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Elzallat M, Hassan M, Elkramani N, Aboushousha T, AbdelLatif A, Helal N, Abu-Taleb H, El-Ahwany E. Nanoconjugated long non-coding RNA MEG3 as a new therapeutic approach for Hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15288. [PMID: 37101621 PMCID: PMC10123146 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive human cancer with a poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have multiple functions: epigenomic regulation, gene transcription, protein-coding gene translation, and genome defense. The involvement of lncRNAs in therapy offers a vast step in cancer treatment. Objective In the current study, a novel therapeutic regimen using polymer nanoparticle-mediated delivery of lncRNA was designed to control the progression of hepatocarcinogenesis. Methods One hundred mice were divided into 5 groups. The first group served as a normal-control group and was injected with saline, whereas the pathological-control group (the second group) was injected with N-Nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) weekly for 16 weeks. Group 3, Group 4, and Group 5 were injected intrahepatically with polymer nanoparticles (NPs) alone, lncRNA MEG3 alone, and conjugated NPs, respectively, once/week for four weeks starting on the 12th week after DEN injection. After 16 weeks, animals were euthanized, and liver specimens and blood samples were collected for pathological, molecular, and biochemical assessment. Results Compared to the pathological-control group, nanoconjugates lncRNA MEG3 demonstrated a significant improvement in histopathology and tumour-associated biomarkers. Furthermore, the expression of the SENP1 and PCNA was downregulated. Conclusion MEG3 conjugated nanoparticles can be considered a novel therapeutic regimen for HCC.
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Elkady A, Hassan M, Hagag MF, El-Ahwany E, Helal OM, Zoheiry M, Abdalla MA, Elzallat M. Innovative model of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for exosomes identification: An approach for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 540:117228. [PMID: 36646368 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117228] [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: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnostic approaches lack adequate sensitivity and specificity. So, this study was performed to develop an innovative model of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) that can detect HCC patients by identifying the circulating tumor-derived exosomes. METHODOLOGY Sixty participants, including normal controls, hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients, and HCV-associated HCC patients, had their whole blood samples and exosomes separated from these samples analyzed using Raman spectroscopy (RS). A revolutionary model of SERS, based on an innovative glass and nano-gold, was designed to directly identify exosomes. Its measurements were simulated by Comsol Multiphysics (5.6). RESULTS The RS examination of the whole blood samples revealed no Raman peaks. Yet, the isolated exosomes from these samples generated Raman peaks at 400 and 1000 cm-1 wavenumbers in the HCV group. A Raman shift was detected in HCC patients at 812, 852, and 878 cm-1 wavenumbers with intensity ratios of 120, 130, and 60, respectively. The RS had a sensitivity and specificity of 95 % and 100 %, respectively, for detecting HCC. However, the newly-designed SERS was able to identify the HCC-derived exosomes, at 812 and 878 cm-1 wavenumbers, with boosted intensity ratios of 9*106 and 4*106, respectively, in the whole blood samples. CONCLUSION The newly-developed SERS model has the potential to detect HCC patients through recognizing the tumor-derived exosomes non-invasively, with high accuracy, and without the need for laborious exosomal separation. Nonetheless, bringing this technology into the clinic demands the establishment of spectral databases and their validation using the current gold standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Elkady
- Departement of Engineering Physics, Military Technical College, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Hassan
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed F Hagag
- Department of Electronics, Military Technical College, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Osama M Helal
- Departement of Engineering Physics, Military Technical College, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona Zoheiry
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed Elzallat
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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Hassan M, Nasr SM, Amin NA, El-Ahwany E, Zoheiry M, Elzallat M. Circulating liver cancer stem cells and their stemness-associated MicroRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for viral hepatitis-induced liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Noncoding RNA Res 2022; 8:155-163. [PMID: 36632614 PMCID: PMC9826835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that can drive cancer initiation and relapses. Because of their significance, researchers are looking for biomarkers that characterize or regulate LCSCs so that they can be used as targets for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methodology Six groups of patients having hepatitis C virus (HCV), HCV + cirrhosis, HCV + HCC, hepatitis B virus (HBV), HBV + cirrhosis, or HBV + HCC, in addition to a control group, were subjected to the measurement of LCSCs levels and analysis of miR-1290 and miR-1825 expression. Results The percentages of the CD133/EpCAM-expressing LCSCs were increased in viral hepatitis and cirrhosis groups, compared to the control group. HCC patients had the highest percentages of LCSCs. CD133/EpCAM-expressing cells showed significant correlations with stemness-associated miRNAs; miR-1290 and miR-1825. Also, the miR-1290 and miR-1825 were significantly up-regulated in viral hepatitis-associated cirrhosis and HCC groups. Moreover, in HCV + HCC, miR-1290 and miR-1825 expression was significantly positively correlated with tumor size and number. However, only miR-1825 could distinguish between HCV- and HBV-associated HCC groups. MiR-1290 exhibited the highest sensitivity and specificity for detecting HCC, followed by miR-1825 and CD133/EpCAM-expressing LCSCs. Conclusions These findings indicate the relevance of CD133/EpCAM-expressing cells in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis and HCC developed as a consequence of either chronic HCV or HBV infection. Accordingly, CD133/EpCAM-expressing cells, miR-1290, and miR-1825, could serve as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets in patients suffering from liver cirrhosis or HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Hassan
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt,Corresponding author. Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warraq El-Hadar, 12411, Egypt.
| | - Sami Mohamed Nasr
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona Zoheiry
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elzallat
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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El-Ahwany E, Hassan M, Elzallat M, Abdelsalam L, El-Sawy MAH, Seyam M. Association of Sat-a and Alu methylation status with HCV-induced chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Virus Res 2022; 321:198928. [PMID: 36100006 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of epigenetic and genetic abnormalities contributes together to the development of liver cancer. The methylation status of the repetitive elements (REs) in DNA has been investigated in a variety of human illnesses. However, the methylation patterns of Sat-α and Alu REs in chronic liver disease (CLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) have never been studied before. METHODOLOGY In this study, 3 groups of participants including 50 patients having HCV-induced CLD, 50 patients having HCV-induced HCC, and 46 healthy subjects were subjected to measurement of Sat-α and Alu methylation using the quantitative MethyLight assay. RESULTS Sat-α and Alu methylation percentages decreased significantly in both CLD and HCC, compared to control. Also, a significant Sat-α hypomethylation was detected in HCC, compared to CLD. In addition, Sat-α and Alu methylation showed a significant decline as lesion size grew. However, only Sat-α hypomethylation was significantly increased in association with portal vein thrombosis and the MELD score. Sat-α methylation percentage had the highest sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing HCC (100% and 84.4%) followed by α-fetoprotein (80% and 84.4%) and Alu methylation (66% and 61.5%). Furthermore, there was a strong positive correlation between Sat-α and Alu methylation. CONCLUSIONS Measuring Sat-α and Alu methylation provides us with a new tool for early detecting HCV-induced CLD and hepatocarcinogenesis. Sat-α has the potential to be utilized as an independent predictive parameter for HCC development and progression because of its ability to distinguish between CLD and HCC with their different MELD scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman El-Ahwany
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marwa Hassan
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Elzallat
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Lobna Abdelsalam
- Human Genetics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; Human Genetics Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Moataz Seyam
- Hepato-Gastroenterology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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Hassan M, El-Ahwany E, Elzallat M, Rahim AA, Abu-Taleb H, Abdelrahman Y, Hassanein M. Role of MicroRNAs in the Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Hepatitis Virus-Infected Egyptian Population. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.10902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The identification of miRNAs that play a role in the regulation of the viral life cycle and its related liver illness opens the door to the development of diagnostic biomarkers that can categorize patients at higher risk for developing end-stage liver disease. This study was designed to investigate the role of miRNAs in the development of viral hepatitis-induced chronic liver disease (CLD) in the Egyptian population, as well as their potential as possible diagnostic biomarkers for chronic hepatitis virus infection.
Methodology: The study involved 100 CLD patients; 55 cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and 45 cases of non-viral hepatitis, in addition to 40 healthy controls. The expression of five miRNAs (miR‐30, miR‐122, miR‐296, miR‐351, and miR‐431) was assessed using real-time PCR.
Results: Serum levels of miR‐30, miR‐122, miR‐296, miR‐351, and miR‐431 were significantly higher in all patients than the control group (p<0.01). Also, they were significantly greater in viral hepatitis cases compared to the non-viral hepatitis group (p<0.01). The sensitivities and specificities of miR-122a, miR‐30, miR‐296, miR‐351, and miR‐431 were (85.71%, 83.33%), (82.35%, 83.33%), (85.71%, 69.44%), (88.64%, 75.76%), and (87.80%, 65.79%), respectively.
Conclusions: miR‐30, miR‐122, miR‐296, miR‐351, and miR‐431 play key roles in the development of CLD as a consequence of viral infection. So, they have the potential to be targeted for the early detection of chronic hepatitis virus infection and allow for exploring a new frontier in the discovery of innovative therapeutics to combat chronic viral infection and its serious life-threatening complications including liver cancer.
