Staging liver fibrosis with various diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging models

BACKGROUND Diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI)has been developed to stage liver fibrosis.However,its diagnostic performance is inconsistent among studies.Therefore,it is worth studying the diagnostic value of various diffusion models for liver fibrosis in one cohort.AIM To evaluate the clinical potential of six diffusion-weighted models in liver fibrosis staging and compare their diagnostic performances.METHODS This prospective study enrolled 59 patients suspected of liver disease and scheduled for liver biopsy and 17 healthy participants.All participants underwent multi-b value DWI.The main DWI-derived parameters included Mono-apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)from mono-exponential DWI,intravoxel incoherent motion model-derived true diffusion coefficient(IVIM-D),diffusion kurtosis imaging-derived apparent diffusivity(DKI-MD),stretched exponential model-derived distributed diffusion coefficient(SEM-DDC),fractional order calculus(FROC)model-derived diffusion coefficient(FROC-D)and FROC model-derived microstructural quantity(FROC-μ),and continuous-time random-walk(CTRW)model-derived anomalous diffusion coefficient(CTRW-D)and CTRW model-derived temporal diffusion heterogeneity index(CTRW-α).The correlations between DWI-derived parameters and fibrosis stages and the parameters’diagnostic efficacy in detecting significant fibrosis(SF)were assessed and compared.RESULTS CTRW-D(r=-0.356),CTRW-α(r=-0.297),DKI-MD(r=-0.297),FROC-D(r=-0.350),FROC-μ(r=-0.321),IVIM-D(r=-0.251),Mono-ADC(r=-0.362),and SEM-DDC(r=-0.263)were significantly correlated with fibrosis stages.The areas under the ROC curves(AUCs)of the combined index of the six models for distinguishing SF(0.697-0.747)were higher than each of the parameters alone(0.524-0.719).The DWI models’ability to detect SF was similar.The combined index of CTRW model parameters had the highest AUC(0.747).CONCLUSION The DWI models were similarly valuable in distinguishing SF in patients with liver disease.The combined index of CTRW parameters had the highest AUC.

Evaluation of Hepatic Fibrosis and Hepatic Steatosis by Pulse Elastography (FIBROSCAN/CAP) in Asymptomatic Patients about 170 Cases at the Donka CHU National Hospital in Conakry

Introduction: Fibroscan is a recent, non-invasive and non-irradiating diagnostic method. It is based on the principle of ultrasound, which enables liver tissue elasticity to be quantified using a probe, and fibrosis to be assessed. Fibroscan measures both elasticity correlated with hepatic fibrosis and CAP correlated with steatosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate hepatic fibrosis and steatosis using pulse elastometry (Fibroscan/CAP). Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study in which 170 patients were included. It was conducted from October 1 2021 to December 31 2023, i.e. 27 months, in an outpatient clinic in the hepato-gastroenterology department of the Donka national hospital of the CHU Conakry. Results: Of the 170 patients identified, 87 were male (51%) and 83 female (49%), giving a M/F sex ratio of 1.04. The average age of our patients was 40. The 30 - 50 age group was the most affected, with a frequency of 58.23% (n = 99), followed by the 50 age group with a frequency of 29.41% (n = 50). Hepatomegaly, steatotic liver on ultrasonography, transaminase elevation and obesity were the main indications, respectively: (21.76%), (17.65%), (14.71%), and (13.53%). The examinations were requested by hepatogastroenterologists (47.06%), diabetologists (35.88%) and general practitioners (29%). Of the 170 patients, 100 patients (58.82%) had no significant fibrosis F0F1, 39 (22.94%) had moderate fibrosis F2, 20 patients (11.76%) had severe fibrosis F3 and 11 patients (6.47%) had fibrosis F4. Hepatic steatosis: 62 patients (36.47%) had no S0 steatosis;29.41% had S1 steatosis, 20% had S2 steatosis and 24 patients (14.11%) had S3 steatosis. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a normal liver in 67.05% of patients, hepatic steatosis in 29.41% and non-decompensated cirrhosis in 6 cases. Thus, 108 patients had the parameters required to calculate the Fatty Liver Index (FLI), steatosis was present in 20% of our patients, while 29.41% had an undetermined status and 24 14.11% had a normal FLI. Conclusion: Identifying subjects at risk of metabolic steatopathy, diagnosing and managing these patients is a public health issue and one of the future challenges of hepato-gastroenterology. Fibroscan is an increasingly popular screening tool for hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. The fight against obesity must be a priority.

