Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)or metabolic(dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease is the leading cause of chronic liver diseases defined as a disease spectrum comprising hepatic steatosis,non-alcoholic ...Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)or metabolic(dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease is the leading cause of chronic liver diseases defined as a disease spectrum comprising hepatic steatosis,non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),liver fibrosis,cirrhosis,and hepatic carcinoma.NASH,characterized by hepatocyte injury,steatosis,inflammation,and fibrosis,is associated with NAFLD prognosis.Ductular reaction(DR)is a common compensatory reaction associated with liver injury,which involves the hepatic progenitor cells(HPCs),hepatic stellate cells,myofibroblasts,inflammatory cells(such as macrophages),and their secreted substances.Recently,several studies have shown that the extent of DR parallels the stage of NASH and fibrosis.This review summarizes previous research on the correlation between DR and NASH,the potential interplay mechanism driving HPC differentiation,and NASH progression.展开更多
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a disease spectrum caused in part by insulin resistance and genetic predisposition.This disease is primarily characterized by excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes in t...Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a disease spectrum caused in part by insulin resistance and genetic predisposition.This disease is primarily characterized by excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes in the absence of alcohol abuse and other causes of liver damage.Histologically,NAFLD is divided into several periods:simple steatosis,non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),hepatic fibrosis,cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma.With the increasing prevalence of obesity and hyperlipidemia,NAFLD has become the main cause of chronic liver disease worldwide.As a result,the pathogenesis of this disease is drawing increasing attention.Ductular reaction(DR)is a reactive bile duct hyperplasia caused by liver injury that involves hepatocytes,cholangiocytes,and hepatic progenitor cells.Recently,DR is shown to play a pivotal role in simple steatosis progression to NASH or liver fibrosis,providing new research and treatment options.This study reviews several DR signaling pathways,including Notch,Hippo/YAP-TAZ,Wnt/β-catenin,Hedgehog,HGF/c-Met,and TWEAK/Fn14,and their role in the occurrence and development of NASH.展开更多
AIM: To investigate if loss of epithelial cell adhesion molecule(EpCAM) is associated with microinvasion in hepatocellular carcinomas(HCCs) in the presence of chronic hepatitis B.METHODS: The expression of EpCAM, cyto...AIM: To investigate if loss of epithelial cell adhesion molecule(EpCAM) is associated with microinvasion in hepatocellular carcinomas(HCCs) in the presence of chronic hepatitis B.METHODS: The expression of EpCAM, cytokeratin 7(CK7)and CK19 in 112 hepatic nodules was studied, including 20 HCCs with nodules ≤ 3 cm, 26 HCCs with nodules > 3 cm, 20 high-grade dysplastic nodules, 26 cirrhotic, large regenerative nodules and 20 cases of cirrhosis.RESULTS: Membranes of ductular reaction(DR) hepatobiliary cells, interlobular bile duct and some hepatic cells were positive for EpCAM expression. Active expression of DR/EpCAM was observed in the majority of noninvasive nodules(50/66, 75.76%); however, expression was absent in the major area of invasion in HCCs(42/46, 91.30%). DR/EpCAM loss in HCCs ≤ 3 cm was higher than in high-grade dysplastic nodules(HGDNs)(P < 0.05), cirrhotic, large regenerative nodules and cirrhosis(P < 0.01). Furthermore, patients(20 HCCs ≤ 3 cm, 26 HCCs > 3 cm, 20 HGDNs) with DR/EpCAM expression had a higher overall survival rate(P < 0.01) and lower early recurrence rate(P < 0.01). DR/EpCAM expression showed a close relationship with DR/CK7 and DR/CK19 expression(P < 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve of DR/EpCAM was similar to that of DR/CK7 and DR/CK19(P > 0.05). The diagnostic specificity and diagnostic accuracy were both increased when DR/EpCAM, DR/CK7 and DR/CK19 were combined(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: DR/EpCAM loss may be a useful marker for determining microinvasion in HCCs ≤ 3 cm, but also for predicting prognosis.展开更多