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Cavalu S, Sharaf H, Saber S, Youssef ME, Abdelhamid AM, Mourad AAE, Ibrahim S, Allam S, Elgharabawy RM, El-Ahwany E, Amin NA, Shata A, Eldegla M, Atef M, Aboraya M, Mohamed M, Anz N, Elmotelb DA, Gabr F, Elzablawy D, Hamada M, Yehia A, Osama D, Mohammed OA. Ambroxol, a mucolytic agent, boosts HO-1, suppresses NF-κB, and decreases the susceptibility of the inflamed rat colon to apoptosis: A new treatment option for treating ulcerative colitis. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22496. [PMID: 35947115 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200749r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology that increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer and imposes a lifelong healthcare burden on millions of patients worldwide. Current treatment strategies are associated with significant risks and have been shown to be fairly effective. Hence, discovering new therapies that have better efficacy and safety profiles than currently exploited therapeutic strategies is challenging. It has been well delineated that NF-κB/Nrf2 crosstalk is a chief player in the interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation. Ambroxol hydrochloride, a mucolytic agent, has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in humans and animals and has not yet been examined for the management of UC. Therefore, our approach was to investigate whether ambroxol could be effective to combat UC using the common acetic acid rat model. Interestingly, a high dose of oral ambroxol (200 mg/kg/day) reasonably improved the microscopic and macroscopic features of the injured colon. This was linked to low disease activity and a reduction in the colonic weight/length ratio. In the context of that, ambroxol boosted Nrf2 activity and upregulated HO-1 and catalase to augment the antioxidant defense against oxidative damage. Besides, ambroxol inactivated NF-κB signaling and its consequent target pro-inflammatory mediators, IL-6 and TNF-α. In contrast, IL-10 is upregulated. Consistent with these results, myeloperoxidase activity is suppressed. Moreover, ambroxol decreased the susceptibility of the injured colon to apoptosis. To conclude, our findings highlight the potential application of ambroxol to modify the progression of UC by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
| | - Hossam Sharaf
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud E Youssef
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Amir Mohamed Abdelhamid
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A E Mourad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Samar Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Shady Allam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | | | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Noha A Amin
- Department of Haematology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Shata
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Mai Eldegla
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Marina Atef
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Maii Aboraya
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Mayar Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Niera Anz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Dina Abd Elmotelb
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Fayrouz Gabr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Dalia Elzablawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Menna Hamada
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Amr Yehia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Dalia Osama
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Osama A Mohammed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of medicine, Bisha University, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Nasr M, Cavalu S, Saber S, Youssef ME, Abdelhamid AM, Elagamy HI, Kamal I, Gaafar AGA, El-Ahwany E, Amin NA, Girgis S, El-Sandarosy R, Mahmoud F, Rizk H, Mansour M, Hasaballah A, El-Rafi AA, El-Azez RA, Essam M, Mohamed D, Essam N, Mohammed OA. Canagliflozin-loaded chitosan-hyaluronic acid microspheres modulate AMPK/NF-κB/NLRP3 axis: A new paradigm in the rectal therapy of ulcerative colitis. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113409. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Abdelhamid AM, Youssef ME, Cavalu S, Mostafa-Hedeab G, Youssef A, Elazab ST, Ibrahim S, Allam S, Elgharabawy RM, El-Ahwany E, Amin NA, Shata A, Mohammed OA, Ibrahim Abdeldaiem MS, Alhowail A, El-Saber Batiha G, El-Mahmoudy EA, Attia M, Allam A, Zaater MY, Osman MM, Nader M, Taha A, Makarem NA, Saber S. Carbocisteine as a Modulator of Nrf2/HO-1 and NFκB Interplay in Rats: New Inspiration for the Revival of an Old Drug for Treating Ulcerative Colitis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:887233. [PMID: 35754464 PMCID: PMC9214041 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.887233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory bowel disease, is a chronic condition of a multifaceted pathophysiology. The incidence of UC is increasing internationally. The current therapies for UC lack relative effectiveness and are associated with adverse effects. Therefore, novel therapeutic options should be developed. It has been well documented that modulating the Nrf2/NFκB is a promising therapeutic target in inflammation. Carbocisteine is a mucoregulatory medication and its efficacy in COPD was found to be more closely related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Carbocisteine has not yet been examined for the management of UC. Hence, our approach was to investigate the potential coloprotective role of carbocisteine in acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Our results revealed that carbocisteine improved colon histology and macroscopic features and subdued the disease activity as well. Additionally, carbocisteine attenuated colon shortening and augmented colon antioxidant defense mechanisms via upregulating catalase and HO-1 enzymes. The myeloperoxidase activity was suppressed indicating inhibition of the neutrophil infiltration and activation. Consistent with these findings, carbocisteine boosted Nrf2 expression along with NFκB inactivation. Consequently, carbocisteine downregulated the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Concomitant to these protective roles, carbocisteine displayed anti-apoptotic properties as revealed by the reduction in the Bax: BCL-2 ratio. In conclusion, carbocisteine inhibited oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis in acetic acid-induced UC by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and NFκB interplay in rats. Therefore, the current study provides a potential basis for repurposing a safe and a commonly used mucoregulator for the treatment of UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Mohamed Abdelhamid
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud E Youssef
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
| | - Gomaa Mostafa-Hedeab
- Pharmacology Department and Health Research Unit, Medical College, Jouf University, Sakakah, Saudi Arabia.,Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Amal Youssef
- Medical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sara T Elazab
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Samar Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Shady Allam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | | | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Noha A Amin
- Department of Haematology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Shata
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Osama A Mohammed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Bisha University, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Said Ibrahim Abdeldaiem
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town, Malaysia.,Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Alhowail
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Engy A El-Mahmoudy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Maram Attia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Alaa Allam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Mona Y Zaater
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Mona M Osman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Manar Nader
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Aya Taha
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Nada Abul Makarem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
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Saber S, Nasr M, Kaddah MMY, Mostafa-Hedeab G, Cavalu S, Mourad AAE, Gaafar AGA, Zaghlool SS, Saleh S, Hafez MM, Girgis S, Elgharabawy RM, Nader K, Alsharidah M, Batiha GES, El-Ahwany E, Amin NA, Elagamy HI, Shata A, Nader R, Khodir AE. Nifuroxazide-loaded cubosomes exhibit an advancement in pulmonary delivery and attenuate bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by regulating the STAT3 and NF-κB signaling: A new challenge for unmet therapeutic needs. Pharmacotherapy 2022; 148:112731. [PMID: 35220029 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic progressive disease that portends a very poor prognosis. It has been suggested that STAT3 is a potential target in PF. This study highlights the importance of cubosomes as a drug delivery system in enhancing the bioavailability of nifuroxazide (NXZD), a poorly soluble STAT3 inhibitor. NXZD-loaded cubosomes (NXZD-LC) were in vitro and in vivo evaluated. In vitro, cubosomes presented a poly-angular nanosized particles with a mean size and zeta potential of 223.73 ± 4.73 nm and - 20.93 ± 2.38 mV, respectively. The entrapment efficiency of nifuroxazide was 90.56 ± 4.25%. The in vivo pharmacokinetic study and the lung tissue accumulation of NXZD were performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry after oral administration to rats. The nanoparticles exhibited a two-fold increase and 1.33 times of bioavailability and lung tissue concentration of NXZD compared to NXZD dispersion, respectively. In view of this, NXZD-LC effectively attenuated PF by targeting STAT3 and NF-κB signals. As a result, NXZD-LC showed a potential anti-inflammatory effect as revealed by the significant decrease in MCP-1, ICAM-1, IL-6, and TNF-α and suppressed fibrogenic mediators as indicated by the significant reduction in TGF-β, TIMP-1, and PDGF-BB in lung tissues. Besides, NXZD-LC improved antioxidant defense mechanisms and decreased LDH and BALF total protein. These effects contributed to decreased collagen deposition. To conclude, cubosomes represent an advantageous pharmaceutical delivery system for enhancing pulmonary delivery of poorly soluble drugs. Additionally, repurposing NXZD as an antifibrotic agent is a promising challenge and new therapeutic approach for unmet therapeutic needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Nasr
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo 11790, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed M Y Kaddah
- Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Center, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, New Borg El-Arab 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Gomaa Mostafa-Hedeab
- Pharmacology Department & Health Research Unit, Medical College, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia; Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
| | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, P-ta 1 Decembrie 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania.
| | - Ahmed A E Mourad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Said 42511, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Gaafar Ahmed Gaafar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Said 42511, Egypt.
| | - Sameh S Zaghlool
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), Mokattam, Cairo 11571, Egypt.
| | - Safaa Saleh
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed M Hafez
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Samuel Girgis
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alsalam University, Egypt.
| | | | - Karim Nader
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt.
| | - Mansour Alsharidah
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt.
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza 12411, Egypt.
| | - Noha A Amin
- Department of Haematology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza 12411, Egypt.
| | - Heba I Elagamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Shata
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt.
| | - Reem Nader
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed E Khodir
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, New Damietta, Egypt.
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10
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Zohny MH, Cavalu S, Youssef ME, Kaddah MM, Mourad AA, Gaafar AGA, El-Ahwany E, Amin NA, Arakeep HM, Shata A, Saleh S, Hafez MM, Elazab ST, Abdelhady R, El Shahat RM, Yahya G, Saber S. Coomassie brilliant blue G-250 dye attenuates bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by regulating the NF-κB and NLRP3 crosstalk: A novel approach for filling an unmet medical need. Pharmacotherapy 2022; 148:112723. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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11
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Abd El-Fattah EE, Saber S, Youssef ME, Eissa H, El-Ahwany E, Amin NA, Alqarni M, Batiha GES, Obaidullah AJ, Kaddah MMY, Ahmed Gaafar AG, Mourad AAE, Mostafa-Hedeab G, Abdelhamid AM. AKT-AMPKα-mTOR-dependent HIF-1α Activation is a New Therapeutic Target for Cancer Treatment: A Novel Approach to Repositioning the Antidiabetic Drug Sitagliptin for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:720173. [PMID: 35095479 PMCID: PMC8790251 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.720173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HIF-1α is a key factor promoting the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As well, AKT-AMPKα-mTOR signaling is a promising target for cancer therapy. Yet, the AKT-AMPKα-mTOR-dependent activation of HIF-1α has not been studied in livers with HCC. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the potential antineoplastic effects of sitagliptin (STGPT), an antidiabetic agent, have not yet been elucidated. For that purpose, the N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced HCC mouse model was used in the present study using a dose of 100 mg/kg/week, i.p., for 8 weeks. NDEA-induced HCC mice received STGPT 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg starting on day 61 up to day 120. The present study revealed that STGPT inhibited HIF-1α activation via the interference with the AKT-AMPKα-mTOR axis and the interruption of IKKβ, P38α, and ERK1/2 signals as well. Accordingly, STGPT prolonged the survival, restored the histological features and improved liver function. Additionally, STGPT inhibited angiogenesis, as revealed by a significant downregulation in the VEGF and mRNA expression of CD309 with concomitant inhibition of tissue invasion was evident by an increased ratio of TIMP-1/MMP-2. STGPT exhibited apoptotic stimulatory effect as indicated upon calculating the BCL-2/Bax ratio and by the gene expression of p53. The decrease in AFP and liver index calculation, gene expression of Ki-67 confirmed the antiproliferative activity of STGPT. The anti-inflammatory potential was revealed by the decreased TNF-α level and the downregulation of MCP-1 gene expression. Moreover, an antifibrotic potential was supported by lower levels of TGF-β. These effects appear to be GLP1R-independent. The present study provides a potential basis for repurposing STGPT for the inhibition of HCC progression. Since STGPT is unlikely to cause hypoglycemia, it may be promising as monotherapy or adjuvant therapy to treat diabetic or even normoglycemic patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eslam E Abd El-Fattah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud E Youssef
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Hanan Eissa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Noha A Amin
- Department of Hematology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Alqarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Ahmad J Obaidullah
- Drug Exploration and Development Chair (DEDC), Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed M Y Kaddah
- Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Center, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, New Borg El-Arab, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Gaafar Ahmed Gaafar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A E Mourad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Gomaa Mostafa-Hedeab
- Pharmacology Department and Health Research Unit, Medical College, Jouf University, Jouf, Saudi Arabia.,Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Amir Mohamed Abdelhamid
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
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12
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Abd El-Fattah EE, Saber S, Mourad AAE, El-Ahwany E, Amin NA, Cavalu S, Yahya G, Saad AS, Alsharidah M, Shata A, Sami HM, Kaddah MMY, Ghanim AMH. The dynamic interplay between AMPK/NFκB signaling and NLRP3 is a new therapeutic target in inflammation: Emerging role of dapagliflozin in overcoming lipopolysaccharide-mediated lung injury. Pharmacotherapy 2022; 147:112628. [PMID: 35032769 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [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: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is one the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. In this study, we examined for first time the role of dapagliflozin (DPGZ) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in rats and determined the underlying molecular mechanisms by evaluating the effects of DPGZ on adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK), nuclear transcription factor kappa B, nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 inflammasome activation. Treatment of acute lung injured rats with either low dose (5 mg/kg) or high dose (10 mg/kg) DPGZ significantly decreased oxidative stress by decreasing malondialdehyde and nitric oxide tissue levels with a significant increase in spectrophotometric measurements of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione levels. DPGZ treatment resulted in a significant anti-inflammatory effect as indicated by suppression in myeloperoxidase activity, MCP-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α levels. DPGZ treatment also increased p-AMPK/t-AMPK with a significant reduction in NF-kB P65 binding activity and NFĸB p65 (pSer536) levels. These effects of DPGZ were accompanied by a significant reduction in NLRP3 levels and NLRP3 gene expression and a significant decrease in caspase-1 activity, which were also confirmed by histopathological examinations. We conclude that DPGZ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity may occur through regulation of AMPK/NFĸB pathway and inhibition of NLRP3 activation. These results suggest that DPGZ represents a promising intervention for the treatment of ALI, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eslam E Abd El-Fattah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt.
| | - Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed A E Mourad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Said 42511, Egypt.
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Noha A Amin
- Department of Hematology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, P-ta 1 Decembrie 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania.
| | - Galal Yahya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Al Sharqia, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed S Saad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Said 42511, Egypt.
| | - Mansour Alsharidah
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahmed Shata
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt.
| | - Haidy M Sami
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed M Y Kaddah
- Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Center, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, New Borg El-Arab, 21934 Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Amal M H Ghanim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.
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13
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Abdelhamid AM, Saber S, Youssef ME, Gaafar AGA, Eissa H, Abd-Eldayem MA, Alqarni M, Batiha GES, Obaidullah AJ, Shahien MA, El-Ahwany E, Amin NA, Etman MA, Kaddah MMY, Abd El-Fattah EE. Empagliflozin adjunct with metformin for the inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma progression: Emerging approach for new application. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 145:112455. [PMID: 34844106 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is on the rise worldwide, and its incidence in diabetic patients is two to three times that of non-diabetics. Current therapeutic options fail to provide considerable survival benefits to patients with HCC. There is a strong possibility that the FDA-approved antidiabetic combination of empagliflozin and metformin could show complementary effects to control HCC progression. However, their multitarget effects have not yet been studied on HCC development. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the antitumorigenic activity of this combination in non-diabetic mice with diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC. Empagliflozin/metformin combination prolonged survival and improved histological features of mice livers. Additionally, Empagliflozin/metformin showed anti-inflammatory potential and relieved oxidative stress. On the one hand these effects are likely attributed to the ability of metformin to inactivate NF-κB in an AMPK-dependent mechanism and on the other hand to the ability of the empagliflozin to inhibit the MAPKs, p38 and ERK1/2. Empagliflozin also showed a less robust effect on AMPK than that of metformin. Moreover, empagliflozin enhanced the autophagy inducing activity of metformin. Furthermore, empagliflozin/metformin exhibited increased apoptotic potential. Consequently, empagliflozin augmented the antitumorigenic function of metformin by exerting better control of angiogenesis, and metastasis. To conclude, our findings suggest empagliflozin as an ideal adjunct to metformin for the inhibition of HCC progression. In addition, since the incidence of hypoglycemia is minimal due to insulin-independent mechanism of action of both treatments, empagliflozin/metformin could be a promising therapeutic modality for the management of diabetic patients with HCC; and even non diabetic ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Mohamed Abdelhamid
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt.
| | - Mahmoud E Youssef
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Gaafar Ahmed Gaafar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Hanan Eissa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Marwa A Abd-Eldayem
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, New Damietta, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Alqarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt
| | - Ahmad J Obaidullah
- Drug Exploration and Development Chair (DEDC), Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Awad Shahien
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Noha A Amin
- Department of Hematology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ali Etman
- Research and Development, Department of Drug Stability, Safe Pharma, Pharco Pharmaceuticals, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Y Kaddah
- Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Center, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, New Borg El-Arab 21934, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eslam E Abd El-Fattah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
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14
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Youssef ME, Abd El-Fattah EE, Abdelhamid AM, Eissa H, El-Ahwany E, Amin NA, Hetta HF, Mahmoud MH, Batiha GES, Gobba N, Ahmed Gaafar AG, Saber S. Interference With the AMPKα/mTOR/NLRP3 Signaling and the IL-23/IL-17 Axis Effectively Protects Against the Dextran Sulfate Sodium Intoxication in Rats: A New Paradigm in Empagliflozin and Metformin Reprofiling for the Management of Ulcerative Colitis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:719984. [PMID: 34489707 PMCID: PMC8417441 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.719984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Empagliflozin and metformin are widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These drugs showed marked anti-inflammatory effects in different animal models via enhancing AMPK activity. Yet, the protective anti-inflammatory effects of their combination against ulcerative colitis have not been previously investigated. The current study aimed to explore the potential of empagliflozin/metformin combination to mitigate the DSS-induced rat colitis model. The modulating effects of empagliflozin and metformin on the AMPK/mTOR/NLRP3 axis and T cell polarization were delineated. In this study, distal colons were examined for macroscopic and microscopic pathological alterations. ELISA, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry techniques were applied to detect proteins and cytokines involved in AMPK/mTOR/NLRP3 axis and T Cell polarization. Oral administration of empagliflozin (10 mg/kg/day) and metformin (200 mg/kg/day) combination alleviated colitis as revealed by the reduced disease activity index, macroscopic damage index, colon weight/length ratio, and histopathologic scoring values. Interestingly, empagliflozin/metformin combination significantly enhanced AMPK phosphorylation and depressed mTOR and NLRP3 expression leading to a subsequent reduction in caspase-1 cleavage and inhibition of several inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, and IL-18. Reduced mTOR expression and reduced IL-6 levels led to a reduction in Th17 cell polarization and maintenance. Together, the current study reveals that the protective effects of empagliflozin and metformin against DSS-induced colitis are fundamentally mediated via enhancing AMPK phosphorylation. Since adult humans with diabetes mellitus are at greater risk for developing inflammatory bowel diseases, clinical application of empagliflozin/metformin combination represents a novel therapeutic approach for treating diabetic patients with ulcerative colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud E Youssef
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Eslam E Abd El-Fattah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Amir M Abdelhamid
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Hanan Eissa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Noha A Amin
- Department of Hematology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Helal F Hetta
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Mohamed H Mahmoud
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Naglaa Gobba
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Misr University for Science and Technology, 6th of October City, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Gaafar Ahmed Gaafar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port-Said University, Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
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15
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Atta S, Kramani NE, Mohamed SR, Mohamed MA, Hassan SH, Hesham R, Mohamed AM, Abdel Halim EE, Mohamed YA, El-Ahwany E. MicroRNA-199: A Potential Therapeutic Tool for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in an Experimental Model. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2021; 22:2771-2779. [PMID: 34582645 PMCID: PMC8850877 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2021.22.9.2771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the major health problems throughout the world with a very poor prognosis. MicroRNAs are small regulatory non-protein-coding RNA molecules. We aimed at investigating microRNA-199 as a potential therapeutic tool for HCC both in vitro and in an experimental model. A therapeutic strategy based on the effect of microRNAs to target genes responsible for liver cancer was adopted in this work. The ability of these small RNAs to potently influence cellular behavior was also investigated. The role of miR-199a in the development of liver cancer has been identified using a systematic literature search using miRBase. HepG2 cell line was used to test the effect of miRNA199a in vitro. Hepatocellular carcinoma was induced in Male Balb/C mice by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Mice were treated with miRNA-199a and sacrificed after 16 weeks and blood samples and liver specimens were collected for biochemical and histopathological assessment. Histopathological examination of liver specimens after miRNA 199a treatment showed regression of Hepatocellular carcinoma with restoration of normal architecture. AFP, VEGF and TNFα levels decreased after treatment with miRNA 199a. Caspase 3 and 9; showed decreased expression in animals treated with miRNA 199a than non-treated ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa Atta
- Immunology Lab, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornish El Nil street, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nabila El Kramani
- Immunology Lab, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornish El Nil street, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sara Reda Mohamed
- Immunology Lab, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornish El Nil street, Giza, Egypt
| | - Menna Adel Mohamed
- Immunology Lab, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornish El Nil street, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sara Hesham Hassan
- Immunology Lab, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornish El Nil street, Giza, Egypt
| | - Reem Hesham
- Immunology Lab, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornish El Nil street, Giza, Egypt
| | - Aya Mostafa Mohamed
- Immunology Lab, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornish El Nil street, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman Eid Abdel Halim
- Immunology Lab, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornish El Nil street, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Immunology Lab, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornish El Nil street, Giza, Egypt
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16
