Nitric oxide synthase and heme oxygenase expressions in human liver cirrhosis

AIM： Portal hypertension is a common complication of liver cirrhosis. Intrahepatic pressure can be elevated in several ways. Abnormal architecture affecting the vasculature, an increase in vasoconstrictors and increased circulation from the splanchnic viscera into the portal system may all contribute. It follows that endogenous vasodilators may be able to alleviate the hypertension. We therefore aimed to investigate the levels of endogenous vasodilators, nitric oxide （NO） and carbon monoxide （CO） through the expression of nitric oxide synthase （NOS） and heme oxygenase （HO）. METHOD： Cirrhotic （n = 20） and non-cirrhotic （n = 20） livers were obtained from patients who had undergone surgery. The mRNA and protein expressions of the various isoforms of NOS and HO were examined using competitive PCR, Western Blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： There was no significant change in either inducible NOS （iNOS） or neuronal NOS （nNOS） expressions while endothelial NOS （eNOS） was up- regulated in cirrhotic livers. Concomitantly, caveolin-1, an established down-regulator of eNOS, was upregulated. Inducible HO-1 and constitutive HO-2 were found to show increased expression in cirrhotic livers albeit in different Iocalizations. CONCLUSION： The differences of NOS expression might be due to their differing roles in maintaining liver homeostasis and/or involvement in the pathology of cirrhosis. Sheer stress within the hypertensive liver may induce increased expression of eNOS. In turn, caveolin-1 is also increased. Whether this serves as a defense mechanism against further cirrhosis or is a consequence of cirrhosis, is yet unknown. The elevated expression of HO-1 and HO-2 suggest that CO may compensate in its role as a vasodilator albeit weakly. It is possible that CO and NO have parallel or coordinated functions within the liver and may work antagonistically in the pathophysiology of portal hypertension.

Temporal expression of hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase in liver cirrhosis

AIM: Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis. We have found inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) can be induced in hepatocytes of cirrhotic liver. This study further investigated the temporal expression and activity of hepatic iNOS in cirrhosis development. METHODS: Cirrhosis was induced in rats by chronic bile duet ligatjon (BDL). At different time points after the operation, samples were collected to examine NO concentration, liver function, and morphological changes. Hepatocytes were isolated for determination of iNOS mRNA, protein and enzymatic activity. RESULTS: Histological examination showed early cirrhosis 1-2 wk after BDL, with advanced cirrhosis at 3-4 wk. Bilirubin increased dramatically 3 d after BDL, but decreased by 47% on d 14. Three weeks after BDL, it elevated again. Systemic NO concentration did not increase significantly until 4 wk after BDL, when ascites developed. Hepatocyte iNOS mRNA expression was identified 3 d after BDL, and enhanced with time to 3 wk, but reduced thereafter. iNOS protein showed a similar pattern to mRNA expression. iNOS activity decreased from d 3 to d 7, but increased again thereafter till d 21. CONCLUSION: Hepatic iNOS can be induced in the early stage, which increases with time as cirrhosis develops. lts enzymatic activity is significantly correlated with protein expression and histological alterations of the liver, but not with systemic NO levels, nor with absolute values of liver function markers.

Analysis of the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in experimental liver cirrhosis suggests phosphodiesterase-5 as potential target to treat portal hypertension

