposure in vitro. TGF-β1 had the potential to regulate Snail-1, and both of them were subject to regulation by ROS. CONCLUSION DBP could influence the progression of EMT through its toxicological effect by ROS/TGF-β1/Snail-1 signalling pathway, causing cirrhosis and PHT in final. The findings of this research might contribute to a novel comprehension of the underlying toxicological mechanisms and animal model involved in the progression of cirrhosis and PHT, and potentially offered a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang-Bo Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Hua
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Meng Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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18
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Albaladejo-García V, Morán L, Santos-Coquillat A, González MI, Ye H, Vázquez Ogando E, Vaquero J, Cubero FJ, Desco M, Salinas B. Curcumin encapsulated in milk small extracellular vesicles as a nanotherapeutic alternative in experimental chronic liver disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116381. [PMID: 38452655 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116381] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Curcumin is a natural molecule widely tested in preclinical and clinical studies due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Nevertheless, its high hydrophobicity and low bioavailability limit in vivo applications. To overcome curcumin´s drawbacks, small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have emerged as potential drug delivery systems due to their non-immunogenicity, nanometric size and amphiphilic composition. This work presents curcumin cargo into milk sEV structure and further in vitro and in vivo evaluation as a therapeutic nanoplatform. The encapsulation of curcumin into sEV was performed by two methodologies under physiological conditions: a passive incorporation and active cargo employing saponin. Loaded sEVs (sEVCurPas and sEVCurAc) were fully characterized by physicochemical techniques, confirming that neither methodology affects the morphology or size of the nanoparticles (sEV: 113.3±5.1 nm, sEVCurPas: 127.0±4.5 nm and sEVCurAc: 98.5±3.6 nm). Through the active approach with saponin (sEVCurAc), a three-fold higher cargo was obtained (433.5 µg/mL) in comparison with the passive approach (129.1 µg/mL). These sEVCurAc were further evaluated in vitro by metabolic activity assay (MTT), confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry, showing a higher cytotoxic effect in the tumoral cells RAW264.7 and HepG2 than in primary hepatocytes, specially at high doses of sEVCurAc (4%, 15% and 30% of viability). In vivo evaluation in an experimental model of liver fibrosis confirmed sEVCurAc therapeutic effects, leading to a significant decrease of serum markers of liver damage (ALT) (557 U/L to 338 U/L with sEVCurAc therapy) and a tendency towards decreased liver fibrogenesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Albaladejo-García
- Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid 28007, Spain
| | - Laura Morán
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ENT, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Ana Santos-Coquillat
- Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid 28007, Spain; Unidad de Imagen Avanzada, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - María I González
- Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid 28007, Spain; Unidad de Imagen Avanzada, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Hui Ye
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ENT, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Elena Vázquez Ogando
- HepatoGastro Lab, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid 28007, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Vaquero
- HepatoGastro Lab, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid 28007, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Cubero
- Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ENT, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain; HepatoGastro Lab, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid 28007, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Desco
- Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid 28007, Spain; Unidad de Imagen Avanzada, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid 28029, Spain; Departamento de Bioingeniería, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid 28911, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Beatriz Salinas
- Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Experimental, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid 28007, Spain; Unidad de Imagen Avanzada, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid 28029, Spain; Departamento de Bioingeniería, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid 28911, Spain; CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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19
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Zhang G, Shi L, Li J, Ren J, Wang D, Guo X, Guo Q, Li C. Antler thymosin β10 reduces liver fibrosis via inhibiting TGF-β1/SMAD pathway. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130502. [PMID: 38428779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130502] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is a crucial step in the development of liver fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that antler stem cells (AnSCs) inhibited HSC activation, suggesting that this may be achieved through secreting or releasing peptides. This study aimed to investigate whether AnSC-derived peptides (AnSC-P) could reduce liver fibrosis. The results showed that AnSC-P effectively reduced liver fibrosis in rats. Furthermore, we found that thymosin β10 (Tβ-10) was rich in AnSC-P, which may be the main component of AnSC-P contributing to the reduction in liver fibrosis. A further study showed that Tβ-10 reduced liver fibrosis in rats, with a reduction in HYP and MDA levels in the liver tissues, a decrease in the serum levels of ALP, ALT, AST, and TBIL and an increase in TP and ALB. Moreover, Tβ-10 decreased the expression levels of the genes related to the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway in vivo. In addition, Tβ-10 also inhibited TGF-β1-induced HSC activation and decreased the expression levels of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway-related genes in HSCs in vitro. In conclusion, antler Tβ-10 is a potential drug candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis, the effect of which may be achieved via inhibition of the TGFβ/SMAD signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guokun Zhang
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University; 130600 Changchun, China
| | - Liyan Shi
- The Third Hospital of Jilin University, 130033 Changchun, China
| | - Jiping Li
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University; 130600 Changchun, China
| | - Jing Ren
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University; 130600 Changchun, China; College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, 130118 Changchun, China
| | - Dongxu Wang
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University; 130600 Changchun, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University; 130600 Changchun, China
| | - Qianqian Guo
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University; 130600 Changchun, China.
| | - Chunyi Li
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University; 130600 Changchun, China; College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, 130118 Changchun, China.
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20
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Lv YF, Xie CS, Liu ZX, Kang MD, Liu Y, Liao ZQ, Ji YL, Zhao R, Li YS, Wei XY, Luo RG, Tang Q. Sevelamer reverses liver fibrosis by deactivation of hepatic stellate cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116121. [PMID: 38461906 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116121] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by a progressive wound healing response caused by chronic liver injury. Currently, there are no approved clinical treatments for liver fibrosis. Sevelamer is used clinically to treat hyperphosphatemia and has shown potential therapeutic effects on liver diseases. However, there have been few studies evaluating the therapeutic effects of sevelamer on liver fibrosis, and the specific mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the antifibrotic effects of sevelamer-induced low inorganic phosphate (Pi) stress in vitro and in vivo and analyzed the detailed mechanisms. We found that low Pi stress could inhibit the proliferation of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by promoting apoptosis, effectively suppressing the migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of hepatic stellate cells. Additionally, low Pi stress significantly increased the antioxidant stress response. It is worth noting that low Pi stress indirectly inhibited the activation and migration of HSCs by suppressing transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) expression in macrophages. In a rat model of liver fibrosis, oral administration of sevelamer significantly decreased blood phosphorus levels, improved liver function, reduced liver inflammation, and increased the antioxidant stress response in the liver. Our study revealed that the key mechanism by which sevelamer inhibited liver fibrosis involved binding to gastrointestinal phosphate, resulting in a decrease in blood phosphorus levels, the downregulation of TGF-β expression in macrophages, and the inhibition of HSC migration and fibrosis-related protein expression. Therefore, our results suggest that sevelamer-induced low Pi stress can attenuate hepatic stellate cell activation and inhibit the progression of liver fibrosis, making it a potential option for the treatment of liver fibrosis and other refractory chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Feng Lv
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Chuan-Sheng Xie
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zhi-Xing Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Mei-Diao Kang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zi-Qiang Liao
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yu-Long Ji
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yan-Shu Li
- Jiangxi Center of Medical Device Testing, Nanchang 330029, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, China
| | - Rong-Guang Luo
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Qun Tang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China.