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Saber S, Nasr M, Saad AS, Mourad AAE, Gobba NA, Shata A, Hafez AM, Elsergany RN, Elagamy HI, El-Ahwany E, Amin NA, Girgis S, Elewa YHA, Mahmoud MH, Batiha GES, El-Rous MA, Kamal I, Kaddah MMY, Khodir AE. Albendazole-loaded cubosomes interrupt the ERK1/2-HIF-1α-p300/CREB axis in mice intoxicated with diethylnitrosamine: A new paradigm in drug repurposing for the inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 142:112029. [PMID: 34416629 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. It was suggested that albendazole (ABZ) is a powerful inhibitor of several carcinoma types. However, the bioavailability of ABZ is very poor. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of ABZ may go beyond its tubulin-inhibiting activity. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effects of ABZ suspension (i.p. and p.o.) and ABZ-loaded cubosomes (LC) on the diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC in mice. ABZ-loaded nanoparticles exhibited a mean particle size of 48.17 ± 0.65 nm and entrapped 93.26 ± 2.48% of ABZ. The in vivo absorption study confirmed a two-fold improvement in the relative bioavailability compared with aqueous ABZ suspension. Furthermore, the oral administration of ABZ cubosomal dispersion demonstrated regression of tumor production rates that was comparable with ABZ (i.p.). ABZ relieved oxidative stress, improved liver function, and decreased necroinflammation score. The antiangiogenic activity was evident as ABZ effectively downregulated tissue expression of CD34, mRNA expression of CD309 and VEGF at the protein expression level. Besides, lower levels of MMP-9 and CXCR4 indicated antimetastatic activity. ABZ showed a considerable level of apoptotic activity as indicated by increased mRNA expression level of p53 and the increased Bax/BCL-2 ratio and active caspase-3. Additionally, Ki-67 expression levels were downregulated showing an antiproliferative potential. These protective effects contributed to increasing survival rate of diethylnitrosamine-treated mice. These effects found to be mediated via interrupting ERK1/2-HIF-1α-p300/CREB interactions. Therefore, our findings revealed that disrupting ERK1/2-HIF-1α-p300/CREB interplay might create a novel therapeutic target for the management of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Nasr
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt; Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Saad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port-Said University, Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A E Mourad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port-Said University, Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Naglaa A Gobba
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Misr University for Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Shata
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Abdel-Moneim Hafez
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramy N Elsergany
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Heba I Elagamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Noha A Amin
- Department of Haematology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt
| | - Samuel Girgis
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alsalam University, Egypt
| | - Yaser H A Elewa
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Mohamed H Mahmoud
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt
| | - Magdy Abou El-Rous
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
| | - Islam Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Y Kaddah
- Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Center, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, New Borg El-Arab 21934, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Khodir
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, Egypt
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17
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Nabi AA, Atta SA, El-Ahwany E, Elzayat E, Saleh H. Taurine Upregulates miRNA-122-5p Expression and Suppresses the Metabolizing Enzymes of Glycolytic Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:5549-5559. [PMID: 34313924 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06571-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complicated disease with a poor prognosis and high mortality rates. The prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of liver cancer have become vital focuses in healthcare research. AIM This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of taurine (Tau) on the expression of miR-122-5p that targets some limiting glycolytic enzymes and affects the overall glycolytic pathway in HepG2 cells. METHOD IC50 and the inhibitory effect of Tau on cell proliferation were measured after 48 h by MTT assay. Then, the mRNA expressions of some apoptosis-related genes P53, BAX, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 were measured using quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR) and the protein levels were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The activities of some antioxidant's biomarkers were assessed. The gene expression of miR-122-5p that targets some limiting glycolytic enzymes; Aldolase and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were evaluated after treatment with Tau for 48 h. RESULTS A Significant inhibition in the proliferation of HepG2 was encountered after treatment with Tau in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the expression of apoptotic genes p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 exhibited a significant upregulation, while Bcl-2 showed a significant downregulation. These alterations in the expression levels were also confirmed on the protein level. The antioxidant activities of GPx, CAT, and NO were significantly elevated versus untreated control. Also, a significant increase in the expression level of miR-122-5p was observed after treatment with Tau affecting the metabolic activity of HCC cells. Concomitantly, a significant inhibition in ALDOA protein and the hallmark of glycolytic enzymes LDH and Aldolase were observed. CONCLUSIONS These observations showed that taurine inhibits HepG2 cell proliferation and restores the expression of miR-122-5p which inhibits the hallmark glycolytic enzymes and ultimately the metabolic activity of HCC cells. Tau is assumed to be a promising and effective antitumor therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Abdel Nabi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Attia Atta
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Emad Elzayat
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Hanan Saleh
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt.
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Badr AM, El-Ahwany E, Goda L, Nagy F, Helal N, El Deeb S. MicroRNA-26a systemic administration attenuates tumor formation in hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model. Pak J Pharm Sci 2021; 34:925-932. [PMID: 34602415] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA)-26a is one of the tumor suppressor genes that has been down regulated during the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This work was conducted to evaluate the possible preventive effect of exogenous miRNA-26a administration on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-mediated HCC. Balb/C mice were intraperitoneally injected with saline (Normal group), DEN (HCC group) or miRNA-26a (HCC+miRNA-26a group). On week 8, 12, 16 and 20, the concentrations of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), des-gamma carboxyprothrombin (DCP), the levels of helper T cells-associated cytokines, and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were measured. Flow cytometry determined the frequencies of regulatory T (Treg) cells. The concentrations of AFP, DCP and VEGF, as well as the frequency of Treg cells showed significantly lower values following miRNA-26a administration than in HCC group. miRNA-26a administration has reduced the levels of IL (interleukin)-2 and TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α, in contrast, IL-10 level was markedly elevated in comparison to HCC model at all experimental time points. The restore of miRNA-26a function significantly (P<0.001) down regulated the expression levels of survivin & caspase-3 compared to HCC group. The obtained data introduce an evidence for the suppressive impact of miRNA-26a on liver tumor formation and its possible manipulation as a therapeutic design for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer M Badr
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), Giza, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa Goda
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Faten Nagy
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), Giza, Egypt
| | - Noha Helal
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), Giza, Egypt
| | - Somaya El Deeb
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Saber S, Abd El-Fattah EE, Yahya G, Gobba NA, Maghmomeh AO, Khodir AE, Mourad AAE, Saad AS, Mohammed HG, Nouh NA, Shata A, Amin NA, Abou El-Rous M, Girgis S, El-Ahwany E, Khalaf EM, El-Kott AF, El-Baz AM. A Novel Combination Therapy Using Rosuvastatin and Lactobacillus Combats Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats by Targeting the TXNIP/NLRP3 Interaction and Influencing Gut Microbiome Composition. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14040341. [PMID: 33917884 PMCID: PMC8068273 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammasome targeting and controlling dysbiosis are promising therapeutic approaches to control ulcerative colitis. This report is the first to investigate the mechanisms underlying the coloprotective effects of rosuvastatin and Lactobacillus and their combined therapy on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats. Our results demonstrate the aggravation of intestinal inflammation as a consequence of an HFD following DSS administration. An association between dyslipidemia, LDL oxidation, CD36 expression, ROS generation, thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) upregulation, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation was demonstrated by DSS exposure in HFD-fed rats. We demonstrated that rosuvastatin/Lactobacillus significantly suppressed the DSS/HFD-induced increase in colon weight/length ratio, DAI, MDI, and myeloperoxidase, as well as corrected dysbiosis and improved histological characteristics. Additionally, caspase-1 activity and IL-1β-driven pyroptotic activity was significantly reduced. Rosuvastatin/Lactobacillus showed prominent anti-inflammatory effects as revealed by the IL-10/IL-12 ratio and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6. These latter effects may be attributed to the inhibition of phosphorylation-induced activation of NF-κB and a concomitant reduction in the expression of NLRP3, pro-IL-1β, and pro-IL-18. Furthermore, rosuvastatin/Lactobacillus reduced Ox-LDL-induced TXNIP and attenuated the inflammatory response by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. To conclude, rosuvastatin/Lactobacillus offers a safe and effective strategy for the management of ulcerative colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt
- Correspondence: (S.S.); or (A.M.E.-B.); Tel.: +2-01033124949 (S.S.); +2-01069096934 (A.M.E.-B.); Fax: +2-050-2770140 (S.S. & A.M.E.-B.)
| | - Eslam E. Abd El-Fattah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt;
| | - Galal Yahya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Al Sharqia 44519, Egypt;
| | - Naglaa A. Gobba
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza 12411, Egypt; or
| | - Abdalkareem Omar Maghmomeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Arab Private University for Science and Technology, Hama 1293400, Syria; or
| | - Ahmed E. Khodir
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, New Damietta 34518, Egypt; or
| | - Ahmed A. E. Mourad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port-Said University, Port-Said 42511, Egypt; (A.A.E.M.); (A.S.S.)
| | - Ahmed S. Saad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port-Said University, Port-Said 42511, Egypt; (A.A.E.M.); (A.S.S.)
| | | | - Nehal A. Nouh
- Department of Microbiology, Albatterjee Medical College, Jeddah 6231, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ahmed Shata
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt
| | - Noha A. Amin
- Department of Haematology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza 12411, Egypt; or
| | - Magdy Abou El-Rous
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt; or
| | - Samuel Girgis
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alsalam University, Kafr El-Zayat 31612, Egypt;
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza 12411, Egypt;
| | - Eman M. Khalaf
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt;
| | - Attalla F. El-Kott
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. El-Baz
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt
- Correspondence: (S.S.); or (A.M.E.-B.); Tel.: +2-01033124949 (S.S.); +2-01069096934 (A.M.E.-B.); Fax: +2-050-2770140 (S.S. & A.M.E.-B.)
