Immune regulation and therapeutic application of T regulatory cells in liver diseases

CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) are a subset of the immunomodulatory cell population that can inhibit both innate and adaptive immunity by various regulatory mechanisms. In hepatic microenvironment, proliferation, plasticity, migration, and function of Tregs are interrelated to the remaining immune cells and their secreted cytokines and chemokines. In normal conditions, Tregs protect the liver from inflammatory and auto-immune responses, while disruption of this crosstalk between Tregs and other immune cells may result in the progression of chronic liver diseases and the development of hepatic malignancy. In this review, we analyze the deviance of this protective nature of Tregs in response to chronic inflammation and its involvement in inducing liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. We will also provide a detailed emphasis on the relevance of Tregs as an effective immunotherapeutic option for autoimmune diseases, liver transplantation, and chronic liver diseases including liver cancer.

The immunogenic profile and immunomodulatory function of mesenchymal stromal / stem cells in the presence of Ptychotis verticillata

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are considered to be a promising immunotherapeutic tool due to their easy accessibility, culture expansion possibilities, safety profile, and immunomodulatory properties. Although several studies have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of MSCs, their efficacy needs to be improved while also preserving their safety. It has been suggested that cell homeostasis may be particularly sensitive to plant extracts. The impact of natural compounds on immunity is thus a fascinating and growing field. Ptychotis verticillata and its bioactive molecules, carvacrol and thymol, are potential candidates for improving MSC therapeutic effects. They can be used as immunotherapeutic agents to regulate MSC functions and behavior during immunomodulation. Depending on their concentrations and incubation time, these compounds strengthened the immunomodulatory functions of MSCs while maintaining their immune-evasive profile. Incubating MSCs with carvacrol and thymol does not alter their hypoimmunogenicity, as no induction of the allogeneic immune response was observed. MSCs also showed enhanced abilities to reduce the proliferation of activated T cells. Thus, MSCs are immunologically responsive to bioactive molecules derived from PV. The bioactivity may depend on the whole phyto-complex of the oil. These findings may contribute to the development of safe and efficient immunotherapeutic MSCs by using medicinal plant-derived active molecules.

Circulating Tumor Cells as a Promising Tool for Early Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Liver cancer is a significant contributor to the cancer burden, and its incidence rates have recently increased in almost all countries. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Because of the late diagnosis and lack of efficient therapeutic modality for advanced stages of HCC, the death rate continues to increase by ~2-3% per year. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are promising tools for early diagnosis, precise prognosis, and follow-up of therapeutic responses. They can be considered to be an innovative biomarker for the early detection of tumors and targeted molecular therapy. In this review, we briefly discuss the novel materials and technologies applied for the practical isolation and detection of CTCs in HCC. Also, the clinical value of CTC detection in HCC is highlighted.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate induced apoptosis by dissociation of c-FLIP/Ku70 complex in gastric cancer cells

Anti-cancer properties of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are mediated via apoptosis induction, as well as inhibition of cell proliferation and histone deacetylase. Accumulation of stabilized cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP)/Ku70 complex in the cytoplasm inhibits apoptosis through interruption of extrinsic apoptosis pathway. In this study, we evaluated the anti-cancer role of EGCG in gastric cancer (GC) cells through dissociation of c-FLIP/Ku70 complex. MKN-45 cells were treated with EGCG or its antagonist MG149 for 24 h. Apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry and quantitative RT-PCR. Protein expression of c-FLIP and Ku70 was analysed using western blot and immunofluorescence. Dissociation of c-FLIP/Ku70 complex as well as Ku70 translocation were studied by sub-cellular fractionation and co-immunoprecipitation. EGCG induced apoptosis in MKN-45 cells with substantial up-regulation of P53 and P21, down-regulation of c-Myc and Cyclin D1 as well as cell cycle arrest in S and G2/M check points. Moreover, EGCG treatment suppressed the expression of c-FLIP and Ku70, decreased their interaction while increasing the Ku70 nuclear content. By dissociating the c-FLIP/Ku70 complex, EGCG could be an alternative component to the conventional HDAC inhibitors in order to induce apoptosis in GC cells. Thus, its combination with other cancer therapy protocols could result in a better therapeutic outcome.

Amniotic Membrane and Its Derivatives: Novel Therapeutic Modalities in Liver Disorders

The liver is a vital organ responsible for metabolic and digestive functions, protein synthesis, detoxification, and numerous other necessary functions. Various acute, chronic, and neoplastic disorders affect the liver and hamper its biological functions. Most of the untreated liver diseases lead to inflammation and fibrosis which develop into cirrhosis. The human amniotic membrane (hAM), the innermost layer of the fetal placenta, is composed of multiple layers that include growth-factor rich basement membrane, epithelial and mesenchymal stromal cell layers. hAM possesses distinct beneficial anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative properties via the secretion of multiple potent trophic factors and/or direct differentiation into hepatic cells which place hAM-based therapies as potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of chronic liver diseases. Decellularized hAM is also an ideal scaffold for liver tissue engineering as this biocompatible niche provides an excellent milieu for cell proliferation and hepatocytic differentiation. Therefore, the current review discusses the therapeutic potential of hAM and its derivatives in providing therapeutic solutions for liver pathologies including acute liver failure, metabolic disorders, liver fibrosis as well as its application in liver tissue engineering.

Senescence and senotherapies in biliary atresia and biliary cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Premature senescence occurs in adult hepatobiliary diseases and worsens the prognosis through deleterious liver remodeling and hepatic dysfunction. Senescence might also arises in biliary atresia (BA), the first cause of pediatric liver transplantation. Since alternatives to transplantation are needed, our aim was to investigate premature senescence in BA and to assess senotherapies in a preclinical model of biliary cirrhosis.

METHODS

BA liver tissues were prospectively obtained at hepatoportoenterostomy (n=5) and liver transplantation (n=30) and compared to controls (n=10). Senescence was investigated through spatial whole transcriptome analysis, SA-β-gal activity, p16 and p21 expression, γ-H2AX and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Human allogenic liver-derived progenitor cells (HALPC) or dasatinib and quercetin (D+Q) were administrated to two-month-old Wistar rats after bile duct ligation (BDL).

RESULTS

Advanced premature senescence was evidenced in BA livers from early stage and continued to progress until liver transplantation. Senescence and SASP were predominant in cholangiocytes, but also present in surrounding hepatocytes. HALPC but not D+Q reduced the early marker of senescence p21 in BDL rats and improved biliary injury (serum γGT and Sox9 expression) and hepatocytes mass loss (Hnf4a).

CONCLUSIONS

BA livers displayed advanced cellular senescence at diagnosis that continued to progress until liver transplantation. HALPC reduced early senescence and improved liver disease in a preclinical model of BA, providing encouraging preliminary results regarding the use of senotherapies in pediatric biliary cirrhosis.

Cell and cell-derivative-based therapy for liver diseases: current approaches and future promises

INTRODUCTION

According to the recent updates from World Health Organization, liver diseases are the 12th most common cause of mortality. Currently, orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the most effective and the only treatment for end-stage liver diseases. Owing to several shortcomings like finite numbers of healthy organ donors, lifelong immunosuppression, and complexity of the procedure, cell and cell-derivatives therapies have emerged as a potential therapeutic alternative for liver diseases. Various cell types and therapies have been proposed and their therapeutic effects evaluated in preclinical or clinical studies, including hepatocytes, hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) derived from stem cells, human liver stem cells (HLSCs), combination therapies with various types of cells, organoids, and implantable cell-biomaterial constructs with synthetic and natural polymers or even decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM).

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we highlighted the current status of cell and cell-derivative-based therapies for liver diseases. Furthermore, we discussed future prospects of using HLCs, liver organoids, and their combination therapies.

EXPERT OPINION

Promising application of stem cell-based techniques including iPSC technology has been integrated into novel techniques such as gene editing, directed differentiation, and organoid technology. iPSCs offer promising prospects to represent novel therapeutic strategies and modeling liver diseases.

Deciphering the possible reciprocal loop between hepatic stellate cells and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment of the liver

Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)/myofibroblasts are the important sources of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the liver tumor microenvironment (TME). The crosstalk between activated HSCs and tumor cells mediates HCC progression, metastasis, tumor cell survival, angiogenesis and chemoresistance. In TME, HCC cells secrete various soluble factors responsible for the phenotypic activation of quiescent HSCs. Tumor cells use activated HSC-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) for migration and invasion. Further, in liver TME, activated HSCs and sinusoidal endothelial cells engage in a crosstalk that causes the secretion of angiogenesis and metastasis-related growth factors and cytokines. Activated HSCs and immune cells crosstalk to decrease immune surveillance in the liver TME by increasing the population of T regulatory cells and M2 macrophages or myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Thus, HSCs play a vital role in liver TME cell interactions. Therefore, a deep understanding of HSCs activation and their crosstalk with cancer and immune cells in TME may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to target HCC.

Premature senescence of the liver in Alagille patients

INTRODUCTION

Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by a multisystem involvement including bile duct paucity and cholestasis, caused by JAG1 or NOTCH2 mutations in most of the cases. Jagged1-Notch2 interactions are known to be crucial for intrahepatic biliary tract development, but the Notch signaling pathway is also involved in the juxtacrine transmission of senescence and in the induction and modulation of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).

AIM

Our aim was to investigate premature senescence and SASP in ALGS livers.

METHODS

Liver tissue from ALGS patients was prospectively obtained at the time of liver transplantation (n = 5) and compared to control livers (n = 5).

RESULTS

We evidenced advanced premature senescence in the livers of five JAG1 mutated ALGS pediatric patients through increased senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity (p<0.05), increased p16 and p21 gene expression (p<0.01), and increased p16 and γH2AX protein expression (p<0.01). Senescence was located in hepatocytes of the whole liver parenchyma as well as in remaining bile ducts. The classical SASP markers TGF-β1, IL-6, and IL-8 were not overexpressed in the livers of our patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate for the first time that ALGS livers display important premature senescence despite Jagged1 mutation, underlying the complexity of senescence and SASP development pathways.

Intercellular communication among liver cells in the perisinusoidal space of the injured liver: Pathophysiology and therapeutic directions

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the perisinusoidal space are surrounded by hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and other resident immune cells. In the normal liver, HSCs communicate with these cells to maintain normal liver functions. However, after chronic liver injury, injured hepatocytes release several proinflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species, and damage-associated molecular patterns into the perisinusoidal space. Consequently, such alteration activates quiescent HSCs to acquire a myofibroblast-like phenotype and express high amounts of transforming growth factor-β1, angiopoietins, vascular endothelial growth factors, interleukins 6 and 8, fibril forming collagens, laminin, and E-cadherin. These phenotypic and functional transdifferentiation lead to hepatic fibrosis with a typical abnormal extracellular matrix synthesis and disorganization of the perisinusoidal space of the injured liver. Those changes provide a favorable environment that regulates tumor cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and survival in the perisinusoidal space. Such tumor cells by releasing transforming growth factor-β1 and other cytokines, will, in turn, activate and deeply interact with HSCs via a bidirectional loop. Furthermore, hepatocellular carcinoma-derived mediators convert HSCs and macrophages into protumorigenic cell populations. Thus, the perisinusoidal space serves as a critical hub for activating HSCs and their interactions with other cell types, which cause a variety of liver diseases such as hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and their complications, such as portal hypertension and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, targeting the crosstalk between activated HSCs and tumor cells/immune cells in the tumor microenvironment may also support a promising therapeutic strategy.

The global downregulation of protein synthesis observed during hepatogenic maturation is associated with a decrease in TOP mRNA translation

Translational regulation is of paramount importance for proteome remodeling during stem cell differentiation at both the global and the transcript-specific levels. In this study, we characterized translational remodeling during hepatogenic differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by polysome profiling. We demonstrate that protein synthesis increases during exit from pluripotency and is then globally repressed during later steps of hepatogenic maturation. This global downregulation of translation is accompanied by a decrease in the abundance of protein components of the translation machinery, which involves a global reduction in translational efficiency of terminal oligopyrimidine tract (TOP) mRNA encoding translation-related factors. Despite global translational repression during hepatogenic differentiation, key hepatogenic genes remain efficiently translated, and the translation of several transcripts involved in hepatospecific functions and metabolic maturation is even induced. We conclude that, during hepatogenic differentiation, a global decrease in protein synthesis is accompanied by a specific translational rewiring of hepatospecific transcripts.

Human Allogeneic Liver-Derived Progenitor Cells Significantly Improve NAFLD Activity Score and Fibrosis in Late-Stage NASH Animal Model

Accumulated experimental and clinical evidence supports the development of human allogeneic liver-derived progenitor cells (HALPCs) to treat fibro-inflammatory liver diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate their therapeutic effect in a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-STAM mouse model. The immune signaling characteristics of HALPCs were first assessed in vitro. Upon inflammation treatment, HALPCs secreted large amounts of potent bioactive prostaglandin E2 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, which significantly reduced CD4⁺ T-lymphocyte proliferation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. In vivo, HALPCs were intravenously administered as single or triple shots (of a dose of 12.5 × 10⁶ cells/kg BW) in STAM mice. Transplantation of HALPCs was associated with a significant decrease in the NAFLD activity score at an early stage and in both inflammation and hepatocyte ballooning scores in late-stage NASH. Sirius red staining analyses revealed decreased collagen deposition in the pericentral region at both stages of NASH. Altogether, these findings showed the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic features of HALPCs in an in vivo NASH model, which suggests their potential to reverse the progression of this chronic fibro-inflammatory disease.

Bioscreening and pre-clinical evaluation of the impact of bioactive molecules from Ptychotis verticillata on the multilineage potential of mesenchymal stromal cells towards immune- and inflammation-mediated diseases

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are currently used in cell reparative medicine due to their trophic and ant-inflammatory properties. The modulation of stem cell properties by phytochemicals has been suggested as a tool to empower their tissue repair capacity. In vitro, MSCs are characterized by their tri-lineage potential that holds great interest for tissue regeneration. Ptychotis Verticillata (PV), an aromatic and medicinal plant, may be thus used to modulate the in vitro multilineage potential of MSCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We screened the impact of PV-derived essential oil and their bioactive molecules (thymol and carvacrol) on the in vitro multilineage potential of MSCs. Different concentrations and incubation times of these compounds were assessed during the osteogenesis and adipogenesis of MSCs.

RESULTS

The analysis of 75 conditions indicates that these compounds are biologically active by promoting two major differentiation lineages from MSCs. In a time- and dose-dependent manner, thymol and carvacrol increased the osteogenesis and adipogenesis.

CONCLUSION

According to these preliminary observations, the addition of PV extract may stimulate the tissue regenerative and repair functions of MSCs. Further optimization of compound extraction and characterization from PV as well as cell treatment conditions should increase their therapeutic value in combination with MSCs.

Hepatic stellate cell activation by TGFβ induces hedgehog signaling and endoplasmic reticulum stress simultaneously

Activation of hepatic stellates (HSCs) is known as the major cause of initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. A wide array of events occurs during HSC activation including induction of hedgehog (Hh) signaling and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Targeting HSC activation may provide promising insights into liver fibrosis treatment. In this regard, establishing in vitro models which can mimic the molecular pathways of interest is very important. We aimed to activate HSC in which Hh signaling and ER stress are stimulated simultaneously. We used 5 ng/ml TGFβ to activate LX-2 cells, HSC cell line. Gene expression analysis using qRT-PCR, immunostaining and immunoblotting were performed to show HSC activation associated markers. Furthermore, the migration capacity of the TGFβ treated cells is evaluated. The results demonstrated that major fibrogenic markers including collagen1a, lysyl oxidase, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 genes are up-regulated significantly. In addition, our immunofluorescence and immunoblotting results showed that protein levels of GLI-2 and XBP1, were enhanced. Moreover, we found that TGFβ treatment reduced the migration of LX-2 cells. Our results are compatible with high throughput data analysis with respect to differentially expressed genes of activated HSC compared to the quiescent ones. Moreover, our findings suggest that quercetin can reduce fibrogenic markers of activated HSCs as well as osteopontin expression, a target gene of hedgehog signaling.

[Factors associated with poor blood pressure control in Moroccan hypertensive patients]

STUDY AIM

Hypertension is a major public health concern worldwide and non-controlling it can lead to various cardiovascular complications. Controlling blood pressure and reducing overall cardiovascular risk are two main goals of treatment. Thus, this study aimed to determine the proportion and factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension in hypertensive patients living in the Beni Mellal city.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The cross-sectional survey took place between June and March 2019. It involved 580 hypertensive patients attending the primary health care facilities in Beni Mellal city, using systematic sampling.

RESULTS

A total of 580 hypertensive patients were recruited, with a mean age of 55.78 (± 10.82 years) and of which 66.89% were female. The proportion of poor blood pressure control was 74.1% and was associated in multivariate analysis with a family history of hypertension(OR = 1.60; 95% CI = [1.02-2.50]), dyslipidemia (OR = 2.05; 95% CI = [1.32 -3.20]), non-adherence to a regular BP measurement (OR = 4.13; 95% CI = [2.49 -6.86]), to treatment (OR = 3.64; 95% CI = [2.34-5.65]) and regular biological monitoring (OR = 2.45; 95% CI = [1.46-4.08]).

CONCLUSION

Despite the free and available of treatment, the proportion of uncontrolled hypertension was high. This might be linked to a lack of awareness and education concerning disease self-management.

Eating habits, lifestyle factors and body weight status among Moroccan school adolescents (12–19 years): The case of Beni Mellal city

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity among children and adolescents are serious public health issues worldwide. A better understanding of the relationships between obesity and lifestyle factors is necessary for effective prevention and management of obesity in youth. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight/obesity and associated factors among schoolchildren aged 12–19 years at Beni Mellal city, Morocco. METHODS: A school based cross sectional study was carried out. A total of 516 children were included in the study. The nutritional status was classified according to the reference curves of WHO (2007). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with overweight/obesity. The association between dependent and independent variables were assessed using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight was 12.40% and that of obesity was 5.20%. Overweight and obesity were statistically associated with gender (Odds Ratio (OR) = 10.15[95% CI 1.37–3.81], p = 0.001); skipping breakfast (OR = 9.19 [95% CI 1.42–5.17], p = 0.002) and eating cake, pastry and biscuit 1 to 3 times per week (OR = 4.14 [95% CI 1.02–3.25], p = 0.04) and 4 or more times a week (OR = 7.83 [95% CI 1.31–4.66], p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that prevalence of overweight/obesity among school-aged children in Beni Mellal city was high. Thus, promoting healthy dietary practices, particularly improving fruit and vegetable intake is essential to reduce the burden of overweight and obesity. Furthermore, it is important to strengthen nutrition education about avoiding junk food consumption and encouraging regular physical activity.

Metabolic hallmarks of liver regeneration

Despite the crucial role of cell metabolism in biological processes, particularly cell division, metabolic aspects of liver regeneration are not well defined. Better understanding of the metabolic activity governing division of liver cells will provide powerful insights into mechanisms of physiological and pathological liver regeneration. Recent studies have provided evidence that metabolic response to liver failure might be a proximal signal to initiate cell proliferation in liver regeneration. In this review, we highlight how lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins dynamically change and orchestrate liver regeneration. In addition, we discuss translational studies in which metabolic intervention has been used to treat chronic liver diseases (CLDs).

Comparison of PCR and Conventional Serological Methods for Detection of Brucella spp. in Ovine and Caprine Blood Serum

Brucellosis is an anthropozoonotic disease. Infection of livestock with Brucella is endemic in most parts of Iran. Sistan-Baluchestan is bordered on the east by the countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The high prevalence of brucellosis in livestock in the eastern neighboring countries results in transmission of the disease to this province. The present research aimed to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants in the Sistan region of Iran and to compare serological and molecular tests for the detection of brucellosis. Blood samples were taken from 150 randomly selected sheep and goats, and sera were separated. All sera were analyzed by serological (Wright and 2-ME) and molecular (Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)) tests. Serological tests were carried out according to the instructions of the Iranian Veterinary Organization The degree of agreement between serological tests and PCR was determined by kappa value. In this study, 17 cases (11.3%) were identified as positive by the PCR method. Wright and 2-ME tests had the highest agreement with PCR in titers ≥2/80 and ≥2/40, respectively. The results of this study show that the brucellosis in sheep and goats has a greater prevalence in the Sistan region than in most other parts of Iran, and this is important in terms of public health. It is suggested that brucellosis vaccination coverage in livestock be increased in this area and that the people in Sistan region must be notified about methods for preventing brucellosis. Also, further studies to compare conventional serologic tests with the gold standard test are recommended.