Subretinal fibrosis secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration:mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets

Subretinal fibrosis is the end-stage sequelae of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.It causes local damage to photoreceptors,retinal pigment epithelium,and choroidal vessels,which leads to permanent central vision loss of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis is complex,and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown.Therefore,there are no effective treatment options.A thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis and its related mechanisms is important to elucidate its complications and explore potential treatments.The current article reviews several aspects of subretinal fibrosis,including the current understanding on the relationship between neovascular age-related macular degeneration and subretinal fibrosis;multimodal imaging techniques for subretinal fibrosis;animal models for studying subretinal fibrosis;cellular and non-cellular constituents of subretinal fibrosis;pathophysiological mechanisms involved in subretinal fibrosis,such as aging,infiltration of macrophages,different sources of mesenchymal transition to myofibroblast,and activation of complement system and immune cells;and several key molecules and signaling pathways participating in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis,such as vascular endothelial growth factor,connective tissue growth factor,fibroblast growth factor 2,platelet-derived growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β,transforming growth factor-βsignaling pathway,Wnt signaling pathway,and the axis of heat shock protein 70-Toll-like receptors 2/4-interleukin-10.This review will improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis,allow the discovery of molecular targets,and explore potential treatments for the management of subretinal fibrosis.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and AMPK/mTOR pathway in the treatment of liver fibrosis:Should we consider further implications?

This editorial contains comments on the article by Zhao et al in print in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.The mechanisms responsible for hepatic fibrosis are also involved in cancerogenesis.Here,we recapitulated the complexity of the renin-angiotensin system,discussed the role of hepatic stellate cell(HSC)autophagy in liver fibrogenesis,and analyzed the possible implications in the development of hepatocarcinoma(HCC).Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers definitively contribute to reducing hepatic fibrogenesis,whereas their involvement in HCC is more evident in experimental conditions than in human studies.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2),and its product Angiotensin(Ang)1-7,not only regulate HSC autophagy and liver fibrosis,but they also represent potential targets for unexplored applications in the field of HCC.Finally,ACE2 overexpression inhibits HSC autophagy through the AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway.In this case,Ang 1-7 acts binding to the MasR,and its agonists could modulate this pathway.However,since AMPK utilizes different targets to suppress the mTOR downstream complex mTOR complex 1 effectively,we still need to unravel the entire pathway to identify other potential targets for the therapy of fibrosis and liver cancer.

Multi-Organ Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies for Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal autosomal inherited disorder that affects all races and ethnicities in the United States. However, it is mostly predominant in the Caucasian populace accounting for about 80% of all CF cases. CF most severe complication can be referred to as pulmonary bronchiectasis and infections of the airways, nonetheless, the devastating effects of the disease have far-reaching consequences beyond lung damage. CF is a heterogeneous disease that is caused by mutations in Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene. The impairment or absence of this gene can affect multiple organs and systems and is characterized not only by chronic lung blockage, infections, and inflammation but also by exocrine gland dysfunction, intestinal obstruction, liver pathology, elevated sweat chloride concentration, and in males, infertility due to the congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens. To this end, we briefly explore the pathological effects of CF and how CF mediates the destruction of several critical organs in the body and some of the gene therapeutical approaches such as gene editing and viral-based strategies available for the treatment of this multi-organ disease.

MSC-derived exosomes attenuate hepatic fibrosis in primary sclerosing cholangitis through inhibition of Th17 differentiation

Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)is an autoimmune cholangiopathy characterized by chronic inflammation of the biliary epithelium and periductal fibrosis,with no curative treatment available,and liver transplantation is inevitable for end-stage patients.Human placentalmesenchymal stem cell(hpMSC)-derived exosomes have demonstrated the ability to prevent fibrosis,inhibit collagen production and possess immunomodulatory properties in autoimmune liver disease.Here,we prepared hpMSC-derived exosomes(Exo^(MSC))and further investigated the anti-fibrotic effects and detailed mechanism on PSC based on Mdr2^(−/−)mice and multicellular organoids established from PSC patients.The results showed that Exo^(MSC) ameliorated liver fibrosis in Mdr2^(−/−)mice with significant collagen reduction in the preductal area where Th17 differentiation was inhibited as demonstrated by RNAseq analysis,and the percentage of CD4+IL-17A+T cells was reduced both in Exo^(MSC)-treated Mdr2^(−/−)mice(Mdr2^(−/−)-Exo)in vivo and Exo^(MSC)-treated Th17 differentiation progressed in vitro.Furthermore,Exo^(MSC) improved the hypersecretory phenotype and intercellular interactions in the hepatic Th17 microenvironment by regulating PERK/CHOP signaling as supported by multicellular organoids.Thus,our data demonstrate the antifibrosis effect of Exo^(MSC) in PSC disease by inhibiting Th17 differentiation,and ameliorating the Th17-induced microenvironment,indicating the promising potential therapeutic role of Exo^(MSC) in liver fibrosis of PSC or Th17-related diseases.

Strengthening pharmacotherapy research for COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis

The global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has resulted in a significant number of individuals developing pulmonary fibrosis(PF),an irreversible lung injury.This condition can manifest within a short inter-val following the onset of pneumonia symptoms,sometimes even within a few days.While lung transplantation is a potentially lifesaving procedure,its limited availability,high costs,intricate surgeries,and risk of immunological rejection present significant drawbacks.The optimal timing of medication administration for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)-induced PF remains controversial.Despite this,it is crucial to explore pharmacotherapy interventions,involving early and preventative treatment as well as pharmacotherapy options for advanced-stage PF.Additionally,studies have demonstrated disparities in anti-fibrotic treatment based on race and gender factors.Genetic mutations may also impact therapeutic efficacy.Enhancing research efforts on pharmacotherapy interventions,while considering relevant pharmacological factors and optimizing the timing and dosage of medication administration,will lead to enhanced,personalized,and fair treatment for individuals impacted by COVID-19-related PF.These measures are crucial in lessening the burden of the disease on healthcare systems and improving patients'quality of life.

Echinacoside attenuates glandular fibrosis in benign prostatic hyperplasia via inhibiting MKK6/MK2 signaling pathway

Background:Lower urinary tract symptoms commonly occur in the elderly population and seriously constrain the quality of life.Glandular fibrosis is an important pathobiological process in benign prostatic hyperplasia and is also a main inducing factor for benign prostatic hyperplasia-associated lower urinary tract symptoms.Cistanches species is an important herbal medicine resource and is traditionally used in ameliorating renal and prostatic defects.Methods:This study was to investigate the potential protective function of echinacoside(a bioactive compound from Cistanches)against prostatic fibrosis in mice and human benign prostatic hyperplasia epithelial-1 cell models.Results:It was found that echinacoside attenuated testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia and collagen deposition in mice,relieved prostate local inflammation and oxidative damage,and ameliorated prostatic epithelial-mesenchymal transition.Additionally,echinacoside inhibited the activation of the MKK6/MK2 signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro.Conclusion:This study added new evidence for the anti-fibrotic function of echinacoside on the prostate and provided new insights for understanding its possible pharmacological mechanisms.