AIM To investigate the potential effect of inhibitors of phosphodiesterase-5(PDE-5) for therapy of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis.METHODS In the rat model of thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis/cirrhosis the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate(NO-cGMP) pathway was investigated. Expression and localization of PDE-5, the enzyme that converts vasodilating cGMP into inactive 5'-GMP, was in the focus of the study. Hepatic gene expression of key components of the NO-cGMP pathway was determined by qRT-PCR: Endothelial NO synthase(eNOS), inducible NO synthase(iNOS), soluble guanylate cyclase subunits α1 and β1(sGCa1, sGCb1), and PDE-5. Hepatic PDE-5 protein expression and localization were detected by immunohistochemistry. Serum cGMP concentrations were measured using ELISA. Acute effects of the PDE-5 inhibitor Sildenafil(0.1 mg/kg or 1.0 mg/kg) on portal and systemic hemodynamics were investigated using pressure transducers.RESULTS Hepatic gene expression of eNOS(2.2-fold; P = 0.003), sGCa1(1.7-fold; P = 0.003), sGCb1(3.0-fold; P = 0.003), and PDE-5(11-fold; P = 0.003) was increased in cirrhotic livers compared to healthy livers. Overexpression of PDE-5(7.7-fold; P = 0.006) was less pronounced in fibrotic livers. iNOS expression was only detected in fibrotic and cirrhotic livers. In healthy liver, PDE-5 protein was localized primarily in zone 3 hepatocytes and to a lesser extent in perisinusoidal cells. This zonation was disturbed in cirrhosis: PDE-5 protein expression in perisinusoidal cells was induced approximately 8-fold. In addition, PDE-5-expressing cells were also found in fibrous septa. Serum cGMP concentrations were reduced in rats with cirrhotic livers by approximately 40%. Inhibition of PDE-5 by Sildenafil caused a significant increase in serum cGMP concentrations [+ 64% in healthy rats(P = 0.024), + 85% in cirrhotic rats(P = 0.018)]. Concomitantly, the portal venous pressure was reduced by 19% in rats with liver cirrhosis. CONCLUSION Overexpression and abrogated zonation of PDE-5 likely contribute to the pathogenesis of cirrhotic portal hypertension. PDE-5 inhibition may therefore be a reasonable therapeutic approach for portal hypertension.

Distribution of nitric oxide synthase positive neurons in the substantia nigra of rats with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND：Nitrogen monoxide plays an important role in the physiological activity and pathological process of striatum in substantia nigra, and the nitric oxide synthase in substantia nigra may have characteristic changes after liver cirrhosis.OBJECTIYE： To observe the distribution and forms of nitric oxide synthase （NOS） positive neurons and fibers in substantia nigra of rats with liver cirrhosis.DESIGN： A comparative observational experiment.SETTINGS： Beijing Friendship Hospital; Capital Medical University.MATERIALS： Twenty 4-month-old male Wistar rats （120 - 150 g） of clean grade, were maintained in a 12-hour light/dark cycle at a constant temperature with free access to standard diet and water. Cryostat microtome （LEICA, Germany）; All the reagents were purchased from Sigma Company.METHODS： The experiment was carried out in the Department of Anatomy （key laboratory of Beijing city）,Capital Medical University from July 2000 to March 2002. The rats were randomly divided into normal group （n=10） and liver fibrosis group （n=10）. Rats in the liver fibrosis group were subcutaneously injected with 60% CCl4 oil at a dose of 5 mL/kg for the first time, and 3 mL/kg for the next 14 times, twice a week,totally 15 times. Liver fibrosis of grades 5 - 6 was taken as successful models. Whereas rats in the normal group were not given any treatment. Four months after CCl4 treatment, all the rats were anesthetized to remove brain, and frontal frozen serial sections were prepared. The expressions of nitric oxide synthase positive neurons in substantia nigra of rats were observed under inverted microscope. The number and gray scale of cell body of nitric oxide synthase positive neurons in substantia nigra were detected with NADPH-diaphorase staining.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： ①Number and gray scale of cell body of nitric oxide synthase positive neurons in substantia nigra; ②Expressions of nitric oxide synthase positive neurons in substantia nigra.RESULTS： All the 20 rats were involved in the analysis of results. ①The nitric oxide synthase positive neurons in substantia nigra were obviously fewer in the liver cirrhosis group than in the normal group （P〈0.01）, and the gray scale of the positive cell body was higher in the liver cirrhosis group than in the normal group （P〈0.05）. ② Abundant nitric oxide synthase positive neurons were observed in substantia nigra of neurons in substantia nigra were obviously fewer in the liver cirrhosis group than in the normal group （P〈0.01）, and the gray scale of the positive cell body was higher in the liver cirrhosis group than in the normal normal rats, the cell body of nitric oxide synthase positive neurons was clear and transparent, with short own cloudy processes. In substantia nigra of rats with liver cirrhosis, the body of nitric oxide synthase positive neurons were observed shrink obviously, less fibrin than normal.CONCLUSION： Rats with liver cirrhosis may suffer from the physiological dysfunction of neurons due to lack of fibers. The nitric oxide synthase positive neurons in substantia nigra can shrink and reduce.

