Expression levels of K_(ATP)channel subunits and morphological changes in the mouse liver after exposure to radiation

BACKGROUND ATP sensitive K+(K_(ATP))channels are ubiquitously distributed in various of cells and tissues,including the liver.They play a role in the pathogenesis of myocardial and liver ischemia.AIM To evaluate the radiation-induced changes in the expression of K_(ATP)channel subunits in the mouse liver to understand the potential role of K_(ATP)channels in radiation injury.METHODS Adult C57BL/6 mice were randomly exposed toγ-rays at 0 Gy(control,n=2),0.2 Gy(n=6),1 Gy(n=6),or 5 Gy(n=6).The livers were removed 3 and 24 h after radiation exposure.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for morphological observation;immunohistochemical staining was applied to determine the expression of K_(ATP)channel subunits in the liver tissue.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the livers exposed to 0.2 Gyγ-ray showed an initial increase in the expression of Kir6.1 at 3 h,followed by recovery at 24 h after exposure.Exposure to a high dose of 5.0 Gy resulted in decreased expression of Kir6.1 and increased expression of SUR2B at 24 h.However,the expression of Kir6.2,SUR1,or SUR2A had no remarkable changes at 3 and 24 h after exposure to any of these doses.CONCLUSION The expression levels of Kir6.1 and SUR2B in mouse liver changed differently in response to different radiation doses,suggesting a potential role for them in radiation-induced liver injury.

Effects of elafibranor on liver fibrosis and gut barrier function in a mouse model of alcohol-associated liver disease

BACKGROUND Alcohol-associated liver disease(ALD)is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality,but there are no therapeutic targets and modalities to prevent ALD-related liver fibrosis.Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor(PPAR)α and δ play a key role in lipid metabolism and intestinal barrier homeostasis,which are major contributors to the pathological progression of ALD.Meanwhile,elafibranor(EFN),which is a dual PPARαand PPARδagonist,has reached a phase III clinical trial for the treatment of metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease and primary biliary cholangitis.However,the benefits of EFN for ALD treatment is unknown.AIM To evaluate the inhibitory effects of EFN on liver fibrosis and gut-intestinal barrier dysfunction in an ALD mouse model.METHODS ALD-related liver fibrosis was induced in female C57BL/6J mice by feeding a 2.5% ethanol(EtOH)-containing Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet and intraperitoneally injecting carbon tetrachloride thrice weekly(1 mL/kg)for 8 weeks.EFN(3 and 10 mg/kg/day)was orally administered during the experimental period.Histological and molecular analyses were performed to assess the effect of EFN on steatohepatitis,fibrosis,and intestinal barrier integrity.The EFN effects on HepG2 lipotoxicity and Caco-2 barrier function were evaluated by cell-based assays.RESULTS The hepatic steatosis,apoptosis,and fibrosis in the ALD mice model were significantly attenuated by EFN treatment.EFN promoted lipolysis and β-oxidation and enhanced autophagic and antioxidant capacities in EtOH-stimulated HepG2 cells,primarily through PPARαactivation.Moreover,EFN inhibited the Kupffer cell-mediated inflammatory response,with blunted hepatic exposure to lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and toll like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling.EFN improved intestinal hyperpermeability by restoring tight junction proteins and autophagy and by inhibiting apoptosis and proinflammatory responses.The protective effect on intestinal barrier function in the EtOH-stimulated Caco-2 cells was predominantly mediated by PPARδ activation.CONCLUSION EFN reduced ALD-related fibrosis by inhibiting lipid accumulation and apoptosis,enhancing hepatocyte autophagic and antioxidant capacities,and suppressing LPS/TLR4/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses by restoring intestinal barrier function.

Effect of Shuanghuanglian Oral Solution on Liver Function in a Mouse Model of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

[Objectives]To observe the effect of Shuanghuanglian oral solution on liver function in BABL/cJ mice in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)model.[Methods]The BABL/cJ mice were randomly divided into three groups:a control group,a model group,and an experimental group.The experimental group was administered with 10%Shuanghuanglian oral solution at a dose of 0.1 mL/(10 g·d),while the control group and experimental group received an equivalent dosage of normal saline.All three groups were treated for a period of 28 d.The liver function of the mice in each group was examined after the treatment.[Results]The body mass,liver index,triacylglycerol(TG),total cholesterol(TC),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels were all significantly reduced compared to the model group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Shuanghuanglian oral solution has a beneficial effect on liver function in BABL/cJ mice.

Human liver chimeric mouse model based on diphtheria toxin-induced liver injury

AIM To establish an inducible liver injury mouse model and transplant human hepatocytes to obtain liverhumanized mice.METHODS We crossed three mouse strains,including albumin(Alb)-cre transgenic mice,inducible diphtheria toxin receptor(DTR) transgenic mice and severe combined immune deficient(SCID)-beige mice,to create Alb-cre/DTR/SCID-beige(ADSB) mice,which coincidentally harbor Alb-cre and DTR transgenes and are immunodeficient. As the Cre expression is driven by the liver-specific promoter Alb(encoding ALB),the DTR stop signal flanked by two lox P sites can be deleted in the ADSB mice,resulting in DTR expression in the liver. ADSB mice aged 8-10 wk were injected intraperitoneally(i.p.) with diphtheria toxin(DT) and liver damage was assessed by serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT) level. Two days later,mouse livers were sampled for histological analysis,and human hepatocytes were transplanted into the livers on the same day. A human ALB enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed 7,14,21 and 28 d after transplantation. Human CD68 immunohistochemistry was performed 30 and 90 d after transplantation.RESULTS We crossed Alb-cre with DTR and SCID-beige mice to obtain ADSB mice. These mice were found to have liver damage 4 d after i.p. injection of 2.5 ng/g bodyweight DT. Bodyweight began to decrease on day 2,increased on day 7,and was lowest on day 4(range,10.5%-13.4%). Serum ALT activity began to increase on day 2 and reached a peak value of 289.7 ± 16.2 IU/m L on day 4,then returned to background values on day 7. After transplantation of human liver cells,peripheral blood human ALB level was 1580 ± 454.8 ng/m L(range,750.2-3064.9 ng/m L) after 28 d and Kupffer cells were present in the liver at 30 d in ADSB mice.CONCLUSION Human hepatocytes were successfully repopulated in the livers of ADSB mice. The inducible mouse model of humanized liver in ADSB mice may have functional applications,such as hepatocyte transplantation,hepatic regeneration and drug metabolism.

Interferon-γpriming enhances the therapeutic effects of menstrual blood-derived stromal cells in a mouse liver ischemia-reperfusion model

BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have been used in liver transplantation and have certain effects in alleviating liver ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI)and regulating immune rejection.However,some studies have indicated that the effects of MSCs are not very significant.Therefore,approaches that enable MSCs to exert significant and stable therapeutic effects are worth further study.AIM To enhance the therapeutic potential of human menstrual blood-derived stromal cells(MenSCs)in the mouse liver ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)model via interferon-γ(IFN-γ)priming.METHODS Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry to evaluate the safety of IFN-γpriming,and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase(IDO)levels were measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,and ELISA to evaluate the efficacy of IFN-γpriming.In vivo,the liver I/R model was established in male C57/BL mice,hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining was performed and serum liver enzyme levels were measured to assess the degree of liver injury,and regulatory T cell(Treg)numbers in spleens were determined by flow cytometry to assess immune tolerance potential.Metabolomics analysis was conducted to elucidate the potential mechanism underlying the regulatory effects of primed MenSCs.In vitro,we established a hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)model and analyzed apoptosis by flow cytometry to investigate the mechanism through which primed MenSCs inhibit apoptosis.Transmission electron microscopy,western blotting,and immunofluorescence were used to analyze autophagy levels.RESULTS IFN-γ-primed MenSCs secreted higher levels of IDO,attenuated liver injury,and increased Treg numbers in the mouse spleens to greater degrees than untreated MenSCs.Metabolomics and autophagy analyses proved that primed MenSCs more strongly induced autophagy in the mouse livers.In the H/R model,autophagy inhibitors increased the level of H/R-induced apoptosis,indicating that autophagy exerted protective effects.In addition,primed MenSCs decreased the level of H/R-induced apoptosis via IDO and autophagy.Further rescue experiments proved that IDO enhanced the protective autophagy by inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway and activating the AMPK pathway.CONCLUSION IFN-γ-primed MenSCs exerted better therapeutic effects in the liver I/R model by secreting higher IDO levels.MenSCs and IDO activated the AMPK-mTOR-autophagy axis to reduce IRI,and IDO increased Treg numbers in the spleen and enhanced the MenSC-mediated induction of immune tolerance.Our study suggests that IFN-γ-primed MenSCs may be a novel and superior MSC product for liver transplantation in the future.

Effects of thrombopoietin pre-treatment on peri-liver transplantation thrombocytopenia in a mouse model of cirrhosis with hypersplenism

BACKGROUND During cirrhosis,the liver is impaired and unable to synthesize and clear thrombopoietin properly.At the same time,the spleen assumes the function of hemofiltration and storage due to liver dysfunction,resulting in hypersplenism and excessive removal of platelets in the spleen,further reducing platelet count.When liver function is decompensated in cirrhotic patients,the decrease of thrombopoietin(TPO)synthesis is the main reason for the decrease of new platelet production.This change of TPO leads to thrombocytopenia and bleeding tendency in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy of recombinant human TPO(rhTPO)in the treatment of perioperative thrombocytopenia during liver transplantation in cirrhotic mice with hypersplenism.METHODS C57BL/6J mice and TPO receptor-deficient mice were used to establish models of cirrhosis with hypersplenism.Subsequently,these mice underwent orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT).The mice in the experimental group were given rhTPO treatment for 3 consecutive days before surgery and 5 consecutive days after surgery,while the mice in the control group received the same dose of saline at the same frequency.Differences in liver function and platelet counts were determined between the experimental and control groups.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess the expression of TPO and TPO receptor(c-Mpl)in the blood.RESULTS Preoperative administration of rhTPO significantly improved peri-OLT thrombocytopenia in mice with cirrhosis and hypersplenism.Blocking the expression of TPO receptors exacerbated peri-OLT thrombocytopenia.The concentration of TPO decreased while the concentration of c-Mpl increased in compensation in the mouse model of cirrhosis with hypersplenism.TPO pre-treatment significantly increased the postoperative TPO concentration in mice,which in turn led to a decrease in the c-Mpl concentration.TPO pre-treatment also significantly enhanced the Janus kinase(Jak)/signal transducers and activators of transcription pathway protein expressions in bone marrow stem cells of the C57BL/6J mice.Moreover,the administration of TPO,both before and after surgery,regulated the levels of biochemical indicators,such as alanine aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase,and aspartate aminotransferase in the C57BL/6J mice.CONCLUSION Pre-treatment with TPO not only exhibited therapeutic effects on perioperative thrombocytopenia in the mice with cirrhosis and hypersplenism,who underwent liver transplantation but also significantly enhanced the perioperative liver function.

SOCS3 Expression Correlates with Severity of Inflammation in Mouse Hepatitis Virus Strain 3-induced Acute Liver Failure and HBV-ACLF

Summary： Recently, suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 （SOCS3） has been shown to be an inducible endogenous negative regulator of Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription （JAK/STAT） pathway which is relevant in inflammatory response, while its functions in acute liver failure and HBV-induced acute-on-chronic liver failure （HBV-ACLF） have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we explored the role of SOCS3 in the development of mouse hepatitis virus strain 3 （MHV-3）-induced acute liver failure and its expression in liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） of patients with HBV-ACLF. Inflammation-related gene expression was detected by real-time PCR, immtmohistochemistry and Western blotting. The correlation between SOCS3 level and liver injury was studied. Our results showed that the SOCS3 expression was significantly elevated in both the liver tissue and PBMCs from patients with HBV-ACLF compared to mild chronic hepatitis B （CHB）. Moreover, a time course study showed that SOCS3 level was increased remarkably in the liver of BALB/cJ mice at 72 h post-infection. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin （IL）-1 β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α, were also increased significantly at 72 h post-infection. There was a close correlation between hepatic SOCS3 level and IL-6, and the severity of liver injury defined by alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） levels, respectively. These data suggested that SOCS3 may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of MHV-3-induced acute liver failure and HBV-ACLF.

Determination of trans-resveratrol in mouse liver by high performance liquid chromatography

To develop a sensitive high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） assay for the determination of trans-resveratrol in mouse liver. The whole liver of a mouse was removed from the body, homogenated, and extracted by ethyl acetate. The organic layer was isolated and evaporated to dryness, the residue was reconstituted in 0.2 mL mobile phase for centrifugation, and 50 uL of the supernatant was injected into the/-IPLC instrument. The sample was separated on a Shimadzu ODS column （150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 um） at 35 ℃ and detected by ultraviolet （UV） detector at the wavelength of 305 nm. The mobile phase consisted of methanol and 0.1 mol/L acetic acid （4：6, v/v） with the flow-rote at 1 mL/min. The limit of detection was 3.0 ng/g in liver homogenate with a signal/noise ratio of 3：1. The linear range of the calibration curve was 5.0-120.0 ng/g. The mean recoveries at the concentrations of 6, 10 and 80 ng/g were 102%, 96.0% and 91.5%, respectively. The RSDs for inter- and intra-day assays were less than 5%. Compared with other reported methods, this method was faster and more sensitive. It was also proved to be of good linearity, selectivity, accuracy and precision, and can be efficiently applied to the pharmacoldnetic study of trans-resveratrol in mouse liver.

Mouse Models for the Study of Liver Fibrosis Regression In Vivo and Ex Vivo

This review discussed experimental mouse models used in the pre-clinical study of liver fibrosis regression,a pivotal process in preventing the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis to irreversible liver cirrhosis.These models provide a valuable resource for understanding the cellular and molecular processes underlying fibrosis regression in different contexts.The primary focus of this review is on the most commonly used models with diet-or hepatotoxin-induced fibrosis,but it also touches upon genetic models and mouse models with biliary atresia or parasiteinduced fibrosis.In addition to emphasizing in vivo models,we briefly summarized current in vitro approaches designed for studying fibrosis regression and provided an outlook on evolving methodologies that aim to refine and reduce the number of experimental animals needed for these studies.Together,these models contribute significantly to unraveling the underlying mechanisms of liver fibrosis regression and offer insights into potential therapeutic interventions.By presenting a comprehensive overview of these models and highlighting their respective advantages and limitations,this review serves as a roadmap for future research.

ZBTB20 is involved in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mouse

BACKGROUND: A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms in liver regeneration holds promise for exploring the new potential therapy for liver failure. The present study was to investigate the role of zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 20(ZBTB20), a potential factor associated with liver regeneration, in a model of 70% hepatectomy in mice. METHODS: Parameters for liver proliferation such as liver/body ratio and BrdU positivity were obtained via direct measurement and immunohistochemistry. The levels of zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2(ZHX2), ZBTB20, alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) and glypican 3(GPC3) transcripts in the regenerating liver tissue of a 70% hepatectomy rodent model were monitored by real-time PCR analysis at different time points. Knockdown of ZBTB20 was performed to characterize its regulatory function. RESULTS: A negatively regulating relationship between ZHX2, ZBTB20 and AFP, GPC3 was revealed from 24 to 72 hours after 70% hepatectomy. ZBTB20 appears to negatively regulate AFP and GPC3 transcription since the knockdown of ZBTB20 promoted the proliferation of hepatocytes and the expression of AFP and GPC3. CONCLUSION: In addition to AFP, GPC3 and ZHX2, ZBTB20 is a new regulator in liver regeneration and the decrease of ZBTB20 expression following 70% hepatectomy promotes AFP and GPC3 expression.

Mouse models in liver cancer research:A review of current literature

Primary liver cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. Due to differences in prevalence of etiological factors the incidence of primary liver can-cer varies among the world, with a peak in East-Asia. As this disease is still lethal in most of the cases, research has to be done to improve our understanding of the disease, offering insights for possible treatment options. For this purpose, animal models are widely used, especially mouse models. In this review, we describe the different types of mouse models used in liver cancer research, with emphasis on genetically engineered mice used in this field. We focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as this is by far the most common type of primary liver cancer, accounting for 70%-85% of cases.

Elafibranor:A promising treatment for alcoholic liver disease,metabolic-associated fatty liver disease,and cholestatic liver disease

Liver diseases pose a significant threat to human health.Although effective therapeutic agents exist for some liver diseases,there remains a critical need for advancements in research to address the gaps in treatment options and improve patient outcomes.This article reviews the assessment of Elafibranor's effects on liver fibrosis and intestinal barrier function in a mouse model of alcoholic liver disease(ALD),as reported by Koizumi et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.We summarize the impact and mechanisms of Elafibranor on ALD,metabolic-associated fatty liver disease,and cholestatic liver disease based on current research.We also explore its potential as a dual agonist of PPARα/δ,which is undergoing Phase III clinical trials for metabolic-associated steatohepatitis.Our goal is to stimulate further investigation into Elafibranor's use for preventing and treating these liver diseases and to provide insights for its clinical application.

Contribution of IL-17 to Mouse Hepatitis Virus Strain 3-induced Acute Liver Failure

Recently,the Th17 cells and IL-17 have been shown to play a critical role in the immune-mediated liver injury in hepatitis B,while their functions in acute liver failure have not been well elucidated yet.In this study,we primarily investigated the role of IL-17 in the development of mouse hepatitis virus strain 3(MHV-3)-induced acute liver failure.IL-17 mRNA levels in liver tissue were quantified by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,and cytokine IL-17 levels in liver tissue and serum were determined by using ELISA in MHV-3-induced murine fulminant hepatitis model.The IL-17 expression levels on CD4 + T and CD8 + T cells were determined by using flow cytometry.The correlation between IL-17 level and liver injury was studied.Th17 associated cytokines were also investigated by intracellular staining.Our results showed that the IL-17 expression was significantly elevated in the liver and serum of BALB/cJ mice infected with MHV-3.Moreover,a time course study showed that the percentage of both IL-17-producing CD4 + T cells and IL-17-producing CD8 + T cells was increased remarkably in the liver starting from 48 h and peaked at 72 h post-infection.There was a close correlation between hepatic or serum IL-17 concentration and the severity of liver injury defined by ALT level,respectively.Th17 associated cytokines,IL-6,IL-21 and IL-22,were also increased significantly at 72 h post-infection.It was concluded that IL-17 may contribute to the pathogenesis of MHV-3-induced acute liver failure.

Cloning and characterization of a mouse liver-specific gene mfrep-1,up-regulated in liver regeneration

Human fibrinogen-related protein-1/liver fibrinogen-related protein-1 (HFREP-l/LFIRE-1), a liver-specific protein, is a member of fibrinogen superfamily that exerts various biological activities. However, the function of HFREP-l/LFIRE-1 in liver remains unknown. Here we isolated its mouse ortholog gene-mouse fibrinogen-related protein-1 (mfrep-1), which encoded 314 amino acids, exhibiting 80.4% similarity to HFREP-l/LFIRE-1. Northern blot analysis revealed that 1.2-kb mfrep-1 mRNA was detected selectively in mouse liver. To explore the function of MFREP-1, we examined the levels of mfrep-1 mRNA during regeneration after 70% partial hepatectomy (PHx) in mice, mfrep-1 mRNA increased in the regenerating liver and reached the first shoulder peak at 2-4 h after PHx. Cycloheximide pretreatment could suppress the induction of mfrep-1, indicating the up-regulation of this gene need de novo protein synthesis. Its mRNA continued to elevate at 6 h thereafter and reached the second peak at 24 h. The enhanced expression of mfrep-1 maintained high until 72 h and then declined slowly to the basal level. Immunohistochemistry assessment confirmed the up-regulated expression of MFREP-1 protein in parenchymal cells during liver regeneration. These data suggested that MFREP-1 might play an important role in liver regeneration and be involved in the regulation of cell growth.

Obese diet-induced mouse models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-tracking disease by liver biopsy

AIM:To characterize development of diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)by performing live biopsy in wild-type and genetically obese mice.METHODS:Male wild-type C57BL/6J(C57)mice(DIO NASH)and male Lep ob/Lep ob(ob/ob)mice(ob/ob-NASH were maintained on a diet high in trans-fat(40%)fructose(22%)and cholesterol(2%)for 26 and 12 wk respectively.A normal chow diet served as control in C57 mice(lean chow)and ob/ob mice(ob/ob chow)After the diet-induction period,mice were liver biopsied and a blinded histological assessment of steatosis and fibrosis was conducted.Mice were then stratified into groups counterbalanced for steatosis score and fibrosi stage and continued on diet and to receive daily PO dosing of vehicle for 8 wk.Global gene expression in liver tissue was assessed by RNA sequencing and bioin formatics.Metabolic parameters,plasma liver enzyme and lipids(total cholesterol,triglycerides)as well a hepatic lipids and collagen content were measured b biochemical analysis.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score(NAS)(steatosis/inflammation/ballooningdegeneration)and fibrosis were scored.Steatosis and fibrosis were also quantified using percent fractional area.RESULTS:Diet-induction for 26 and 12 wk in DIONASH and ob/ob-NASH mice,respectively,elicited progressive metabolic perturbations characterized by increased adiposity,total cholesterol and elevated plasma liver enzymes.The diet also induced clear histological features of NASH including hepatosteatosis and fibrosis.Overall,the metabolic NASH phenotype was more pronounced in ob/ob-NASH vs DIO-NASH mice.During the eight week repeated vehicle dosing period,the metabolic phenotype was sustained in DIO-NASH and ob/ob-NASH mice in conjunction with hepatomegaly and increased hepatic lipids and collagen accumulation.Histopathological scoring demonstrated significantly increased NAS of DIO-NASH mice(0 vs4.7±0.4,P<0.001 compared to lean chow)and ob/ob-NASH mice(2.4±0.3 vs 6.3±0.2,P<0.001compared to ob/ob chow),respectively.Furthermore,fibrosis stage was significantly elevated for DIO-NASH mice(0 vs 1.2±0.2,P<0.05 compared to lean chow)and ob/ob NASH(0.1±0.1 vs 3.0±0.2,P<0.001compared to ob/ob chow).Notably,fibrosis stage was significantly(P<0.001)increased in ob/ob-NASH mice,when compared to DIO-NASH mice.CONCLUSION:These data introduce the obese dietinduced DIO-NASH and ob/ob-NASH mouse models with biopsy-confirmed individual disease staging as a preclinical platform for evaluation of novel NASH therapeutics.

The effects of tumor necrosis factor on cultured hepatocytes and non-parenchymal liver ceils in the mouse

The effects of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)on the cultured mouse hepa-tocytes and non-parenchymal liver cells were observed.It was found that therewere no significant changes of the morphological integrity and viability of thehepatocytes and the aspartate transferase level in the culture supernate after theaddition of TNF into the culture medium as compared with those of the normalcontrol,which indicates that TNF exerts no obvious cytotoxocity on the culturedmouse hepatocytes. In addition,there were also no significant changes of theabove mentioned parameters after TNF was added to the cocultures of hepato-cytes and non-parenchymal liver cells,which implies that the unactivated non-parenchymal liver cells are not involved in the TNF-related hepatocyte injury.

Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI of Mouse Liver: A Feasibility Study Using a Dual-Input Two-Compartment Tracer Kinetic Model

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) has been widely applied to evaluate microcirculatory parameters in clinical settings. However, pre-clinical studies involving DCE-MRI of small animals remain challenging with the requirement for high spatial and temporal resolution for quantitative tracer kinetic analysis. This study illustrates the feasibility of applying a high temporal resolution (2 s) protocol for liver imaging in mice by analyzing the DCE-MRI datasets of mice liver with a dual-input two-compartment tracer kinetic model. Phantom studies were performed to validate the T1 estimates derived by the proposed protocol before applying it in mice studies. The DCE-MRI datasets of mice liver were amendable to tracer kinetic analysis using a dual-input two-compartment model. Estimated micro-circulatory parameters were consistent with liver physiology, indicating viability of applying the technique for pre-clinical drug developments.

Details determining the success in establishing a mouse orthotopic liver transplantation model

Liver transplantation(LT)is currently the only effective treatment option for endstage liver disease.The importance of animal models in transplantation is widely recognized among researchers.Because of the well-characterized mouse genome and the greater diversity and availability of both genetically modified animals and research reagents,mouse orthotopic LT(MOLT)has become an ideal model for the investigation of liver biology,tissue injury,regulation of alloimmunity and tolerance induction,and the pathogenesis of specific liver diseases.However,due to its complicated and technically demanding procedure,the model has merely been used by only a few research groups in the world for years.For a new learner,training lasting at least a couple of months or even years is required.Most of the investigators have emphasized the importance of elaborate techniques and dedicated instruments in establishing a MOLT model,but some details are often neglected.The nontechnical details are also significant,especially for researchers who have little experience in mouse microsurgery.Here,we review and summarize the crucial technical and nontechnical details in establishing the model of MOLT based on scientific articles and our experience in six aspects:animal selection,anesthesia,perioperative management,organ procurement,back-table preparation,and implantation surgery.We aim to enable research groups to shorten the learning curve and implement the mouse LT procedure with high technical success.

Analysis of Proteotranscriptomics Landscape Reveals Differentially Regulated Pathways in Toxoplasma gondii Infected Mouse Liver

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) an intracellular protozoan parasite, infects mammals including human population world-wide. Upon primary infection, the parasite contributes to mild flu like symptoms in immune competent host, but life threatening complication is seen in immune compromised patients and in pregnant women. Understanding the host-parasite interaction is critical for understanding the pathogenesis and biology parasite reactivation in the host. In this study, we used proteotrasncriptomics analyses by integrating the transcriptomics and proteomics data of T. gondii infected mouse liver to uncover the effector molecules responsible for disease pathogenesis that can be used as candidate markers for diagnosis and drug target. With this aim, we systematically integrated transcriptomicand proteomic data, representing the parasite infected mouse liver. Out of 2758 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 301 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), 159 overlapping genes were identified. Among them, 86 genes were upregulated and 72 were downregulated in their respective mRNA and protein levels in the infected condition. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that the upregulated genes were mostly associated with immune system processes whereas the downregulated genes were involved in oxidation-reduction process and metabolism of lipid, and fatty acids. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis uncovered an interaction-hub including, Psmb8, Psmb9 and Tap1 for upregulated proteins and Cyp1A2, Cyp4A10 and Cyp3A11 for down-regulated proteins. Further studies are needed to validating these effector molecules. These molecules are likely to play a vital role in disease pathogenesis, as well as can be used as potential diagnostic marker and drug target candidates.

Screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease:Time to discard the emperor’s clothes of normal liver enzymes?

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)is the most prevalent chronic liver condition worldwide.Current liver enzyme-based screening methods have limitations that may missed diagnoses and treatment delays.Regarding Chen et al,the risk of developing MAFLD remains elevated even when alanine aminotransferase levels fall within the normal range.Therefore,there is an urgent need for advanced diagnostic techniques and updated algorithms to enhance the accuracy of MAFLD diagnosis and enable early intervention.This paper proposes two potential screening methods for identifying individuals who may be at risk of developing MAFLD:Lowering these thresholds and promoting the use of noninvasive liver fibrosis scores.