Background:Biliary atresia is a rare congenital bile duct disease that is the leading cause of liver fibrosis in neonates.Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(GCSF)is a potential therapy for hepatocellular diseases,b...Background:Biliary atresia is a rare congenital bile duct disease that is the leading cause of liver fibrosis in neonates.Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(GCSF)is a potential therapy for hepatocellular diseases,but data on GCSF for cholestatic conditions remain limited.Materials and methods:The current study examines the role of GCSF in improving bile duct obstruction in mice.Two doses were administered:10.0 mg/kg/day and 61.5 mg/kg/day,which is the animal equivalent dose of 5.0 mg/kg in humans.Seven days(D7)after bile duct ligation(BDL),Swiss mice were treated with phosphate buffered saline or GCSF for 5 days.The intrahepatic adaptive response of BDL mice was evaluated on postsurgical days D12,D19,and D26.Results:Treatment with 61.5 mg/kg of GCSF resulted in a significant increase in circulating leukocytes and neutrophils on D12.Amelioration of liver injury,as shown by reduced aspartate aminotransferase levels,increased albumin levels and survival rate,as well as reduced intrahepatic inflammation and hepatic myeloperoxidase expression,downregulated ductular proliferation,periportal fibroblast activation,and fibrosis,enhanced expressions of hepatocyte growth factor,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptoralpha,and ki67,and suppressed expression of cleaved caspase-3 protein,was noted after treatment with 61.5 mg/kg of GCSF.Additionally,GCSF treatment was associated with an increased number of intrahepatic cd3-Sca1tc-Kitt bone marrow cells.展开更多
Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that is observed more frequently in middle-aged women.This disorder is considered an autoimmune disease,since liver injury is sustained by the pre...Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that is observed more frequently in middle-aged women.This disorder is considered an autoimmune disease,since liver injury is sustained by the presence of selfdirected antimitochondrial antibodies targeting the bile duct cells.The prognosis may vary depending on an early diagnosis and response to therapy.However,nearly a third of patients can progress to liver cirrhosis,thus requiring a liver transplant.Traditional immunosuppressive therapies,commonly employed for other autoimmune diseases,have limited effects on PBC.In fact,dramatic functional changes that occur in the biliary epithelium in the course of inflammation play a major role in perpetuating the injury.In this minireview,after a background on the disease and possible predisposing factors,the sequential cooperation of cellular/molecular events leading to end-stage PBC is discussed in detail.The rise and maintenance of the autoimmune process,as well as the response of the biliary epithelia during inflammatory injury,are key factors in the progression of the disease.The so-called“ductular reaction(DR)”,intended as a reactive expansion of cells with biliary phenotype,is a process frequently observed in PBC and partially understood.However,recent findings suggest a strict relationship between this pathological picture and the progression to liver fibrosis,cell senescence,and loss of biliary ducts.All these issues(onset of chronic inflammation,changes in secretive and proliferative biliary functions,DR,and its relationship with other pathological events)are discussed in this manuscript in an attempt to provide a snapshot,for clinicians and researchers,of the most relevant and sequential contributors to the progression of this human cholestatic disease.We believe that interpreting this disorder as a multistep process may help identify possible therapeutic targets to prevent evolution to severe disease.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effects of troglitazone (TGZ), an anti-diabetic drug which activates peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), for liver tissue repair, and the development of ductular reaction, f...AIM: To investigate the effects of troglitazone (TGZ), an anti-diabetic drug which activates peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), for liver tissue repair, and the development of ductular reaction, following common bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats.METHODS: Rats were supplemented with TGZ (0.2% w/w in the pelleted food) for 1 wk before BDL or sham operation.Animals were killed at 1, 2, or 4 wk after surgery.RESULTS: The development of liver fibrosis was reduced in rats receiving TGZ, as indicated by significant decreases of procollagen type Ⅰ gene expression and liver hydroxyproline levels. Accumulation of α-smooth-muscle actin (SMA)-expressing cells surrounding newly formed bile ducts following BDL, as well as total hepatic levels of SMA were partially inhibited by TGZ treatment, indicating the presence of a reduced number and/or activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and myofibroblasts. Development of the ductular reaction was inhibited by TGZ, as indicated by histochemical evaluation and hepatic activity of γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT).CONCLUSION: Treatment with thiazolidinedione reduces ductular proliferation and fibrosis in a model of chronic cholestasis, and suggests that limiting cholangiocyte proliferation may contribute to the lower development of scarring in this system.展开更多