Salviae miltiorrhizae ameliorates cirrhosis and portal hypertension by inhibiting nitric oxide in cirrhotic rats

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of Salviae miltiorrhizae on cirrhosis and portal hyperiension by inhibiting nitric oxide synthase type Ⅱ (NOSⅡ) in rats. METHODS: Real time RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of NOSII mRNA. The enzymatic activity of nitric oxide synthase and the circulating levels of nitric oxide (NO), systemic and portal hemodynamics, and quantification of cirrhosis were measured with highly sensitive methods. Traditional Chinese medicine was utilized to treat cirrhotic rats and the function of NO was evaluated. Double-blind method was applied in the experiment constantly. RESULTS: The concentration of NO increased markedly at all stages of cirrhosis, and so did the enzymatic activity of NOS, antl the iNOSmRNA expressed greatly. Meanwhile the portal-venous-pressure (PVP), portal-venous-now (PVF) increased significantly. NO, Nos and iNOSmHNA were positively correlated to the quanlity of hepatic fihrosis. Salviae Miltiorrhizae significantly inhibited NO production and inhibited the expression of iNOSmRNA. CONCLUSIONS: The increased hepatic expression of NoSIⅡ is one of the important factors causing cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Salviae Miltiorrhizae significantly ameliorates cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Elevated nitric oxide and 3',5' cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis

AIM: To evaluate whether serum levels of nitric oxide (NO ·) and plasma levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and total glutathione (GSH) are altered in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and to examine their correlation with the severity of liver disease.METHODS: Twenty-six patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis were studied. Serum levels of NO · and plasma levels of cGMP and GSH were measured in 7 patients with compensated alcoholic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A) and 19 patients with advanced cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B and C). The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was evaluated. Sixteen healthy volunteers served as controls. Liver enzymes and creatinine levels were also tested.RESULTS: NO · and cGMP levels were higher in patients with Child-Pugh B and C cirrhosis than in Child-Pugh A cirrhosis or controls (NO ·: 21.70 ± 8.07 vs 11.70 ± 2.74; 21.70 ± 8.07 vs 7.26 ± 2.47 μmol/L, respectively; P < 0.001) and (cGMP: 20.12 ± 6.62 vs 10.14 ± 2.78; 20.12 ± 6.62 vs 4.95 ± 1.21 pmol/L, respectively; P < 0.001). Total glutathione levels were lower in patients with Child-Pugh B and C cirrhosis than in patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis or controls (16.04 ± 6.06 vs 23.01 ± 4.38 or 16.04 ± 6.06 vs 66.57 ± 26.23 μmol/L, respectively; P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between NO · and cGMP levels in all patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. A significant negative correlation between reduced glutathione/glutathione disulfide and the MELD score was found in all cirrhotic patients.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a role for oxidative stress in alcoholic liver cirrhosis, which is more significant in decompensated patients with higher levels of NO ·and cGMP and lower GSH levels than in compensated and control patients. Altered mediator levels in decompensated patients may influence the hemodynamic changes in and progression of liver disease.

Tetrandrine Ameliorates Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension by Inhibiting Nitric Oxide in Cirrhotic Rats

To examine the role and effect of nitric oxide synthase type Ⅱ(NOSⅡ) in cirrhotic rats, expression of NOSⅡ mRNA was detected by real time RT-PCR. The enzymatic activity of nitric oxide synthase and the circulating levels of NO, systemic and portal hemodynamics and quantification of cirrhosis were measured. Chinese traditional medicine was used to treat cirrhotic rats and the effect of NO was evaluated. Double-blind method was used in experiment. Our results showed the concentration of NO and the enzymatic activity of NOS increased markedly at all stages of cirrhosis and iNOSmRNA was strongly expressed. Meanwhile, the portal-venous-pressure (PVP) and portal-venous-flow (PVF) were significantly increased. NO, NOS and iNOSmRNA were positively correlated to the degree of hepatic fibrosis. Tetrandrine significantly inhibited NO production and the expression of iNOSmRNA. Our results suggested that increased hepatic expression of NOSⅡ is one of the important factors causing cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Tetrandrine can significantly ameliorate cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Current concepts on the role of nitric oxide in portal hypertension