Advanced therapeutic modalities in hepatocellular carcinoma: Novel insights

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, is usually a latent and asymptomatic malignancy caused by different aetiologies, which is a result of various aberrant molecular heterogeneity and often diagnosed at advanced stages. The incidence and prevalence have significantly increased because of sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, chronic infection with hepatotropic viruses and exposure to aflatoxins. Due to advanced intra‐ or extrahepatic metastasis, recurrence is very common even after radical resection. In this paper, we highlighted novel therapeutic modalities, such as molecular‐targeted therapies, targeted radionuclide therapies and epigenetic modification‐based therapies. These topics are trending headlines and their combination with cell‐based immunotherapies, and gene therapy has provided promising prospects for the future of HCC treatment. Moreover, a comprehensive overview of current and advanced therapeutic approaches is discussed and the advantages and limitations of each strategy are described. Finally, very recent and approved novel combined therapies and their promising results in HCC treatment have been introduced.

Evaluation of Strategies Aimed at Improving Liver Progenitor Cell Rolling and Subsequent Adhesion to the Endothelium

Adult-derived human liver stem/progenitor cells (ADHLSCs) are a promising alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation in the treatment of inborn errors of metabolism. However, as is the case with many mesenchymal stromal cells, ADHLSCs have shown a low level of engraftment, which could be explained by the fact that they lack expression of selectin ligand and LFA-1 and only slightly express VLA- 4, molecules that have been shown to be involved in cell adhesion to the endothelium. In this paper, we have investigated strategies to increase their rolling and adhesion during the homing process by (1) adding a selectin ligand (Sialyl Lewis X) to their surface using biotinyl-N-hydroxy-succinimide–streptavidin bridges, and (2) protecting the adhesion proteins from trypsinization-induced damage using a thermosensitive polymer for cell culture and a nonenzymatic cell dissociation solution (CDS) for harvest. Despite increasing adhesion of ADHLSCs to E-selectin during an adhesion test in vitro performed under shear stress, the addition of Sialyl Lewis X did not increase adhesion to endothelial cells under the same conditions. Cultivating cells on a thermosensitive polymer and harvesting them with CDS increased their adhesion to endothelial cells under noninflammatory conditions, compared to the use of trypsin. However, we were not able to demonstrate any improvement in cell adhesion to the endothelium following culture on polymer and harvest with CDS, suggesting that alternative methods of improving engraftment still need to be evaluated.

Is There any Alternative Receptor for SARS-CoV-2?

Angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) in association with type II transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2) is considered the main receptor of SARS-CoV-2. However, considering the clinical complications of COVID-19 in different organs, there is no strong association between the abundance of ACE2/TMPRSS2 co-expression and clinical features of the disease and the severity of complications. Since SARS-CoV-2 affects certain organs that lack or have low expression of ACE2/TMPRSS2, it may be possible that the virus employs other receptors for colonization and entry. Based on recent studies, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) can be a potential alternative receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry. In this letter, supporting evidence proposed GRP78 as an alternative receptor in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Tissue-Specific Microparticles Improve Organoid Microenvironment for Efficient Maturation of Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Derived Hepatocytes

Liver organoids (LOs) are receiving considerable attention for their potential use in drug screening, disease modeling, and transplantable constructs. Hepatocytes, as the key component of LOs, are isolated from the liver or differentiated from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). PSC-derived hepatocytes are preferable because of their availability and scalability. However, efficient maturation of the PSC-derived hepatocytes towards functional units in LOs remains a challenging subject. The incorporation of cell-sized microparticles (MPs) derived from liver extracellular matrix (ECM), could provide an enriched tissue-specific microenvironment for further maturation of hepatocytes inside the LOs. In the present study, the MPs were fabricated by chemical cross-linking of a water-in-oil dispersion of digested decellularized sheep liver. These MPs were mixed with human PSC-derived hepatic endoderm, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and mesenchymal stromal cells to produce homogenous bioengineered LOs (BLOs). This approach led to the improvement of hepatocyte-like cells in terms of gene expression and function, CYP activities, albumin secretion, and metabolism of xenobiotics. The intraperitoneal transplantation of BLOs in an acute liver injury mouse model led to an enhancement in survival rate. Furthermore, efficient hepatic maturation was demonstrated after ex ovo transplantation. In conclusion, the incorporation of cell-sized tissue-specific MPs in BLOs improved the maturation of human PSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells compared to LOs. This approach provides a versatile strategy to produce functional organoids from different tissues and offers a novel tool for biomedical applications.

A phase II study of human allogeneic liver-derived progenitor cell therapy for acute-on-chronic liver failure and acute decompensation

Background & Aims

Human allogeneic liver-derived progenitor cells (HALPC, HepaStem®; Promethera Biosciences, Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium) are an advanced therapy medicinal product that could potentially alleviate systemic inflammation and ameliorate liver function in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) or acute decompensation of cirrhosis (AD).

Methods

This open-label phase II study was conducted in 9 centres in Belgium, Spain, and Bulgaria between 2016 and 2019. The primary objective was to assess the safety of HALPC therapy up to Day 28 and the secondary objectives were to assess its safety and preliminary efficacy up to Month 3.

Results

The 24 treated patients (mean age: 51 years) were mostly male with an alcoholic cirrhosis. On pre-infusion Day 1, 15 patients had ACLF and 9 patients had AD. Two of the 3 initial patients treated with high HALPC doses (∼5×10⁶ cells/kg body weight [BW]) had severe adverse bleeding events attributed to treatment. In 21 patients subsequently treated with lower HALPC doses (0.6 or 1.2×10⁶ cells/kg BW, 1 or 2 times 7 days apart), no serious adverse events were related to treatment, and the other adverse events were in line with those expected in patients with ACLF and AD. Overall, markers of systemic inflammation and altered liver function decreased gradually for the surviving patients. The Day-28 and Month-3 survival rates were 83% (20/24) and 71% (17/24), and at Month 3, no patient had ACLF.

Conclusions

The treatment of patients with ACLF or AD with up to 2 doses of 1.2×10⁶ HALPC/kg BW appeared safe. The results of this study support the initiation of a proof-of-concept study in a larger cohort of patients with ACLF to further confirm the safety and evaluate the efficacy of HALPC therapy.

Clinical Trials Registration

EudraCT 2016-001177-32.

Lay summary

Patients with liver cirrhosis may suffer from the rapid onset of organ failure or multiple organ failure associated with a high risk of death in the short term. This clinical study of 24 patients suggests that an advanced therapy based on the intravenous infusion of low doses of human allogeneic liver-derived progenitor cells is safe and supports the next phase of clinical development of this type of therapy.

Single-cell RNA sequencing of human liver reveals hepatic stellate cell heterogeneity

Background & Aims

The multiple vital functions of the human liver are performed by highly specialised parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells organised in complex collaborative sinusoidal units. Although crucial for homeostasis, the cellular make-up of the human liver remains to be fully elucidated. Here, single-cell RNA-sequencing was used to unravel the heterogeneity of human liver cells, in particular of hepatocytes (HEPs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).

Method

The transcriptome of ~25,000 freshly isolated human liver cells was profiled using droplet-based RNA-sequencing. Recently published data sets and RNA in situ hybridisation were integrated to validate and locate newly identified cell populations.