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Hassan M, Aboushousha T, El-Ahwany E, Khalil HK, Montasser AY, Abu-Taleb H, El-Talkawy MD, Zoheiry M. Impact of E-cadherin and its transcription regulators on assessing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2020; 67:175-182. [PMID: 32677416 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5985.20.02687-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis are still poorly recognized. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of chronic HCV infection on the expression of the major regulators of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) including E-cadherin, Snail, Slug, and Twist2, in the Egyptian population. This will help to design more efficient strategies to treat HCV-associated cirrhosis and carcinoma. METHODS Fifty-nine liver biopsies from patients, that were serologically proven to be HCV positive, were included in the current study. Histopathological examination was done. Grading of hepatitis activity (A) and staging of fibrosis (F) were assessed using the METAVIR Scoring System. Additionally, an immunohistochemical examination of E-cadherin, Snail, Slug, and Twist2 expression was performed. RESULTS E-cadherin showed a significant progressive decline of its expression with increased fibrosis staging and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In contrast, Snail and Slug expression was positively associated with the stage of fibrosis and HCC. Meanwhile, Twist2 expression was not affected by the degree of hepatitis activity, the stage of fibrosis, or by the development of HCC. CONCLUSIONS E-cadherin and its transcriptional regulators; Snail and Slug may serve as indicators for assessing the stage of fibrosis and the progression of HCC associated with HCV infection but not for assessing the degree of hepatitis activity. Therefore, the Snail family could be a promising target for designing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for chronic HCV infection and its serious comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Hassan
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt -
| | - Tarek Aboushousha
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Heba K Khalil
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Y Montasser
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hoda Abu-Taleb
- Department of Environmental Research, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed D El-Talkawy
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona Zoheiry
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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Hassan M, Aboushousha T, El-Ahwany E, Khalil HK, Montasser AY, Abu-Taleb H, El-Talkawy MD, Zoheiry M. Impact of E-cadherin and its transcription regulators on assessing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2020. [PMID: 32677416 DOI: 10.23736/s1121-421x.20.02687-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis are still poorly recognized. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of chronic HCV infection on the expression of the major regulators of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) including E-cadherin, Snail, Slug, and Twist2, in the Egyptian population. This will help to design more efficient strategies to treat HCV-associated cirrhosis and carcinoma. METHODS Fifty-nine liver biopsies from patients, that were serologically proven to be HCV positive, were included in the current study. Histopathological examination was done. Grading of hepatitis activity (A) and staging of fibrosis (F) were assessed using the METAVIR Scoring System. Additionally, an immunohistochemical examination of E-cadherin, Snail, Slug, and Twist2 expression was performed. RESULTS E-cadherin showed a significant progressive decline of its expression with increased fibrosis staging and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In contrast, Snail and Slug expression was positively associated with the stage of fibrosis and HCC. Meanwhile, Twist2 expression was not affected by the degree of hepatitis activity, the stage of fibrosis, or by the development of HCC. CONCLUSIONS E-cadherin and its transcriptional regulators; Snail and Slug may serve as indicators for assessing the stage of fibrosis and the progression of HCC associated with HCV infection but not for assessing the degree of hepatitis activity. Therefore, the Snail family could be a promising target for designing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for chronic HCV infection and its serious comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Hassan
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt -
| | - Tarek Aboushousha
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Heba K Khalil
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Y Montasser
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hoda Abu-Taleb
- Department of Environmental Research, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed D El-Talkawy
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona Zoheiry
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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El-Ahwany E, Mansy SS, Zoheiry M, Mourad L, Mahmoud S, Abu-Taleb H, Hassanien M, Hassan M. MicroRNA-195 vector influence on the development of gradually induced hepatocellular carcinoma in murine model. Ultrastruct Pathol 2020; 44:203-210. [PMID: 32216509 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2020.1744783] [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: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Recent studies implicate the role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was designed to induce HCC, in an experimental model, with the prospect to study the molecular pathophysiologic changes accompanying the development of HCC and the effect of miRNA-195 vector on the process of hepatocarcinogenesis.Methodology: This study incorporated three groups of male albino mice; one control group and two other groups injected intraperitoneal with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) weekly for 12 weeks for the gradual induction of HCC. The third group was injected intra-hepatic with miR-195 vector 1 month after DEN injection. At the 8th and 12th weeks post-DEN treatment, the tumor-associated biomarkers alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were assessed in the serum of all mice. Hepatic specimens were subjected to ultra-structural pathological examination as well as to caspase-3 and survivin genes expression analysis.Results: All the assessed serological and molecular parameters of HCC development, in the miRNA-195-treated group of mice, showed a significant increase, versus the DEN-treated group, whereas survivin was significantly down-regulated, in the miR-195-treated group (P < 0.001). Additionally, ultra-structural criteria of HCC were depicted, in the 12th week, in DEN-injected group, versus the 8th week, in the miRNA-195-treated group.Conclusions: Intra-hepatic injection of miRNA-195 vector induced apoptotic gene expression and suppressed anti-apoptotic gene but these favorable anti-cancer effects could not counteract the inflammatory, and subsequently, the oncogenic effect probably caused by vector administration. Therefore, further studies are required to investigate the effect of miRNA in combination with anti-inflammatory medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman El-Ahwany
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Soheir S Mansy
- Electron Microscopy Research Department (Pathology), Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona Zoheiry
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Lobna Mourad
- Biology Department, American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Soheir Mahmoud
- Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hoda Abu-Taleb
- Environmental Research Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Moataz Hassanien
- Hepato-Gastroenterology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marwa Hassan
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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Roshdy F, Farag MMS, El-Ahwany E, Mahmode O, Mousa AA, El Talkawy M, Essawy F. Long non-coding RNA HOTAIR and HOTTIP as potential biomarkers for hepatitis C virus genotype 4-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Egypt J Med Hum Genet 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-020-0048-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) homeobox (Hox) transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) and HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP) have been suggested to be implicated in liver cancer tumorigenesis and progression; however, little is known about the role of the plasma HOTAIR and HOTTIP in liver cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The current study aimed at measuring the plasma levels of long non-coding RNAs (HOTAIR and HOTTIP) expression in chronic liver disease (CLD) due to HCV genotype 4 infection with/without cirrhosis and HCC patients in an attempt to evaluate the potential benefits of these new circulating as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers and a novel therapeutic strategy for liver cirrhosis and carcinogenesis of Egyptian patients. Hundred subjects were included in this study, divided into two groups; group I (50 patients) were classified into subgroup Ia (CLD without cirrhosis, n = 25) and subgroup Ib (CLD with cirrhosis, n = 25), group II (CLD patients with HCC, n = 25), and control (healthy volunteer, n = 25). The expression of lncRNAs (HOTAIR and HOTTIP) genes was analyzed by real-time PCR.
Results
LncRNAs (HOTAIR and HOTTIP) showed upregulation in all diseased groups, which was in consistent with the progression of the disease toward the HCC stage. In addition, HOTAIR and HOTTIP showed a diagnostic ability to discriminate between cases of cirrhosis and HCC compared with healthy control (p < 0.001), while HOTAIR and HOTTIP did not show a discrimination significant differences between cirrhotic cases and non-cirrhotic cases. By using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, it was found that LncRNAs (HOTAIR and HOTTIP) could diagnose liver cancer with 64.0% sensitivity and 86.0% specificity and 48.0% sensitivity and 88.0% specificity. Furthermore, both genes can be considered as the predictor and prognostic parameters for cirrhosis (OR = 1.111, p = 0.05) and (OR = 1.07, p = 0.05) respectively, and HCC (OR = 1.047, p = 0.01) and (OR = 1.05, p = 0.003). The increased HOTAIR and HOTTIP expression were associated with advanced tumor stages and higher grades.
Conclusion
These results strongly prompt us that HOTAIR and HOTTIP genes can be used as non-invasive prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic targets for HCV genotype 4-induced HCC.
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Saber S, Ghanim AMH, El-Ahwany E, El-Kader EMA. Novel complementary antitumour effects of celastrol and metformin by targeting IκBκB, apoptosis and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in diethylnitrosamine-induced murine hepatocarcinogenesis. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2020; 85:331-343. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04033-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Saber S, Khalil RM, Abdo WS, Nassif D, El-Ahwany E. Olmesartan ameliorates chemically-induced ulcerative colitis in rats via modulating NFκB and Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling crosstalk. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 364:120-132. [PMID: 30594690 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [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: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alteration in the expression pattern of Nrf-2 and NFκB has been reported in ulcerative colitis (UC) in which functional crosstalk between these two critical pathways has been suggested. The ameliorative potential of the AT1R blocker olmesartan (OLM) on oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines has received considerable attention in recent years. Acetic acid (AA)-induced UC demonstrates close resemblance to human UC regarding histopathological features and cytokine profile and is associated with local intense immune response, oxidative stress and release of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, The effect of OLM (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg) administered orally to rats subjected to intra-rectal instillation of 2 ml of 3% AA in saline solution is investigated. The study revealed that OLM ameliorated colon injury and inflammatory signs as visualized by histopathological examination. Levels of colon IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, TGF-β, and serum CRP were down-regulated, while the level of colon IL-10 was up-regulated. In a dose-dependent manner, OLM suppressed AA-induced neutrophils accumulation and improved colon anti-oxidant defense machinery. Also, OLM repressed the Bax:BCL-2 ratio and caspase3 expression. The mechanism of these protective effects was found to lay behind its ability to down-regulate gene expression and inhibit phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65 subunits. On the other hand, OLM up-regulated gene expression of Nrf-2 and HO-1. In conclusion, our data show that OLM is an Nrf2 activator, NFkB inhibitor and apoptosis inhibitor in an experimental model of ulcerative colitis. Overall, the study indicates that OLM shows promise as a potential therapy for the treatment of human inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa City, Mansoura, Dakahlia, Egypt.
| | - Rania M Khalil
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa City, Mansoura, Dakahlia, Egypt
| | - Walied S Abdo
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Doaa Nassif
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa City, Mansoura, Dakahlia, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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Saber S, Mahmoud A, Helal N, El-Ahwany E, Abdelghany R. Liver Protective Effects of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibition Have No Survival Benefits in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Induced By Repetitive Administration of Diethylnitrosamine in Mice. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2018; 6:955-960. [PMID: 29983784 PMCID: PMC6026411 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2018.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Preclinical studies have demonstrated that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) signalling has strong tumour-promoting effects and RAS inhibition was associated with improvement in the overall survival in some cancer types including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin-II-receptor blockers (ARBs) on the survival of mice with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced HCC. METHODS: HCC was induced by weekly i.p. administration of DEN. Mice were treated with sorafenib (SO) (30 mg/kg), perindopril (PE) (1 mg/kg), fosinopril (FO) (2 mg/kg), losartan (LO) (10 mg/kg), PE (1 mg/kg) + SO (30 mg/kg), FO (2 mg/kg) + SO (30 mg/kg), or LO (10 mg/kg) + SO (30 mg/kg). Survival analysis was done using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was used for assessing the significance of difference between groups. RESULTS: The administration of PE, FO and LO as monotherapy or as combined with SO resulted in marked improvement in the liver histologic picture with no impact on overall survival of mice. CONCLUSION: Interfering the RAS either through the inhibition of ACE or the blockade of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors has similar effects on the liver of DEN-induced HCC mice and is not associated with longer survival due to detrimental effects of DEN on other organs. Hence, repetitive administration of DEN in such models of HCC is not suitable for mortality assessment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Amr Mahmoud
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Noha Helal
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rasha Abdelghany
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Saber S, Mahmoud AAA, Goda R, Helal NS, El-Ahwany E, Abdelghany RH. Perindopril, fosinopril and losartan inhibited the progression of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in mice via the inactivation of nuclear transcription factor kappa-B. Toxicol Lett 2018; 295:32-40. [PMID: 29859236 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health problem. Therapeutic interventions of HCC are still limited because of its complicated molecular pathogenesis. Many reports showed that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) contributes to the development of different types of malignancies. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effect of RAS inhibition using perindopril (1 mg/kg), fosinopril (2 mg/kg), or losartan (10 mg/kg) on diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC compared to sorafenib (30 mg/kg). The administration of RAS inhibitors resulted in improved liver function and histologic picture with a reduction in AFP levels. These effects found to be mediated through inactivation of NFкB pathway by the inhibition of NFĸB p65 phosphorylation at the Ser536 residue and inhibition of the phosphorylation-induced degradation of NFĸBia. Consequently, expression levels of cyclin D1 mRNA were significantly lowered. In addition, NFкB-induced TNF-α and TGF-β1 levels were reduced leading to lower levels of MMP-2 and VEGF. We concluded that RAS inhibition either through inhibiting the ACE or the blockade of AT1R has the same therapeutic benefit and that the tissue affinity of the ACEIs has no impact on its anti-tumor activity. These results suggest that ACEIs and ARBs can serve as promising candidates for further clinical trials in the management of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa City, Manasoura, Dakahleya, Egypt.
| | - Amr A A Mahmoud
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology, Oman Pharmacy Institute, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Reham Goda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa City, Manasoura, Dakahleya, Egypt
| | - Noha S Helal
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rasha H Abdelghany
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
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Mourad L, El-Ahwany E, Zoheiry M, Abu-Taleb H, Hassan M, Ouf A, Rahim AA, Hassanien M, Zada S. Expression analysis of liver-specific circulating microRNAs in HCV-induced hepatocellular Carcinoma in Egyptian patients. Cancer Biol Ther 2018; 19:400-406. [PMID: 29333940 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2018.1423922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Due to the absence of reliable and accurate biomarkers for the early detection of liver malignancy, circulating microRNAs have recently emerged as great candidates for prompt cancer identification. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential of liver-specific circulating microRNAs as an accurate non-invasive diagnostic tool for early diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODOLOGY A total of 165 patients were enrolled in this study and categorized into four main groups: 42 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) without cirrhosis, 45 CHC with cirrhosis (LC), 38 HCC with HCV patients, and 40 healthy controls. The expression profiles of seven miRNAs (miR-16, miR-34a, miR-125a, miR-139, miR-145, miR-199a, and miR-221) were analyzed using real-time PCR. RESULTS Serum levels of miRNA-125a, miRNA-139, miRNA-145, and miRNA199a were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in HCC than in both CHC and LC groups. On the other hand, no significant difference was shown in the expression of miR-16, miR-34a, and miR-221 between the CHC, LC, and HCC groups. MiR-16, miR-34a, and miR-221 were significantly elevated in the HCC group compared to the control group. MiR-34a showed the highest specificity and sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that the measurement of serum levels of miR-125a, miR-139, miR-145, and miR-199a can help to differentiate HCC from CHC and LC. Also, miR-16, miR-34a, and miR-221 serum levels would have a prognostic value. MiR-34a had the highest specificity and sensitivity, indicating that it might serve as a novel and potential non-invasive biomarker for HCV-induced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lobna Mourad
- a Biology Department , American University in Cairo , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- b Immunology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Mona Zoheiry
- b Immunology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Hoda Abu-Taleb
- c Environmental Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Marwa Hassan
- b Immunology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Amged Ouf
- a Biology Department , American University in Cairo , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Ali Abdel Rahim
- d Hepato-Gastroenterology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Moataz Hassanien
- d Hepato-Gastroenterology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Suher Zada
- a Biology Department , American University in Cairo , Cairo , Egypt
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Saber S, Mahmoud AAA, Helal NS, El-Ahwany E, Abdelghany RH. Renin-angiotensin system inhibition ameliorates CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis in mice through the inactivation of nuclear transcription factor kappa B. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 96:569-576. [PMID: 29425464 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2017-0728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic interventions for liver fibrosis are still limited due to the complicated molecular pathogenesis. Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) seems to contribute to the development of hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effect of RAS inhibition on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Mice were treated with silymarin (30 mg·kg-1), perindopril (1 mg·kg-1), fosinopril (2 mg·kg-1), or losartan (10 mg·kg-1). The administration of RAS inhibitors improved liver histology and decreased protein expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and hepatic content of hydroxyproline. These effects found to be mediated via inactivation of nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NFκB) pathway by the inhibition of NFκB p65 phosphorylation at the Ser536 residue and phosphorylation-induced degradation of nuclear factor kappa-B inhibitor alpha (NFκBia) subsequently inhibited NFκB-induced TNF-α and TGF-β1, leading to lower levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We concluded that the tissue affinity of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) has no impact on its antifibrotic activity and that interfering the RAS either through the inhibition of ACE or the blockade of AT1R has the same therapeutic benefit. These results suggest RAS inhibitors as promising candidates for further clinical trials in the management of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Saber
- a Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Amr A A Mahmoud
- b Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.,c Department of Pharmacology, Oman Pharmacy Institute, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Noha S Helal
- d Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- e Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rasha H Abdelghany
- b Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
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Mansy SS, El-Ahwany E, Mahmoud S, Hassan S, Seleem MI, Abdelaal A, Helmy AH, Zoheiry MK, AbdelFattah AS, Hassanein MH. Potential ultrastructure predicting factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in HCV infected patients. Ultrastruct Pathol 2017; 41:209-226. [PMID: 28494215 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2017.1316330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus represents one of the rising causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the early diagnosis of HCC is vital for successful curative treatment, the majority of lesions are diagnosed in an irredeemable phase. This work deals with a comparative ultrastructural study of experimentally gradually induced HCC, surgically resected HCC, and potential premalignant lesions from HCV-infected patients, with the prospect to detect cellular criteria denoting premalignant transformation. Among the main detected pathological changes which are postulated to precede frank HCC: failure of normal hepatocyte regeneration with star shape clonal fragmentation, frequent elucidation of hepatic progenitor cells and Hering canals, hepatocytes of different electron density loaded with small sized rounded monotonous mitochondria, increase junctional complexes bordering bile canaliculi and in between hepatocyte membranes, abundant cellular proteinaceous material with hypertrophied or vesiculated rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), sequestrated nucleus with proteinaceous granular material or hypertrophied RER, formation of lipolysosomes, large autophagosomes, and micro-vesicular fat deposition. In conclusion, the present work has visualized new hepatocytic division or regenerative process that mimic splitting or clonal fragmentation that occurs in primitive creature. Also, new observations that may be of value or assist in predicting HCC and identifying the appropriate patient for surveillance have been reported. Moreover, it has pointed to the possible malignant potentiality of liver stem/progenitor cells. For reliability, the results can be subjected to cohort longitudinal study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheir S Mansy
- a Electron Microscopy Research Department (Pathology) , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- b Immunology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Soheir Mahmoud
- c Parasitology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Sara Hassan
- a Electron Microscopy Research Department (Pathology) , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Mohammed I Seleem
- d Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation , National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Amr Abdelaal
- e Surgery Department , Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Ahmed H Helmy
- f Surgery Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Mona K Zoheiry
- b Immunology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Ahmed S AbdelFattah
- g Hepatogastroenterology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Moataz H Hassanein
- g Hepatogastroenterology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
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31
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Abdel-Lateef E, Mahmoud F, Hammam O, El-Ahwany E, El-Wakil E, Kandil S, Abu Taleb H, El-Sayed M, Hassenein H. Bioactive chemical constituents of Curcuma longa L. rhizomes extract inhibit the growth of human hepatoma cell line (HepG2). Acta Pharm 2016; 66:387-98. [PMID: 27383887 DOI: 10.1515/acph-2016-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to identify the chemical constituents of the methanolic extract of Curcuma longa L. rhizomes and their inhibitory effect on a hepatoma cell line. The methanolic extract was subjected to GC-MS analysis to identify the volatile constituents and the other part of the same extract was subjected to liquid column chromatographic separation to isolate curcumin. The inhibition of cell growth in the hepatoma cell line and the cytopathological changes were studied. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of fifty compounds in the methanolic extract of C. longa. The major compounds were ar-turmerone (20.50 %), β-sesquiphellandrene (5.20 %) and curcumenol (5.11 %). Curcumin was identified using IR, 1H and 13C NMR. The inhibition of cell growth by curcumin (IC50 = 41.69 ± 2.87 μg mL-1) was much more effective than that of methanolic extract (IC50 = 196.12 ± 5.25 μg mL-1). Degenerative and apoptotic changes were more evident in curcumin- treated hepatoma cells than in those treated with the methanol extract. Antitumor potential of the methanolic extract may be attributed to the presence of sesquiterpenes and phenolic constituents including curcumin (0.051 %, 511.39 μg g-1 dried methanol extract) in C. longa rhizomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezzat Abdel-Lateef
- Medicinal Chemistry, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute Kornaish El-Nile 12661 Warrak El-Hadar Imbaba (P.O. 30), Giza, Egypt
| | - Faten Mahmoud
- Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute Kornaish El-Nile 12661 Warrak El-Hadar Imbaba (P.O. 30), Giza, Egypt
| | - Olfat Hammam
- Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute Kornaish El-Nile 12661 Warrak El-Hadar Imbaba (P.O. 30), Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute Kornaish El-Nile 12661 Warrak El-Hadar Imbaba (P.O. 30), Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Wakil
- Medicinal Chemistry, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute Kornaish El-Nile 12661 Warrak El-Hadar Imbaba (P.O. 30), Giza, Egypt
| | - Sherihan Kandil
- Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute Kornaish El-Nile 12661 Warrak El-Hadar Imbaba (P.O. 30), Giza, Egypt
| | - Hoda Abu Taleb
- Environmental Research Laboratories Theodor Bilharz Research Institute Kornaish El-Nile 12661 Warrak El-Hadar Imbaba (P.O. 30), Giza, Egypt
| | - Mortada El-Sayed
- Medicinal Chemistry, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute Kornaish El-Nile 12661 Warrak El-Hadar Imbaba (P.O. 30), Giza, Egypt
| | - Hanaa Hassenein
- Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute Kornaish El-Nile 12661 Warrak El-Hadar Imbaba (P.O. 30), Giza, Egypt
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Youssef MM, Tolba MF, Badawy NN, Liu AW, El-Ahwany E, Khalifa AE, Zada S, Abdel-Naim AB. Novel combination of sorafenib and biochanin-A synergistically enhances the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30717. [PMID: 27470322 PMCID: PMC4965826 DOI: 10.1038/srep30717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib (SOR) is the first-line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its use is hindered by the recently expressed safety concerns. One approach for reducing SOR toxicity is to use lower doses in combination with other less toxic agents. Biochanin-A (Bio-A), a promising isoflavone, showed selective toxicity to liver cancer cells. We postulated that combining SOR and Bio-A could be synergistically toxic towards HCC cells. We further evaluated the underlying mechanism. Cytotoxicity assay was performed to determine the IC50 of Bio-A and SOR in HepG2, SNU-449 and Huh-7 cells. Then, combination index in HepG2 was evaluated using Calcusyn showing that the concurrent treatment with lower concentrations of SOR and Bio-A synergistically inhibited cell growth. Our combination induced significant arrest in pre-G and G0/G1 cell cycle phases and decrease in cyclin D1 protein level. Concomitantly, SOR/Bio-A reduced Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Furthermore, this co-treatment significantly increased caspase-3 & -9 apoptotic markers, while decreased anti-apoptotic and proliferative markers; survivin and Ki-67, respectively. Active caspase-3 in HepG2, SNU-449 and Huh-7 confirmed our synergism hypothesis. This study introduces a novel combination, where Bio-A synergistically enhanced the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of SOR in HCC cells, which could serve as a potential effective regimen for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohieldin M Youssef
- The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, 11835 Egypt.,Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, OIST, Okinawa, 904-0495 Japan
| | - Mai F Tolba
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, 11566 Egypt
| | - Noha N Badawy
- The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, 11835 Egypt
| | - Andrew W Liu