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López CAM, Freiberger RN, Sviercz FA, Jarmoluk P, Cevallos C, Quarleri J, Delpino MV. HIV and gp120-induced lipid droplets loss in hepatic stellate cells contribute to profibrotic profile. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167084. [PMID: 38368823 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167084] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, primarily collagen, in response to liver injury caused by chronic liver diseases. HIV infection accelerates the progression of liver fibrosis in patients co-infected with HCV or HBV compared to those who are only mono-infected. The early event in the progression of liver fibrosis involves the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which entails the loss of lipid droplets (LD) to fuel the production of extracellular matrix components crucial for liver tissue healing. Thus, we are examining the mechanism by which HIV stimulates the progression of liver fibrosis. HIV-R5 tropic infection was unable to induce the expression of TGF-β, collagen deposition, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and cellular proliferation. However, this infection induced the secretion of the profibrogenic cytokine IL-6 and the loss of LD. This process involved the participation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and an increase in lysosomal acid lipase (LAL), along with the involvement of Microtubule-associated protein 1 A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3), strongly suggesting that LD loss could occur through acid lipolysis. These phenomena were mimicked by the gp120 protein from the R5 tropic strain of HIV. Preincubation of HSCs with the CCR5 receptor antagonist, TAK-779, blocked gp120 activity. Additionally, experiments performed with pseudotyped-HIV revealed that HIV replication could also contribute to LD loss. These results demonstrate that the cross-talk between HSCs and HIV involves a series of interactions that help explain some of the mechanisms involved in the exacerbation of liver damage observed in co-infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinthya Alicia Marcela López
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Facultad de Medicina, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosa Nicole Freiberger
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Facultad de Medicina, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Franco Agustín Sviercz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Facultad de Medicina, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricio Jarmoluk
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Facultad de Medicina, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cintia Cevallos
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Facultad de Medicina, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jorge Quarleri
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Facultad de Medicina, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Delpino
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Facultad de Medicina, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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22
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Kralova K, Vrtelka O, Fouskova M, Smirnova TA, Michalkova L, Hribek P, Urbanek P, Kuckova S, Setnicka V. Comprehensive spectroscopic, metabolomic, and proteomic liquid biopsy in the diagnostics of hepatocellular carcinoma. Talanta 2024; 270:125527. [PMID: 38134814 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125527] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Liquid biopsy is a very topical issue in clinical diagnostics research nowadays. In this study, we explored and compared various analytical approaches to blood plasma analysis. Finally, we proposed a comprehensive procedure, which, thanks to the utilization of multiple analytical techniques, allowed the targeting of various biomolecules in blood plasma reflecting diverse biological processes underlying disease development. The potential of such an approach, combining proteomics, metabolomics, and vibrational spectroscopy along with preceding blood plasma fractionation, was demonstrated on blood plasma samples of patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic terrain (n = 20) and control subjects with liver cirrhosis (n = 20) as well as healthy subjects (n = 20). Most of the applied methods allowed the classification of the samples with an accuracy exceeding 80.0 % and therefore have the potential to be used as a stand-alone method in clinical diagnostics. Moreover, a final panel of 48 variables obtained by a combination of the utilized analytical methods enabled the discrimination of the hepatocellular carcinoma samples from cirrhosis with 94.3 % cross-validated accuracy. Thus, this study, although limited by the cohort size, clearly demonstrated the benefit of the multimethod approach in clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Kralova
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Vrtelka
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Fouskova
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tatiana Anatolievna Smirnova
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Michalkova
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, Rozvojova 135, 165 02, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Hribek
- Military University Hospital Prague, Department of Medicine 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University and Military University Hospital Prague, U Vojenske Nemocnice 1200, 169 02, Prague 6, Czech Republic; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Military Health Sciences in Hradec Kralove, University of Defense, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Urbanek
- Military University Hospital Prague, Department of Medicine 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University and Military University Hospital Prague, U Vojenske Nemocnice 1200, 169 02, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Stepanka Kuckova
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Setnicka
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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23
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Effandie E, Gupte GL. Chronic Liver Disease - What's New? Indian J Pediatr 2024; 91:391-397. [PMID: 37737559 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-023-04819-y] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a persistent public health burden, with over one billion cases reported worldwide. In most cases, the progression of CLD is slow and undulating with end-stage liver disease developing at variable time points depending on the underlying etiology of the disease. The concept of reversibility or halting progression to end stage liver disease is recent and various medications are in the pipeline which influence the progression of CLD. Non-invasive tests for monitoring of CLD may have the potential to avoid the morbidity and mortality related to invasive procedures. However, their applicability and validation in pediatrics requires further development and a coordinated effort by large pediatric liver centres. Recent advances in metabolomics and modern molecular technologies have led to an understanding of the interaction between gut microbiome liver axis and gut dysbiosis contributing to liver diseases. In the future, modifying the gut microbiome has the potential to change the outcome and significantly reduce the morbidity associated with CLD. This article focuses on newer modalities and concepts in the management of CLD, which may help develop strategies to prevent its progression to end-stage liver disease and associated morbidity/mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezyana Effandie
- Liver Unit (Including Small Bowel Transplantation), Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, B4 6NH, UK
| | - Girish L Gupte
- Liver Unit (Including Small Bowel Transplantation), Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, B4 6NH, UK.
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24
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Steffani M, Geng Y, Pajvani UB, Schwabe RF. Protective hepatocyte signals restrain liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e179710. [PMID: 38557494 PMCID: PMC10977975 DOI: 10.1172/jci179710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects nearly 40% of the global adult population and may progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and MASH-associated liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Despite numerous studies unraveling the mechanism of hepatic fibrogenesis, there are still no approved antifibrotic therapies. The development of MASLD and liver fibrosis results from complex cell-cell interactions that often initiate within hepatocytes but remain incompletely understood. In this issue of the JCI, Yan and colleagues describe an ATF3/HES1/CEBPA/OPN pathway that links hepatocyte signals to fibrogenic activation of hepatic stellate cells and may provide new perspectives on therapeutic options for MASLD-induced liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Steffani
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yana Geng
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Utpal B. Pajvani
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Institute of Human Nutrition, New York, New York, USA
- Columbia University Digestive and Liver Disease Research Center, New York, New York, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert F. Schwabe
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Institute of Human Nutrition, New York, New York, USA
- Columbia University Digestive and Liver Disease Research Center, New York, New York, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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25
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Liang Z, Zhang K, Guo H, Tang X, Chen M, Shi J, Yang J. Cordycepin alleviates hepatic fibrosis in association with the inhibition of glutaminolysis to promote hepatic stellate cell senescence. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111981. [PMID: 38565039 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111981] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cordycepin (CRD) is an active component derived from Cordyceps militaris, which possesses multiple biological activities and uses in liver disease. However, whether CRD improves liver fibrosis by regulating hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation has remained unknown. The study aims further to clarify the activities of CRD on liver fibrosis and elucidate the possible mechanism. Our results demonstrated that CRD significantly relieved hepatocyte injury and inhibited HSC activation, alleviating hepatic fibrogenesis in the Diethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,4,6-trimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate (DDC)-induced mice model. In vitro, CRD exhibited dose-dependent repress effects on HSC proliferation, migration, and pro-fibrotic function in TGF-β1-activated LX-2 and JS-1 cells. The functional enrichment analysis of RNA-seq data indicated that the pathway through which CRD alleviates HSC activation involves cellular senescence and cell cycle-related pathways. Furthermore, it was observed that CRD accumulated the number of senescence-associated a-galactosidase positive cells and the levels of senescencemarker p21, and provoked S phasearrestof activated HSC. Remarkably, CRD treatment abolished TGF-β-induced yes-associated protein (YAP) nuclear translocation that acts upstream of glutaminolysis in activated HSC. On the whole, CRD significantly inhibited glutaminolysis of activated-HSC and induced cell senescence through the YAP signaling pathway, consequently alleviating liver fibrosis, which may be a valuable supplement for treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Liang
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Keyan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hongli Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xujiao Tang
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Mingzhu Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jinsong Shi
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jing Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
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26
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Kang SW, Ban JY, Park MS. Protective Role of Rapamycin in Fibrotic Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury (C57bl/6 Mouse). Transplant Proc 2024:S0041-1345(24)00175-1. [PMID: 38555195 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a well-documented phenomenon that occurs after liver resection and transplantation, posing a significant clinical challenge. We aim to contribute valuable insights into potential therapeutic interventions for fibrotic liver IRI, ultimately advancing our understanding of liver transplantation and resection outcomes. METHODS Twenty-four mice were divided randomly into 4 equal groups: [1] the normal group, n = 6; [2] the liver fibrosis (LF) group, n = 6; [3] the LF and IR group, n = 6; and [4] the LF with treatment of rapamycin and IR group; n = 6. RESULTS Key biomarkers assessing liver function, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, significantly decreased with Rapamycin administration. There is a substantial decrease observed in inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL) 6, IL-1B, tumor necrosis factor alpha, Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) with rapamycin treatment. Furthermore, NOX levels, caspase-3, and caspase-9 were reduced after rapamycin administration. CONCLUSION The application of rapamycin demonstrates appropriate effects in anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and anti-apoptosis, indicating significant therapeutic potential for fibrotic liver IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Wook Kang
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ju Yeon Ban
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min Su Park
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Pu TY, Chuang KC, Tung MC, Yen CC, Chen YH, Cidem A, Ko CH, Chen W, Chen CM. Lactoferrin as a therapeutic agent for attenuating hepatic stellate cell activation in thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116490. [PMID: 38554526 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116490] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease caused by prolonged liver injuries. Excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix replaces the damaged hepatocytes, leading to fibrous scar formation and fibrosis induction. Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein with a conserved, monomeric signal polypeptide chain, exhibiting diverse physiological functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumoral activities. Previous study has shown LF's protective role against chemically-induced liver fibrosis in rats. However, the mechanisms of LF in liver fibrosis are still unclear. In this study, we investigated LF's mechanisms in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in rats and TGF-β1-treated HSC-T6 cells. Using ultrasonic imaging, H&E, Masson's, and Sirius Red staining, we demonstrated LF's ability to improve liver tissue damage and fibrosis induced by TAA. LF reduced the levels of ALT, AST, and hydroxyproline in TAA-treated liver tissues, while increasing catalase levels. Additionally, LF treatment decreased mRNA expression of inflammatory factors such as Il-1β and Icam-1, as well as fibrogenic factors including α-Sma, Collagen I, and Ctgf in TAA-treated liver tissues. Furthermore, LF reduced TAA-induced ROS production and cell death in FL83B cells, and decreased α-SMA, Collagen I, and p-Smad2/3 productions in TGF-β1-treated HSC-T6 cells. Our study highlights LF's ability to ameliorate TAA-induced hepatocyte damage, oxidative stress, and liver fibrosis in rats, potentially through its inhibitory effect on HSC activation. These findings suggest LF's potential as a therapeutic agent for protecting against liver injuries and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Yu Pu
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Cheng Chuang
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Min-Che Tung
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Department of Surgery, Tungs' Taichung Metro Harbor Hospital, Taichung 435, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ching Yen
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, and College of Health Care, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Abdulkadir Cidem
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum 25250, Turkey
| | - Chu-Hsun Ko
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Wei Chen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Mu Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
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Wang P, Kang Q, Wu WS, Rui L. Hepatic Snai1 and Snai2 promote liver regeneration and suppress liver fibrosis in mice. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113875. [PMID: 38451818 PMCID: PMC11025633 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113875] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver injury stimulates hepatocyte replication and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, thereby driving liver regeneration. Aberrant HSC activation induces liver fibrosis. However, mechanisms underlying liver regeneration and fibrosis remain poorly understood. Here, we identify hepatic Snai1 and Snai2 as important transcriptional regulators for liver regeneration and fibrosis. Partial hepatectomy or CCl4 treatment increases occupancies of Snai1 and Snai2 on cyclin A2 and D1 promoters in the liver. Snai1 and Snai2 in turn increase promoter H3K27 acetylation and cyclin A2/D1 expressions. Hepatocyte-specific deletion of both Snai1 and Snai2, but not one alone, suppresses liver cyclin A2/D1 expression and regenerative hepatocyte proliferation after hepatectomy or CCl4 treatments but augments CCl4-stimulated HSC activation and liver fibrosis. Conversely, Snai2 overexpression in the liver enhances hepatocyte replication and suppresses liver fibrosis after CCl4 treatment. These results suggest that hepatic Snai1 and Snai2 directly promote, via histone modifications, reparative hepatocyte replication and indirectly inhibit liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Wang
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510640, China; School of Chemical Engineering and Light Insulation, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qianqian Kang
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Wen-Shu Wu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UI Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Liangyou Rui
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Elizabeth Weiser Caswell Diabetes Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Shamsan E, Almezgagi M, Gamah M, Khan N, Qasem A, Chuanchuan L, Haining F. The role of PI3k/AKT signaling pathway in attenuating liver fibrosis: a comprehensive review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1389329. [PMID: 38590313 PMCID: PMC10999701 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1389329] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components within the liver leads to a pathological condition known as liver fibrosis. Alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), autoimmune issues, and viral hepatitis cause chronic liver injury. Exploring potential therapeutic targets and understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis are essential for the development of effective interventions. The goal of this comprehensive review is to explain how the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway contributes to the reduction of liver fibrosis. The potential of this pathway as a therapeutic target is investigated through a summary of results from in vivo and in vitro studies. Studies focusing on PI3K/AKT activation have shown a significant decrease in fibrosis markers and a significant improvement in liver function. The review emphasizes how this pathway may prevent ECM synthesis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, ultimately reducing the fibrotic response. The specific mechanisms and downstream effectors of the PI3K/AKT pathway in liver fibrosis constitute a rapidly developing field of study. In conclusion, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays a significant role in attenuating liver fibrosis. Its complex role in regulating HSC activation and ECM production, demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo, underscores its potential as a effective therapeutic approach for managing liver fibrosis and slowing disease progression. A comprehensive review of this field provides valuable insights into its future developments and implications for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Shamsan
- College of Clinical Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Medical Science, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen
| | - Maged Almezgagi
- College of Clinical Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Mohammed Gamah
- College of Clinical Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Naveed Khan
- College of Clinical Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | | | - Liu Chuanchuan
- College of Clinical Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, China
| | - Fan Haining
- College of Clinical Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, China
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Wang X, Liu H, Wang Y, Wang P, Yi Y, Lin Y, Li X. Novel protein C6ORF120 promotes liver fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024. [PMID: 38523410 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16538] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The role of C6ORF120 in promoting CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis and its possible mechanisms were explored in C6orf120 knockout rats (C6orf120-/-) and LX-2 cells (a type of human hepatic stellate cell line). METHODS In vivo experiments, wild-type and C6orf120-/- rats were used to investigate the function of C6ORF120. In the in vitro experiments, C6ORF120 recombinant protein (rC6ORF120) at a concentration of 200 ng/mL was used to stimulate LX-2 cells. Sirius Red staining, Masson staining, western blotting, polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to explore fibrosis-associated factors. RESULTS C6orf120-/- rats showed mild fibrosis and liver injury in the CCL4-induced liver fibrosis model. Furthermore, RNA-seq revealed that C6orf120-/- rats had less extracellular matrix deposition and activated stellate cells. Consistent with the in vivo, the rC6ORF120 induced LX-2 cell activation. Moreover, mechanistic studies revealed that the p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR levels were significantly elevated and LY294002 (a PI3K/Akt/mTOR typical pathway inhibitor) reversed the function of C6ORF120 in activating LX-2 cells. CONCLUSION C6ORF120 could activate hepatic stellate cells and promote hepatic fibrosis via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Center of Infectious Disease, Beijing Ditan Hospital; Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqi Wang
- Department of Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunyun Yi
- Department of Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Lin
- Department of Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Li J, Li Y, Lin X, Lv C, Zhang X, Chen J. Evaluation of Aortic Hemodynamics Using Four-Dimensional Flow of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Rabbits with Liver Fibrosis. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024. [PMID: 38520716 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29363] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis (LF) precipitates systemic hemodynamic alterations, however, its impact on the aorta remaining undefined. PURPOSE To assess aorta hemodynamics changes during LF development in a rabbit model. STUDY TYPE Prospective, experimental. ANIMAL MODEL Thirty 7-month-old male rabbits underwent bile duct ligation (BDL) to induce LF. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE Biweekly four-dimensional (4D) flow imaging incorporating a 3D gradient-echo at 3.0 T scanner for 14 weeks post-BDL. ASSESSMENT Histopathological exams for 2-5 rabbits were performed at each time point, following each MRI scan. LF was graded using the Metavir scale by a pathologist. 4D flow was analyzed by two radiologists using dedicated postprocessing software. They recorded 4D flow parameters at four aorta sections (aortic sinus, before and after bifurcation of aortic arch, and descending aorta). STATISTICAL TESTS The linear mixed model; Bonferroni correction; Pearson correlation coefficient (r); receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve; Delong test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS Following BDL, the wall shear stress (WSS) (0.23-0.32 Pa), energy loss (EL) (0.27-1.55 mW) of aorta significantly increased at the second week for each plane, peaking at the sixth week (WSS: 0.35-0.49 Pa, EL: 0.57-2.0 mW). So did the relative pressure difference (RPD) (second week: 1.67 ± 1.63 mmHg, sixth week: 2.43 ± 0.63 mmHg) in plane 2. Notably, the RPD in plane 2 at the second week displayed the highest area under ROC curve of 0.998 (specificity: 1, sensitivity: 0.967). LF were found at the second, fourth, and sixth week after BDL, with grade F2, F3, and F4, respectively. The RPD in plane 2 was most strongly correlated with the severity of LF (r = 0.86). DATA CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of LF could increase WSS, EL, and RPD of aorta as early as the second week following BDL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Li
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuansheng Li
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Cheng Lv
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- Clinical Science, Philips Healthcare, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Lin Q, Lei D, Zhong T, Zhang Y, Da Q, Chen X, Li X, Liu J, Yan Z. Inactivation of ERK1/2 in cancer-associated hepatic stellate cells suppresses cancer-stromal interaction by regulating extracellular matrix in fibrosis. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:1015-1032. [PMID: 38590418 PMCID: PMC10998762 DOI: 10.62347/vpye3817] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The ERK1/2 pathway is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and cell cycle of tumor cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we investigated the involvement of ERK1/2 activation on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We identified ERK1/2 phosphorylation in activated HSCs of HCC samples. We found that tumor cells promoted the migration and invasion capacity of HSCs by activating ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Using high throughput transcriptome sequencing analysis, we found that ERK1/2 inhibition altered genes significantly correlated to signaling pathways involved in extracellular matrix remodeling. We screened genes and demonstrated that the ERK1/2 inhibition-related gene set significantly correlated to cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration in TCGA HCC tumor samples. Moreover, inhibition of ERK1/2 suppressed tumor cell-induced enhancement of HSC migration and invasion by regulating expression of fibrosis markers FAP, FN1 and COL1A1. In a tumor cell and HSC splenic co-transplanted xenograft mouse model, inhibition of ERK1/2 suppressed liver tumor formation by downregulating fibrosis, indicating ERK1/2 inhibition suppresses tumor-stromal interactions in vivo. Taken together, our data indicate that inhibition of ERK1/2 in tumor-associated HSCs suppresses tumor-stromal interactions and progression. Furthermore, inhibition of ERK1/2 may be a potential target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qirui Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto UniversityKyoto 6068507, Japan
| | - Defeng Lei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Tongning Zhong
- Central Laboratory, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingen Da
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Department of Gynecology, Zhanjiang Maternity and Child Healthcare HospitalZhanjiang 524000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jikui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Zilong Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
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Ren S, Zhou R, Tang Z, Song Z, Li N, Shi X, Liu Y, Chu Y. Wuling capsule modulates macrophage polarization by inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway to relieve liver fibrosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 129:111598. [PMID: 38309092 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111598] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Wuling capsule (WL) has good efficacy in the clinical treatment of chronic hepatitis B and liver injury. Liver fibrosis is a common pathological feature of chronic liver disease and may progress to irreversible cirrhosis and liver cancer. Accumulating evidence reveals that modulating macrophage polarization contribute to the therapy of liver fibrosis. However, the effects of WL on modulating macrophage polarization to relive liver fibrosis remain unclear. This study investigated the anti-liver fibrosis effects of WL in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats, and the modulation effects and underlying molecular mechanism on macrophage polarization. METHODS A rat liver fibrosis model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of 40 % CCl4 olive oil mixture. At 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, the histopathological status of the liver was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining; the liver biochemical indexes were measured in rat liver tissue. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in liver tissue were detected by ELISA. The mRNA levels and proteins expression of macrophage markers of different phenotypes, TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway indicators were detected independently by ELISA, immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS In vivo, WL treatment attenuated abnormal changes in weight, organ indices and biochemical indices, alleviated pathological changes, and reduced collagen fiber deposition as well as the expression of α-SMA in liver tissues. Further studies revealed that WL decreased the expression of the macrophage M1 polarization markers inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TNF-α, IL-6, and CD86, promoted the expression of the M2 macrophage polarization markers IL-10, CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg-1), and inhibited the activation of the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway via several key signaling proteins. In vitro, WL significantly suppressed macrophage M1 polarization, and promoted M2 polarization while boosted M1 polarization transform to M2 polarization in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that WL modulated macrophage polarization against liver fibrosis mainly by inhibiting the activation of the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujuan Ren
- Co-Construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization by Shaanxi and Education Ministry, Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Co-Construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization by Shaanxi and Education Ministry, Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China.
| | - Zhishu Tang
- Co-Construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization by Shaanxi and Education Ministry, Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China; China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Zhongxing Song
- Co-Construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization by Shaanxi and Education Ministry, Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China
| | - Nan Li
- Co-Construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization by Shaanxi and Education Ministry, Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China
| | - Xinbo Shi
- Co-Construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization by Shaanxi and Education Ministry, Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China
| | - Yanru Liu
- Co-Construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization by Shaanxi and Education Ministry, Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China
| | - Yajun Chu
- Tsing Hua De Ren Xi'an Happiness Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Xi'an 710000, China
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He S, Luo Y, Ma W, Wang X, Yan C, Hao W, Fang Y, Su H, Lai B, Liu J, Xiong Y, Bai T, Ren X, Liu E, Han H, Wu Y, Yuan Z, Wang Y. Endothelial POFUT1 controls injury-induced liver fibrosis by repressing fibrinogen synthesis. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00152-1. [PMID: 38460791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.02.032] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS NOTCH signaling in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) regulates liver fibrosis, a pathological feature of chronic liver diseases. POFUT1 is an essential regulator of NOTCH signaling. Here, we investigated the role of LSEC-expressed POFUT1 in liver fibrosis. METHODS Endothelial-specific Pofut1 knockout mice were generated and experimental liver fibrosis was induced by chronic carbon tetrachloride exposure or common bile duct ligation. Liver samples were assessed by ELISA, histology, electron microscopy, immunostaining and RNA in situ hybridization. LSECs and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated for gene expression analysis by RNA sequencing, qPCR, and western blotting. Signaling crosstalk between LSECs and HSCs was investigated by treating HSCs with supernatant from LSEC cultures. Liver single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from patients with cirrhosis and healthy individuals were analyzed to evaluate the clinical relevance of gene expression changes observed in mouse studies. RESULTS POFUT1 loss promoted injury-induced LSEC capillarization and HSC activation, leading to aggravated liver fibrosis. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that POFUT1 deficiency upregulated fibrinogen expression in LSECs. Consistently, fibrinogen was elevated in LSECs of patients with cirrhosis. HSCs treated with supernatant from LSECs of Pofut1 null mice showed exacerbated activation compared to those treated with supernatant from control LSECs, and this effect was attenuated by knockdown of fibrinogen or by pharmacological inhibition of fibrinogen receptor signaling, altogether suggesting that LSEC-derived fibrinogen induced the activation of HSCs. Mechanistically, POFUT1 loss augmented fibrinogen expression by enhancing NOTCH/HES1/STAT3 signaling. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial POFUT1 prevents injury-induced liver fibrosis by repressing the expression of fibrinogen, which functions as a profibrotic paracrine signal to activate HSCs. Therapies targeting the POFUT1/fibrinogen axis offer a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of fibrotic liver diseases. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Paracrine signals produced by liver vasculature play a major role in the development of liver fibrosis, which is a pathological hallmark of most liver diseases. Identifying those paracrine signals is clinically relevant in that they may serve as therapeutic targets. In this study, we discovered that genetic deletion of Pofut1 aggravated experimental liver fibrosis in mouse models. Moreover, fibrinogen was identified as a downstream target repressed by Pofut1 in liver endothelial cells and functioned as a novel paracrine signal that drove liver fibrosis. In addition, fibrinogen was found to be relevant to cirrhosis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for this devastating human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan He
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuru Luo
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wangge Ma
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoke Wang
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chengrong Yan
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenyang Hao
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongyu Su
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baochang Lai
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Junhui Liu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ting Bai
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyong Ren
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Enqi Liu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hua Han
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiometabolic Innovation Center, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Zuyi Yuan
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiometabolic Innovation Center, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yidong Wang
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiometabolic Innovation Center, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Cardiology, Wenling First People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, Zhejiang, China.
