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Abstract
The proper development and patterning of organs rely on concerted signaling events emanating from intracellular and extracellular molecular and biophysical cues. The ability to model and understand how these microenvironmental factors contribute to cell fate decisions and physiological processes is crucial for uncovering the biology and mechanisms of life. Recent advances in microfluidic systems have provided novel tools and strategies for studying aspects of human tissue and organ development in ways that have previously been challenging to explore ex vivo. Here, we discuss how microfluidic systems and organs-on-chips provide new ways to understand how extracellular signals affect cell differentiation, how cells interact with each other, and how different tissues and organs are formed for specialized functions. We also highlight key advancements in the field that are contributing to a broad understanding of human embryogenesis, organogenesis and physiology. We conclude by summarizing the key advantages of using dynamic microfluidic or microphysiological platforms to study intricate developmental processes that cannot be accurately modeled by using traditional tissue culture vessels. We also suggest some exciting prospects and potential future applications of these emerging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makenzie G. Bonner
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Center for Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Hemanth Gudapati
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Xingrui Mou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Samira Musah
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Center for Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA,MEDx Investigator and Faculty Member at the Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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2
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Abstract
The pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) has been generally linked to blood ammonia, gamma-aminobutyric acid and serotonin. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to explore the role of hippocampal dopamine (DA) and its receptors in the pathogenesis of HE through the use of behavioral testing, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining in normal rats, HE model rats and rats treated with the DA precursor-levodopa (L-DOPA). HE model rats manifested fibrotic livers and showed serious behavioral disorders. They also had significantly lower hippocampal DA content and increased expression of both D1 and D2 receptors relative to normal rats. After treatment with L-DOPA, the HE model rats showed normal behavior and expression of D1 returned to normal levels. Furthermore, pretreatment with the D1 antagonist SCH23390 blocked the therapeutic effect of L-DOPA on behavior in HE model rats. Taken together, these results clarify that the decrease in hippocampal DA plays a role in the pathogenesis of HE and that this effect is mediated by D1. These findings provide new evidence for the pathogenesis of HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Chen
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China.
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3
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Yuan DS, Huang YQ, Fu YJ, Xie J, Huang YL, Zhou SS, Sun PY, Tang XQ. Hydrogen sulfide alleviates cognitive deficiency and hepatic dysfunction in a mouse model of acute liver failure. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:671-677. [PMID: 32509026 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a devastating clinical syndrome with a high mortality rate if not treated promptly. Previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the brain and liver. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of H2S in ALF. A mouse model of ALF was established following treatment with thioacetamide (TAA). Mice with TAA-induced ALF were intraperitoneally injected with 30 or 100 µmol/kg/day sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS; a H2S donor drug) for two weeks. According to results from novel object recognition and Y-maze tests, in the present study, NaHS treatment alleviated cognitive deficiency and preserved spatial orientation learning ability in TAA-induced ALF mice compared with those of untreated mice. In addition, NaHS treatment reduced serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and the concentration of ammonia compared with those that received control treatment, resulting in weight loss prevention. These findings suggested a beneficial effect of H2S on liver function. In conclusion, results from the present study suggested that H2S treatment may alleviate cognitive deficiency and hepatic dysfunction in mice with ALF, indicating the potential therapeutic benefits of applying H2S for the treatment of ALF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Sen Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Yue-Qi Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Yuan-Ji Fu
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Juan Xie
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Yuan-Lu Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Shan Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Pei-Yuan Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Qing Tang
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
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