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Journal of Hematology & Oncology Jan 2021Key hepatic molecules linking gut dysbiosis and hepatocarcinogenesis remain largely unknown. Gut-derived gut microbiota contains pathogen-associated molecular patterns...
BACKGROUND
Key hepatic molecules linking gut dysbiosis and hepatocarcinogenesis remain largely unknown. Gut-derived gut microbiota contains pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that may circulate into the liver and, consequently, be recognized by hepatic pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). NOD2, a general intracellular PRR, recognizes muramyl dipeptide (MDP), present in both gram (+) and gram (-) bacteria. Here, we investigated the role of NOD2 as a molecular sensor translating gut dysbiosis signaling into hepatocarcinogenesis.
METHODS
NOD2 expression was measured in clinical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples using qPCR (80 pairs), western blotting (30 pairs) and immunostaining (141 pairs). The role of NOD2 in hepatocarcinogenesis was examined in the hepatocyte-specific Nod2-knockout (Nod2), Rip2-knockout (Rip2), Lamin A/C-knockout (Lamn) and Rip2/Lamin A/C double-knockout (Rip2/Lamn) mice models of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/CCl-induced HCC.
RESULTS
NOD2 was upregulated and activated in HCC samples, and high NOD2 expression correlated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Hepatic NOD2 deletion in vivo decreased DEN/CCl-induced HCC by reducing the inflammatory response, DNA damage and genomic instability. NOD2 activation increased liver inflammation via RIP2-dependent activation of the MAPK, NF-κB and STAT3 pathways. Notably, a novel RIP2-independent mechanism was discovered, whereby NOD2 activation induces the nuclear autophagy pathway. We showed that NOD2 undergoes nuclear transport and directly binds to a component of nuclear laminae, lamin A/C, to promote its protein degradation, leading to impaired DNA damage repair and increased genomic instability.
CONCLUSIONS
We reveal a novel bridge, bacterial sensor NOD2, linking gut-derived microbial metabolites to hepatocarcinogenesis via induction of the inflammatory response and nuclear autophagy. Thus, we propose hepatic NOD2 as a promising therapeutic target against HCC.
Topics: Animals; Autophagy; Carcinogenesis; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; DNA Damage; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Gene Knockout Techniques; Humans; Inflammation; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein; Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinase 2
PubMed: 33413510
DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-01028-4 -
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007) Aug 2021The blood circulates through the hepatic sinusoids delivering nutrients and oxygen to the liver parenchyma and drains into the hepatic central vein, yet the structures... (Review)
Review
The blood circulates through the hepatic sinusoids delivering nutrients and oxygen to the liver parenchyma and drains into the hepatic central vein, yet the structures and phenotypes of these vessels are distinctively different. Sinusoidal endothelial cells are uniquely fenestrated, lack basal lamina and possess organelles involved in endocytosis, pinocytosis, degradation, synthesis and secretion. Hepatic central veins are nonfenestrated but are also active in synthesis and secretion. Endothelial cells of sinusoids and central veins secrete angiocrines that play respective roles in hepatic regeneration and metabolic homeostasis. The list of markers for identifying sinusoidal endothelial cells is long and their terminologies are complex. Further, their uses vary in different investigations and, in some instances, could be confusing. Central vein markers are fewer but more distinctive. Here we analyze and categorize the molecular pathways/modules associated with the sinusoid-mediated liver regeneration in response to partial hepatectomy and chemical-induced acute or chronic injury. Similarly, we highlight the findings that central vein-derived angiocrines interact with Wnt/β-catenin in perivenous hepatocytes to direct gene expression and maintain pericentral metabolic zonation. The proposal that perivenous hepatocytes behave as stem/progenitor cells to provoke hepatic homeostatic cell renewal is reevaluated and newer concepts of broad zonal distribution of hepatocyte proliferation in liver homeostasis and regeneration are updated. Thus, this review integrates the structures, biology and physiology of liver sinusoids and central veins in mediating hepatic regeneration and metabolic homeostasis.
Topics: Biomarkers; Capillaries; Endothelial Cells; Hepatocytes; Homeostasis; Humans; Liver; Liver Regeneration
PubMed: 33135318
DOI: 10.1002/ar.24560 -
Biology Oct 2020Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a burgeoning public health problem worldwide. Despite its tremendous significance for public health, we lack a comprehensive... (Review)
Review
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a burgeoning public health problem worldwide. Despite its tremendous significance for public health, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of NAFLD and its more advanced stage, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Identification of novel pathways or cellular mechanisms that regulate liver lipid metabolism has profound implications for the understanding of the pathology of NAFLD and NASH. The nuclear envelope is topologically connected to the ER, where protein synthesis and lipid synthesis occurs. Emerging evidence points toward that the nuclear lamins and nuclear membrane-associated proteins are involved in lipid metabolism and homeostasis. We review published reports that link these nuclear envelope proteins to lipid metabolism. In particular, we focus on the recent work demonstrating the essential roles for the nuclear envelope-localized torsinA/lamina-associated polypeptide (LAP1) complex in hepatic steatosis, lipid secretion, and NASH development. We also discuss plausible pathogenic mechanisms by which the loss of either protein in hepatocytes leads to hepatic dyslipidemia and NASH development.