HepG2.2.15-derived exosomes facilitate the activation and fibrosis of hepatic stellate cells

BACKGROUND The role of exosomes derived from HepG2.2.15 cells,which express hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related proteins,in triggering the activation of LX2 liver stellate cells and promoting liver fibrosis and cell proliferation remains elusive.The focus was on comprehending the relationship and influence of differentially expressed microRNAs(DE-miRNAs)within these exosomes.AIM To elucidate the effect of exosomes derived from HepG2.2.15 cells on the activation of hepatic stellate cell(HSC)LX2 and the progression of liver fibrosis.METHODS Exosomes from HepG2.2.15 cells,which express HBV-related proteins,were isolated from parental HepG2 and WRL68 cells.Western blotting was used to confirm the presence of the exosomal marker protein CD9.The activation of HSCs was assessed using oil red staining,whereas DiI staining facilitated the observation of exosomal uptake by LX2 cells.Additionally,we evaluated LX2 cell proliferation and fibrosis marker expression using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuracil staining and western blotting,respectively.DE-miRNAs were analyzed using DESeq2.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways were used to annotate the target genes of DE-miRNAs.RESULTS Exosomes from HepG2.2.15 cells were found to induced activation and enhanced proliferation and fibrosis in LX2 cells.A total of 27 miRNAs were differentially expressed in exosomes from HepG2.2.15 cells.GO analysis indicated that these DE-miRNA target genes were associated with cell differentiation,intracellular signal transduction,negative regulation of apoptosis,extracellular exosomes,and RNA binding.KEGG pathway analysis highlighted ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis,the MAPK signaling pathway,viral carcinogenesis,and the toll-like receptor signaling pathway,among others,as enriched in these targets.CONCLUSION These findings suggest that exosomes from HepG2.2.15 cells play a substantial role in the activation,proliferation,and fibrosis of LX2 cells and that DE-miRNAs within these exosomes contribute to the underlying mechanisms.

Puerarin mediated miR-30b-5p targeting fibroblast activation protein against oral submucous fibrosis

Background:Puerarin(Pue)has been reported to be a natural active ingredient with multiple antifibrotic properties.This work aimed at exploring the function of Pue in oral submucousfibrosis(OSF)treatment.Methods:Human oral mucosafibroblasts(hOMF)were induced with transforming growth factor beta1(TGF-β1)and intervened with Pue.Expressions offibrosis-related markers were analyzed by Western blot and IF staining.Cell viability was characterized by the CCK-8 assay.Expressions of miR-30 family members were quantified by qRT-PCR.The correlation betweenfibroblast activation protein(FAP)and miR-30 family expression was evaluated by the Pearson correlation coefficient.Bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay were employed to verify the regulation between FAP and miR-30b-5p.The specific mechanism of Pue on OSF was explored through the promotion or inhibition of miR-30b-5p.Results:After induction by TGF-β1,hOMF showed upregulated Collagen I,Collagen III,and FAP expressions,while miR-30 family expression was downregulated with miR-30b-5p being the most significant.Pue intervention inhibited the excessive proliferation of TGF-β1-induced hOMF,downregulated FAP,collagen type 3(COL3A1),collagen type 1(COL1A1),matrix metalloproteinase 1(MMP1),and matrix metalloproteinase 3(MMP3)expressions,and restored miR-30 family expression.Bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-30b-5p selectively inhibited FAP expression.Mechanistically,miR-30b-5p mimic suppressed the excessive proliferation of TGF-β1-induced hOMF and declinedfibrosis levels.Pue intervention significantly reversed the promotion of TGF-β1-induced OSF by miR-30b-5p inhibition.Conclusion:Pue mediated miR-30b-5p targeting FAP against OSF,which provided a theoretical basis for the pathogenesis research and Pue application in OSF.

New markers of fibrosis in hepatitis C:A step towards the Holy Grail?

In the present issue of the World Journal of Hepatology,Ferrassi et al examine the problem of liver fibrosis staging in chronic hepatitis C.They identify novel biomarkers in an effort to predict accurate fibrosis staging with the aid of the metabolome of Hepatitis C patients.Overall I think Ferrassi et al took a different approach in identifying fibrosis biomarkers,by looking at the patients’metabolome.Their biomarkers clearly separate patients from controls.They can also separate out,patients with minimal fibrosis(F0-F1 stage)and patients with cirrhosis(F4 stage).Obviously,if these biomarkers were to be widely used,tests for all the important metabolites would need to be readily available for use in hospitals or outpatient setting and that may prove difficult and above all,costly.Nevertheless,this step could eventually lead to a metabolomic approach for novel biomarkers of Fibrosis.Obviously,it would need to be validated,but could represent a step towards the Holy Grail of Hepatology.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 alleviates liver fibrosis through the renin-angiotensin system