AIM To elucidate the role of STAT3 in hepatocarcinogenesis and biliary ductular proliferation following chronic liver injury. METHODS We investigated thioacetamide(TAA)-induced liver injury, compensatory hepatocyte pr...AIM To elucidate the role of STAT3 in hepatocarcinogenesis and biliary ductular proliferation following chronic liver injury. METHODS We investigated thioacetamide(TAA)-induced liver injury, compensatory hepatocyte proliferation, and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) development in hepatic STAT3-deficient mice. In addition, we evaluated TAAinduced biliary ductular proliferation and analyzed the activation of sex determining region Y-box9(SOX9) and Yes-associated protein(YAP), which regulate the transdifferentiation of hepatocytes to cholangiocytes.RESULTS Both compensatory hepatocyte proliferation and HCC formation were significantly decreased in hepatic STAT3-deficient mice as compared with control mice. STAT3 deficiency resulted in augmentation of hepatic necrosis and fibrosis. On the other hand, biliary ductular proliferation increased in hepatic STAT3-deficient livers as compared with control livers. SOX9 and YAP were upregulated in hepatic STAT3-deficient hepatocytes.CONCLUSION STAT3 may regulate hepatocyte proliferation as well as transdifferentiation into cholangiocytes and serve as a therapeutic target for HCC inhibition and biliary regeneration.展开更多
Objective:Hepatic fibrosis has been widely considered as a conjoint consequence of almost all chronic liver diseases.Chuanxiong Rhizoma(Chuanxiong in Chinese,CX)is a traditional Chinese herbal product to prevent cereb...Objective:Hepatic fibrosis has been widely considered as a conjoint consequence of almost all chronic liver diseases.Chuanxiong Rhizoma(Chuanxiong in Chinese,CX)is a traditional Chinese herbal product to prevent cerebrovascular,gynecologic and hepatic diseases.Our previous study found that CX extracts significantly reduced collagen contraction force of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs).Here,this study aimed to compare the protection of different CX extracts on bile duct ligation(BDL)-induced liver fibrosis and investigate plausible underlying mechanisms.Methods:The active compounds of CX extracts were identified by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).Network pharmacology was used to determine potential targets of CX against hepatic fibrosis.Bile duct hyperplasia and liver fibrosis were evaluated by serologic testing and histopathological evaluation.The expression of targets of interest was determined by quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)and Western blot.Results:Different CX extracts were identified by tetramethylpyrazine,ferulic acid and senkyunolide A.Based on the network pharmacological analysis,42 overlap targets were obtained via merging the candidates targets of CX and liver fibrosis.Different aqueous,alkaloid and phthalide extracts of CX(CX_(AE),CX_(AL) and CXP_(HL))significantly inhibited diffuse severe bile duct hyperplasia and thus suppressed hepatic fibrosis by decreasing CCCTC binding factor(CTCF)-c-MYC-long non-coding RNA H19(H19)pathway in the BDL-induced mouse model.Meanwhile,CX extracts,especially CX_(AL) and CX_(PHL) also suppressed CTCF-c-MYC-H19 pathway and inhibited ductular reaction in cholangiocytes stimulated with taurocholate acid(TCA),lithocholic acid(LCA)and transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β),as illustrated by decreased bile duct proliferation markers.Conclusion:Our data supported that different CX extracts,especially CX_(AL) and CX_(PHL) significantly alleviated hepatic fibrosis and bile duct hyperplasia via inhibiting CTCF-c-MYC-H19 pathway,providing novel insights into the anti-fibrotic mechanism of CX.展开更多
Chuanxiong Rhizoma(CX,the dried rhizome of Ligusticum wallichii Franch.),a well-known traditional Chinese medicine,is clinically used for treating cardiovascular,cerebrovascular and hepatobiliary diseases.Cholestatic ...Chuanxiong Rhizoma(CX,the dried rhizome of Ligusticum wallichii Franch.),a well-known traditional Chinese medicine,is clinically used for treating cardiovascular,cerebrovascular and hepatobiliary diseases.Cholestatic liver damage is one of the chronic liver diseases with limited effective therapeutic strategies.Currently,little is known about the mechanism links between CX-induced anti-cholestatic action and intercellular communication between cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells(HSCs).The study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of different CX extracts including the aqueous,alkaloid,phenolic acid and phthalide extracts of CX(CX_(AE),CX_(AL),CX_(PA)and CX_(PHL))and investigate the intercellular communication-related mechanisms by which the most effective extracts work on cholestatic liver injury.The active compounds of different CX extracts were identified by UPLC-MS/MS.A cholestatic liver injury mouse model induced by bile duct ligation(BDL),and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)-treated human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cholangiocytes(HIBECs)and HSC cell line(LX-2 cells)were used for in vivo and in vitro studies.Histological and other biological techniques were also applied.The results indicated that CX_(AE),CX_(AL)and CX_(PHL)significantly reduced ductular reaction(DR)and improved liver fibrosis in the BDL mice.Meanwhile,both CX_(AE)and CX_(PHL)suppressed DR in injured HIBECs and reduced collagen contraction force and the expression of fibrosis biomarkers in LX-2 cells treated with TGF-β.CX_(PHL)suppressed the transcription and transfer of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1)and fibronectin(FN)from the‘DR-like’cholangiocytes to activated HSCs.Mechanistically,the inhibition of PAI-1 and FN by CX_(PHL)was attributed to the untight combination of the acetyltransferase KAT2A and SMAD3,followdd by the suppression of histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation(H3K9ac)-mediated transcription in cholangiocytes.In conclusion,CX_(PHL)exerts stronger anti-cholestatic activity in vivo and in vitro than other CX extracts,and its protective effect on the intracellular communication between cholangiocytes and HSCs is achieved by reducing KAT2A/H3K9ac-mediated transcription and release of PAI-1 and FN.展开更多
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81970511&82270620.
文摘Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)or metabolic(dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease is the leading cause of chronic liver diseases defined as a disease spectrum comprising hepatic steatosis,non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),liver fibrosis,cirrhosis,and hepatic carcinoma.NASH,characterized by hepatocyte injury,steatosis,inflammation,and fibrosis,is associated with NAFLD prognosis.Ductular reaction(DR)is a common compensatory reaction associated with liver injury,which involves the hepatic progenitor cells(HPCs),hepatic stellate cells,myofibroblasts,inflammatory cells(such as macrophages),and their secreted substances.Recently,several studies have shown that the extent of DR parallels the stage of NASH and fibrosis.This review summarizes previous research on the correlation between DR and NASH,the potential interplay mechanism driving HPC differentiation,and NASH progression.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No. 81770582the Graduates’ Innovation FundHuazhong University of Science and Technology,No. 2021yjsCXCY106
文摘Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a disease spectrum caused in part by insulin resistance and genetic predisposition.This disease is primarily characterized by excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes in the absence of alcohol abuse and other causes of liver damage.Histologically,NAFLD is divided into several periods:simple steatosis,non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),hepatic fibrosis,cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma.With the increasing prevalence of obesity and hyperlipidemia,NAFLD has become the main cause of chronic liver disease worldwide.As a result,the pathogenesis of this disease is drawing increasing attention.Ductular reaction(DR)is a reactive bile duct hyperplasia caused by liver injury that involves hepatocytes,cholangiocytes,and hepatic progenitor cells.Recently,DR is shown to play a pivotal role in simple steatosis progression to NASH or liver fibrosis,providing new research and treatment options.This study reviews several DR signaling pathways,including Notch,Hippo/YAP-TAZ,Wnt/β-catenin,Hedgehog,HGF/c-Met,and TWEAK/Fn14,and their role in the occurrence and development of NASH.
基金Supported by Key Project of Tianjin Science and Technology Committee,No.05YFSZSF02500Foundation of Tianjin,No.08JCYBJC08300Key Research Project of Tianjin Healthy Bureau,No.11KG112
文摘AIM: To investigate if loss of epithelial cell adhesion molecule(EpCAM) is associated with microinvasion in hepatocellular carcinomas(HCCs) in the presence of chronic hepatitis B.METHODS: The expression of EpCAM, cytokeratin 7(CK7)and CK19 in 112 hepatic nodules was studied, including 20 HCCs with nodules ≤ 3 cm, 26 HCCs with nodules > 3 cm, 20 high-grade dysplastic nodules, 26 cirrhotic, large regenerative nodules and 20 cases of cirrhosis.RESULTS: Membranes of ductular reaction(DR) hepatobiliary cells, interlobular bile duct and some hepatic cells were positive for EpCAM expression. Active expression of DR/EpCAM was observed in the majority of noninvasive nodules(50/66, 75.76%); however, expression was absent in the major area of invasion in HCCs(42/46, 91.30%). DR/EpCAM loss in HCCs ≤ 3 cm was higher than in high-grade dysplastic nodules(HGDNs)(P < 0.05), cirrhotic, large regenerative nodules and cirrhosis(P < 0.01). Furthermore, patients(20 HCCs ≤ 3 cm, 26 HCCs > 3 cm, 20 HGDNs) with DR/EpCAM expression had a higher overall survival rate(P < 0.01) and lower early recurrence rate(P < 0.01). DR/EpCAM expression showed a close relationship with DR/CK7 and DR/CK19 expression(P < 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve of DR/EpCAM was similar to that of DR/CK7 and DR/CK19(P > 0.05). The diagnostic specificity and diagnostic accuracy were both increased when DR/EpCAM, DR/CK7 and DR/CK19 were combined(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: DR/EpCAM loss may be a useful marker for determining microinvasion in HCCs ≤ 3 cm, but also for predicting prognosis.
基金funded by the Prometheus USA(www.prometheususa.org)and Vietnam National Foundation for Science&Technology Development(NAFOSTED)under grant number 108.05e2017.30.
文摘Background:Biliary atresia is a rare congenital bile duct disease that is the leading cause of liver fibrosis in neonates.Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(GCSF)is a potential therapy for hepatocellular diseases,but data on GCSF for cholestatic conditions remain limited.Materials and methods:The current study examines the role of GCSF in improving bile duct obstruction in mice.Two doses were administered:10.0 mg/kg/day and 61.5 mg/kg/day,which is the animal equivalent dose of 5.0 mg/kg in humans.Seven days(D7)after bile duct ligation(BDL),Swiss mice were treated with phosphate buffered saline or GCSF for 5 days.The intrahepatic adaptive response of BDL mice was evaluated on postsurgical days D12,D19,and D26.Results:Treatment with 61.5 mg/kg of GCSF resulted in a significant increase in circulating leukocytes and neutrophils on D12.Amelioration of liver injury,as shown by reduced aspartate aminotransferase levels,increased albumin levels and survival rate,as well as reduced intrahepatic inflammation and hepatic myeloperoxidase expression,downregulated ductular proliferation,periportal fibroblast activation,and fibrosis,enhanced expressions of hepatocyte growth factor,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptoralpha,and ki67,and suppressed expression of cleaved caspase-3 protein,was noted after treatment with 61.5 mg/kg of GCSF.Additionally,GCSF treatment was associated with an increased number of intrahepatic cd3-Sca1tc-Kitt bone marrow cells.
文摘Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that is observed more frequently in middle-aged women.This disorder is considered an autoimmune disease,since liver injury is sustained by the presence of selfdirected antimitochondrial antibodies targeting the bile duct cells.The prognosis may vary depending on an early diagnosis and response to therapy.However,nearly a third of patients can progress to liver cirrhosis,thus requiring a liver transplant.Traditional immunosuppressive therapies,commonly employed for other autoimmune diseases,have limited effects on PBC.In fact,dramatic functional changes that occur in the biliary epithelium in the course of inflammation play a major role in perpetuating the injury.In this minireview,after a background on the disease and possible predisposing factors,the sequential cooperation of cellular/molecular events leading to end-stage PBC is discussed in detail.The rise and maintenance of the autoimmune process,as well as the response of the biliary epithelia during inflammatory injury,are key factors in the progression of the disease.The so-called“ductular reaction(DR)”,intended as a reactive expansion of cells with biliary phenotype,is a process frequently observed in PBC and partially understood.However,recent findings suggest a strict relationship between this pathological picture and the progression to liver fibrosis,cell senescence,and loss of biliary ducts.All these issues(onset of chronic inflammation,changes in secretive and proliferative biliary functions,DR,and its relationship with other pathological events)are discussed in this manuscript in an attempt to provide a snapshot,for clinicians and researchers,of the most relevant and sequential contributors to the progression of this human cholestatic disease.We believe that interpreting this disorder as a multistep process may help identify possible therapeutic targets to prevent evolution to severe disease.
基金Supported by the Italian MIUR Grant, No. MM_06315722,by the University of Florenceby the Italian Liver Foundation. Eva Efsen was Supported in Part by the Tode Travel Grant, the Direktφr Madsen's GrantFhv. Direktφr Nielsen's Grant (Denmark)
文摘AIM: To investigate the effects of troglitazone (TGZ), an anti-diabetic drug which activates peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), for liver tissue repair, and the development of ductular reaction, following common bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats.METHODS: Rats were supplemented with TGZ (0.2% w/w in the pelleted food) for 1 wk before BDL or sham operation.Animals were killed at 1, 2, or 4 wk after surgery.RESULTS: The development of liver fibrosis was reduced in rats receiving TGZ, as indicated by significant decreases of procollagen type Ⅰ gene expression and liver hydroxyproline levels. Accumulation of α-smooth-muscle actin (SMA)-expressing cells surrounding newly formed bile ducts following BDL, as well as total hepatic levels of SMA were partially inhibited by TGZ treatment, indicating the presence of a reduced number and/or activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and myofibroblasts. Development of the ductular reaction was inhibited by TGZ, as indicated by histochemical evaluation and hepatic activity of γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT).CONCLUSION: Treatment with thiazolidinedione reduces ductular proliferation and fibrosis in a model of chronic cholestasis, and suggests that limiting cholangiocyte proliferation may contribute to the lower development of scarring in this system.
基金Supported by JSp S Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(C)No.16K09385 to Torimura T
文摘AIM To elucidate the role of STAT3 in hepatocarcinogenesis and biliary ductular proliferation following chronic liver injury. METHODS We investigated thioacetamide(TAA)-induced liver injury, compensatory hepatocyte proliferation, and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) development in hepatic STAT3-deficient mice. In addition, we evaluated TAAinduced biliary ductular proliferation and analyzed the activation of sex determining region Y-box9(SOX9) and Yes-associated protein(YAP), which regulate the transdifferentiation of hepatocytes to cholangiocytes.RESULTS Both compensatory hepatocyte proliferation and HCC formation were significantly decreased in hepatic STAT3-deficient mice as compared with control mice. STAT3 deficiency resulted in augmentation of hepatic necrosis and fibrosis. On the other hand, biliary ductular proliferation increased in hepatic STAT3-deficient livers as compared with control livers. SOX9 and YAP were upregulated in hepatic STAT3-deficient hepatocytes.CONCLUSION STAT3 may regulate hepatocyte proliferation as well as transdifferentiation into cholangiocytes and serve as a therapeutic target for HCC inhibition and biliary regeneration.
基金supported by the Beijing Municipal Science&Technology Commission(No.7212174)the National High-Level Talents Special Support Program to XL+1 种基金National Key Research and Development Program on Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.2022YFC3502100)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82004045 and No.82274186).
文摘Objective:Hepatic fibrosis has been widely considered as a conjoint consequence of almost all chronic liver diseases.Chuanxiong Rhizoma(Chuanxiong in Chinese,CX)is a traditional Chinese herbal product to prevent cerebrovascular,gynecologic and hepatic diseases.Our previous study found that CX extracts significantly reduced collagen contraction force of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs).Here,this study aimed to compare the protection of different CX extracts on bile duct ligation(BDL)-induced liver fibrosis and investigate plausible underlying mechanisms.Methods:The active compounds of CX extracts were identified by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).Network pharmacology was used to determine potential targets of CX against hepatic fibrosis.Bile duct hyperplasia and liver fibrosis were evaluated by serologic testing and histopathological evaluation.The expression of targets of interest was determined by quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)and Western blot.Results:Different CX extracts were identified by tetramethylpyrazine,ferulic acid and senkyunolide A.Based on the network pharmacological analysis,42 overlap targets were obtained via merging the candidates targets of CX and liver fibrosis.Different aqueous,alkaloid and phthalide extracts of CX(CX_(AE),CX_(AL) and CXP_(HL))significantly inhibited diffuse severe bile duct hyperplasia and thus suppressed hepatic fibrosis by decreasing CCCTC binding factor(CTCF)-c-MYC-long non-coding RNA H19(H19)pathway in the BDL-induced mouse model.Meanwhile,CX extracts,especially CX_(AL) and CX_(PHL) also suppressed CTCF-c-MYC-H19 pathway and inhibited ductular reaction in cholangiocytes stimulated with taurocholate acid(TCA),lithocholic acid(LCA)and transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β),as illustrated by decreased bile duct proliferation markers.Conclusion:Our data supported that different CX extracts,especially CX_(AL) and CX_(PHL) significantly alleviated hepatic fibrosis and bile duct hyperplasia via inhibiting CTCF-c-MYC-H19 pathway,providing novel insights into the anti-fibrotic mechanism of CX.
基金the Beijing Municipal Science&Technology Commission(No.7212174)the National High-Level Talents Special Support Program to XL,the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82274186 and 82004045)+1 种基金National Key Research and Development Program on Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.2022YFC-3502100)Innovation Team and Talents Cultivation Program of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.ZYYCXTD-C-202006).
文摘Chuanxiong Rhizoma(CX,the dried rhizome of Ligusticum wallichii Franch.),a well-known traditional Chinese medicine,is clinically used for treating cardiovascular,cerebrovascular and hepatobiliary diseases.Cholestatic liver damage is one of the chronic liver diseases with limited effective therapeutic strategies.Currently,little is known about the mechanism links between CX-induced anti-cholestatic action and intercellular communication between cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells(HSCs).The study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of different CX extracts including the aqueous,alkaloid,phenolic acid and phthalide extracts of CX(CX_(AE),CX_(AL),CX_(PA)and CX_(PHL))and investigate the intercellular communication-related mechanisms by which the most effective extracts work on cholestatic liver injury.The active compounds of different CX extracts were identified by UPLC-MS/MS.A cholestatic liver injury mouse model induced by bile duct ligation(BDL),and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)-treated human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cholangiocytes(HIBECs)and HSC cell line(LX-2 cells)were used for in vivo and in vitro studies.Histological and other biological techniques were also applied.The results indicated that CX_(AE),CX_(AL)and CX_(PHL)significantly reduced ductular reaction(DR)and improved liver fibrosis in the BDL mice.Meanwhile,both CX_(AE)and CX_(PHL)suppressed DR in injured HIBECs and reduced collagen contraction force and the expression of fibrosis biomarkers in LX-2 cells treated with TGF-β.CX_(PHL)suppressed the transcription and transfer of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1)and fibronectin(FN)from the‘DR-like’cholangiocytes to activated HSCs.Mechanistically,the inhibition of PAI-1 and FN by CX_(PHL)was attributed to the untight combination of the acetyltransferase KAT2A and SMAD3,followdd by the suppression of histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation(H3K9ac)-mediated transcription in cholangiocytes.In conclusion,CX_(PHL)exerts stronger anti-cholestatic activity in vivo and in vitro than other CX extracts,and its protective effect on the intracellular communication between cholangiocytes and HSCs is achieved by reducing KAT2A/H3K9ac-mediated transcription and release of PAI-1 and FN.