PubMed: 33076344
DOI: 10.3390/biology9100338 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2023Age and sex influence serum cholesterol levels, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate further, we measured cholesterol, precursors (surrogate...
Age and sex influence serum cholesterol levels, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate further, we measured cholesterol, precursors (surrogate synthesis markers), degradation products (oxysterols and bile acid precursors) in serum, the liver, jejunum, and ileum, as well as serum plant sterols (intestinal absorption markers) in male and female Wistar rats (4 and 24 months old). The analysis of histomorphometric and oxidative stress parameters (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-related enzyme activities, lipid peroxide, and protein carbonyl concentrations) in the liver and jejunum offered further insights into the age- and sex-related differences. The hepatic gene expression analysis included AR, ERα, and sex-specific growth hormone-regulated (Cyp2c11 and Cyp2c12) and thyroid-responsive (Dio1, Tbg, and Spot 14) genes by qPCR. We observed age-related changes in both sexes, with greater prominence in females. Aged females had significantly higher serum cholesterol ( < 0.05), jejunum cholesterol ( < 0.05), and serum plant sterols ( < 0.05). They exhibited poorer hepato-intestinal health compared with males, which was characterized by mild liver dysfunction (hydropic degeneration, increased serum ALT, < 0.05, and decreased activity of some antioxidant defense enzymes, < 0.05), mononuclear inflammation in the jejunal lamina propria, and age-related decreases in jejunal catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity ( < 0.05). Aged females showed increased levels of 27-hydroxycholesterol ( < 0.05) and upregulated ERα gene expression ( < 0.05) in the liver. Our study suggests that the more significant age-related increase in serum cholesterol in females is associated with poorer hepato-intestinal health and increased jejunal cholesterol absorption. The local increase in 27-hydroxycholesterol during aging might reduce the hepatoprotective effects of endogenous estrogen in the female liver.
Topics: Female; Male; Rats; Animals; Catalase; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Rats, Wistar; Liver; Aging
PubMed: 37628805
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612624 -
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007) Aug 2017Basement membranes provide structural support to epithelium, endothelium, muscles, fat cells, Schwann cells, and axons. Basement membranes are multifunctional: they... (Review)
Review
Basement membranes provide structural support to epithelium, endothelium, muscles, fat cells, Schwann cells, and axons. Basement membranes are multifunctional: they modulate cellular behavior, regulate organogenesis, promote tissue repair, form a barrier to filtration and tumor metastasis, bind growth factors, and mediate angiogenesis. All basement membranes contain type IV collagen (Col IV), laminin, nidogen, and perlecan. Col IV and laminin self-assemble into two independent supramolecular networks that are linked to nidogen and perlecan to form a morphological discernable basement membrane/basal lamina. The triple helical region, 7S domain and NCI domain of Col IV, laminin and laminin fragment P1 have been evaluated as noninvasive fibrosis biomarkers of alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Elevated serum Col IV and laminin are related to degrees of fibrosis and severity of hepatitis, and may reflect hepatic basement membrane metabolism. But the serum assays have not been linked to disclosing the anatomical sites and lobular distribution of perisinusoidal basement membrane formation in the liver. Hepatic sinusoids normally lack a basement membrane, although Col IV is a normal matrix component of the space of Disse. In liver disease, laminin deposits in the space of Disse and codistributes with Col IV, forming a perisinusoidal basement membrane. Concomitantly, the sinusoidal endothelium loses its fenestrae and is transformed into vascular type endothelium. These changes lead to capillarization of hepatic sinusoids, a significant pathology that impairs hepatic function. Accordingly, codistribution of Col IV and laminin serves as histochemical marker of perisinusoidal basement membrane formation in liver disease. Anat Rec, 300:1371-1390, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Collagen Type IV; Fibrosis; Humans; Laminin; Liver Diseases
PubMed: 28187500
DOI: 10.1002/ar.23567 -
Genes Jul 2021Acquisition of cellular fate during development is initiated and maintained by well-coordinated patterns of gene expression that are dictated by the epigenetic landscape...