The present letter to the editor is related to the study titled‘Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 improves liver fibrosis in mice by regulating autophagy of hepatic stellate cells’.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 can alleviate liver fibrosis by regulating autophagy of hepatic stellate cells and affecting the renin-angiotensin system.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gama ameliorates liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting TGF-β/Smad signaling activation

Background:Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a chronic condition characterized by a progressive decline in liver function,leading to disruptions in liver integrity and metabolic function,resulting in lipid deposition and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix(ECM).The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and not yet fully understood,contributing to the absence of specific therapeutic strategies.Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ)is a ligand-activated transcription factor pivotal in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism.However,the impacts of PPARγon NAFLD remains insufficiently explored.Thus,this study aimed to investigate the role of PPARγin NAFLD and its underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods:Chemical detection kits were utilized to quantify collagen content,alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)level variations.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was employed to assess alterations in extracellular matrix-related genes and inflammatory response genes in liver tissue and HepG2 cells,while western blotting was conducted to analyze the levels of both PPARγand the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.Results:Our findings unveiled significantly reduced PPARγexpression in a rat model of NAFLD,leading to subsequent activation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.Furthermore,PPARγactivation effectively mitigated NAFLD progression by inhibiting inflammation and fibrosis-related gene expression and collagen production.On a cellular level,PPARγactivation was found to inhibit the expression of extracellular matrix-related genes such as matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2)and matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9),along with inflammatory response genes interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-6.Additionally,PPARγactivation led to a significant decrease in the levels of ALT and AST.At the molecular level,PPARγnotably down-regulated the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway,which is known to promote liver fibrosis.Conclusion:These groundbreaking findings underscore PPARγactivation as a promising therapeutic approach to delay NAFLD progression by targeting the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in hepatic cells.This highlights the potential of PPARγas a promising therapeutic target for NAFLD management in clinical settings.

Myricetin induces M2 macrophage polarization to alleviate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy via PI3K/Akt pathway

BACKGROUND Development of end-stage renal disease is predominantly attributed to diabetic nephropathy(DN).Previous studies have indicated that myricetin possesses the potential to mitigate the pathological alterations observed in renal tissue.Never-theless,the precise molecular mechanism through which myricetin influences the progression of DN remains uncertain.AIM To investigate the effects of myricetin on DN and explore its potential therapeutic mechanism.METHODS Db/db mice were administered myricetin intragastrically on a daily basis at doses of 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg for a duration of 12 wk.Subsequently,blood and urine indexes were assessed,along with examination of renal tissue pathology.Kidney morphology and fibrosis were evaluated using various staining techniques including hematoxylin and eosin,periodic acid–Schiff,Masson’s trichrome,and Sirius-red.Additionally,high-glucose culturing was conducted on the RAW 264.7 cell line,treated with 25 mM myricetin or co-administered with the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 for a period of 24 h.In both in vivo and in vitro settings,quantification of inflammation factor levels was conducted using western blotting,real-time qPCR and ELISA.RESULTS In db/db mice,administration of myricetin led to a mitigating effect on DN-induced renal dysfunction and fibrosis.Notably,we observed a significant reduction in expressions of the kidney injury markers kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin,along with a decrease in expressions of inflammatory cytokine-related factors.Furthermore,myricetin treatment effectively inhibited the up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha,interleukin-6,and interluekin-1βinduced by high glucose in RAW 264.7 cells.Additionally,myricetin modulated the M1-type polarization of the RAW 264.7 cells.Molecular docking and bioinformatic analyses revealed Akt as the target of myricetin.The protective effect of myricetin was nullified upon blocking the polarization of RAW 264.7 via inhibition of PI3K/Akt activation using LY294002.CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that myricetin effectively mitigates kidney injury in DN mice through the regulation of macrophage polarization via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Notum protects against myocardial infarction-induced heart dysfunction by alleviating cardiac fibrosis

