Perilipin 5 regulates hepatic stellate cell activation and high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background:Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is one of the most common chronic liver diseases globally.Hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)are the major effector cells of liver fibrosis.HSCs contain abundant lipid droplets(LDs)in their cytoplasm during quiescence.Perilipin 5(PLIN 5)is a LD surface-associated protein that plays a crucial role in lipid homeostasis.However,little is known about the role of PLIN 5 in HSC activation.Methods:PLIN 5 was overexpressed in HSCs of Sprague–Dawley rats by lentivirus transfection.At the same time,PLIN 5 gene knockout mice were constructed and fed with a high-fat diet(HFD)for 20 weeks to study the role of PLIN 5 in NAFLD.The corresponding reagent kits were used to measure TG,GSH,Caspase 3 activity,ATP level,and mitochondrial DNA copy number.Metabolomic analysis of mice liver tissue metabolism was performed based on UPLC-MS/MS.AMPK,mitochondrial function,cell proliferation,and apoptosis-related genes and proteins were detected by western blotting and qPCR.Results:Overexpression of PLIN 5 in activated HSCs led to a decrease in ATP levels in mitochondria,inhibition of cell proliferation,and a significant increase in cell apoptosis through AMPK activation.In addition,compared with the HFD-fed C57BL/6J mice,PLIN 5 knockout mice fed with HFD showed reduced liver fat deposition,decreased LD abundance and size,and reduced liver fibrosis.Conclusion:These findings highlight the unique regulatory role of PLIN 5 in HSCs and the role of PLIN 5 in the fibrosis process of NAFLD.

Taurine attenuates activation of hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting autophagy and inducing ferroptosis

BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a compensatory response during the tissue repair process in chronic liver injury,and finally leads to liver cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma.The pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis is associated with the progressive accumulation of activated hepatic stellate cells(HSCs),which can transdiffer-entiate into myofibroblasts to produce an excess of the extracellular matrix(ECM).Myofibroblasts are the main source of the excessive ECM responsible for hepatic fibrosis.Therefore,activated hepatic stellate cells(aHSCs),the principal ECM producing cells in the injured liver,are a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.AIM To explore the effect of taurine on aHSC proliferation and the mechanisms involved.METHODS Human HSCs(LX-2)were randomly divided into five groups:Normal control group,platelet-derived growth factor-BB(PDGF-BB)(20 ng/mL)treated group,mmol/L,respectively)with PDGF-BB(20 ng/mL)treated group.Cell Counting Kit-8 method was performed to evaluate the effect of taurine on the viability of aHSCs.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to estimate the effect of taurine on the levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde,glutathione,and iron concen-tration.Transmission electron microscopy was applied to observe the effect of taurine on the autophagosomes and ferroptosis features in aHSCs.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the effect of taurine on the expression ofα-SMA,Collagen I,Fibronectin 1,LC3B,ATG5,Beclin 1,PTGS2,SLC7A11,and p62.RESULTS Taurine promoted the death of aHSCs and reduced the deposition of the ECM.Treatment with taurine could alleviate autophagy in HSCs to inhibit their activation,by decreasing autophagosome formation,downregulating LC3B and Beclin 1 protein expression,and upregulating p62 protein expression.Meanwhile,treatment with taurine triggered ferroptosis and ferritinophagy to eliminate aHSCs characterized by iron overload,lipid ROS accumu-lation,glutathione depletion,and lipid peroxidation.Furthermore,bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that taurine had a direct targeting effect on nuclear receptor coactivator 4,exhibiting the best average binding affinity of-20.99 kcal/mol.CONCLUSION Taurine exerts therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis via mechanisms that involve inhibition of autophagy and trigger of ferroptosis and ferritinophagy in HSCs to eliminate aHSCs.

KLF4 Inhibits the Activation of Human Hepatic Stellate Cell In Vitro

Objective Hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)play a crucial role in liver fibrosis.Early-stage liver fibrosis is reversible and intimately associated with the state of HSCs.Kruppel-like factor 4(KLF4)plays a pivotal role in a wide array of physiological and pathological processes.This study aimed to investigate the effect of KLF4 on the proliferation,apoptosis and phenotype of quiescent HSCs Methods We designed a KLF4 lentiviral vector and a KLF4 siRNA lentiviral vector,to upregulate and silence KLF4 expression in human HSC LX-2 cells via transfection.Cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 assay.Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate.Western blotting was used to determine the levels of some quiescence and activation markers of HSCs Results Overexpression of KLF4 significantly increased the levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1,which are quiescent HSC markers,while significantly decreased the levels of N-cadherin and a-SMA,known activated HSC markers.In contrast,cell proliferation and apoptosis rates were elevated in LX-2 cells in which KLF4 expression was silenced Conclusion KLF4 inhibits the proliferation and activation of human LX-2 HSCs.It might be a key regulatory protein in the maintenance of HSC quiescence and may serve as a target for the inhibition of hepatic fibrosis.

Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumors:The importance of preoperative diagnosis

Accurate preoperative diagnosis is highly important for the treatment of perivascular epithelioid cell tumors(PEComas)because PEComas are mainly benign tumors and may not require surgical intervention.By analyzing the causes,properties and clinical manifestations of PEComas,we summarize the challenges and solutions in the diagnosis of PEComas.

Splicing factor proline and glutamine-rich is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with clinical pathologic features and immune infiltrates in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.Splicing factor proline and glutamine-rich(SFPQ)is a multifunctional protein that controls various biological functions.As a potential therapeutic target and a promising prognostic indicator,the potential effects and processes of SFPQ in HCC require further investigation.Methods:The RNA sequencing data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus,International Cancer Genome Consortium,and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases to analyze SFPQ expression and differentially expressed genes(DEGs).We utilized the LinkedOmics database to identify co-expressed genes.A Venn diagram was constructed to determine the overlapping genes between the DEGs and the co-expressed genes.Functional enrichment analysis was performed on the overlapping genes and DEGs.Furthermore,our study involved functional enrichment analysis,a protein-protein interaction network analysis,and an analysis of immune cell infiltration.The cBioPortal and Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub were utilized to investigate the genetic alterations of SFPQ and the single-cell transcriptome visualization of the tumor microenvironment.A ceRNA network was established with the assistance of the ENCORI website.Finally,we elucidated the clinical significance of SFPQ in HCC by employing Kaplan-Meier survival analysis,univariate and multivariate Cox regression,and prognostic nomogram models.Results:The expression of SFPQ in HCC tissues was significantly elevated compared to normal tissues.GSEA results indicated that increased expression of SFPQ was associated with pathways related to HCC.The ceRNA network,including SFPQ,hsa-miR-101-3p,AC023043.4,AC124798.1,AC145207.5,and GSEC,was constructed with the assistance of ENCORI.High SFPQ expression was related to a poor prognosis in HCC and its subtypes.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that elevated SFPQ expression is an independent predictive factor.Conclusions:The overexpression of SFPQ may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker,indicating a poor prognosis in HCC.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 improves liver fibrosis in mice by regulating autophagy of hepatic stellate cells

BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is the common pathological process associated with the occurrence and development of various chronic liver diseases.At present,there is still a lack of effective prevention and treatment methods in clinical practice.Hepatic stellate cell(HSC)plays a key role in liver fibrogenesis.In recent years,the study of liver fibrosis targeting HSC autophagy has become a hot spot in this research field.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)is a key negative regulator of reninangiotensin system,and its specific molecular mechanism on autophagy and liver fibrosis needs to be further explored.AIM To investigate the effect of ACE2 on hepatic fibrosis in mice by regulating HSC autophagy through the Adenosine monophosphate activates protein kinases(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway.METHODS Overexpression of ACE2 in a mouse liver fibrosis model was induced by injection of liver-specific recombinant adeno-associated virus ACE2 vector(rAAV2/8-ACE2).The degree of liver fibrosis was assessed by histopathological staining and the biomarkers in mouse serum were measured by Luminex multifactor analysis.The number of apoptotic HSCs was assessed by terminal deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL)and immunofluorescence staining.Transmission electron microscopy was used to identify the changes in the number of HSC autophagosomes.The effect of ACE2 overexpression on Wu Y et al.ACE2 improves liver fibrosis through autophagy WJG https://www.wjgnet.com 4976 September 7,2023 Volume 29 Issue 33 autophagy-related proteins was evaluated by multicolor immunofluorescence staining.The expression of autophagy-related indicators and AMPK pathway-related proteins was measured by western blotting.RESULTS A mouse model of liver fibrosis was successfully established after 8 wk of intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride(CCl4).rAAV2/8-ACE2 administration reduced collagen deposition and alleviated the degree of liver fibrosis in mice.The serum levels of platelet-derived growth factor,angiopoietin-2,vascular endothelial growth factor and angiotensin II were decreased,while the levels of interleukin(IL)-10 and angiotensin-(1-7)were increased in the rAAV2/8-ACE2 group.In addition,the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin,fibronectin,and CD31 was down-regulated in the rAAV2/8-ACE2 group.TUNEL and immunofluorescence staining showed that rAAV2/8-ACE2 injection increased HSC apoptosis.Moreover,rAAV2/8-ACE2 injection notably decreased the number of autophagosomes and the expression of autophagy-related proteins(LC3I,LC3II,Beclin-1),and affected the expression of AMPK pathway-related proteins(AMPK,p-AMPK,p-mTOR).CONCLUSION ACE2 overexpression can inhibit HSC activation and promote cell apoptosis by regulating HSC autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR pathway,thereby alleviating liver fibrosis and hepatic sinusoidal remodeling.

Mechanism of annexin A1/N-formylpeptide receptor regulation of macrophage function to inhibit hepatic stellate cell activation through Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathological process of chronic liver diseases with various causes,which can progress to cirrhosis.AIM To evaluate the effect and mechanism of action annexin(Anx)A1 in liver fibrosis and how this could be targeted therapeutically.METHODS CCl4(20%)and active N-terminal peptide of AnxA1(Ac2-26)and N-formylpeptide receptor antagonist N-Boc-Phe-Leu-Phe-Leu-Phe(Boc2)were injected intraperitoneally to induce liver fibrosis in eight wild-type mice/Anxa1 knockout mice,and to detect expression of inflammatory factors,collagen deposition,and the role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in hepatic fibrosis.RESULTS Compared with the control group,AnxA1,transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1,interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-6 expression in the liver of mice with hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 was significantly increased,which promoted collagen deposition and expression ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),collagen type I and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF),and increased progressively with time.CCl4 induced an increase in TGF-β1,IL-1βand IL-6 in liver tissue of AnxA1 knockout mice,and the degree of liver inflammation and fibrosis and expression ofα-SMA,collagen I and CTGF were significantly increased compared with in wild-type mice.After treatment with Ac2-26,expression of liver inflammatory factors,degree of collagen deposition and expression of a-SMA,collagen I and CTGF were decreased compared with before treatment.Boc2 inhibited the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of Ac2-26.AnxA1 downregulated expression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis.In vitro,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)induced hepatocyte and hepatic stellate cell(HSC)expression of AnxA1.Ac2-26 inhibited LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell activation and HSC proliferation,decreased expression ofα-SMA,collagen I and CTGF in HSCs,and inhibited expression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway after HSC activation.These therapeutic effects were inhibited by Boc2.CONCLUSION AnxA1 inhibited liver fibrosis in mice,and its mechanism may be related to inhibition of HSC Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation by targeting formylpeptide receptors to regulate macrophage function.

Cryptotanshinone induces apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells via modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress

BACKGROUND Cryptotanshinone(CPT)has wide biological functions,including anti-oxidative,antifibrosis,and anti-inflammatory properties.However,the effect of CPT on hepatic fibrosis is unknown.AIM To investigate the effects of CPT treatment on hepatic fibrosis and its underlying mechanism of action.METHODS Hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and normal hepatocytes were treated with different concentrations of CPT and salubrinal.The CCK-8 assay was used to determine cell viability.Flow cytometry was used to measure apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and Western blot analyses were used to measure mRNA levels and protein expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)signaling pathway related molecules,respectively.Carbon tetrachloride(CCL4)was used to induce in vivo hepatic fibrosis in mice.Mice were treated with CPT and salubrinal,and blood and liver samples were collected for histopathological examination.RESULTS We found that CPT treatment significantly reduced fibrogenesis by modulating the synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix in vitro.CPT inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in cultured HSCs.Furthermore,we found that CPT promoted apoptosis of activated HSCs by upregulating expression of ERS markers(CHOP and GRP78)and activating ERS pathway molecules(PERK,IRE1α,and ATF4),which were inhibited by salubrinal.Inhibition of ERS by salubrinal partially eliminated the therapeutic effect of CPT in our CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse model.CONCLUSION CPT can promote apoptosis of HSCs and alleviate hepatic fibrosis through modulating the ERS pathway,which represents a promising strategy for treating hepatic fibrosis.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A protects against thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats via suppressing proinflammatory/fibrogenic mediators and promoting hepatic stellate cell senescence and apoptosis

Objective:To evaluate the effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA)on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis.Methods:Thioacetamide was administered to rats intraperitoneally in doses of 200 mg/kg twice a week for 12 weeks.Thioacetamide-intoxicated rats were given silymarin(50 mg/kg)or HSYA(5 mg/kg)orally every day for 8 weeks.Liver enzymes,fibrosis markers,histological changes as well as immunohistochemistry of TNF-α,IL-6,p21,α-SMA,and caspase-3 were examined.The effect of HSYA on HSC-T6 activation/proliferation and apoptosis was also determined in vitro.Results:HSYA decreased liver enzymes,TNF-α,IL-6,and p21 expressions,hepatic PDGF-B,TIMP-1,TGF-β1,and hydroxyproline levels,as well as fibrosis score(S2 vs.S4)compared to the thioacetamide group.HSYA also downregulatedα-SMA while increasing caspase-3 expression.Surprisingly,at 500μg/mL,HSYA had only a slightly suppressive effect on HSC proliferation,with a 9.5%reduction.However,it significantly reduced TGF-β1,inhibitedα-SMA expression,induced caspase-3 expression,and promoted cell senescence.Conclusions:HSYA may be a potential therapeutic agent for delaying and reversing the progression of liver fibrosis.More research on HSYA at higher doses and for a longer period is warranted.

BMI-1 activates hepatic stellate cells to promote the epithelialmesenchymal transition of colorectal cancer cells

BACKGROUND Activated hepatic stellate cells(aHSCs)are the major source of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the liver.Although the crosstalk between aHSCs and colorectal cancer(CRC)cells supports liver metastasis(LM),the mechanisms are largely unknown.AIM To explore the role of BMI-1,a polycomb group protein family member,which is highly expressed in LM,and the interaction between aHSCs and CRC cells in promoting CRC liver metastasis(CRLM).METHODS Immunohistochemistry was carried out to examine BMI-1 expression in LM and matched liver specimens of CRC.The expression levels of BMI-1 in mouse liver during CRLM(0,7,14,21,and 28 d)were detected by Western blotting(WB)and the quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)assay.We overexpressed BMI-1 in HSCs(LX2)by lentivirus infection and tested the molecular markers of aHSCs by WB,qPCR,and the immunofluorescence assay.CRC cells(HCT116 and DLD1)were cultured in HSC-conditioned medium(LX2 NC CM or LX2 BMI-1 CM).CM-induced CRC cell proliferation,migration,epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)phenotype,and transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β)/SMAD pathway changes were investigated in vitro.A mouse subcutaneous xenotransplantation tumor model was established by co-implantation of HSCs(LX2 NC or LX2 BMI-1)and CRC cells to investigate the effects of HSCs on tumor growth and the EMT phenotype in vivo.RESULTS Positive of BMI-1 expression in the liver of CRLM patients was 77.8%.The expression level of BMI-1 continued to increase during CRLM in mouse liver cells.LX2 overexpressed BMI-1 was activated,accompanied by increased expression level of alpha smooth muscle actin,fibronectin,TGF-β1,matrix metalloproteinases,and interleukin 6.CRC cells cultured in BMI-1 CM exhibited enhanced proliferation and migration ability,EMT phenotype and activation of the TGF-β/SMAD pathway.In addition,the TGF-βR inhibitor SB-505124 diminished the effect of BMI-1 CM on SMAD2/3 phosphorylation in CRC cells.Furthermore,BMI-1 overexpressed LX2 HSCs promoted tumor growth and the EMT phenotype in vivo.CONCLUSION High expression of BMI-1 in liver cells is associated with CRLM progression.BMI-1 activates HSCs to secrete factors to form a prometastatic environment in the liver,and aHSCs promote proliferation,migration,and the EMT in CRC cells partially through the TGF-β/SMAD pathway.

AKT regulates IL-1β-induced proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells

Background:Activated hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)are closely involved in the initiation,perpetuation,and resolution of liver fibrosis.Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels are positively correlated with the transition from liver injury to fibrogenesis and contribute to HSC pathophysiology in liver fibrosis.Methods:In this study,we investigated the effect of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin(IL)-1βon the proliferation and signaling pathways involved in fibrogenesis in LX-2 cells,an HSC cell line,using western blotting and cell proliferation assays.Results:IL-1βincreased the proliferation rate andα-smooth muscle actin(SMA)expression of LX-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner.Within 1 h after IL-1βtreatment,c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK),p38,and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling was activated in LX-2 cells.Subsequently,protein kinase B(AKT)phosphorylation and an increase inα-SMA expression were observed in LX-2 cells.Each inhibitor of JNK,p38,or NF-κB decreased cell proliferation,AKT phosphorylation,andα-SMA expression in IL-1β-treated LX-2 cells.Conclusion:These results indicate that JNK,p38,and NF-κB signals converge at AKT phosphorylation,leading to LX-2 activation by IL-1β.Therefore,the AKT signaling pathway can be used as a target for alleviating liver fibrosis by the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β.

Screening of QHF formula for effective ingredients from Chinese herbs and its anti-hepatic cell cancer effect in combination with chemotherapy

Background Recent studies have shown that effective ingredients of Chinese herbs are used more and more widely in the treatment or co-treatment of cancers, however, they are usually used separately and there has been limited research about joint application of Chinese herbs in multi-modal treatment. The aim of this study was to screen a QHF （Q： Qingrejiedu, H： Huoxuehuayu and F： Fuzhengguben） formula for effective ingredients from Chinese medicines and assess its anti-hepatic cell cancer （HCC） effect in combination with chemotherapy.Methods Six effective ingredients from Chinese medicine were selected based on the previous literature and used in the study. The QHF formula and the best ratio of ingredients were evaluated in H22 mouse （KM） models with solid tumors and ascites tumors by uniform design and monitoring inhibition of tumor growth and survival. We then observed the anti-hepatic cell cancer （HCC） effect of QHF when combined with cisplatin （DDP） in H22 mouse （Balb/c） models with solid tumors and ascites tumors. Evaluating of the therapeutic effect included the general condition of the mice, inhibition of tumor growth, survival, changes in body weight, thymus index, spleen index and WBC counts.Results The optimal QHF dose ratio for anti-hepatic cell cancer treatment was： 800 mg/kg Cinobufotalin, 14 mg/kg Ginsenosides Rg3, 5.5 mg/kg PNS and 100 mg/kg Lentinan. Treatment was more efficient in inhibiting the growth of transplanted tumors in H22 mice when using the QHF formula （55.91%） than using Cinobufotalin （33.25%）, Ginsenosides Rg3 （35.11%）, PNS （27.12%） or Lentinan （4.97%） separately. QHF also prolonged the life of H22 ascites hepatic cancer mice more efficiently （38.13%） than Cinobufotalin （25.00%）, Ginsenosides Rg3 （27.27%）, PNS （23.30%） or Lentinan （24.43%）. QHF combined with DDP could reduce DDP-induced leucopenia, spleen and thymus atrophy and other toxic reactions. Combining QHF with DDP the tumor growth inhibition reached 82.54% with a 66.83% increase in survival. Conclusions QHF is more efficient in anti-hepatic cell caner treatment than the single drugs that constitute the formula. QHF combined with DDP can attenuate tumor growth and suppresses the DDP-induced toxic reactions.

Self-Protection against Triptolide-Induced Toxicity in Human Hepatic Cells via Nrf2-ARE-NQO1 Pathway

Objective: To find the signaling pathway of triptolide(TP)-induced liver injury and to reveal whether NF-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2) plays an important role in cellular self-protection. Methods: The L-02 and HepG2 cells were cultured and treated with various concentrations of TP. The cell viability was observed, and the cell medium was collected for detecting the aspartate aminotransferase(ALT), alanine aminotransferase(AST), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), superoxide dismutase(SOD) and L-glutathione production(GSH) levels. Nrf2 and its downstream target NAD(P)H: quinine oxidoreductase 1(NQO1) and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) expression, the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and the binding ability of Nrf2 and antioxidant response element(ARE) were also identified. Meanwhile,shRNA was used to silence Nrf2 in L-02 cells to find out whether Nrf2 plays a protective role. Results: The viability of the L-02 and HepG2 cells treated with TP decreased in a doseand time-dependent manner, and TP(20–80 μg/mL) markedly induced the release of ALT, AST and LDH(P<0.05 or P<0.01), reduced the levels of SOD and GSH(P<0.01), and increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species. Meanwhile, TP augmented the Nrf2 expression in L-02 and HepG2 cells(P<0.05 or P<0.01), induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, increased the Nrf2 ARE binding activity, and increased HO-1 and NQO1 expressions. Nrf2 knockdown revealed a more severe toxic effect of TP(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: Human hepatic cells treated with TP induced oxidative stress, and led to cytotoxicity. Self-protection against TP-induced toxicity in human hepatic cells might be via Nrf2-ARE-NQO1 transcriptional pathway.

Derivation and characterization of Chinese human embryonic stem cell line with high potential to differentiate into pancreatic and hepatic cells

Background Human embryonic stem cells have prospective uses in regenerative medicine and drug screening. Every human embryonic stem cell line has its own genetic background, which determines its specific ability for differentiation as well as susceptibility to drugs. It is necessary to compile many human embryonic stem cell lines with various backgrounds for future clinical use, especially in China due to its large population. This study contributes to isolating new Chinese human embrvonic stem cell lines with clarified directly differentiation ability

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

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

Daily genetic profiling indicates JAK/STAT signaling promotes early hepatic stellate cell transdifferentiation

AIM: To identify signaling pathways and genes that initiate and commit hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to transdifferentiation. METHODS: Primary HSCs were isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats and cultured on plastic for 0-10 d. Gene expression was assessed daily (quiescent to day 10 culture-activation) by real time polymerase chain reaction and data clustered using AMADA software. The significance of JAK/STAT signaling to HSC transdifferentiation was determined by treating cells with a JAK2 inhibitor. RESULTS: Genetic cluster analyses, based on expression of these 21 genes, showed similar expression profiles on days 1-3, days 5 and 6, and days 7-10, while freshly isolated cells (day Q) and day 4 cells were genotypically distinct from any of the other days. Additionally, gene expression clustering revealed strong upregulation of interleukin-6, JAK2 and STAT3 mRNA in the early stages of activation. Inhibition of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway impeded the morphological transdifferentiation of HSCs which correlated with decreased mRNA expression of several profibrotic genes including collagens, α-SMA, PDGFR and TGFβR. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate unique clustered genetic profiles during the daily progression of HSC transdifferentiation and that JAK/STAT signaling may be critical in the early stages of transdifferentiation.

Hepatitis B virus X protein promotes proliferation and upregulates TGF-β1 and CTGF in human hepatic stellate cell line,LX-2

BACKGROUND:Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a major cause of liver fibrosis,but the mechanisms underlying HBV-related fibrogenesis are still unknown. Although the roles of HBV X protein(HBx)remain poorly understood,it is thought to play an important role in the regulation of cellular growth and hepatocarcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the role of HBx in liver fibrogenesis by studying the effect of HBx on the proliferation and expression of fibrosis-related molecules in the human hepatic stellate cell line,LX-2. METHODS:We established an in vitro co-culture system with LX-2 cells and a stable QSG7701-HBx cell line which had been transfected with the HBx gene. 3 H-TdR incorporation and flow cytometry were used to determine the effects of HBx on the proliferation of LX-2 cells. α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),transforming growth factor-βreceptor Ⅱ(TGF-βRⅡ),and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)in LX-2 cells were analyzed by Western blotting.In addition,the expression levels of collagen typeⅠ(ColⅠ) from the co-cultured media were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: 3 H-TdR incorporation increased significantly in LX-2 cells co-cultured with QSG7701-HBx cells compared to those cultured with QSG7701-pcDNA3 and QSG7701 (non-tumorigenic human liver cell line).Cell cycle results revealed that HBx accelerated the progression of G1 to S in LX-2 cells.The expressions ofα-SMA,TGF-β1,TGF-βR Ⅱ,CTGF and ColⅠwere significantly increased in the co- cultures of LX-2 cells with stable QSG7701-HBx cells. CONCLUSION:These results suggest that HBx may facilitate liver fibrosis by promoting hepatic stellate cell proliferation and upregulating the expression of fibrosis- related molecules.

Natural taurine promotes apoptosis of human hepatic stellate cells in proteomics analysis

AIM:To study the differential expression of proteins between natural taurine treated hepatic stellate cells and controls, and investigate the underlying regulatory mechanism of natural taurine in inhibiting hepatic fibrosis.METHODS: A proteomic strategy combining two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and ultraperform ance liquid chromatographyelectrospray ionizationtandem mass spectrometry (UPLCESIMS/MS) was used to study the differential expression of proteins and Western blotting was used to validate the results. Gene ontology (GO) method was utilized to analyze the functional enrichment of differentially expressed proteins. Flow cytometry was performed to compare the apoptosis rate between taurinetreated and untreated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).RESULTS: Nineteen differentially expressed proteins (11 upregulated and 8 downregulated) were identifiedby 2D/MS, and the expression profiles of GLO1 and ANXA1 were validated by Western blotting. GO analysis found that these differentially expressed proteins were enriched within biological processes such as "cellular apoptosis", "oxidation reaction" and "metabolic process" in clusters. Flow cytometric analysis showed that taurinetreated HSCs had a significantly increased apoptosis rate when compared with the control group.CONCLUSION: Natural taurine can promote HSC apoptosis so as to inhibit hepatic fibrosis.

Effect of Fuzhenghuayu decoction on vascular endothelial growth factor secretion in hepatic stellate cells

Objective: To investigate the effect of Fuzhenghuayu decoction on autocrine activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC). Methods: The drug serum containing Fuzhenghuayu decoction was collected from normal rats, and cul- tured with activated HSC in vitro. The conditioned medium from the drug serum treated HSC was added to primary cultured quiescent HSC. Cell prolifera- tion was assayed by tetrazolium colorimetric test, and the contents of type Ⅰ collagen and vascular endo- thelial growth factor (VEGF) in the supernatant were measured with ELISA. Results: The conditioned medium from activated HSC could stimulate the quiescent HSC proliferation and type Ⅰ collagen secretion. The drug serum inhibi- ted this stimulating action and VEGF secretion from the activated HSC. Conclusion: Fuzhenghuayu decoction acts effectively against the autocrine activation pathway of HSC. The mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of the secretion of VEGF by activated HSC.

Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of tectorigenin on hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of tectorigenin on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSC)-T6 cells. METHODS: HSC-T6 cells were incubated with tectorigenin at different concentrations, and their proliferation was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry assay with Hoechst 33342 staining. Also, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular [Ca2+]i, potential of mitochondrial membrane, activities of cytochrome c and caspase-9 and-3 were investigated to explore a conceivable apoptotic pathway. RESULTS: Tectorigenin suppressed the proliferation of HSC-T6 cells and induced apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells in a time-and dose-dependent manner. Tectorigenin at the concentration of 100 μg/mL greatly inhibited the viability of HSC-T6 cells and induced the condensation of chromatin and fragmentation of nuclei. When treated for 48 h, the percentage of cell growth and apoptosis reached 46.3% ± 2.37% (P = 0.004) and 50.67% ± 3.24% (P = 0.003), respectively. Furthermore, tectorigenin-induced apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells was associated with the generation of ROS, increased intracellular [Ca2+]i, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, translocation of cytochrome c, and activation of caspase-9 and -3. CONCLUSION: Tectorigenin inhibits proliferation of HSC-T6 cells and induces apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells.