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Bellanti F, Mangieri D, di Bello G, Lo Buglio A, Pannone G, Pedicillo MC, Fersini A, Dobrakowski M, Kasperczyk A, Kasperczyk S, Vendemiale G. Redox-Dependent Modulation of Human Liver Progenitor Cell Line Fate. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031934. [PMID: 36768260 PMCID: PMC9916526 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox homeostasis is determinant in the modulation of quiescence/self-renewal/differentiation of stem cell lines. The aim of this study consisted of defining the impact of redox modifications on cell fate in a human hepatic progenitor line. To achieve this, the HepaRG cell line, which shows oval ductular bipotent characteristics, was used. The impact of redox status on the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of HepaRG cells was investigated using different methodological approaches. A bioinformatic analysis initially proved that the trans-differentiation of HepaRG toward bipotent progenitors is associated with changes in redox metabolism. We then exposed confluent HepaRG (intermediate differentiation phase) to oxidized (H2O2) or reduced (N-acetylcysteine) extracellular environments, observing that oxidation promotes the acquisition of a mature HepaRG phenotype, while a reduced culture medium stimulates de-differentiation. These results were finally confirmed through pharmacological modulation of the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2), a principal modulator of the antioxidant response, in confluent HepaRG. NRF2 inhibition led to intracellular pro-oxidative status and HepaRG differentiation, while its activation was associated with low levels of reactive species and de-differentiation. In conclusion, this study shows that both intra- and extracellular redox balance are crucial in the determination of HepaRG fate. The impact of redox status in the differentiation potential of HepaRG cells is significant on the utilization of this cell line in pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bellanti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0881-733-840
| | - Domenica Mangieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Giorgia di Bello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Aurelio Lo Buglio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pannone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Fersini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Michał Dobrakowski
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-800 Katowice, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kasperczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-800 Katowice, Poland
| | - Sławomir Kasperczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-800 Katowice, Poland
| | - Gianluigi Vendemiale
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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Bellanti F, di Bello G, Tamborra R, Amatruda M, Lo Buglio A, Dobrakowski M, Kasperczyk A, Kasperczyk S, Serviddio G, Vendemiale G. Impact of senescence on the transdifferentiation process of human hepatic progenitor-like cells. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1595-1609. [PMID: 34786160 PMCID: PMC8567448 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i10.1595] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Senescence is characterized by a decline in hepatocyte function, with impairment of metabolism and regenerative capacity. Several models that duplicate liver functions in vitro are essential tools for studying drug metabolism, liver diseases, and organ regeneration. The human HepaRG cell line represents an effective model for the study of liver metabolism and hepatic progenitors. However, the impact of senescence on HepaRG cells is not yet known.
AIM To characterize the effects of senescence on the transdifferentiation capacity and mitochondrial metabolism of human HepaRG cells.
METHODS We compared the transdifferentiation capacity of cells over 10 (passage 10 [P10]) vs P20. Aging was evaluated by senescence-associated (SA) beta-galactosidase activity and the comet assay. HepaRG transdifferentiation was analyzed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry (expression of cluster of differentiation 49a [CD49a], CD49f, CD184, epithelial cell adhesion molecule [EpCAM], and cytokeratin 19 [CK19]), quantitative PCR analysis (expression of albumin, cytochrome P450 3A4 [CYP3A4], γ-glutamyl transpeptidase [γ-GT], and carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA]), and functional analyses (albumin secretion, CYP3A4, and γ-GT). Mitochondrial respiration and the ATP and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)/NAD with hydrogen (NADH) content were also measured.
RESULTS SA β-galactosidase staining was higher in P20 than P10 HepaRG cells; in parallel, the comet assay showed consistent DNA damage in P20 HepaRG cells. With respect to P10, P20 HepaRG cells exhibited a reduction of CD49a, CD49f, CD184, EpCAM, and CK19 after the induction of transdifferentiation. Furthermore, lower gene expression of albumin, CYP3A4, and γ-GT, as well as reduced albumin secretion capacity, CYP3A4, and γ-GT activity were reported in transdifferentiated P20 compared to P10 cells. By contrast, the gene expression level of CEA was not reduced by transdifferentiation in P20 cells. Of note, both cellular and mitochondrial oxygen consumption was lower in P20 than in P10 transdifferentiated cells. Finally, both ATP and NAD+/NADH were depleted in P20 cells with respect to P10 cells.
CONCLUSION SA mitochondrial dysfunction may limit the transdifferentiation potential of HepaRG cells, with consequent impairment of metabolic and regenerative properties, which may alter applications in basic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bellanti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Giorgia di Bello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Rosanna Tamborra
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Marco Amatruda
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Aurelio Lo Buglio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Michał Dobrakowski
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze 41-808, Poland
| | | | - Sławomir Kasperczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze 41-808, Poland
| | - Gaetano Serviddio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Vendemiale
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
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Bellanti F, di Bello G, Iannelli G, Pannone G, Pedicillo MC, Boulter L, Lu WY, Tamborra R, Villani R, Vendemiale G, Forbes SJ, Serviddio G. Inhibition of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 promotes hepatic progenitor cell activation and differentiation. NPJ Regen Med 2021; 6:28. [PMID: 34039998 PMCID: PMC8155039 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-021-00137-z] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The stem cell ability to self-renew and lead regeneration relies on the balance of complex signals in their microenvironment. The identification of modulators of hepatic progenitor cell (HPC) activation is determinant for liver regeneration and may improve cell transplantation for end-stage liver disease. This investigation used different models to point out the Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) as a key regulator of the HPC fate. We initially proved that in vivo models of biliary epithelial cells (BECs)/HPC activation show hepatic oxidative stress, which activates primary BECs/HPCs in vitro. NRF2 downregulation and silencing were associated with morphological, phenotypic, and functional modifications distinctive of differentiated cells. Furthermore, NRF2 activation in the biliary tract repressed the ductular reaction in injured liver. To definitely assess the importance of NRF2 in HPC biology, we applied a xenograft model by inhibiting NRF2 in the human derived HepaRG cell line and transplanting into SCID/beige mice administered with anti-Fas antibody to induce hepatocellular apoptosis; this resulted in effective human hepatocyte repopulation with reduced liver injury. To conclude, NRF2 inhibition leads to the activation and differentiation of liver progenitors. This redox-dependent transcription factor represents a potential target to regulate the commitment of undifferentiated hepatic progenitors into specific lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bellanti
- Centre for Experimental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Giorgia di Bello
- Centre for Experimental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Iannelli
- Centre for Experimental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pannone
- Anatomical Pathology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Pedicillo
- Anatomical Pathology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Luke Boulter
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Wei-Yu Lu
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston Birmingham, UK
| | - Rosanna Tamborra
- Centre for Experimental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Rosanna Villani
- Centre for Experimental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Vendemiale
- Centre for Experimental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stuart J Forbes
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gaetano Serviddio
- Centre for Experimental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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Bellanti F, Buglio AL, Stasio ED, Bello GD, Tamborra R, Dobrakowski M, Kasperczyk A, Kasperczyk S, Vendemiale G. An open-label, single-center pilot study to test the effects of an amino acid mixture in older patients admitted to internal medicine wards. Nutrition 2020; 69:110588. [PMID: 31629306 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2019.110588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Older patients are frequently subjected to prolonged hospitalization and extended bed rest, with a negative effect on physical activity and caloric intake. This results in a consistent loss of muscle mass and function, which is associated with functional decline and high mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 1 wk of oral amino acid (AA) supplementation in older patients subjected to low mobility during hospitalization. METHODS Hospitalized older patients (69-87) were included in the control group (n = 50) or were administered 25 g of AA mixture (n = 44) twice daily throughout 7 d of low mobility. We collected data related to length of stay as primary outcome measure. In-hospital mortality, 90-d postdischarge mortality, 90-d postdischarge rehospitalization, and falls also were considered. Moreover, variations of anthropometric measures, body composition and muscle architecture/strength, circulating interleukins, and oxidative stress markers between the beginning and the end of the supplementation period were analyzed as secondary outcomes. RESULTS Similar values were reported between the two groups regarding age (76.6 ± 6.8 versus 79 ± 7.2 y old), body weight (61.5 ± 14.3 versus 62.1 ± 16.1 kg), and body mass index (28.7 ± 4.15 versus 28.1 ± 3.62 kg/m2). Although no difference in terms of in-hospital, 90-d postdischarge, or overall mortality rate was observed between the two groups, a reduction in length of stay, 90-d postdischarge hospitalization, and falls was observed in the AA supplementation group rather than in controls. Furthermore, the AA mixture limited muscle architecture/strength impairment and circulating oxidative stress, which occurred during hospitalization-related bed rest. The latter data was associated with increased circulating levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-4 and -10. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the AA mixture limits several alterations associated with low mobility in older hospitalized patients, such as length of stay, 90-d postdischarge hospitalization, and falls, preventing the loss of muscle function, as well as the increase of circulating interleukins and oxidative stress markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bellanti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Aurelio Lo Buglio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Elena Di Stasio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giorgia di Bello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Rosanna Tamborra
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Michał Dobrakowski
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kasperczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Sławomir Kasperczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Gianluigi Vendemiale
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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di Bello G, Vendemiale G, Bellanti F. Redox cell signaling and hepatic progenitor cells. Eur J Cell Biol 2018; 97:546-556. [PMID: 30278988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic diseases are widespread in the world and organ transplantation is currently the only treatment for liver failure. New cell-based approaches have been considered, since stem cells may represent a possible source to treat liver diseases. Acute and chronic liver diseases are characterized by high production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, with consequent oxidative modifications of cellular macromolecules and alteration of signaling pathways, metabolism and cell cycle. Although considered harmful molecules, reactive species are involved in cell growth and differentiation processes, modulating the activity of transcription factors, which take part in stemness/proliferation. It is conceivable that redox balance may regulate the development of hepatic progenitor cells, function and survival in synchrony with metabolism during chronic liver diseases. This review aims to summarize diverse redox-sensitive signaling pathways involved in stem cell fate, highlighting the important role of hepatic progenitor cells as a possible source to treat end-stage liver disease for organ regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia di Bello
- Centre for Experimental and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Vendemiale
- Centre for Experimental and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bellanti
- Centre for Experimental and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy.
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Bellanti F, Villani R, Tamborra R, Blonda M, Iannelli G, di Bello G, Facciorusso A, Poli G, Iuliano L, Avolio C, Vendemiale G, Serviddio G. Synergistic interaction of fatty acids and oxysterols impairs mitochondrial function and limits liver adaptation during nafld progression. Redox Biol 2018; 15:86-96. [PMID: 29220698 PMCID: PMC5725223 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2017.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The complete mechanism accounting for the progression from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been elucidated. Lipotoxicity refers to cellular injury caused by hepatic free fatty acids (FFAs) and cholesterol accumulation. Excess cholesterol autoxidizes to oxysterols during oxidative stress conditions. We hypothesize that interaction of FAs and cholesterol derivatives may primarily impair mitochondrial function and affect biogenesis adaptation during NAFLD progression. We demonstrated that the accumulation of specific non-enzymatic oxysterols in the liver of animals fed high-fat+high-cholesterol diet induces mitochondrial damage and depletion of proteins of the respiratory chain complexes. When tested in vitro, 5α-cholestane-3β,5,6β-triol (triol) combined to FFAs was able to reduce respiration in isolated liver mitochondria, induced apoptosis in primary hepatocytes, and down-regulated transcription factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. Finally, a lower protein content in the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes was observed in human non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In conclusion, hepatic accumulation of FFAs and non-enzymatic oxysterols synergistically facilitates development and progression of NAFLD by impairing mitochondrial function, energy balance and biogenesis adaptation to chronic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bellanti
- C.U.R.E. University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Rosanna Villani
- C.U.R.E. University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Rosanna Tamborra
- C.U.R.E. University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Blonda
- C.U.R.E. University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Iannelli
- C.U.R.E. University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Giorgia di Bello
- C.U.R.E. University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Facciorusso
- C.U.R.E. University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Poli
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino at San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - Luigi Iuliano
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Mass Spectrometry, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Carlo Avolio
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Vendemiale
- C.U.R.E. University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Gaetano Serviddio
- C.U.R.E. University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment, Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
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