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Diwan R, Gaytan SL, Bhatt HN, Pena-Zacarias J, Nurunnabi M. Liver fibrosis pathologies and potentials of RNA based therapeutics modalities. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01551-8. [PMID: 38446352 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01551-8] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) occurs when the liver tissue responds to injury or inflammation by producing excessive amounts of scar tissue, known as the extracellular matrix. This buildup stiffens the liver tissue, hinders blood flow, and ultimately impairs liver function. Various factors can trigger this process, including bloodborne pathogens, genetic predisposition, alcohol abuse, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While some existing small-molecule therapies offer limited benefits, there is a pressing need for more effective treatments that can truly cure LF. RNA therapeutics have emerged as a promising approach, as they can potentially downregulate cytokine levels in cells responsible for liver fibrosis. Researchers are actively exploring various RNA-based therapeutics, such as mRNA, siRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, and oligonucleotides, to assess their efficacy in animal models. Furthermore, targeted drug delivery systems hold immense potential in this field. By utilizing lipid nanoparticles, exosomes, nanocomplexes, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles, researchers aim to deliver therapeutic agents directly to specific biomarkers or cytokines within the fibrotic liver, increasing their effectiveness and reducing side effects. In conclusion, this review highlights the complex nature of liver fibrosis, its underlying causes, and the promising potential of RNA-based therapeutics and targeted delivery systems. Continued research in these areas could lead to the development of more effective and personalized treatment options for LF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Samantha Lynn Gaytan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Himanshu Narendrakumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Jacqueline Pena-Zacarias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA.
- Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
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36
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Hsu FY, Yang SC, Suk FM, Shirakawa H, Chiu WC, Liao YJ. Dietary rice bran attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis in mice through enhancing antioxidant ability. J Nutr Biochem 2024; 125:109565. [PMID: 38176621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2023.109565] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Various endogenous and exogenous stimuli can result in an inflammatory response and collagen deposition in the liver, which affect liver function and increase the risk of developing liver cirrhosis and cancer. Rice bran, the main by-product of rice milling, contains various nutrients which possess hepatoprotective activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of rice bran on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Mice were fed a rice-bran-containing diet (10% rice bran w/w) or a standard diet with or without an injection of 20% CCl4 to induce liver fibrosis. Our results showed that feeding a rice-bran-containing diet could alleviate CCl4-induced liver damage, collagen deposition, and expressions of fibrosis-related genes, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen 1a2 (COL1A2), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in liver tissues. Moreover, consumption of rice bran enhanced phase II detoxification and antioxidant gene expressions, including Gsta3, Gstp1, Catalase, SOD1, SOD2, and SOD3. Treatment with γ-oryzanol, the major bioactive compound in rice bran, decreased the sensitivity of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to TGF-β1-induced α-SMA, COL1A2, and phosphorylated smad2 expressions. In conclusion, a rice-bran-containing diet may have beneficial effects on liver fibrogenesis through increased antioxidant and detoxification activities. γ-Oryzanol, the major bioactive compound of rice bran, can inhibit activation of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yu Hsu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Suh-Ching Yang
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center of Geriatric Nutrition, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Gerontology and Long-Term Care, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fat-Moon Suk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hitoshi Shirakawa
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Wan-Chun Chiu
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center of Geriatric Nutrition, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Nutrition, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Jen Liao
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; TMU Research Center for Digestive Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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37
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Liu B, Xie X, Yang X, Dou C, Tang H, Liu J. The miR-3074/BMP7 axis regulates TGF-β-caused activation of hepatic stellate cells in vitro and CCl 4-caused murine liver fibrosis in vivo. Hum Cell 2024; 37:435-450. [PMID: 38218754 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-01017-y] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Continuously progressive hepatic fibrosis might cause chronic liver diseases, resulting in hepatic failure. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) residing in the liver might induce and influence hepatic fibrosis. In the present study, microRNA 3074 (miR-3074) was found increased within transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-activated HSCs and enriched within the TGF-β signaling. In activated HSCs by TGF-β, miR-3074 overexpression aggravated TGF-β-induced fibrotic changes, whereas miR-3074 inhibition exerted opposite effects. miR-3074 directly targeted bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) and inhibited BMP7 expression. Under TGF-β induction, overexpressed BMP7 notably attenuated the promotive roles of miR-3074 overexpression in TGF-β-activated HSCs. Within carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-caused liver fibrosis murine model, miR-3074 agomir administration promoted, while LV-BMP7 administration alleviated CCl4-induced fibrotic changes; LV-BMP7 significantly attenuated the effects of miR-3074 agomir. Lastly, mmu-miR-3074 also targeted mouse BMP7 and inhibited mouse BMP7 expression. In conclusion, the miR-3074/BMP7 axis regulates TGF-β-caused activation of HSCs in vitro and CCl4-caused murine liver fibrosis in vivo. BMP7-mediated Smad1/5/8 activation might be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Xia Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Chengyun Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Haibo Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
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38
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Gay MD, Drda JC, Chen W, Huang Y, Yassin AA, Duka T, Fang H, Shivapurkar N, Smith JP. Implicating the cholecystokinin B receptor in liver stem cell oncogenesis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2024; 326:G291-G309. [PMID: 38252699 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00208.2023] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fastest-growing cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chronic inflammation and fibrosis are the greatest risk factors for the development of HCC. Although the cell of origin for HCC is uncertain, many theories believe this cancer may arise from liver progenitor cells or stem cells. Here, we describe the activation of hepatic stem cells that overexpress the cholecystokinin-B receptor (CCK-BR) after liver injury with either a DDC diet (0.1% 3, 5-diethoxy-carbonyl 1,4-dihydrocollidine) or a NASH-inducing CDE diet (choline-deficient ethionine) in murine models. Pharmacologic blockade of the CCK-BR with a receptor antagonist proglumide or knockout of the CCK-BR in genetically engineered mice during the injury diet reduces the expression of hepatic stem cells and prevents the formation of three-dimensional tumorspheres in culture. RNA sequencing of livers from DDC-fed mice treated with proglumide or DDC-fed CCK-BR knockout mice showed downregulation of differentially expressed genes involved in cell proliferation and oncogenesis and upregulation of tumor suppressor genes compared with controls. Inhibition of the CCK-BR decreases hepatic transaminases, fibrosis, cytokine expression, and alters the hepatic immune cell signature rendering the liver microenvironment less oncogenic. Furthermore, proglumide hastened recovery after liver injury by reversing fibrosis and improving markers of synthetic function. Proglumide is an older drug that is orally bioavailable and being repurposed for liver conditions. These findings support a promising therapeutic intervention applicable to patients to prevent the development of HCC and decrease hepatic fibrosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This investigation identified a novel pathway involving the activation of hepatic stem cells and liver oncogenesis. Receptor blockade or genetic disruption of the cholecystokinin-B receptor (CCK-BR) signaling pathway decreased the activation and proliferation of hepatic stem cells after liver injury without eliminating the regenerative capacity of healthy hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha D Gay
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Jack C Drda
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Wenqiang Chen
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Yimeng Huang
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Amal A Yassin
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Tetyana Duka
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Hongbin Fang
- Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Narayan Shivapurkar
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Jill P Smith
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