Portal hypertension(PHT) is defined as a pathological increase in portal venous pressure and frequently accompanies cirrhosis.Portal pressure can be increased by a rise in portal blood flow,an increase in vascular resistance,or the combination.In cirrhosis,the primary factor leading to PHT is an increase in intra-hepatic resistance to blood flow.Although much of this increase is a mechanical consequence of architectural disturbances,there is a dynamic and reversible component that represents up to a third of the increased vascular resistance in cirrhosis.Many vasoactive substances contribute to the development of PHT.Among these,nitric oxide(NO) is the key mediator that paradoxically regulates the sinusoidal(intra-hepatic) and systemic/splanchnic circulations.NO deficiency in the liver leads to increased intra-hepatic resistance while increased NO in the circulation contributes to the hyperdynamic systemic/splanchnic circulation.NO mediated-angiogenesis also plays a role in splanchnic vasodilation and collateral circulation formation.NO donors reduce PHT in animals models but the key clinical challenge is the development of an NO donor or drug delivery system that selectively targets the liver.

New progress in roles of nitric oxide during hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury

Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a clinical condition which may lead to cellular injury and organ dysfunction. The role of nitric oxide (NO) in HIRI is complicated and inconclusive. NO produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation plays a protective role during early HIRI. But eNOS overexpression and the resulting excessive NO bioavailability can aggravate liver injury. NO induced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) may have either a protective or a deleterious effect during the early phase of HIRI, but it may protect the liver during late HIRI. Here, we reviewed the latest findings on the role of NO during HIRI: (1) NO exerts a protective effect against HIRI by increasing NO bioavailability, downregulating p53 gene expression, decreasing inflammatory chemokines, reducing ROS via inhibiting the mitochondrial respiratory chain, activating sGC-GTP-cGMP signal pathway to reduce liver cell apoptosis, and regulating hepatic immune functions; (2) eNOS protects against HIRI by increasing NO levels, several eNOS/NO signal pathways (such as Akt-eNOS/NO, AMPK-eNOS/NO and HIF-1 alpha-eNOS/NO) participating in the anti-HIRI process, and inhibiting over-expression of eNOS also protects against HIRI; and (3) the inhibition of iNOS prevents HIRI. Thus, the adverse effects of NO should be avoided, but its positive effect in the clinical treatment of diseases associated with HIRI should be recognized.

Increased intestinal macromolecular permeability and urine nitrite excretion associated with liver cirrhosis with ascites

AIM： To determine intestinal permeability, the serum tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α level and urine nitric oxide （NO） metabolites are altered in liver cirrhosis （LC） with or without ascites. METHODS： Fifty-three patients with LC and 26 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. The intestinal permeability value is expressed as the percentage of polyethylene glycol （PEG） 400 and 3350 retrieval in 8-h urine samples as determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Serum TNF-α concentrations and urine NO metabolites were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and Greiss reaction method, respectively. RESULTS： The intestinal permeability index wassignificantly higher in patients with LC with ascites than in healthy control subjects or patients with LC without ascites （0.88 ± 0.12 vs 0.52 ± 0.05 or 0.53 ± 0.03, P 〈 0.05） and correlated with urine nitrite excretion （r = 0.98）. Interestingly, the serum TNF-α concentration was significantly higher in LC without ascites than in control subjects or in LC with ascites （198.9 ± 55.8 pg/mL vs 40.9 ± 12.3 pg/mL or 32.1 ± 13.3 pg/mL, P 〈 0.05）. Urine nitrite excretion was significantly higher in LC with ascites than in the control subjects or in LC without ascites（ 1170.9± 28.7 μmol/L vs 903.1 ± 55.1 μmol/L or 956.7 ± 47.7 μmol/L, P 〈 0.05）. COMCLUSIOM： Increased intestinal macromolecular permeability and NO is probably of importance in the pathophysiology and progression of LC with ascites, but the serum TNF-α concentration was not related to LC with ascites.

Glycyrrhizinate reduces portal hypertension in isolated perfused rat livers with chronic hepatitis

AIM:To investigate the effects of diammonium glycyrrhizinate(Gly)on portal hypertension(PHT)in isolated portal perfused rat liver(IPPRL)with carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)-induced chronic hepatitis.METHODS:PHT model was replicated with CCl4 in rats for 84 d.Model was identified by measuring the ascetic amounts,hepatic function,portal pressure in vivo,splenic index,and pathological alterations.Inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)in liver was assessed by immunohistochemistry.IPPRLs were performed at d0,d28,d56,and d84.After phenylephrine-induced constriction,Gly was geometrically used to reduce PHT.Gly action was expressed as median effective concentration(EC50)and area under the curve(AUC).Underlying mechanism was exploited by linear correlation between AUC values of Gly and existed iNOS in portal triads.RESULTS:PHT model was confirmed with ascites,splenomegaly,serum biomarkers of hepatic injury,and elevated portal pressure.Pathological findings had shown normal hepatic structure at d0,degenerations at d28,fibrosis at d56,cirrhosis at d84in PHT rats.Pseudo lobule ratios decreased and collagen ratios increased progressively along with PHT development.Gly does dose-dependently reduce PHT in IPPRLs with CCl4-induced chronic hepatitis.Gly potencies were increased gradually along with PHT development,characterized with its EC50at 2.80×10-10,3.03×10-11,3.77×10-11and 4.65×10-11mol/L at d0,d28,d56and d84,respectively.Existed iNOS was located at hepatocyte at d0,stellate cells at d28,stellate cells and macrophages at d56,and macrophages in portal triads at d84.Macrophages infiltrated more into portal triads and expressed more iNOS along with PHT development.AUC values of Gly were positively correlated with existed iNOS levels in portal triads.CONCLUSION:Gly reduces indirectly PHT in IPPRL with CCl4-induced chronic hepatitis.The underlying mechanisms may relate to rescue NO bioavailability from macrophage-derived peroxynitrite in portal triads.

Effect of L-NAME on nitric oxide and gastrointestinal motility alterations in cirrhotic rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of L-NAME on nitric oxide and gastrointestinal motility alterations in cirrhotic rats. METHODS: Rats with cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride were randomly divided into two groups, one n =13 receiving 0.5mg.kg(-1) per day of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, for 10 days, whereas the other group (n =13) and control (n =10) rats were administrated the same volume of 9g.L(-1) saline. Half gastric emptying time and 2h residual rate were measured by SPECT, using (99m)Tc-DTPA-labeled barium sulfate as test meal. Gastrointestinal transition time was recorded simultaneously. Serum concentration of nitric oxide (NO) was determined by the kinetic cadmium reduction and colorimetric methods. Immunohistochemical SABC method was used to observe the expression and distribution of three types of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms in the rat gastrointestinal tract. Western blot was used to detect expression of gastrointestinal NOS isoforms. RESULTS: Half gastric emptying time and trans-gastrointestinal time were significantly prolonged(124.0 +/- 26.4 min; 33.7 +/- 8.9 min; 72.1 +/- 15.3 min; P【0.01), (12.4 +/- 0.5h; 9.5 +/- 0.3h; 8.2 +/- 0.8h; P【0.01), 2h residual rate was raised in cirrhotic rats than in controls and cirrhotic rats treated with L-NAME (54.9 +/- 7.6%,13.7 +/- 3.2%, 34.9 +/- 10.3%, P【0.01). Serum concentration of NO was significantly increased in cirrhotic rats than in the other groups (8.20 +/- 2.48) micromol.L(-1), (5.94 +/-1.07) micromol.L(-1) and control (5.66 +/- 1.60 micromol.L(-1), P【0.01. NOS staining intensities which were mainly located in the gastrointestinal tissues were markedly lower in cirrhotic rats than in the controls and cirrhotic rats after treated with L-NAME. CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal motility was remarkably inhibited in cirrhotic rats, which could be alleviated by L-NAME. Nitric oxide may play an important role in the inhibition of gastrointestinal motility in cirrhotic rats.

Study on the Correlation of Plasma NO, ET-1 and ALT in the Patients with Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis

The levels of plasma nitric oxide (NO), endothelin 1 (ET 1) and ALT in the patients with chronic hepatitis B and active cirrhosis and the correlation among them were observed and analyzed. NO 3 ˉ was restored by using cadmium column assay and NO 2 ˉ measured by heavy nitrogen assay. The primitive NO 3 ˉ and total restored NO 2 ˉ(NO 3 ˉ/ NO 2 ˉ) in plasma of the patients with chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Plasma ET 1 and ALT levels were determined by using radioimmunological assay and Lai's assay, respectively. Compared with normal control group, the plasma levels of NO 2 ˉ/NO 3 ˉ and ET 1 in the patients with chronic active hepatitis and active cirrhosis were significantly increased ( P <0.05-0.01). There was a positive correlation between NO and ALT, and ET 1 and ALT in the patients with chronic active hepatitis and active cirrhosis respectively. It was suggested that elevation of both NO and ET 1 levels were closely related with injury severity of liver function.

Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis Induced by HBV Infection and Combined with Mild Alcohol Intake

Objective To investigate the differences of clinical and biochemical characteristics between patients with liver cirrhosis induced by HBV infection combined with and without mild alcohol intake.Methods Data of patients with liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized in the First Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups: patients with liver cirrhosis induced by HBV infection and combined with mild alcohol intake, patients with HBV-related cirrhosis, and patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis. Biochemical detections including liver function, fasting lipid profiles, lipoprotein, kidney function, glucose, uric acid and regular blood tests were carried out and results were compared among three groups. Data were analyzed through STATA software and co-variant analysis. Results Total of 2 350 patients with liver cirrhosis were included, 732 patients had cirrhosis induced by HBV infection combined with mild alcohol intake, 1 316 patients had HBV-related liver cirrhosis, 302 patients had alcohol-related cirrhosis. The highest mean level of white cell count, mean corpuscular volume, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase and uric acid were observed in HBV infection combined with mild alcohol intake group. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that HBV infection, excessive alcohol intake, male and age were risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in patients with liver cirrhosis. Conclusions HBV infection combined with mild alcoholic-related liver cirrhosis group showed the highest oxidative stress compared with alcoholic liver cirrhosis group, which suggested that mild alcohol intake may increase the incidence of liver cirrhosis in HBV infected patients and may not increase the incidence of HCC.

EFFECTS OF HEMOGLOBIN ON SERUM NITRIC OXIDECONCENTRATION AND HEMODYNAMICS PATTERN CHANGES IN CIRRHOTIC RATS

Objective To investigate the effects of hemoglobin (Hb) on serum nitric oxide (ON) concentrationand hemodynamics pattern changes in rats with cirrhosis. Methods Cirrhosis model was induced in male SDrats by injection of 60% CCl4 oily solution subcutaneously. Cirrhotic rats were treated with erythropoietin(100U/kg) injected subcutaneously for 2 weeks. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index(CI), splanchnic vascular resistance (SVR), splanchnic blood flow (SBF) and serum NO concentration weredetermined in erythropoietin - treated, erythropoietin - untreated cirrhotic rats and controls by using 57Co - labelledmicrosphere technique and a fluorometric assay, respectively. In addition, blood Hb levels were also measured inthe 3 groups. Results Untreated cirrhotic rats had significantly lower MAP, SVR, Hb and higher Co, CI, SBFand NO concentration than those of the controls (P<0.01). In treated cirrhotic rats, erythropoietin significantlyattenuated the increase of CO, CI, SBF, NO concentration and the decrease of MAP and SVR. In cirrhotic rats,opoetin beta in subcutaneous dose of 100U·kg-1·d-1 induced a markedly increment of blood Hb levels anddecrement of NO concentration in comparison with untreated cirrhotic rats (181±11g/L vs 120±15g/L,1.14±0.62μmol/L vs 4.20±1.25μmol/L). Conclusion The endogenous NO may play an important role in thechanges of hemodynamics pattern in cirrhosis, and hyperdynamic circulatory status in rats with cirrhosis might beameliorated by inactivation of overproduced NO by increasing hemoglobin with erythropoietin.

灵芝提取物通过Nrf2/ARE通路对肝硬化小鼠肝功能的保护作用研究

[目的]探讨灵芝提取物(ganoderma lucidum extract,GLE)对肝硬化小鼠的肝保护作用及机制。[方法]将10只雄性C57BL/6小鼠作为对照组,剩余40只小鼠采用四氯化碳橄榄油混悬液诱导肝硬化模型,并随机分为模型组和GLE低(50 mg/kg·d)、中(100 mg/kg·d)、高(200 mg/kg·d)剂量组,对照组及模型组均灌胃等量0.9%氯化钠溶液。计算肝脏指数;以全自动生化分析仪检测小鼠血清中谷氨酸转氨酶(alanine aminotransferase,ALT)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(aspartate transaminase,AST)活性和总胆固醇(total cholesterol,TC)、总胆红素(total bilirubin,TB)和肌酐(creatinine,Cr)水平;以苏木精-伊红(hematoxylin eosin,HE)染色观察肝组织病理学变化,Masson染色观察肝组织纤维化程度;以脱氧核苷酸末端转移酶介导的dUTP缺口末端标记(terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling,TUNEL)染色观察肝细胞凋亡情况;酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)检测血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)、IL-6、丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)水平和超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(glutathione peroxidase,GSH-Px)活性;免疫印迹法检测肝组织中总核因子E2相关因子2(nuclear factor E2 related factor 2,Nrf2)和核Nrf2、血红素加氧酶-1(heme oxygenase-1,HO-1)及醌氧化还原酶1[NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1,NQO1]、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-smooth muscle actin,α-SMA)、Ⅰ型胶原蛋白(CollagenⅠ)及E-钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)的表达情况。[结果]与对照组比较,模型组小鼠肝损伤明显,肝脏指数,血清ALT、AST活性,TC、TB及Cr水平,肝纤维化程度,肝细胞凋亡指数,血清TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6及MDA水平,α-SMA及CollagenⅠ蛋白相对表达量升高(P<0.05),血清SOD和GSH-Px活性、肝组织总Nrf2和核Nrf2、HO-1、NQO1及E-cadherin蛋白表达降低(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,GLE低、中、高剂量组小鼠肝损伤逐步减轻,肝脏指数,血清ALT、AST活性,TC、TB及Cr水平,肝纤维化程度,肝细胞凋亡指数,血清TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6及MDA水平,α-SMA及CollagenⅠ蛋白表达降低(P<0.05),血清SOD和GSH-Px活性、肝组织总Nrf2和核Nrf2、HO-1、NQO1及E-cadherin蛋白表达升高(P<0.05)。[结论]GLE可减轻肝硬化小鼠组织病理损伤,改善肝功能,这可能与激活Nrf2/ARE通路,抑制氧化应激和炎症反应,进而干预肝纤维化有关。

Non-cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic viral hepatitis: Current insights and advancements

Primary liver cancers carry significant morbidity and mortality.Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)develops within the hepatic parenchyma and is the most common malignancy originating from the liver.Although 80%of HCCs develop within background cirrhosis,20%may arise in a non-cirrhotic milieu and are referred to non-cirrhotic-HCC(NCHCC).NCHCC is often diagnosed late due to lack of surveillance.In addition,the rising prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes mellitus have increased the risk of developing HCC on noncirrhotic patients.Viral infections such as chronic Hepatitis B and less often chronic hepatitis C with advance fibrosis are associated with NCHCC.NCHCC individuals may have Hepatitis B core antibodies and occult HBV infection,signifying the role of Hepatitis B infection in NCHCC.Given the effectiveness of current antiviral therapies,surgical techniques and locoregional treatment options,nowadays such patients have more options and potential for cure.However,these lesions need early identification with diagnostic models and multiple surveillance strategies to improve overall outcomes.Better understanding of the NCHCC risk factors,tumorigenesis,diagnostic tools and treatment options are critical to improving prognosis and overall outcomes on these patients.In this review,we aim to discuss NCHCC epidemiology,risk factors,and pathogenesis,and elaborate on NCHCC diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Pegylated interferon-alpha plus taurine in treatment of rat liver fibrosis

AIM: To investigate the antif ibrotic effects of peginterferon- alpha 2b and taurine on oxidative stress markers and hepatocellular apoptosis. METHODS: Sixty rats with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis were divided into 4 groups (n = 15). Group 1 was left for spontaneous recovery (SR). Groups 2-4 received peginterferon-alpha 2b, taurine, and their combination, respectively, for four weeks. Histological f ibrosis scores, histomorphometric analysis, tissue hydroxyproline, tissue MDA, GPx and SOD activities were determined. Activated stellate cells and hepatocellular apoptosis were also evaluated. RESULTS: The degree of f ibrosis decreased in all treatment groups compared to spontaneous recovery group. Taurine alone and in combination with peginterferon-alpha 2b reduced oxidative stress markers, but peginterferon-alpha 2b alone did not. Apoptotic hepatocytes and activated stellate cells were higher in groups 2-4 than in group 1. Combined taurine and peginterferon-alpha 2b further reduced fibrosis and increased activated stellate cell apoptosis, but could not improve oxidative stress more than taurine alone.CONCLUSION: Peginterferon-alpha 2b exerts anti- f ibrotic effects on rat liver fibrosis. It seems ineffective against oxidative stress in vivo. Peginterferon-alpha 2b in combination with taurine seems to be an antif ibrotic strategy.