Acquisition of cellular fate during development is initiated and maintained by well-coordinated patterns of gene expression that are dictated by the epigenetic landscape and genome organization in the nucleus. While the epigenetic marks that mediate developmental gene expression patterns during organogenesis have been well studied, less is known about how epigenetic marks influence nuclear organization during development. This study examines the relationship between nuclear structure, chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation, and gene expression during hepatic outgrowth in zebrafish larvae. We investigate the relationship between these features using mutants that lack DNA methylation. Hepatocyte nuclear morphology was established coincident with hepatocyte differentiation at 80 h post-fertilization (hpf), and nuclear shape and size continued to change until the conclusion of outgrowth and morphogenesis at 120 hpf. Integrating ATAC-Seq analysis with DNA methylation profiling of zebrafish livers at 120 hpf showed that closed and highly methylated chromatin occupies most transposable elements and that open chromatin correlated with gene expression. DNA hypomethylation, due to mutation of genes encoding ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and RING Finger Domains 1 () and DNA methyltransferase (), did not block hepatocyte differentiation, but had dramatic effects on nuclear organization. Hepatocytes in mutants have large, deformed nuclei with multiple nucleoli, downregulation of nucleolar genes, and a complete lack of the nuclear lamina. Loss of lamin B2 staining was phenocopied by mutation. Together, these data show that hepatocyte nuclear morphogenesis coincides with organ morphogenesis and outgrowth, and that DNA methylation directs chromatin organization, and, in turn, hepatocyte nuclear shape and size during liver development.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cell Nucleus; Chromatin; Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1; DNA Methylation; Epigenesis, Genetic; Gene Expression; Hepatocytes; Larva; Liver; Organogenesis; Trans-Activators; Zebrafish; Zebrafish Proteins
PubMed: 34356097
DOI: 10.3390/genes12071081 -
Tropical Medicine and Health 2020() is a facultative protozoan parasite implicated in amoebic liver abscesses (ALA), the most common extraintestinal manifestation of this infection. is endemic to... (Review)
Review
() is a facultative protozoan parasite implicated in amoebic liver abscesses (ALA), the most common extraintestinal manifestation of this infection. is endemic to sub-tropical and tropical countries and has been a major public health concern in northern Sri Lanka (SLK) for the last three decades. This has been attributed to a multitude of factors such as poor sanitation, hygiene, male sex, middle age, overcrowding, unsanitary practices in the production of indigenous alcoholic beverages, and alcohol consumption. Additionally, while rates of have declined substantially throughout the rest of the island, largely due to better infrastructure, it remains pervasive in the northern peninsula, which is generally less developed. Infection arises primarily from fecal-oral transmission through the consumption of contaminated drinking water containing cysts. Upon ingestion, cysts multiply into trophozoites and colonize the host colonic mucosa using lectin and cysteine proteases as virulence factors, leading to host invasion. Symptoms occur along a spectrum, from asymptomatology, to pyrexia, abdominal cramping, and amoebic dysentery. Colonization of the colon results in the formation of distinct flask-shaped ulcers along the epithelium, and eventual penetration of the lamina propria via the production of matrix metalloproteinases. ALA then develops through trophozoite migration via the mesenteric hepatic portal circulation, where microabscesses coalesce to form a single, large right-lobe abscess, commonly on the posterior aspect. The progression of infection to invasive disease is contingent on the unique interplay between host and pathogen factors, such as the strength of host-immunity to overcome infection and inherent pathogenicity of the species. As a preventable illness, complications such as ALA impose a significant burden on the healthcare system. This mini-review highlights epidemiological trends, risk factors, diagnostic modalities, treatment approaches, and opportunities for prevention of -induced ALA, to help address this endemic problem on the island of SLK.
PubMed: 31992948
DOI: 10.1186/s41182-020-0193-2 -
The Journal of Clinical Investigation Aug 2019Deciphering novel pathways regulating liver lipid content has profound implications for understanding the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and...
Deciphering novel pathways regulating liver lipid content has profound implications for understanding the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Recent evidence suggests that the nuclear envelope is a site of regulation of lipid metabolism but there is limited appreciation of the responsible mechanisms and molecular components within this organelle. We showed that conditional hepatocyte deletion of the inner nuclear membrane protein lamina-associated polypeptide 1 (LAP1) caused defective VLDL secretion and steatosis, including intranuclear lipid accumulation. LAP1 binds to and activates torsinA, an AAA+ ATPase that resides in the perinuclear space and continuous main ER. Deletion of torsinA from mouse hepatocytes caused even greater reductions in VLDL secretion and profound steatosis. Both of these mutant mouse lines developed hepatic steatosis and subsequent steatohepatitis on a regular chow diet in the absence of whole-body insulin resistance or obesity. Our results establish an essential role for the nuclear envelope-localized torsinA-LAP1 complex in hepatic VLDL secretion and suggest that the torsinA pathway participates in the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Topics: Animals; Carrier Proteins; Hepatocytes; Lipid Metabolism; Lipoproteins, VLDL; Membrane Proteins; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Molecular Chaperones; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Nuclear Envelope
PubMed: 31408437
DOI: 10.1172/JCI129769 -
British Journal of Pharmacology Sep 2021Liver fibrosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide but lacks any acceptable therapy. The transcription factor glioma-associated oncogene...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Liver fibrosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide but lacks any acceptable therapy. The transcription factor glioma-associated oncogene homologue 1 (GLI1) is a potentially important therapeutic target in liver fibrosis. This study investigates the anti-fibrotic activities and potential mechanisms of the phytochemical, physalin B.
EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH
Two mouse models (CCl challenge and bile duct ligation) were used to assess antifibrotic effects of physalin B in vivo. Mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (pHSCs) and human HSC line LX-2 also served as in vitro liver fibrosis models. Liver fibrogenic genes, GLI1 and GLI1 downstream genes were examined using Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). GLI1 acetylation and LAP2α-HDAC1 interaction were analysed by co-immunoprecipitation.
KEY RESULTS
In vivo, physalin B administration attenuated hepatic histopathological injury and collagen accumulation and decreased expression of fibrogenic genes. Physalin B dose-dependently suppressed fibrotic marker expression in LX-2 cells and mouse pHSCs. Mechanistic studies showed that physalin B inhibited GLI activity by non-canonical Hedgehog signalling. Physalin B blocked formation of lamina-associated polypeptide 2α (LAP2α)/histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) complexes, thus inhibiting HDAC1-mediated GLI1 deacetylation. Physalin B up-regulated acetylation of GLI1, down-regulated expression of GLI1 and subsequently inhibited HSC activation.
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS
Physalin B exerted potent antifibrotic effects in vitro and in vivo by disrupting LAP2α/HDAC1 complexes, increasing GLI1 acetylation and inactivating GLI1. This indicates that the phytochemical physalin B may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Topics: Animals; Carbon Tetrachloride; Hedgehog Proteins; Hepatic Stellate Cells; Histone Deacetylase 1; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis; Mice; Secosteroids; Transcription Factors; Zinc Finger Protein GLI1
PubMed: 33864382
DOI: 10.1111/bph.15490 -
Archives of Razi Institute Dec 2021is one of the most important nosocomial opportunistic pathogens, which causes sepsis, as well as different gross and histopathological lesions in various internal...
is one of the most important nosocomial opportunistic pathogens, which causes sepsis, as well as different gross and histopathological lesions in various internal organs in humans and animals, especially dogs and fish. This study aimed to investigate the hematological parameters, immunological responses, and pathological effects of the infection induced by the virulent strain of on rabbits. A total of 42 rabbits (local breed; male and female), with a mean weight of 1.5-2 kg, were housed under controlled environmental conditions (20±2°C, 14:10 h light: dark cycle) and allowed ad libitum access to food and water. After two weeks of adaption, the rabbits were divided randomly into three groups of 14 animals per group. Group one (G1) received 3×10 CFU/ml of the virulent isolate (intraperitoneally [IP]) of . Group two (G2) was injected subcutaneously (SC) with 3×10 CFU/ml of the virulent strain of , while group three was IP injected with phosphate buffer saline and considered a negative control group. Results showed the variable gross pathological effects which included hemorrhage, edema, and congestion of visceral organs. Furthermore, the microscopic lesions showed pneumonia due to inflammatory cells infiltration, mainly neutrophils, macrophages, plasmacytes, and lymphocytes, severe interstitial and intra-alveolar edema, extensive pulmonary hemorrhage, emphysema, and atelectasis. The recorded data from the liver samples revealed hepatitis which was characterized by perivascular and periportal leukocyte cuffing, marked centrilobular with periportal necrosis, extensive hepatic edema, and periportal edema in addition to extensive fibrosis in interlobular septa and periportal fibrosis with severe interstitial hemorrhage. In the kidneys, there were severe renal edema, mixed inflammatory exudation, mainly neutrophils, macrophages, plasmacytes, lymphocytes, fibroblast infiltration in renal parenchyma and renal cortex, extensive renal hemorrhage, edema, as well as fibrosis and severe renal tubular necrosis. In addition, enteritis appeared in the intestine with mucosal edema, especially in lamina propria; moreover, necrosis of entire villi, epithelial necrosis, mucosal and submucosal hemorrhage, and fibrosis were observed. The present study revealed a significant increase in total leukocytes count and the concentration of TNF-α in the infected groups. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is considered the first attempt aimed to detect the pathological effects of on visceral organs in rabbits. It is concluded that this bacterium could induce a significant pathological, hematological, and immunological changes in the infected animals.
Topics: Animals; Female; Male; Rabbits; Citrobacter freundii; Enterobacteriaceae Infections; Fibrosis; Hemorrhage; Liver; Necrosis
PubMed: 35546976
DOI: 10.22092/ari.2021.356801.1911