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, OIST, Okinawa, 904-0495 Japan
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Immunology Department, Theodor-Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), Giza, 12411 Egypt
| | - Amani E Khalifa
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, 11566 Egypt
| | - Suher Zada
- The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, 11835 Egypt
| | - Ashraf B Abdel-Naim
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, 11566 Egypt
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ElHefnawi M, Kim T, Kamar MA, Min S, Hassan NM, El-Ahwany E, Kim H, Zada S, Amer M, Windisch MP. In Silico Design and Experimental Validation of siRNAs Targeting Conserved Regions of Multiple Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159211. [PMID: 27441640 PMCID: PMC4956106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a post-transcriptional gene silencing mechanism that mediates the sequence-specific degradation of targeted RNA and thus provides a tremendous opportunity for development of oligonucleotide-based drugs. Here, we report on the design and validation of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting highly conserved regions of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome. To aim for therapeutic applications by optimizing the RNAi efficacy and reducing potential side effects, we considered different factors such as target RNA variations, thermodynamics and accessibility of the siRNA and target RNA, and off-target effects. This aim was achieved using an in silico design and selection protocol complemented by an automated MysiRNA-Designer pipeline. The protocol included the design and filtration of siRNAs targeting highly conserved and accessible regions within the HCV internal ribosome entry site, and adjacent core sequences of the viral genome with high-ranking efficacy scores. Off-target analysis excluded siRNAs with potential binding to human mRNAs. Under this strict selection process, two siRNAs (HCV353 and HCV258) were selected based on their predicted high specificity and potency. These siRNAs were tested for antiviral efficacy in HCV genotype 1 and 2 replicon cell lines. Both in silico-designed siRNAs efficiently inhibited HCV RNA replication, even at low concentrations and for short exposure times (24h); they also exceeded the antiviral potencies of reference siRNAs targeting HCV. Furthermore, HCV353 and HCV258 siRNAs also inhibited replication of patient-derived HCV genotype 4 isolates in infected Huh-7 cells. Prolonged treatment of HCV replicon cells with HCV353 did not result in the appearance of escape mutant viruses. Taken together, these results reveal the accuracy and strength of our integrated siRNA design and selection protocols. These protocols could be used to design highly potent and specific RNAi-based therapeutic oligonucleotide interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud ElHefnawi
- Informatics and Systems Department, Biomedical Informatics and Chemo-Informatics Group, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences (CEAS), Division of Engineering Research, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
- Centre for Informatics, Nile University, Shiekh Zayed City, Egypt
- Yousef-Jameel Science and Technology Research Centre, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
- * E-mail: (MEH); (MPW)
| | - TaeKyu Kim
- Hepatitis Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 696 Sampyung-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Mona A. Kamar
- Yousef-Jameel Science and Technology Research Centre, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Saehong Min
- Hepatitis Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 696 Sampyung-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Nafisa M. Hassan
- Yousef-Jameel Science and Technology Research Centre, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Biology Department, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Heeyoung Kim
- Hepatitis Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 696 Sampyung-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Suher Zada
- Yousef-Jameel Science and Technology Research Centre, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
- Biology Department, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Amer
- Biology Department, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Misr University for Science and Technology, 6 of October City, Egypt
| | - Marc P. Windisch
- Hepatitis Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 696 Sampyung-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (MEH); (MPW)
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El-Ahwany E, Nagy F, Zoheiry M, ELGhannam M, Shemis M, Aboul-Ezz M, Zada S. The Role of MicroRNAs in Response to Interferon Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C patients. Electron Physician 2016; 8:1994-2000. [PMID: 27054010 PMCID: PMC4821316 DOI: 10.19082/1994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Treatment of HCV using a combination of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin fails in about 40% of the patients with HCV genotype 4 infections, and it is physically and economically demanding. Thus, it is highly important to identify factors that can help to predict the likelihood that a patient will respond to this treatment. Methods In this study, five miRNAs, i.e., miRNA-122, miRNA-199, miRNA-192, miRNA-30, and miRNA-128, were selected according to previous studies that demonstrated their noticeable functions in viral replication, indicating that they potentially could be used by host cells to control viral infections. The five miRNAs were measured using real-time, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions. The data were analyzed using the t-test and chi-squared test. Results We found that the expression level of miRNA-122 was significantly increased in the responders’ group (p < 0.01) over that in the non-responders’ groups before and after treatment; both increased significantly (p < 0.01) compared with the normal control group. Conclusion miR-122 might be a useful predictor for virological responses to treatment with PEG-interferon plus ribavirin therapy in patients with HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman El-Ahwany
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Faten Nagy
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona Zoheiry
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maged ELGhannam
- Hepato-gastroenterology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Shemis
- Biochemistry Departm, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Aboul-Ezz
- Hepato-gastroenterology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Suher Zada
- Biology Department, the American University in Cairo, Egypt
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El-Ahwany E, Nagy F, Zoheiry M, Shemis M, Nosseir M, Taleb HA, El Ghannam M, Atta R, Zada S. Circulating miRNAs as Predictor Markers for Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells and Progression of HCV-Induced Liver Fibrosis. Electron Physician 2016; 8:1804-10. [PMID: 26955452 PMCID: PMC4768932 DOI: 10.19082/1804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix that occurs by activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which has been identified as the major driver of liver fibrosis. Several studies confirmed that miRNAs have regulatory effects on the activation of HSCs by affecting the signaling pathways. The aim of this study was to develop non-invasive diagnostic markers by measuring different circulating miRNAs in serum as predictor markers for early diagnosis of liver fibrosis and its progression. Methods In this case-control study, we enrolled 66 subjects with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with early stage of fibrosis and 65 subjects with CHC with late-stage fibrosis. Also, 40 subjects were included as normal controls. The six main miRNAs, i.e., miR-138, miR-140, miR-143, miR-325, miR-328, and miR-349, were measured using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results In the cases of CHC both with early and late stage of fibrosis, the circulating levels of the six main miRNAs were significantly higher than the levels in the control group. ROC analysis indicated that the sensitivity and specificity of miR-138 were 89.3% and 71.43%, respectively, in the early stage of fibrosis. In the late stage, the sensitivity and specificity of miR-138 were 89.3 and 93.02%, respectively, whereas, for miR-143, they were 75.0 and 88.4%, respectively. Conclusions Circulating miR-138 could serve as a non-invasive biomarker for the detection of early fibrosis. Also, miR-138 and miR-143 could be specific biomarkers for indicating the late stage of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman El-Ahwany
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Faten Nagy
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona Zoheiry
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Shemis
- Biochemistry Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona Nosseir
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hoda Abu Taleb
- Environmental Research Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maged El Ghannam
- Gastroenterology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rafaat Atta
- Gastroenterology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Suher Zada
- Biology Department, American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
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36
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Zoheiry MM, Hasan SA, El-Ahwany E, Nagy FM, Taleb HA, Nosseir M, Magdy M, Meshaal S, El-Talkawy MD, Raafat I. Serum Markers of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition as Predictors of HCV-induced Liver Fibrosis, Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Electron Physician 2015; 7:1626-37. [PMID: 26816590 PMCID: PMC4725417 DOI: 10.19082/1626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease in Egypt, leading to hepatic fibrosis, liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Newly-recognized pathogenic mechanisms point to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of hepatocytes to matrix synthesizing (myo-) fibroblasts. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1), bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-7, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) are biomarkers reflecting the EMT process. YKL-40 is a glycoprotein member of ECM and plays a role in cancer cell proliferation. The purpose of this study was to determine the serum biomarkers of EMT and its impact on the fibrogenic process and tumorigenesis in HCV-genotype 4 patients. Methods In this case-control study that was conducted in 2013–2014, 97 HCV-infected patients were subjected to clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and liver biopsy. According to the histopathologic examination, they were classified to F0 (14 cases), F1 (17 cases), F2 (15 cases), F3 (18 cases), F4 (22 cases), and HCC (11 cases). Fifteen age- and gender-matched subjects were included as normal controls. Serum levels of TGF-β1, BMP-7, CTGF, YKL-40 were assessed, and the TGF-β1/BMP-7 ratios were calculated. The data were analyzed by plotting the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (Spearman’s rho). Results Serum levels of TGF-β1, BMP-7, CTGF, and YKL-40 were significantly increased in all patient groups compared to controls (p < 0.001). LC exhibited the highest CTGF level and YKL-40 was highest in HCC. The TGF-β1/ BMP-7 ratios reflected the progression of EMT from CHC to LC, however, there was no significant difference between LC and HCC. TGF-β1/ BMP-7 ratio is considered to reflect positive correlation with CTGF in LC group (r = 0.629; p < 0.03) and YKL-40 in HCC group (r = 0.504; p < 0.04). Conclusion Increased TGF-β1/BMP-7 ratio and CTGF levels reflect the rate of EMT and provide information about fibrogenic activity. Also, this ratio, in association with YKL-40, can be used to predict malignant transformation in HCV-genotype 4 Egyptian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona M Zoheiry
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa Aa Hasan
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Faten M Nagy
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hoda Abu Taleb
- Environmental Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona Nosseir
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona Magdy
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Safa Meshaal
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Darwish El-Talkawy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Inas Raafat
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Abdel-Ghany R, Rabia I, El-Ahwany E. Blockade of PGE2 , PGD2 Receptors Confers Protection against Prepatent Schistosomiasis Mansoni in Mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 45:511-20. [DOI: 10.12816/0017911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Amer M, Elhefnawi M, El-Ahwany E, Awad AF, Gawad NA, Zada S, Tawab FMA. Hsa-miR-195 targets PCMT1 in hepatocellular carcinoma that increases tumor life span. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:11301-9. [PMID: 25119594 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2445-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small 19-25 nucleotides which have been shown to play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in many organisms. Downregulation or accumulation of miRNAs implies either tumor suppression or oncogenic activation. In this study, differentially expressed hsa-miR-195 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was identified and analyzed. The prediction was done using a consensus approach of tools. The validation steps were done at two different levels in silico and in vitro. FGF7, GHR, PCMT1, CITED2, PEX5, PEX13, NOVA1, AXIN2, and TSPYL2 were detected with high significant (P < 0.005). These genes are involved in important pathways in cancer like MAPK signaling pathway, Jak-STAT signaling pathways, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, angiogenesis, Wnt signaling pathway, and TGF-beta signaling pathway. In vitro target validation was done for protein-L-isoaspartate (D-aspartate) O-methyltransferase (PCMT1). The co-transfection of pmirGLO-PCMT1 and pEGP-miR-195 showed highly significant results. Firefly luciferase was detected using Lumiscensor and t test analysis was done. Firefly luciferase expression was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in comparison to the control. The low expression of firefly luciferase validates the method of target prediction that we used in this work by working on PCMT1 as a target for miR-195. Furthermore, the rest of the predicted genes are suspected to be real targets for hsa-miR-195. These target genes control almost all the hallmarks of liver cancer which can be used as therapeutic targets in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Amer
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Biotechnology, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt,
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El-Ahwany E, Bauiomy IR, Nagy F, Zalat R, Mahmoud O, Zada S. T regulatory cell responses to immunization with a soluble egg antigen in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. Korean J Parasitol 2012; 50:29-35. [PMID: 22451731 PMCID: PMC3309048 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2012.50.1.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to characterize the phenotypes of CD4+ CD25+ T regulatory cells within the liver granulomas and association with both Foxp-3 gene expression and splenic cytokines. Naïve C57BL/6 mice were intravenously injected with multiple doses of the soluble egg antigen (SEA) 7 days before cercarial infection. The immunized and infected control groups were sacrificed 8 and 16 weeks post-infection (PI). Histopathology, parasitological parameters, splenic phenotypes for T regulatory cells, the FOXP-3 expression in hepatic granuloma using real-time PCR, and the associated splenic cytokines were studied. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed remarkable increase in degenerated ova within hepatic granuloma which decreased in diameter at weeks 8 and 16 PI (P<0.01). The percentage of T regulatory cells (CD4+ CD25+) increased significantly (P<0.01) in the immunized group compared to the infected control at weeks 8 and 16 PI. The FOXP-3 expression in hepatic granulomas increased from 10 at week 8 to 30 fold at week 16 PI in the infected control group. However, its expression in the immunized group showed an increase from 30 at week 8 to 70 fold at week 16 PI. The splenic cytokine levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IFN-γ, IL-4, and TNF-α, showed significant decreases (P<0.05) compared to the infected control group. In conclusion, the magnitude and phenotype of the egg-induced effects on T helper responses were found to be controlled by a parallel response within the T regulatory population which provides protection in worm parasite-induced immunopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
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El-Ahwany E, Rabia I, Nagy F, Zoheiry M, Diab T, Zada S. Protective role of purified cysteine proteinases against Fasciola gigantica infection in experimental animals. Korean J Parasitol 2012; 50:45-51. [PMID: 22451733 PMCID: PMC3309050 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2012.50.1.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fascioliasis is one of the public health problems in the world. Cysteine proteinases (CP) released by Fasciola gigantica play a key role in parasite feeding, migration through host tissues, and in immune evasion. There has been some evidence from several parasite systems that proteinases might have potential as protective antigens against parasitic infections. Cysteine proteinases were purified and tested in vaccine trials of sheep infected with the liver fluke. Multiple doses (2 mg of CP in Freund's adjuvant followed by 3 booster doses 1 mg each at 4 week intervals) were injected intramuscularly into sheep 1 week prior to infect orally with 300 F. gigantica metacercariae. All the sheep were humanely slaughtered 12 weeks after the first immunization. Changes in the worm burden, ova count, and humoral and cellular responses were evaluated. Significant reduction was observed in the worm burden (56.9%), bile egg count (70.7%), and fecel egg count (75.2%). Immunization with CP was also found to be associated with increases of total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 (P<0.05). Data showed that the serum cytokine levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, revealed significant decreases (P<0.05). However, the anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, IL-10, TGF-β, and IL-6, showed significant increases (P<0.05). In conclusion, it has been found that CP released by F. gigantica are highly important candidates for a vaccine antigen because of their role in the fluke biology and host-parasite relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
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Aly I, El-Ahwany E, El-Komy W, Nagy F. PP-188 Immunomodulation of hepatic morbidity in murine Schistosomiasis mansoni using fatty acid binding protein. Int J Infect Dis 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1201-9712(10)60256-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Zakaria S, Youssef M, Moussa M, Akl M, El-Ahwany E, El-Raziky M, Mostafa O, Helmy AH, El-Hindawi A. Value of α-smooth muscle actin and glial fibrillary acidic protein in predicting early hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Arch Med Sci 2010; 6:356-65. [PMID: 22371771 PMCID: PMC3282512 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2010.14255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2009] [Revised: 03/12/2009] [Accepted: 04/10/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION α-Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are pericytes responsible for fibrosis in chronic liver injury. The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), commonly expressed by astrocytes in the central nervous system, is expressed in vivo in the liver in a subpopulation of quiescent stellate cells. The reports concerning GFAP expression in human liver are still conflicting. The aim of the study is investigation the utility of GFAP compared to α-SMA as an indicator of early activated HSCs, in predicting fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS With immunohistochemistry and a semi-quantitative scoring system, the expressions of α-SMA and GFAP on HSCs in liver biopsies from patients with pure CHC (n = 34), hepatitis C virus-induced cirrhosis (n = 24), mixed CHC/schistosomiasis (n = 11) and normal controls (n = 10) were analysed. RESULTS The immunoreactivity of α-SMA and GFAP in perisinusoidal, periportal and pericentral areas was assessed. α-Smooth muscle actin and GFAP-positive HSCs were significantly increased in all diseased groups compared with normal controls. In pure CHC with or without cirrhosis, perisinusoidal α-SMA-positive HSCs were predominant in relation to GFAP-positive cells. On the other hand, GFAP-positive cells were predominant in the group of schistosomiasis as compared with the other diseased groups. It was noticed that expression of GFAP on perisinusoidal HSCs in CHC patients sequentially decreased with the progression of fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Glial fibrillary acidic protein could represent a more useful marker than α-SMA of early activation of HSCs in CHC patients and seems to be an early indicator of hepatic fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohier Zakaria
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Magdy Youssef
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona Moussa
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maha Akl
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman El-Ahwany
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maysa El-Raziky
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Omaima Mostafa
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed-Hazem Helmy
- Department of Surgery, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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El-Bassiouni A, Nosseir M, Zoheiry M, El-Ahwany E, Ghali A, El-Bassiouni N. Immunohistochemical expression of CD95 (Fas), c-myc and epidermal growth factor receptor in hepatitis C virus infection, cirrhotic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. APMIS 2006; 114:420-7. [PMID: 16856963 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2006.apm_323.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Gene product expression in normal and chronic hepatitis C virus infection was determined in an attempt to improve our understanding of the molecular events leading to the development of cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. Activation of CD95 (Fas) causes apoptosis of cells and liver failure in mice and has been associated with human liver disorders. c-myc is involved in cell proliferation and EGFR in regeneration of cells. The material of the current study included 50 cases of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) (and negative hepatitis B virus infection), 29 cases of liver cirrhosis and HCV (LC), and 19 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and HCV (HCC) admitted to the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI) during the years 2003-2004. Ten wedge liver biopsies - taken during laparoscopic cholecystectomy - were included in the study as normal controls. Laboratory investigations, including liver function tests, serological markers for viral hepatitis and serum alpha fetoprotein level (alpha-FP), were determined for all cases. Histopathological study and immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies for CD95, c-myc and EGFR were also done. In CHC cases, the histological activity index (HAI) revealed more expression of Fas antigen in liver tissues with active inflammation than in those without active inflammation (p < 0.01). EGFR and c-myc act synergistically in liver tumorigenesis. Upregulation of Fas in chronic hepatitis C infection and of c-myc & EGFR in malignant transformation was concluded from this study. c-myc expression may obstruct the induction of apoptosis of HCC cells and lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- A El-Bassiouni
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Guiza, Egypt
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Hassanein H, Hanallah S, El-Ahwany E, Doughty B, El-Ghorab N, Badir B, Sharmy R, Zada S. Immunolocalization of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and leukocyte functional associated antigen-1 in schistosomal soluble egg antigen-induced granulomatous hyporesponsiveness. APMIS 2001; 109:376-82. [PMID: 11478685 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0463.2001.090506.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this work, the changes in expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1/LFA-1 on inflammatory cells of the liver were studied by immunohistochemistry. Mice sensitized with SEA and infected with S. mansoni and S. mansoni-infected controls were examined from day 35 to day 56 postinfection. A significant upregulation of ICAM-1 and LFA-1 in both the SEA group and the infected control group started shortly after egg deposition at day 35 and persisted up to day 56 p.i. Notably, both ICAM-1 and LFA-1 expression peaks were shifted earlier to day 38 p.i. in the SEA group compared to day 40 in the infected control group. The distribution of ICAM-1 and LFA-1 in both groups was comparable. At the early phase of infection before granuloma formation, both ICAM-1 and LFA-1 were detected along the sinusoidal wall of small blood vessels. At the acute cellular granuloma phase, they were homogeneously distributed all over the inflammatory cells, while at the chronic fibrocellular stage a non-homogeneous staining of granuloma cells at the periphery of the granuloma was apparent. The present data suggest that adhesion molecules play a role in the initiation and maintenance of granuloma formation. Thus, the granulomatous hyporesponsiveness induced by sensitization with SEA was associated with reduced expression of adhesion molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Hassanein
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Guiza, Egypt.
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Hassanein H, Kamel M, Badawy A, El-Ghorab N, Abdeen H, Zada S, El-Ahwany E, Doughty B. Anti-miracidial effect of recombinant glutathione S-transferase 26 and soluble egg antigen on immune responses in murine schistosomiasis mansoni. APMIS 1999; 107:723-36. [PMID: 10515123 DOI: 10.1111/j.1699-0463.1999.tb01467.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The anti-miracidial potential of recombinant Schistosoma mansoni glutathione S-transferase 26 (rSmGST26) or native crude soluble egg antigens (SEA) was assessed. The associated dynamics of granuloma formation and immune responses were evaluated. Naive C57BL/6 mice were injected intravenously with multiple doses of either SEA (SEA-group) or rSmGST26 (GST-group) 7 days before cercarial infection. The immunized groups and the respective controls were sacrificed 6, 8 and 16 weeks postinfection (p.i.). Acceleration of ova destruction and reduction of granuloma diameter were greater in the GST-group than the SEA-group, mainly at 8 weeks p.i. However, the amelioration of hepatic pathology and function was more evident in the SEA-group. Concurrently, serum-specific IgG1 levels were elevated throughout the course of infection in the immunized groups compared to the infected controls. Initial rise of all splenic cytokines and serum anti-SEA IgE levels at 6 weeks p.i. was observed, followed by a dramatic drop in the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-2, IFNgamma, IL-4 and TNF-alpha and IgE at 8 weeks of infection. IL-10 level was lower at 8 weeks p.i. than at 6 weeks, but was higher in immunized groups than in infected controls. Several responses may be implicated as an outcome of the present immunization protocol, such as increased levels of blocking antibody (IgG1) and IL-10 with decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and IgE.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Hassanein
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
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