Background and Objective:Cardiac fibrosis is a pathological reparative process that follows myocardial infarctionand is associated with compromised cardiac systolic and reduced cardiac compliance.The Wnt signaling pathway is closely implicated in organ fibrosis,and Notum,a highly conserved secreted inhibitor,modulates Wnt signaling.The objective of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of Notum in cardiac fibrosis.Methods:A mouse model of cardiac remodeling was established through left coronary artery ligation surgery,with the addition of Notum injection following myocardial infarction surgery.The protective effect of Notum on myocardial infarction was assessed by evaluating cardiac function,including survival rate,echocardiographic assessment,and cardiac contraction analyses.Inflammatory cell necrosis and infiltration were confirmed through H&E and Masson staining.The expression of fibrosis-related genes andβ-catenin pathway markers was detected using Western blot quantificational RT-PCR(qRT-PCR).Additionally,EdU,wound healing,and immunofluorescence staining analyses were performed to detect the effect of Notum's in transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-β1)induced myofibroblast transformation.Results:The administration of Notum treatment resulted in enhanced survival rates,improved cardiac function,and decreased necrosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in mice subjected to left coronary artery ligation.Furthermore,Notum effectively impeded the senescence of cardiac fibroblasts and hindered their pathological transformation into cardiac fibroblasts.Additionally,it significantly reduced collagen production and attenuated the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Our preliminary investigations successfully demonstrated the therapeutic potential of Notum in both fibroblasts in vitro and in a mouse model of myocardial infarction-induced cardiac fibrosis in vivo.Conclusion:Notum inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and cardiac fibroblast senescence ultimately hampers the onset of cardiac fibrosis.Our findings suggest that Notum could represent a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.

BMSC-derived Exosomes Ameliorate Peritoneal Dialysis-associated Peritoneal Fibrosis via the Mir-27a-3p/TP53 Pathway

Objective:Peritoneal fibrosis(PF)is the main cause of declining efficiency and ultrafiltration failure of the peritoneum,which restricts the long-term application of peritoneal dialysis(PD).This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes(BMSC-Exos)on PF in response to PD.Methods:Small RNA sequencing analysis of BMSC-Exos was performed by second-generation sequencing.C57BL/6J mice were infused with 4.25%glucose-based peritoneal dialysis fluid(PDF)for 6 consecutive weeks to establish a PF model.A total of 36 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups:control group,1.5%PDF group,2.5%PDF group,4.25%PDF group,BMSC-Exos treatment group,and BMSC-Exos+TP53 treatment group.Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)was performed to measure the expression level of miR-27a-3p in BMSC-Exos and peritoneum of mice treated with different concentrations of PDF.HE and Masson staining were performed to evaluate the extent of PF.The therapeutic potential of BMSC-Exos for PF was examined through pathological examination,RT-qPCR,Western blotting,and peritoneal function analyses.Epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of HMrSV5 was induced with 4.25%PDF.Cells were divided into control group,4.25%PDF group,BMSC-Exos treatment group,and BMSC-Exos+TP53 treatment group.Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to measure cell viability,and transwell migration assay was used to verify the capacity of BMSC-Exos to inhibit EMT in HMrSV5 cells.Results:Small RNA sequencing analysis showed that miR-27a-3p was highly expressed in BMSC-derived exosomes compared to BMSCs.The RT-qPCR results showed that the expression of miR-27a-3p was upregulated in BMSC-Exos,but decreased in PD mice.We found that PF was glucose concentration-dependently enhanced in the peritoneum of the PD mice.Compared with the control mice,the PD mice showed high solute transport and decreased ultrafiltration volume as well as an obvious fibroproliferative response,with markedly increased peritoneal thickness and higher expression ofα-SMA,collagen-I,fibronectin,and ECM1.The mice with PD showed decreased miR-27a-3p.Peritoneal structural and functional damage was significantly attenuated after BMSC-Exos treatment,while PF and mesothelial damage were significantly ameliorated.Additionally,markers of fibrosis(α-SMA,collagen-I,fibronectin,ECM1)and profibrotic cytokines(TGF-β1,PDGF)were downregulated at the mRNA and protein levels after BMSC-Exos treatment.In HMrSV5 cells,BMSC-Exos reversed the decrease in cell viability and the increase in cell migratory capacity caused by high-glucose PDF.Western blotting and RT-qPCR analysis revealed that BMSC-Exos treatment resulted in increased expression of E-cadherin(epithelial marker)and decreased expression ofα-SMA,Snail,and vimentin(mesenchymal markers)compared to those of the 4.25%PDF-treated cells.Importantly,a dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that TP53 was a target gene of miR-27a-3p.TP53 overexpression significantly reversed the decreases in PF and EMT progression induced by BMSC-Exos.Conclusion:The present results demonstrate that BMSC-Exos showed an obvious protective effect on PD-related PF and suggest that BMSC-derived exosomal miR-27a-3p may exert its inhibitory effect on PF and EMT progression by targeting TP53.

LncRNA LOC103694972 promotes fibrosis of NRK-49F cells by regulating STAT3-dependent Smad/CTGF pathway via targeting miR-29c-3p

Background:Renalfibrosis is an important process in the development of chronic kidney disease.Understanding the pathogenesis andfinding effective treatments for renalfibrosis is crucial.This study aims to investigate whether a newly discovered long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)called LOC103694972 could be a potential target for treatingfibrosis of NRK-49F cells.Methods:LncRNA Chip was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs between TGF-β1-induced NRK-49F cells and normal cells.The dual-luciferase assay confirmed the binding between miR-29c-3p and signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT3),as well as between miR-29c-3p and lncRNA LOC103694972.Si-LOC103694972 and miR-29c-3p mimic were then transfected into TGF-β1-induced NRK-49F cells.Results:The study found that LOC103694972 was highly expressed in TGF-β1-induced NRK-49F cells.These cells exhibited increased cell length and activity compared to the control group.The expression levels of Collagen I,α-Smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase(TIMP-1)were increased,while matrix Metalloproteinase 2(MMP2)and matrix Metalloproteinase 9(MMP9)expression was decreased.However,transfection with si-LOC103694972 and miR-29c-3p mimics restored cell morphology and reduced cell viability.This led to a decrease in the levels of Collagen I,α-SMA,and TIMP-1,as well as an increase in MMP2 and MMP9 expression.Additionally,TGF-β1-induced NRK-49F cells transfected with miR-29c-3p mimics activated the STAT3-Smad3/CTGF pathway.Conclusion:Based on thesefindings,lncRNA LOC103694972 shows promise as a target for treating renalfibrosis.It negatively regulates miR-29c-3p and activates the STAT3-Smad3/CTGF pathway.

Electroacupuncture improves myocardial fibrosis in heart failure rats by attenuating ECM collagen deposition through modulation of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway

Background: To explore the effects of electroacupuncture on cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis in rat models of heart failure, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of electroacupuncture in heart failure treatment. Methods: Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into three groups: Sham group, Model group, and electroacupuncture (Model + EA) group, with each group comprising 8 rats. The model underwent a procedure involving the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery to induce a model of heart failure. The Model + EA group was used for 7 consecutive days for electroacupuncture of bilateral Shenmen (HT7) and Tongli (HT5), once a day for 30 min each time. Left ventricular parameters in rats were assessed using a small-animal ultrasound machine to analyze changes in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular fractional shortening. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cardiac troponin (cTn), and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor levels were measured using ELISA. Histopathological changes in rat myocardium were observed through HE staining, while collagen deposition in rat myocardial tissue was assessed using the Masson staining method. Picro sirius red staining, immunohistochemical staining, and RT-qPCR were utilized to distinguish between the various types of collagen deposition. The expression level of TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3/4/7 mRNA in rat myocardial tissues was determined using RT-qPCR. Additionally, western blot analysis was conducted to assess the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, SMAD3/7, and p-SMAD3 in rat myocardial tissues. Results: Compared with the Sham group, the left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening values of the Model group were significantly decreased (P < 0.01);the left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular end-systolic volume values were remarkably increased (P < 0.01);serum N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor content was increased (P < 0.01);serum IL-1β and cTn levels were increased (P < 0.01);myocardial collagen volume fraction were increased (P < 0.01);and those of the expression of TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3/4 mRNA was increased (P < 0.01);the expression of SMAD7 mRNA was decreased (P < 0.01);the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, SMAD3, and p-Smad3 were increased (P < 0.01);the protein expression level of SMAD7 was decreased (P < 0.01) in the Model group. Compared to the Model group, the expression levels of the proteins TGF-β1, SMAD3, and p-Smad3 in myocardial tissue were found to be decreased (P < 0.01), and the expression level of the protein SMAD7 was found to be increased (P < 0.01) in the Model + EA group;the collagen volume fraction and deposition of type Ⅰ /Ⅲ collagen were decreased (P < 0.01) in the Model + EA group. Conclusion: Electroacupuncture alleviates myocardial fibrosis in rats with heart failure, and this effect is likely due to attributed to the modulation of the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, which helps reduce collagen deposition in the extracellular matrix.

Yinhuang granule alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice and its mechanism

BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a formidable global medical challenge,with no effective clinical treatment currently available.Yinhuang granule(YHG)is a proprietary Chinese medicine comprising Scutellariae Radix and Lonicerae Japonicae Flos.It is frequently used for upper respiratory tract infections,pharyngitis,as well as acute and chronic tonsillitis.AIM To investigate the potential of YHG in alleviating carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice.METHODS To induce a hepatic fibrosis model in mice,this study involved intraperitoneal injections of 2 mL/kg of CCl4 twice a week for 4 wk.Meanwhile,liver fibrosis mice in the low dose of YHG(0.4 g/kg)and high dose of YHG(0.8 g/kg)groups were orally administered YHG once a day for 4 wk.Serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferase(ALT/AST)activity and liver hydroxyproline content were detected.Sirius red and Masson's trichrome staining assay were conducted.Realtime polymerase chain reaction,western-blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted.Liver glutathione content,superoxide dismutase activity level,reactive oxygen species and protein carbonylation amount were detected.RESULTS The administration of YHG ameliorated hepatocellular injury in CCl4-treated mice,as reflected by decreased serum ALT/AST activity and improved liver histological evaluation.YHG also attenuated liver fibrosis,evident through reduced liver hydroxyproline content,improvements in Sirius red and Masson's trichrome staining,and lowered serum hyaluronic acid levels.Furthermore,YHG hindered the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and ameliorated oxidative stress injury and inflammation in liver from CCl4-treated mice.YHG prompted the nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)and upregulated the expression of Nrf2-dependent downstream antioxidant genes.In addition,YHG promoted mitochondrial biogenesis in liver from CCl4-treated mice,as demonstrated by increased liver adenosine triphosphate content,mitochondrial DNA levels,and the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha and nuclear respiratory factor 1.CONCLUSION YHG effectively attenuates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the activation of HSCs,reducing inflammation,alleviating liver oxidative stress damage through Nrf2 activation,and promoting liver mitochondrial biogenesis.

Low Level of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Is Associated with Human Sperm Autophagy and Vitality

Low sperm motility is one of the main causes of male infertility. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR, an anion channel protein) is related to the progressive motility of sperm. CFTR disruptor CFTRinh-172 or forskolin (FSK) in this study were used to treat human sperm separately, and the rates of sperm autophagy and progressive motility, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP concentration, and the expression levels of related factors were detected to explore their relationship. It was showed that sperms treated with CFTRinh-172 or FSK reduced the levels of cAMP, CFTR and PKA, but increased sperm autophagy rate, expression levels of AMPK and LC3B. However, reactive oxygen species content had no significant difference. It was indicated that low level of CFTR performed with cAMP and its downstream effectors such as PKA and AMPK to regulate mitochondrial structure and function, leading to increased autophagy rate and reduced vitality of sperm.