Endothelial dysfunction in cirrhosis: Role of inflammation and oxidative stress

This review describes the recent developments in the pathobiology of endothelial dysfunction(ED) in the context of cirrhosis with portal hypertension and defines novel strategies and potential targets for therapy. ED has prognostic implications by predicting unfavourable early hepatic events and mortality in patients with portal hypertension and advanced liver diseases. EDcharacterised by an impaired bioactivity of nitric oxide(NO) within the hepatic circulation and is mainly due to decreased bioavailability of NO and accelerated degradation of NO with reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, elevated inflammatory markers also inhibit NO synthesis and causes ED in cirrhotic liver. Therefore, improvement of NO availability in the hepatic circulation can be beneficial for the improvement of endothelial dysfunction and associated portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. Furthermore, therapeutic agents that are identified in increasing NO bioavailability through improvement of hepatic endothelial nitric oxide synthase(e NOS) activity and reduction in hepatic asymmetric dimethylarginine, an endogenous modulator of e NOS and a key mediator of elevated intrahepatic vascular tone in cirrhosis would be interesting therapeutic approaches in patients with endothelial dysfunction and portal hypertension in advanced liver diseases.

慢性乙型肝炎、乙型肝炎肝硬化和原发性肝癌患者血清腺苷脱氨酶、α-L-岩藻糖苷酶和AFP-L3水平变化及其临床意义探讨

目的探讨慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)、乙型肝炎肝硬化(LC)和乙型肝炎相关性原发性肝癌(PLC)患者血清腺苷脱氨酶(ADA)、α-L-岩藻糖苷酶(AFU)和甲胎蛋白-L3(AFP-L3)水平变化及其临床意义。方法2020年1月~2022年4月我院诊治的CHB患者76例、LC患者31例和乙型肝炎相关性PLC患者29例,采用酶比色法检测血清ADA水平,采用速率法检测血清AFU水平,采用ELISA检测血清AFP-L3水平。对CHB患者常规行肝活检术。应用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)分析血清指标诊断PLC的效能。结果46例G2~G4的CHB患者血清ADA、AFU和AFP-L3水平分别为(29.6±5.1)μ/L、(34.7±5.0)μ/L和(6.9±1.2)%,显著高于30例G0/G1的CHB患者【分别为(25.4±3.9)μ/L、(29.5±5.2)μ/L和(5.8±0.8)%,P<0.05】,55例S2~S4的CHB患者血清ADA、AFU和AFP-L3水平分别为(43.8±10.1)μ/L、(66.5±18.8)μ/L和(8.3±1.3)%,显著高于21例S0/S1的CHB患者【分别为(28.1±6.0)μ/L、(33.0±8.4)μ/L和(6.4±1.1)%,P<0.05】;PLC患者血清ADA、AFU和AFP-L3水平分别为(51.3±5.2)μ/L、(82.0±9.5)μ/L和(9.2±1.3)%,显著高于LC患者【分别为(38.1±4.6)μ/L、(51.8±5.1)μ/L和(7.8±1.1)%,P<0.05】或CHB患者【分别为(26.5±4.6)μ/L、(30.9±5.6)μ/L和(6.1±0.8)%,P<0.05】;分别以血清AFP-L3=7.9%、AFU=55.1μ/L和ADA=46.0μ/L为截断点,AFP-L3诊断PLC的AUC为0.857,其灵敏度为86.2%,特异度为88.8%,显著优于AFU(分别为0.752、79.3%和77.6%)或ADA(分别为0.722、75.8%和76.6%,P<0.05)。结论应用血清AFP-L3水平诊断乙型肝炎患者罹患PLC的效能显著高于血清ADA或AFU水平,值得临床进一步验证。