Results

In total, 22 cell populations were annotated that reflected the heterogeneity of human parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cells. More than 20,000 HEPs were ordered along the portocentral axis to confirm known, and reveal previously undescribed, zonated liver functions. The existence of 2 subpopulations of human HSCs with unique gene expression signatures and distinct intralobular localisation was revealed (i.e. portal and central vein-concentrated GPC3⁺ HSCs and perisinusoidally located DBH⁺ HSCs). In particular, these data suggest that, although both subpopulations collaborate in the production and organisation of extracellular matrix, GPC3⁺ HSCs specifically express genes involved in the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans, whereas DBH⁺ HSCs display a gene signature that is reminiscent of antigen-presenting cells.

Conclusions

This study highlights metabolic zonation as a key determinant of HEP transcriptomic heterogeneity and, for the first time, outlines the existence of heterogeneous HSC subpopulations in the human liver. These findings call for further research on the functional implications of liver cell heterogeneity in health and disease.

Lay summary

This study resolves the cellular landscape of the human liver in an unbiased manner and at high resolution to provide new insights into human liver cell biology. The results highlight the physiological heterogeneity of human hepatic stellate cells.

•

A cell atlas from the near-native transcriptome of >25,000 human liver cells is presented.

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Hepatocytes were ordered along the portocentral axis to reveal previously undescribed gene expression patterns and zonated liver functions.

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Two subpopulations of human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are reported, characterised by different spatial distribution in the native tissue.

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Characteristic gene signatures of HSC subpopulations are suggestive of far-reaching functional differences.

New Anti-Leukemic Effect of Carvacrol and Thymol Combination through Synergistic Induction of Different Cell Death Pathways

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the myeloid lineage of blood cells, and treatment for AML is lengthy and can be very expensive. Medicinal plants and their bioactive molecules are potential candidates for improving human health. In this work, we studied the effect of Ptychotis verticillata (PV) essential oil and its derivatives, carvacrol and thymol, in AML cell lines. We demonstrated that a combination of carvacrol and thymol induced tumor cell death with low toxicity on normal cells. Mechanistically, we highlighted that different molecular pathways, including apoptosis, oxidative, reticular stress, autophagy, and necrosis, are implicated in this potential synergistic effect. Using quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting, and apoptosis inhibitors, we showed that cell death induced by the carvacrol and thymol combination is caspase-dependent in the HL60 cell line and caspase-independent in the other cell lines tested. Further investigations should focus on improving the manufacturing of these compounds and understanding their anti-tumoral mechanisms of action. These efforts will lead to an increase in the efficiency of the oncotherapy strategy regarding AML.

Acute Liver Toxicity Modifies Protein Expression of Glutamate Transporters in Liver and Cerebellar Tissue

Glutamate is the main excitatory amino acid acting at the level of pre and postsynaptic neurons, as well as in glial cells. It is involved in the coordinated modulation of energy metabolism, glutamine synthesis, and ammonia detoxification. The relationship between the functional status of liver and brain has been known for many years. The most widely recognized aspect of this relation is the brain dysfunction caused by acute liver injury that manifests a wide spectrum of neurologic and psychiatric abnormalities. Inflammation, circulating neurotoxins, and impaired neurotransmission have been reported in this pathophysiology. In the present contribution, we report the effect of a hepatotoxic compound like CCl₄ on the expression of key proteins involved in glutamate uptake and metabolism as glutamate transporters and glutamine synthetase in mice liver, brain, and cerebellum. Our findings highlight a differential expression pattern of glutamate transporters in cerebellum. A significant Purkinje cells loss, in parallel to an up-regulation of glutamine synthetase, and astrogliosis in the brain have also been noticed. In the intoxicated liver, glutamate transporter 1 expression is up-regulated, in contrast to glutamine synthetase which is reduced in a time-dependent manner. Taken together our results demonstrate that the exposure to an acute CCl₄ insult, leads to the disruption of glutamate transporters expression in the liver-brain axis and therefore a severe alteration in glutamate-mediated neurotransmission might be present in the central nervous system.

High Dose Versus Low Dose Syngeneic Hepatocyte Transplantation in Pex1-G844D NMRI Mouse Model is Safe but Does Not Achieve Long Term Engraftment

Genetic alterations in PEX genes lead to peroxisome biogenesis disorder. In humans, they are associated with Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSD). No validated treatment has been shown to modify the dismal natural history of ZSD. Liver transplantation (LT) improved clinical and biochemical outcomes in mild ZSD patients. Hepatocyte transplantation (HT), developed to overcome LT limitations, was performed in a mild ZSD 4-year-old child with encouraging short-term results. Here, we evaluated low dose (12.5 million hepatocytes/kg) and high dose (50 million hepatocytes/kg) syngeneic male HT via intrasplenic infusion in the Pex1-G844D NMRI mouse model which recapitulates a mild ZSD phenotype. HT was feasible and safe in growth retarded ZSD mice. Clinical (weight and food intake) and biochemical parameters (very long-chain fatty acids, abnormal bile acids, etc.) were in accordance with ZSD phenotype but they were not robustly modified by HT. As expected, one third of the infused cells were detected in the liver 24 h post-HT. No liver nor spleen microchimerism was detected after 7, 14 and 30 days. Future optimizations are required to improve hepatocyte engraftment in Pex1-G844D NMRI mouse liver. The mouse model exhibited the robustness required for ZSD liver-targeted therapies evaluation.

Longitudinal study of Pex1-G844D NMRI mouse model: A robust pre-clinical model for mild Zellweger spectrum disorder

Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSD) are inborn errors of metabolism caused by mutations in PEX genes that lead to peroxisomal biogenesis disorder (PBD). No validated treatment is able to modify the dismal progression of the disease. ZSD mouse models used to develop therapeutic approaches are limited by poor survival and breeding restrictions. To overcome these limitations, we backcrossed the hypomorphic Pex1 p.G844D allele to NMRI background. NMRI mouse breeding restored an autosomal recessive Mendelian inheritance pattern and delivered twice larger litters. Mice were longitudinally phenotyped up to 6 months of age to make this model suitable for therapeutic interventions. ZSD mice exhibited growth retardation and relative hepatomegaly associated to progressive hepatocyte hypertrophy. Biochemical studies associated with RNA sequencing deciphered ZSD liver glycogen metabolism alterations. Affected fibroblasts displayed classical immunofluorescence pattern and biochemical alterations associated with PBD. Plasma and liver showed very long-chain fatty acids, specific oxysterols and C₂₇ bile acids intermediates elevation in ZSD mice along with a specific urine organic acid profile. With ageing, C₂₆ fatty acid and phytanic acid levels tended to normalize in ZSD mice, as described in patients reaching adulthood. In conclusion, our mouse model recapitulates a mild ZSD phenotype and is suitable for liver-targeted therapies evaluation.

β-radiating radionuclides in cancer treatment, novel insight into promising approach

Targeted radionuclide therapy, known as molecular radiotherapy is a novel therapeutic module in cancer medicine. β-radiating radionuclides have definite impact on target cells via interference in cell cycle and particular signalings that can lead to tumor regression with minimal off-target effects on the surrounding tissues. Radionuclides play a remarkable role not only in apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest, but also in the amelioration of other characteristics of cancer cells. Recently, application of novel β-radiating radionuclides in cancer therapy has been emerged as a promising therapeutic modality. Several investigations are ongoing to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of β-radiating elements in cancer medicine. Based on the radiation dose, exposure time and type of the β-radiating element, different results could be achieved in cancer cells. It has been shown that β-radiating radioisotopes block cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. However, physical characteristics of the β-radiating element (half-life, tissue penetration range, and maximum energy) and treatment protocol determine whether tumor cells undergo cell cycle arrest, apoptosis or both and to which extent. In this review, we highlighted novel therapeutic effects of β-radiating radionuclides on cancer cells, particularly apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest.

Inflammation Differentially Modulates the Biological Features of Adult Derived Human Liver Stem/Progenitor Cells

The progression of mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy from concept to cure closely depends on the optimization of conditions that allow a better survival and favor the cells to achieve efficient liver regeneration. We have previously demonstrated that adult-derived human liver stem/progenitor cells (ADHLSC) display significant features that support their clinical development. The current work aims at studying the impact of a sustained pro-inflammatory environment on the principal biological features of ADHLSC in vitro. METHODS: ADHLSC from passages 4–7 were exposed to a cocktail of inflammatory cytokines for 24 h and 9 days and subsequently analyzed for their viability, expression, and secretion profiles by using flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and antibody array assay. The impact of inflammation on the hepatocytic differentiation potential of ADHLSC was also evaluated. RESULTS: ADHLSC treated with a pro-inflammatory cocktail displayed significant decrease of cell yield at both times of treatment while cell mortality was observed at 9 days post-priming. After 24 h, no significant changes in the immuno-phenotype of ADHLSC expression profile could be noticed while after 9 days, the expression profile of relevant markers has changed both in the basal conditions and after inflammation treatment. Inflammation cocktail enhanced the release of IL-6, IL-8, CCL5, monocyte-chemo-attractant protein-2 and 3, CXCL1/GRO, and CXCL5/ENA78. Furthermore, while IP-10 secretion was increased after 24 h priming, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor enhanced secretion was noticed after 9 days treatment. Finally, priming of ADHLSC did not affect their potential to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that ADHLSCs are highly sensitive to inflammation and respond to such signals by adjusting their gene and protein expression. Accordingly, monitoring the inflammatory status of patients at the time of cell transplantation, will certainly help in enhancing ADHLSC safety and efficiency.

Bisphenol A exposure disrupts aspartate transport in HepG2 cells

The liver is the organ responsible for bisphenol A (BPA) metabolism, an environmental chemical agent. Exposure to this toxin is associated with liver abnormalities and dysfunction. An important role played by excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) of the slc1 gene family has been reported in liver injuries. To gain insight into a plausible effect of BPA exposure in the liver glutamate/aspartate transport, using the human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2, we report a BPA-dependent dynamic regulation of SLC1A3 and SLC1A2. Through the use of radioactive [³ H]- d-aspartate uptake experiments and immunochemical approaches, we characterized time and dose-dependent regulation of the protein levels and function of these transporters after acute exposure to BPA. An increase in nuclear Yin Yang 1 was found. These results suggest an important involvement of the EAATs in liver physiology and its disruption after acute BPA exposure.

Amino acid levels determine metabolism and CYP450 function of hepatocytes and hepatoma cell lines

Predicting drug-induced liver injury in a preclinical setting remains challenging, as cultured primary human hepatocytes (PHHs), pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs), and hepatoma cells exhibit poor drug biotransformation capacity. We here demonstrate that hepatic functionality depends more on cellular metabolism and extracellular nutrients than on developmental regulators. Specifically, we demonstrate that increasing extracellular amino acids beyond the nutritional need of HLCs and HepG2 cells induces glucose independence, mitochondrial function, and the acquisition of a transcriptional profile that is closer to PHHs. Moreover, we show that these high levels of amino acids are sufficient to drive HLC and HepG2 drug biotransformation and liver-toxin sensitivity to levels similar to those in PHHs. In conclusion, we provide data indicating that extracellular nutrient levels represent a major determinant of cellular maturity and can be utilized to guide stem cell differentiation to the hepatic lineage.

An Optimized Protocol for Histochemical Detection of Senescence-associated Beta-galactosidase Activity in Cryopreserved Liver Tissue

Senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity assay is commonly used to evaluate the increased beta-galactosidase (β-gal) activity in senescent cells related to enhanced lysosomal activity. Although the optimal pH for β-gal is 4.0, this enzymatic activity has been most commonly investigated at a suboptimal pH by using histochemical reaction on fresh tissue material. In the current study, we optimized a SA-β-gal activity histochemistry protocol that can also be applied on cryopreserved hepatic tissue. This protocol was developed on livers obtained from control rats and after bile duct resection (BDR). A significant increase in β-gal liver activity was observed in BDR rats vs controls after 2 hr of staining at physiological pH 4.0 (6.98 ± 1.19% of stained/total area vs 0.38 ± 0.22; p<0.01) and after overnight staining at pH 5.8 (24.09 ± 6.88 vs 0.12 ± 0.08; p<0.01). Although we noticed that β-gal activity staining decreased with cryopreservation time (from 4 to 12 months of storage at -80C; p<0.05), the enhanced staining observed in BDR compared with controls remained detectable up to 12 months after cryopreservation (p<0.01). In conclusion, we provide an optimized protocol for SA-β-gal activity histochemical detection at physiological pH 4.0 on long-term cryopreserved liver tissue.

MPV17 does not control cancer cell proliferation

MPV17 is described as a mitochondrial inner membrane channel. Although its function remains elusive, mutations in the MPV17 gene result in hepato-cerebral mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome in humans. In this study, we show that MPV17 silencing does not induce depletion in mitochondrial DNA content in cancer cells. We also show that MPV17 does not control cancer cell proliferation despite the fact that we initially observed a reduced proliferation rate in five MPV17-silenced cancer cell lines with two different shRNAs. However, shRNA-mediated MPV17 knockdown performed in this work provided misguiding results regarding the resulting proliferation phenotype and only a rescue experiment was able to shed definitive light on the implication of MPV17 in cancer cell proliferation. Our results therefore emphasize the caution that is required when scientific conclusions are drawn from a work based on lentiviral vector-based gene silencing and clearly demonstrate the need to systematically perform a rescue experiment in order to ascertain the specific nature of the experimental results.