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El‐Ayoubi A, Arakelyan A, Klawitter M, Merk L, Hakobyan S, Gonzalez‐Menendez I, Quintanilla Fend L, Holm PS, Mikulits W, Schwab M, Danielyan L, Naumann U. Development of an optimized, non-stem cell line for intranasal delivery of therapeutic cargo to the central nervous system. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:528-546. [PMID: 38115217 PMCID: PMC10920084 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13569] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are considered to be valuable candidates for delivering a variety of anti-cancer agents, including oncolytic viruses, to brain tumors. However, owing to the previously reported tumorigenic potential of NSC cell lines after intranasal administration (INA), here we identified the human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 as a cell type capable of longer resistance to replication of oncolytic adenoviruses (OAVs) as a therapeutic cargo, and that is non-tumorigenic after INA. Our data show that LX-2 cells can longer withstand the OAV XVir-N-31 replication and oncolysis than NSCs. By selecting the highly migratory cell population out of LX-2, an offspring cell line with a higher and more stable capability to migrate was generated. Additionally, as a safety backup, we applied genomic herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) integration into LX-2, leading to high vulnerability to ganciclovir (GCV). Histopathological analyses confirmed the absence of neoplasia in the respiratory tracts and brains of immuno-compromised mice 3 months after INA of LX-2 cells. Our data suggest that LX-2 is a novel, robust, and safe cell line for delivering anti-cancer and other therapeutic agents to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali El‐Ayoubi
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center NeurologyUniversity Hospital of TübingenGermany
| | - Arsen Arakelyan
- Research Group of BioinformaticsInstitute of Molecular Biology NAS RAYerevanArmenia
| | - Moritz Klawitter
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center NeurologyUniversity Hospital of TübingenGermany
| | - Luisa Merk
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center NeurologyUniversity Hospital of TübingenGermany
| | - Siras Hakobyan
- Research Group of BioinformaticsInstitute of Molecular Biology NAS RAYerevanArmenia
- Armenian Institute of BioinformaticsYerevanArmenia
| | - Irene Gonzalez‐Menendez
- Institute for Pathology, Department of General and Molecular PathologyUniversity Hospital TübingenGermany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image‐Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies"Eberhard Karls University of TübingenGermany
| | - Leticia Quintanilla Fend
- Institute for Pathology, Department of General and Molecular PathologyUniversity Hospital TübingenGermany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image‐Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies"Eberhard Karls University of TübingenGermany
| | - Per Sonne Holm
- Department of Urology, Klinikum rechts der IsarTechnical University of MunichGermany
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryMedical University InnsbruckAustria
- XVir Therapeutics GmbHMunichGermany
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer CenterMedical University of ViennaAustria
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image‐Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies"Eberhard Karls University of TübingenGermany
- Dr. Margarete Fischer‐Bosch Institute of Clinical PharmacologyStuttgartGermany
- Department of Pharmacy and BiochemistryUniversity of TübingenGermany
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyUniversity Hospital TübingenGermany
- Neuroscience Laboratory and Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical PharmacologyYerevan State Medical UniversityArmenia
| | - Lusine Danielyan
- Department of Pharmacy and BiochemistryUniversity of TübingenGermany
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyUniversity Hospital TübingenGermany
- Neuroscience Laboratory and Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical PharmacologyYerevan State Medical UniversityArmenia
| | - Ulrike Naumann
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center NeurologyUniversity Hospital of TübingenGermany
- Gene and RNA Therapy Center (GRTC)Faculty of Medicine University TübingenGermany
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40
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Mou JY, Ma ZW, Zhang MY, Yuan Q, Wang ZY, Liu QH, Li F, Liu Z, Wang L. Structural abnormality of hepatic glycogen in rat liver with diethylnitrosamine-induced carcinogenic injury. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129432. [PMID: 38228208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129432] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Growing evidence confirms associations between glycogen metabolic re-wiring and the development of liver cancer. Previous studies showed that glycogen structure changes abnormally in liver diseases such as cystic fibrosis, diabetes, etc. However, few studies focus on glycogen molecular structural characteristics during liver cancer development, which is worthy of further exploration. In this study, a rat model with carcinogenic liver injury induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was successfully constructed, and hepatic glycogen structure was characterized. Compared with glycogen structure in the healthy rat liver, glycogen chain length distribution (CLD) shifts towards a short region. In contrast, glycogen particles were mainly present in small-sized β particles in DEN-damaged carcinogenic rat liver. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed significant expression changes of genes and pathways involved in carcinogenic liver injury. A combination of transcriptomic analysis, RT-qPCR, and western blot showed that the two genes, Gsy1 encoding glycogen synthase and Gbe1 encoding glycogen branching enzyme, were significantly altered and might be responsible for the structural abnormality of hepatic glycogen in carcinogenic liver injury. Taken together, this study confirmed that carcinogenic liver injury led to structural abnormality of hepatic glycogen, which provided clues to the future development of novel drug targets for potential therapeutics of carcinogenic liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yi Mou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of 1(st) Clinical Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhang-Wen Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Meng-Ying Zhang
- School of Medical Informatics and Engineering, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- School of Medical Informatics and Engineering, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zi-Yi Wang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Qing-Hua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Fen Li
- Laboratory Medicine, The Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an, Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of 1(st) Clinical Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Liang Wang
- School of Medical Informatics and Engineering, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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41
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Vargas-Pozada EE, Ramos-Tovar E, Muriel P. The importance of fundamental pharmacology in fighting liver diseases. Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101286. [PMID: 38266675 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo E Vargas-Pozada
- Eduardo Enrique Vargas-Pozada, Pablo Muriel, Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado 14-740 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Erika Ramos-Tovar
- Erika Ramos-Tovar, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina-IPN, Apartado Postal 11340, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Pablo Muriel
- Eduardo Enrique Vargas-Pozada, Pablo Muriel, Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Apartado 14-740 Mexico City, Mexico.
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Sun J, Chen Y, Wang T, Ali W, Ma Y, Yuan Y, Gu J, Bian J, Liu Z, Zou H. Baicalin and N-acetylcysteine regulate choline metabolism via TFAM to attenuate cadmium-induced liver fibrosis. Phytomedicine 2024; 125:155337. [PMID: 38241915 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155337] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
(Background): Cadmium is an environmental pollutant associated with several liver diseases. Baicalin and N-Acetylcysteine have antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. (Purpose): However, it is unclear whether baicalin and N-Acetylcysteine can alleviate Cadmium -induced liver fibrosis by regulating metabolism, or whether they exert a synergistic effect. (Study design): We treated Cadmium-poisoned mice with baicalin, N-Acetylcysteine, or baicalin+ N-Acetylcysteine. We studied the effects of baicalin and N-Acetylcysteine on Cadmium-induced liver fibers and their specific mechanisms. (Methods): We used C57BL/6 J mice, and AML12, and HSC-6T cells to establish in vitro assays and in vivo models. (Results): Metabolomics was used to detect the effect of baicalin and N-Acetylcysteine on liver metabolism, which showed that compared with the control group, the Cadmium group had increased fatty acid and amino acid levels, with significantly reduced choline and acetylcholine contents. Baicalin and N-Acetylcysteine alleviated these Cadmium-induced metabolic changes. We further showed that choline alleviated Cadmium -induced liver inflammation and fibrosis. In addition, cadmium significantly promoted extracellular leakage of lactic acid, while choline alleviated the cadmium -induced destruction of the cell membrane structure and lactic acid leakage. Western blotting showed that cadmium significantly reduced mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and Choline Kinase α(CHKα2) levels, and baicalin and N-Acetylcysteine reversed this effect. Overexpression of Tfam in mouse liver and AML12 cells increased the expression of CHKα2 and the choline content, alleviating and cadmium-induced lactic acid leakage, liver inflammation, and fibrosis. (Conclusion): Overall, baicalin and N-Acetylcysteine alleviated cadmium-induced liver damage, inflammation, and fibrosis to a greater extent than either drug alone. TFAM represents a target for baicalin and N-Acetylcysteine, and alleviated cadmium-induced liver inflammation and fibrosis by regulating hepatic choline metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Tao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yonggang Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jianhong Gu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jianchun Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.
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43
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Atzori SM, Pasha Y, Maurice JB, Taylor-Robinson SD, Campbell L, Lim AKP. Prospective evaluation of liver shearwave elastography measurements with 3 different technologies and same day liver biopsy in patients with chronic liver disease. Dig Liver Dis 2024; 56:484-494. [PMID: 37968144 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.10.020] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most ultrasound-based methods for assessing liver fibrosis still need further validation with liver biopsy used as gold standard to assess their accuracy. AIMS To assess accuracy of three shear wave elastography (SWE) methods: 1) Philips Elast Point Quantification (ElastPQTM), 2) Siemens Virtual TouchTM Quantification (VTQ) acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI), and 3) transient elastography (TE) measured by Echosens FibroscanTM. METHODS 160 patients underwent liver stiffness measurements (LSM) with three SWE methods immediately prior to liver biopsy. RESULTS The number of LSM required for reliable studies could be reduced to 6 for ElastPQ and to 7 for VTQ from standard recommendations of 10. Significant fibrosis and interquartile range/median (IQR/M)> 30 were independent predictors for lower reliability for detection of liver fibrosis. Ordinal logistic regression corrected for age showed that there was a significant interaction between steatosis (p = 0.008) and lobular inflammation (p = 0.04) and VTQ (ARFI) and between lobular inflammation and TE (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS We showed variations in SWE measurements using different ARFI technologies. TE and ElastPQ achieved good diagnostic performance, whereas VTQ showed lower diagnostic accuracy. The number of measurements required for reliable studies can be reduced to 6 for ElastPQ and to 7 for VTQ, which have important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiana M Atzori
- Liver Unit QEQM Wing St. Mary Hospital, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South Wharf Road, London W1 1NY, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, Sassari University Hospital, Via Enrico de Nicola, Sassari 07100, Italy.
| | - Yasmin Pasha
- Liver Unit QEQM Wing St. Mary Hospital, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South Wharf Road, London W1 1NY, United Kingdom
| | - James B Maurice
- Liver Unit QEQM Wing St. Mary Hospital, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South Wharf Road, London W1 1NY, United Kingdom; UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital Campus, London, Rowland Hill Street, NW3 2QG, United Kingdom
| | - Simon D Taylor-Robinson
- Liver Unit QEQM Wing St. Mary Hospital, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South Wharf Road, London W1 1NY, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Campbell
- Liver Unit QEQM Wing St. Mary Hospital, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, South Wharf Road, London W1 1NY, United Kingdom; Office of the Clinical Director, Tawazun Health, 23 Harley Street, London W1G 9QN, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian K P Lim
- Imaging Department, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom
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Yuan Q, Fang Y, Guo J, Zhang Z, Liao J, Kuang J. Therapeutic potential and mechanisms of Rifaximin in ameliorating iron overload-induced ferroptosis and liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 484:116845. [PMID: 38331104 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116845] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis could progress to liver cirrhosis with several contributing factors, one being iron overload which triggers ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death. Rifaximin, a non-absorbable antibiotic, has shown promise in mitigating fibrosis, primarily by modulating gut microbiota. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of rifaximin on iron overload-related hepatic fibrosis and ferroptosis. In an iron overload-induced liver fibrosis model in mice and in ferric ammonium citrate (FAC)-stimulated primary hepatocytes, treatment with rifaximin showed significant therapeutic effects. Specifically, it ameliorated the processes of ferroptosis triggered by iron overload, reduced liver injury, and alleviated fibrosis. This was demonstrated by decreased iron accumulation in the liver, improved liver function, and reduced fibrotic area and collagen deposition. Rifaximin also modulated key proteins related to iron homeostasis and ferroptosis, including reduced expression of TFR1, a protein facilitating cellular iron uptake, and increased expression of Fpn and FTH, proteins involved in iron export and storage. In the context of oxidative stress, rifaximin treatment led to a decrease in lipid peroxidation, evidenced by reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and an increase in the reduced glutathione (GSH) and decrease in oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Notably, rifaximin's potential functions were associated with the TGF-β pathway, evidenced by suppressed Tgfb1 protein levels and ratios of phosphorylated to total Smad2 and Smad3, whereas increased Smad7 phosphorylation. These findings indicate rifaximin's therapeutic potential in managing liver fibrosis by modulating the TGF-β pathway and reducing iron overload-induced damage. Further research is required to confirm these results and explore their clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yuan
- Department of Hepatopathy, The Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of Hepatopathy, The Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China.
| | - Jingyun Guo
- Department of Hepatopathy, The Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Hepatopathy, The Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Jinmao Liao
- Department of Hepatopathy, The Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Jia Kuang
- Department of Hepatopathy, The Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
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Xiao Y, Vazquez-Padron RI, Martinez L, Singer HA, Woltmann D, Salman LH. Role of platelet factor 4 in arteriovenous fistula maturation failure: What do we know so far? J Vasc Access 2024; 25:390-406. [PMID: 35751379 PMCID: PMC9974241 DOI: 10.1177/11297298221085458] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation failure remains unacceptably high despite continuous efforts on technique improvement and careful pre-surgery planning. In fact, half of all newly created AVFs are unable to be used for hemodialysis (HD) without a salvage procedure. While vascular stenosis in the venous limb of the access is the culprit, the underlying factors leading to vascular narrowing and AVF maturation failure are yet to be determined. We have recently demonstrated that AVF non-maturation is associated with post-operative medial fibrosis and fibrotic stenosis, and post-operative intimal hyperplasia (IH) exacerbates the situation. Multiple pathological processes and signaling pathways are underlying the stenotic remodeling of the AVF. Our group has recently indicated that a pro-inflammatory cytokine platelet factor 4 (PF4/CXCL4) is upregulated in veins that fail to mature after AVF creation. Platelet factor 4 is a fibrosis marker and can be detected in vascular stenosis tissue, suggesting that it may contribute to AVF maturation failure through stimulation of fibrosis and development of fibrotic stenosis. Here, we present an overview of the how PF4-mediated fibrosis determines AVF maturation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Xiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Roberto I Vazquez-Padron
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Laisel Martinez
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Harold A Singer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Woltmann
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Loay H Salman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
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Wang J, Zhang H, Chen L, Fu K, Yan Y, Liu Z. CircDCBLD2 alleviates liver fibrosis by regulating ferroptosis via facilitating STUB1-mediated PARK7 ubiquitination degradation. J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:229-249. [PMID: 38310161 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-02068-6] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis and hepatic carcinoma without treatment. CircDCBLD2 was found to be downregulated in liver fibrosis. However, the precise underlying mechanism requires further investigation. METHODS qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry assays were used to detect the related molecule levels. HE, Masson's trichrome, and Sirius Red staining were used to assess the pathological changes in mice's liver tissues. Flow cytometric analysis and commercial kit were used to assess the levels of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and iron. Cell viability was assessed by MTT. Immunoprecipitation was used to study the ubiquitination of PARK7. Mitophagy was determined by immunostaining and confocal imaging. RIP and Co-IP assays were used to assess the interactions of circDCBLD2/HuR, HuR/STUB1, and STUB1/PARK7. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess the co-localization of circDCBLD2 and HuR. RESULTS CircDCBLD2 was downregulated, whereas PARK7 was upregulated in liver fibrosis. Ferroptosis activators increased circDCBLD2 while decreasing PARK7 in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and mice with liver fibrosis. CircDCBLD2 overexpression reduced cell viability and GSH, PARK7, and GPX4 expression in erastin-treated HSCs while increasing MDA and iron levels, whereas circDCBLD2 knockdown had the opposite effect. CircDCBLD2 overexpression increased STUB1-mediated PARK7 ubiquitination by promoting HuR-STUB1 binding and thus increasing STUB1 mRNA stability. PARK7 overexpression or HuR knockdown reversed the effects of circDCBLD2 overexpression on HSC activation and ferroptosis. CircDCBLD2 reduced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting PARK7. CONCLUSION CircDCBLD2 overexpression increased PARK7 ubiquitination degradation by upregulating STUB1 through its interaction with HuR, inhibiting HSC activation and promoting HSC ferroptosis, ultimately enhancing liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Haoye Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Limin Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Kangkang Fu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Yu Yan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410013, China.
- Changsha & Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China.
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Liu C, Zheng D, Pu X, Li S. HDAC7: a promising target in cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1327933. [PMID: 38487728 PMCID: PMC10939994 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1327933] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Histones have a vital function as components of nucleosomes, which serve as the fundamental building blocks of chromatin. Histone deacetylases (HDACs), which target histones, suppress gene transcription by compacting chromatin. This implies that HDACs have a strong connection to the suppression of gene transcription. Histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7), a member of the histone deacetylase family, may participate in multiple cellular pathophysiological processes and activate relevant signaling pathways to facilitate the progression of different tumors by exerting deacetylation. In recent years, HDAC7 has been increasingly studied in the pathogenesis of tumors. Studies that are pertinent have indicated that it has a significant impact on the growth and metastasis of tumors, the formation of the vascular microenvironment, and the emergence of resistance to drugs. Therefore, HDAC7 could potentially function as a potent predictor for tumor prognosis and a promising target for mitigating drug resistance in tumors. This review primarily concentrates on elucidating the structure and function of HDAC7, its involvement in the development of various tumors, and its interplay with relevant signaling pathways. Meanwhile, we briefly discuss the research direction and prospect of HDAC7.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sijun Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
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Lauer SM, Omar MH, Golkowski MG, Kenerson HL, Lee KS, Pascual BC, Lim HC, Forbush K, Smith FD, Gordan JD, Ong SE, Yeung RS, Scott JD. Recruitment of BAG2 to DNAJ-PKAc scaffolds promotes cell survival and resistance to drug-induced apoptosis in fibrolamellar carcinoma. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113678. [PMID: 38236773 PMCID: PMC10964278 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113678] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The DNAJ-PKAc fusion kinase is a defining feature of fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC). FLC tumors are notoriously resistant to standard chemotherapies, with aberrant kinase activity assumed to be a contributing factor. By combining proximity proteomics, biochemical analyses, and live-cell photoactivation microscopy, we demonstrate that DNAJ-PKAc is not constrained by A-kinase anchoring proteins. Consequently, the fusion kinase phosphorylates a unique array of substrates, including proteins involved in translation and the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2-associated athanogene 2 (BAG2), a co-chaperone recruited to the fusion kinase through association with Hsp70. Tissue samples from patients with FLC exhibit increased levels of BAG2 in primary and metastatic tumors. Furthermore, drug studies implicate the DNAJ-PKAc/Hsp70/BAG2 axis in potentiating chemotherapeutic resistance. We find that the Bcl-2 inhibitor navitoclax enhances sensitivity to etoposide-induced apoptosis in cells expressing DNAJ-PKAc. Thus, our work indicates BAG2 as a marker for advanced FLC and a chemotherapeutic resistance factor in DNAJ-PKAc signaling scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia M Lauer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Mitchell H Omar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Martin G Golkowski
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Heidi L Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kyung-Soon Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Bryan C Pascual
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Huat C Lim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Katherine Forbush
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - F Donelson Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - John D Gordan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Raymond S Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Ouyang H, Miao H, Li Z, Wu D, Gao SC, Dai YY, Gao XD, Chai HS, Hu WY, Zhu JF. Yinhuang granule alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice and its mechanism. World J Hepatol 2024; 16:264-278. [PMID: 38495271 PMCID: PMC10941736 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i2.264] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a formidable global medical challenge, with no effective clinical treatment currently available. Yinhuang granule (YHG) is a proprietary Chinese medicine comprising Scutellariae Radix and Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. It is frequently used for upper respiratory tract infections, pharyngitis, as well as acute and chronic tonsillitis. AIM To investigate the potential of YHG in alleviating carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. METHODS To induce a hepatic fibrosis model in mice, this study involved intraperitoneal injections of 2 mL/kg of CCl4 twice a week for 4 wk. Meanwhile, liver fibrosis mice in the low dose of YHG (0.4 g/kg) and high dose of YHG (0.8 g/kg) groups were orally administered YHG once a day for 4 wk. Serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) activity and liver hydroxyproline content were detected. Sirius red and Masson's trichrome staining assay were conducted. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, western-blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted. Liver glutathione content, superoxide dismutase activity level, reactive oxygen species and protein carbonylation amount were detected. RESULTS The administration of YHG ameliorated hepatocellular injury in CCl4-treated mice, as reflected by decreased serum ALT/AST activity and improved liver histological evaluation. YHG also attenuated liver fibrosis, evident through reduced liver hydroxyproline content, improvements in Sirius red and Masson's trichrome staining, and lowered serum hyaluronic acid levels. Furthermore, YHG hindered the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and ameliorated oxidative stress injury and inflammation in liver from CCl4-treated mice. YHG prompted the nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and upregulated the expression of Nrf2-dependent downstream antioxidant genes. In addition, YHG promoted mitochondrial biogenesis in liver from CCl4-treated mice, as demonstrated by increased liver adenosine triphosphate content, mitochondrial DNA levels, and the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha and nuclear respiratory factor 1. CONCLUSION YHG effectively attenuates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the activation of HSCs, reducing inflammation, alleviating liver oxidative stress damage through Nrf2 activation, and promoting liver mitochondrial biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ouyang
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hui Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Duan Wu
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Si-Cheng Gao
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yao-Yao Dai
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiao-Di Gao
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hai-Sheng Chai
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei-Ye Hu
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jun-Feng Zhu
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Pessino G, Scotti C, Maggi M, Immuno-Hub Consortium. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Old and Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:901. [PMID: 38473265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050901] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), globally ranks sixth in incidence and third in cancer-related deaths. HCC risk factors include non-viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, environmental exposures, and genetic factors. No specific genetic alterations are unequivocally linked to HCC tumorigenesis. Current standard therapies include surgical options, systemic chemotherapy, and kinase inhibitors, like sorafenib and regorafenib. Immunotherapy, targeting immune checkpoints, represents a promising avenue. FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, show efficacy, and combination therapies enhance clinical responses. Despite this, the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge, as the complex tumor ecosystem and the immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with it hamper the efficacy of the available therapeutic approaches. This review explores current and advanced approaches to treat HCC, considering both known and new potential targets, especially derived from proteomic analysis, which is today considered as the most promising approach. Exploring novel strategies, this review discusses antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), and engineered antibodies. It then reports a systematic analysis of the main ligand/receptor pairs and molecular pathways reported to be overexpressed in tumor cells, highlighting their potential and limitations. Finally, it discusses TGFβ, one of the most promising targets of the HCC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pessino
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Scotti
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maristella Maggi
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Immuno-Hub Consortium
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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