Accurate and live peroxisome biogenesis evaluation achieved by lentiviral expression of a green fluorescent protein fused to a peroxisome targeting signal 1

Peroxisomes are ubiquitous organelles formed by peroxisome biogenesis (PB). During PB, peroxisomal matrix proteins harboring a peroxisome targeting signal (PTS) are imported inside peroxisomes by peroxins, encoded by PEX genes. Genetic alterations in PEX genes lead to a spectrum of incurable diseases called Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSD). In vitro drug screening is part of the quest for a cure in ZSD by restoring PB in ZSD cell models. In vitro PB evaluation is commonly achieved by immunofluorescent staining or transient peroxisome fluorescent reporter expression. Both techniques have several drawbacks (cost, time-consuming technique, etc.) which we overcame by developing a third-generation lentiviral transfer plasmid expressing an enhanced green fluorescent protein fused to PTS1 (eGFP-PTS1). By eGFP-PTS1 lentiviral transduction, we quantified PB and peroxisome motility in ZSD and control mouse and human fibroblasts. We confirmed the stable eGFP-PTS1 expression along cell passages. eGFP signal analysis distinguished ZSD from control eGFP-PTS1-transduced cells. Live eGFP-PTS1 transduced cells imaging quantified peroxisomes motility. In conclusion, we developed a lentiviral transfer plasmid allowing stable eGFP-PTS1 expression to study PB (deposited on Addgene: #133282). This tool meets the needs for in vitro PB evaluation and ZSD drug discovery.

Tissue Engineering in Liver Regenerative Medicine: Insights into Novel Translational Technologies

Organ and tissue shortage are known as a crucially important public health problem as unfortunately a small percentage of patients receive transplants. In the context of emerging regenerative medicine, researchers are trying to regenerate and replace different organs and tissues such as the liver, heart, skin, and kidney. Liver tissue engineering (TE) enables us to reproduce and restore liver functions, fully or partially, which could be used in the treatment of acute or chronic liver disorders and/or generate an appropriate functional organ which can be transplanted or employed as an extracorporeal device. In this regard, a variety of techniques (e.g., fabrication technologies, cell-based technologies, microfluidic systems and, extracorporeal liver devices) could be applied in tissue engineering in liver regenerative medicine. Common TE techniques are based on allocating stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells or primary hepatocytes within a three-dimensional structure which leads to the improvement of their survival rate and functional phenotype. Taken together, new findings indicated that developing liver tissue engineering-based techniques could pave the way for better treatment of liver-related disorders. Herein, we summarized novel technologies used in liver regenerative medicine and their future applications in clinical settings.

Prevalence and related factors of Salmonella spp. and Salmonella Typhimurium contamination among broiler farms in Kerman province, Iran

Salmonella is one of the most important pathogens in the poultry industry that not only causes financial and economic damage, but also, some serovars of this bacterium, including the S. Typhimurium, can infect humans through poultry-to-human transmission. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of this pathogen among broiler poultry houses in the Kerman region, southeast of Iran and to identify factors which could increase the risk for Salmonella contamination in the chickens. In a cross-sectional study, 110 poultry houses were surveyed from June to October 2018. Twenty-eight variables related to the prevalence of Salmonella contamination were considered by a questionnaire template with farmers' and laborers' help. Also, the prevalence of Salmonella in poultry manure was determined based on fecal sampling, microbiological tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to measure the influence of independent variables on Salmonella contamination. Results showed that a time interval less than one month between the two breeding periods (OR = 6.530), the number of fans less than 5 in each poultry house (OR = 4.094) and the number of houses less than 4 in each farm significantly increased the probability of infection with Salmonella spp. (ORs were respectively 9.650, 29.427 and 7.140 for one, two and three houses). Also, the results of multivariable logistic regression showed that the use of a bell drinking system (OR = 4.379) and the presence of fewer than 5 fans in each poultry house (OR = 2.512) increased significantly the risk of infection with Salmonella Typhimurium.

The biological response of mesenchymal stromal cells to thymol and carvacrol in comparison to their essential oil: An innovative new study

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a progenitor cell population with several biological properties. MSCs are thus of therapeutic interest for cell-based therapy but great efforts are needed to enhance their efficiency and safety. Herbal remedies and in particular their bioactive molecules, are potential candidates for improving human health. The novelty and originality of this study is to develop an efficient cell-therapeutic product by combining MSCs with medicinal plant derived bioactive molecules. Thus, the impact of Essential Oil, Thymol and Carvacrol from Ptychotis verticillata on several BM-MSC biological features were studied. These compounds have shown positive effects on MSCs by preserving their morphology, sustaining their viability, promoting their proliferation, protecting them from cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. Accordingly, the combined administration of P. verticillata extract and MSCs may represent a new approach to enhance the therapeutic issue. Further investigations should greatly improve the manufacturing of these compounds as well as our understanding of the therapeutic effects of these bioactive molecules on the biology and functions of MSCs.

A Study on Mycoplasma agalactiae and Chlamydophila abortus in Aborted Ovine Fetuses in Sistan and Baluchestan region, Iran

Abortion is one of the most important economic issues in sheep flocks. Chlamydophila abortus is an agent of enzootic abortions in sheep. Mycoplasma agalactiae is the main etiological agent of contagious agalactia, which can cause abortion in sheep. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of M. agalactiae and C. abortus among aborted ovine fetuses in Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran. Sheep owners were asked to transfer their aborted fetuses to a nearby veterinary clinic; furthermore, they were taught biosecurity principles. A total of 78 aborted sheep fetuses were collected from all over Sistan region in the autumn of 2015 and winter of 2016. The samples were then transferred in ice to the Anatomy Laboratory of the Veterinary Faculty of Zabol University, Zabol, Iran. The spleen and abomasum contents of the fetuses were sampled under sterile and safe conditions. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect M. agalactiae and C. abortus. The results showed that 24 (30.8%) cases were infected with M. agalactiae. However, infection with C. abortus was not detected in any fetuses. There was no statistically significant relationship between such independent variables as the location of livestock, history of abortion, fetal gender and age, age and parity of ewe, and fetal infection with M. agalactiae. The high incidence of Mycoplasma contamination in this study may be due to inappropriate biosecurity measures and lack of vaccination against agalactia in sheep herds in Sistan region.

Anthropometric status and body image perception among Moroccan university students

BACKGROUND

University students aged between 18 and 25 undergo several physical changes as a result of transition from adolescence to adulthood. Students do not always accept those changes and sometimes develop dissatisfaction towards their figures. In such cases, it is still not clear how actual body weight status can be affected by socio-cultural factors such as body image perception. The objective of this study was to determine the link between anthropometric status and body image perception among university students.

METHODS

Two hundred and forty six (246) university students from the Faculty of Sciences and Technologies within the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region in Morocco, aged 20-24 years were interviewed using face-to-face questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements and Body Mass Index were collected. Body image perception was assessed by Figure Rating Scale, and body size dissatisfaction was calculated as Feel minus Ideal Discrepancy (FID). Data were described using means and proportions. The Student t-test and the chi-square test have been used to assess the statistical significance of group differences.

RESULTS

Underweight students represented 16.7% of the investigated sample, while 11.4% suffered from overweight and obesity, higher in females students (14.4%) than in males (7.9%). Regarding body image perception, 43.9% of participants considered themselves underweight; whereas only 4.2% considered themselves overweight with no significant differences related to gender. Of note, the total prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was around 69.8%. Finally, among overweight/obese students, 88.9% of females and 71.4% of males expressed the wish to become thinner while 28.6% of the overweight/obese males wanted to get heavier.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate a high rate of body image dissatisfaction and a tendency of participants to underestimate their body weight. This behavior may be a reflection of a real influence of social and psychological factors occurring during this critical period and may make university students vulnerable to many risk-taking behaviors. Thus, there is a need for suitable interventional programs and innovative strategies to ensure the understanding of the health consequences of overweight and obesity and to prevent associated comorbidities.

Cytokinome of adult-derived human liver stem/progenitor cells: immunological and inflammatory features

Background

Being non-immunogenic and capable of achieving major metabolic liver functions, adult-derived human liver stem/progenitor cells (ADHLSCs) are of special interest in the field of liver cell therapy. The cytokine repertoire of engrafted cells may have critical impacts on the immune response balance, particularly during cell transplantation.

Methods

In this work, we analyzed the cytokinome of ADHLSCs during hepatogenic differentiation (HD) following stimulation with a mixture of inflammatory cytokines (I) in vitro and compared it to that of mature hepatocytes.

Results

Independent of their hepatic state, ADHLSCs showed no constitutive expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which were significantly induced by inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, CCL5, IL-12a, IL-12b, IL-23p19, IL-27p28 and EBI-3). IL1-RA and IDO-1, as immunoregulatory cytokines, were highly induced in undifferentiated ADHLSCs, whereas TGF-β was downregulated by both hepatic and inflammatory events. Interestingly, TDO-1 was exclusively expressed in ADHLSCs after hepatic differentiation and enhanced by inflammatory cytokines. Compared to mature hepatocytes, hepatic-differentiated ADHLSCs showed significantly different cytokine expression patterns.

Conclusions

By establishing the cytokinome of ADHLSCs and highlighting their immunological and inflammatory features, we can enhance our knowledge about the safety and efficiency of the transplantation strategy.

Generation of Hepatic Stellate Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Enables In Vitro Modeling of Liver Fibrosis

The development of complex in vitro hepatic systems and artificial liver devices has been hampered by the lack of reliable sources for relevant cell types, such as hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Here we report efficient differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into HSC-like cells (iPSC-HSCs). iPSC-HSCs closely resemble primary human HSCs at the transcriptional, cellular, and functional levels and possess a gene expression profile intermediate between that of quiescent and activated HSCs. Functional analyses revealed that iPSC-HSCs accumulate retinyl esters in lipid droplets and are activated in response to mediators of wound healing, similar to their in vivo counterparts. When maintained as 3D spheroids with HepaRG hepatocytes, iPSC-HSCs exhibit a quiescent phenotype but mount a fibrogenic response and secrete pro-collagen in response to known stimuli and hepatocyte toxicity. Thus, this protocol provides a robust in vitro system for studying HSC development, modeling liver fibrosis, and drug toxicity screening.

Hepatic fibrosis: It is time to go with hepatic stellate cell-specific therapeutic targets

Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological lesion, characterized by the progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the perisinusoidal space and it is a major problem in chronic liver diseases. Phenotypic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) plays a central role in the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Retardation of proliferation and clearance of activated HSCs from the injured liver is an appropriate therapeutic strategy for the resolution and treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Clearance of activated HSCs from the injured liver by autophagy inhibitors, proapoptotic agents and senescence inducers with the high affinity toward the activated HSCs may be the novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in the near future.

Age-dependent glycosylation of the sodium taurocholate cotransporter polypeptide: From fetal to adult human livers

Sodium taurocholate cotransporter polypeptide (NTCP), mainly expressed on the sinusoidal membrane of hepatocytes, is one of the major transporters responsible for liver bile acid (BA) re-uptake. NTCP transports conjugated BA from the blood into hepatocytes and is crucial for correct enterohepatic circulation. Studies have shown that insufficient hepatic clearance of BA correlates with elevated serum BA in infants younger than 1 year of age. In the current study, we investigated human NTCP messenger RNA and protein expression by using reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting in isolated and cryopreserved human hepatocytes from two different age groups, below and above 1 year of age. Here, we show that NTCP messenger RNA expression is not modulated whereas NTCP protein posttranslational glycosylation is modulated in an age-dependent manner. These results were confirmed by quantification analysis of NTCP 55-kDa N-glycosylated bands, which showed significantly less total NTCP protein in donors below 1 year of age compared to donors older than 1 year. NTCP tissue localization was also analyzed by means of immunofluorescence. This revealed that NTCP cellular localization in fetal samples was mainly perinuclear, suggesting that NTCP is not glycosylated, while its postnatal localization on the plasma membrane is age dependent compared to multidrug resistant protein 2, which is apical starting in fetal life. Conclusion: After birth, the NTCP age-dependent maturation process requires approximately 1 year to complete NTCP glycosylation in human hepatocytes. Therefore, NTCP late posttranslational glycosylation appears to be important for correct NTCP membrane localization, which might explain physiologic cholestasis in neonatal life and might play a central role for HBV infection after birth. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:693-702).

Molecular detection of Brucella melitensis, Coxiella burnetii and Salmonella abortusovis in aborted fetuses of Baluchi sheep in Sistan region, south-eastern Iran

Abortion in sheep and goats causes enormous economic losses. This study revealed the epidemiology of abortion caused by Brucella melitensis, Coxiella burnetii and Salmonella abortusovis in Baluchi sheep in Sistan region. In the autumn of 2015 and winter of 2016, a total of 78 aborted sheep fetuses were collected from all over the Sistan region. Risk factors, including location of livestock, history of abortion, gender of fetus, age of fetus, age of ewe and parity were obtained using a questionnaire. The results showed that 27 fetuses (35%) were infected with these organisms. Infection with B. melitensis, C. burnetii and S. abortusovis were identified respectively in 15 (19.2%), 13 (16.6%) and 1 (1.3%) fetus. Logistic regression analysis showed that infection with B. melitensis in male fetuses is higher than females (OR=3.73, P=0.040), also infection with C. burnetii in ≤2 years' ewes (OR=0.047, P=0.009) and 2-5 years' ewes (OR=0.197, P=0.069) is lower than ≥5 years' ewes.

Current immunogenetic predisposition to tuberculosis in the Moroccan population

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that kills approximately two million people per year, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Numerous genetic epidemiology studies have been conducted of many ethnic groups worldwide and have highlighted the critical impact of the genetic environment on TB distribution. Many candidate genes associated with resistance or susceptibility to TB have been identified. In Morocco, where TB is still a major public health problem, various observations of clinical, microbiological and incidence distribution are heavily affected by genetic background and external environment. Morocco has almost the same clinical profile as do other North African countries, mainly the increase in more extrapulmonary than pulmonary forms of the diseases, when compared to European, Asian or American populations. In addition, a linkage analysis study that examined Moroccan TB patients identified a unique chromosome region that had a strong association with the risk of contracting TB. Other genes in the Moroccan population that were found to be associated seem to be involved predominantly in modulating the innate immunity. In this review, we appraise the major candidate genes that have been reported in Moroccan immunogenetic studies and discuss their updated role in TB, particularly during the first phase of the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection.