scholarly journals CXCL12 induces hepatic stellate cell contraction through a calcium-independent pathway

2013 ◽  
Vol 305 (5) ◽  
pp. G375-G382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yedidya Saiman ◽  
Ritu Agarwal ◽  
DaShawn A. Hickman ◽  
Michel Fausther ◽  
Ahmed El-Shamy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Portal Hypertension ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Stellate Cell ◽  
Rho Kinase ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cell Contraction ◽  
Cell Contractility

Liver fibrosis, with subsequent development of cirrhosis and ultimately portal hypertension, results in the death of patients with end-stage liver disease if liver transplantation is not performed. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), central mediators of liver fibrosis, resemble tissue pericytes and regulate intrahepatic blood flow by modulating pericapillary resistance. Therefore, HSCs can contribute to portal hypertension in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). We have previously demonstrated that activated HSCs express functional chemokine receptor, CXCR4, and that receptor engagement by its ligand, CXCL12, which is increased in patients with CLD, leads to further stellate cell activation in a CXCR4-specific manner. We therefore hypothesized that CXCL12 promotes HSC contraction in a CXCR4-dependent manner. Stimulation of HSCs on collagen gel lattices with CXCL12 led to gel contraction and myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, which was blocked by addition of AMD3100, a CXCR4 small molecule inhibitor. These effects were further mediated by the Rho kinase pathway since both Rho kinase knockdown or Y-27632, a Rho kinase inhibitor, blocked CXCL12 induced phosphorylation of MLC and gel contraction. BAPTA-AM, a calcium chelator, had no effect, indicating that this pathway is calcium sensitive but not calcium dependent. In conclusion, CXCL12 promotes stellate cell contractility in a predominantly calcium-independent fashion. Our data demonstrates a novel role of CXCL12 in stellate cell contraction and the availability of small molecule inhibitors of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis justifies further investigation into its potential as therapeutic target for portal hypertension.

Norepinephrine induces calcium spikes and proinflammatory actions in human hepatic stellate cells

2006 ◽  
Vol 291 (5) ◽  
pp. G877-G884 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pau Sancho-Bru ◽  
Ramón Bataller ◽  
Jordi Colmenero ◽  
Xavier Gasull ◽  
Montserrat Moreno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Portal Hypertension ◽  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cell Contraction

Catecholamines participate in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and liver fibrosis through α1-adrenoceptors. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of norepinephrine (NE) on human hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which exert vasoactive, inflammatory, and fibrogenic actions in the injured liver. Adrenoceptor expression was assessed in human HSC by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was studied in fura-2-loaded cells. Cell contraction was studied by assessing wrinkle formation and myosin light chain II (MLC II) phosphorylation. Cell proliferation and collagen-α1(I) expression were assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation and quantitative PCR, respectively. NF-κB activation was assessed by luciferase reporter gene and p65 nuclear translocation. Chemokine secretion was assessed by ELISA. Normal human livers expressed α1A-adrenoceptors, which were markedly upregulated in livers with advanced fibrosis. Activated human HSC expressed α1A-adrenoceptors. NE induced multiple rapid [Ca2+]i oscillations (Ca2+ spikes). Prazosin (α1-blocker) completely prevented NE-induced Ca2+ spikes, whereas propranolol (nonspecific β-blocker) partially attenuated this effect. NE caused phosphorylation of MLC II and cell contraction. In contrast, NE did not affect cell proliferation or collagen-α1(I) expression. Importantly, NE stimulated the secretion of inflammatory chemokines (RANTES and interleukin-8) in a dose-dependent manner. Prazosin blocked NE-induced chemokine secretion. NE stimulated NF-κB activation. BAY 11-7082, a specific NF-κB inhibitor, blocked NE-induced chemokine secretion. We conclude that NE stimulates NF-κB and induces cell contraction and proinflammatory effects in human HSC. Catecholamines may participate in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and liver fibrosis by targeting HSC.

NCX-1000, an NO derivative of UDCA, refeases NO and protects against portal hypertension by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell contraction

2001 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. A379-A379
Author(s):  
S FIORUCCI ◽  
E ANTONELLI ◽  
O MORELLI ◽  
A MENCARELLI ◽  
B PALAZZETTI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Portal Hypertension ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cell ◽  
Stellate Cell ◽  
Cell Contraction

scholarly journals Prognostic Value of Liver and Spleen Stiffness in Patients with Fontan Associated Liver Disease (FALD): A Case Series with Histopathologic Comparison

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 30
Author(s):  
Massimo Padalino ◽  
Liliana Chemello ◽  
Luisa Cavalletto ◽  
Annalisa Angelini ◽  
Marny Fedrigo
Keyword(s):  
Portal Hypertension ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Prognostic Value ◽  
Fontan Operation ◽  
Vena Cava ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Spleen Stiffness

The Fontan operation is the current surgical procedure to treat single-ventricle congenital heart disease, by splitting the systemic and pulmonary circulations and thus permitting lifespan to adulthood for the majority of newborns. However, emerging data are showing that Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) is an increasing related cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with the Fontan circuit. We described the clinical, laboratory, and transient elastography (TE) findings in a case series of adults with the Fontan circuit, and also correlated data with post-mortem histological features, aimed to define the prognostic value of TE in the staging of FALD. All patients presented signs of a long-standing Fontan failure, characterized by reoperation need, systemic ventricle dysfunction, and FALD stigmata (liver and spleen enlargement, portal vein and inferior vena cava dilation, and abnormal liver function tests). Liver and spleen stiffness (LS and SS) values were indicative of significant liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and the presence of suggestive portal hypertension (LS mean 35.9; range 27.3–44.7 kPa; SS mean 42.1, range 32.2–54.5 kPa). Post-mortem evaluations confirmed a gross hepatic architecture distortion in all cases. All patients died from severe complications related to liver dysfunction and bleeding. TE correlated well with pathological findings and FALD severity. We propose this validated and harmless technique to monitor liver fibrosis extension and portal hypertension over time in Fontan patients, and to identify the optimal timing for surgical reoperations or orthotopic-heart transplantation (OHT), avoiding a higher risk of morbidity and mortality in cases with severe FALD.

scholarly journals Short-Term Western Diet Aggravates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) With Portal Hypertension in TGR(mREN2)27 Rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 3308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Cremonese ◽  
Robert Schierwagen ◽  
Frank Erhard Uschner ◽  
Sandra Torres ◽  
Olaf Tyc ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Portal Hypertension ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Western Diet ◽  
Suitable Model ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is gaining in importance and is linked to obesity. Especially, the development of fibrosis and portal hypertension in NAFLD patients requires treatment. Transgenic TGR(mREN2)27 rats overexpressing mouse renin spontaneously develop NAFLD with portal hypertension but without obesity. This study investigated the additional role of obesity in this model on the development of portal hypertension and fibrosis. Obesity was induced in twelve-week old TGR(mREN2)27 rats after receiving Western diet (WD) for two or four weeks. Liver fibrosis was assessed using standard techniques. Hepatic expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), collagen type Iα1, α-smooth muscle actin, and the macrophage markers Emr1, as well as the chemoattractant Ccl2, interleukin-1β (IL1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) were analyzed. Assessment of portal and systemic hemodynamics was performed using the colored microsphere technique. As expected, WD induced obesity and liver fibrosis as confirmed by Sirius Red and Oil Red O staining. The expression of the monocyte-macrophage markers, Emr1, Ccl2, IL1β and TNFα were increased during feeding of WD, indicating infiltration of macrophages into the liver, even though this increase was statistically not significant for the EGF module-containing mucin-like receptor (Emr1) mRNA expression levels. Of note, portal pressure increased with the duration of WD compared to animals that received a normal chow. Besides obesity, WD feeding increased systemic vascular resistance reflecting systemic endothelial and splanchnic vascular dysfunction. We conclude that transgenic TGR(mREN2)27 rats are a suitable model to investigate NAFLD development with liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. Tendency towards elevated expression of Emr1 is associated with macrophage activity point to a significant role of macrophages in NAFLD pathogenesis, probably due to a shift of the renin–angiotensin system towards a higher activation of the classical pathway. The hepatic injury induced by WD in TGR(mREN2)27 rats is suitable to evaluate different stages of fibrosis and portal hypertension in NAFLD with obesity.

scholarly journals Carvedilol Inhibits Angiotensin II-Induced Proliferation and Contraction in Hepatic Stellate Cells through the RhoA/Rho-Kinase Pathway

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Wu ◽  
Zhen Li ◽  
Sining Wang ◽  
Aiyuan Xiu ◽  
Chunqing Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Rho Kinase ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Type I ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Cycle Progression

Aim. Carvedilol is a nonselective beta-blocker used to reduce portal hypertension. This study investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of carvedilol in angiotensin II- (Ang II-) induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation and contraction. Methods. The effect of carvedilol on HSC proliferation was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Cell cycle progression and apoptosis in HSCs were determined by flow cytometry. A collagen gel assay was used to confirm HSC contraction. The extent of liver fibrosis in mice was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Sirius Red staining. Western blot analyses were performed to detect the expression of collagen I, collagen III, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Ang II type I receptor (AT1R), RhoA, Rho-kinase 2 (ROCK2), and others. Results. The results showed that carvedilol inhibited HSC proliferation and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner. Carvedilol also modulated Bcl-2 family proteins and increased apoptosis in Ang II-treated HSCs. Furthermore, carvedilol inhibited HSC contraction induced by Ang II, an effect that was associated with AT1R-mediated RhoA/ROCK2 pathway interference. In addition, carvedilol reduced α-SMA expression and collagen deposition and attenuated liver fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated mice. The in vivo data further confirmed that carvedilol inhibited the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), AT1R, RhoA, and ROCK2. Conclusions. The results indicated that carvedilol dose-dependently inhibited Ang II-induced HSC proliferation by impeding cell cycle progression, thus alleviating hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, carvedilol could inhibit Ang II-induced HSC contraction by interfering with the AT1R-mediated RhoA/ROCK2 pathway.

scholarly journals Progranulin attenuates liver fibrosis by downregulating the inflammatory response

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wonbeak Yoo ◽  
Jaemin Lee ◽  
Kyung Hee Noh ◽  
Sangmin Lee ◽  
Dana Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Stellate Cell ◽  
Raw 264.7 Cells ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Deficient Diet ◽  
A Cell

Abstract Progranulin (PGRN) is a cysteine-rich secreted protein expressed in endothelial cells, immune cells, neurons, and adipocytes. It was first identified for its growth factor-like properties, being implicated in tissue remodeling, development, inflammation, and protein homeostasis. However, these findings are controversial, and the role of PGRN in liver disease remains unknown. In the current study, we examined the effect of PGRN in two different models of chronic liver disease, methionine‐choline‐deficient diet (MCD)-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. To induce long-term expression of PGRN, PGRN-expressing adenovirus was delivered via injection into the tibialis anterior. In the CCl4-induced fibrosis model, PGRN showed protective effects against hepatic injury, inflammation, and fibrosis via inhibition of nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation. PGRN also decreased lipid accumulation and inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokine production and fibrosis in the MCD-induced NASH model. In vitro treatment of primary macrophages and Raw 264.7 cells with conditioned media from hepatocytes pre-treated with PGRN prior to stimulation with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α or palmitate decreased their expression of pro-inflammatory genes. Furthermore, PGRN suppressed inflammatory and fibrotic gene expression in a cell culture model of hepatocyte injury and primary stellate cell activation. These observations increase our understanding of the role of PGRN in liver injury and suggest PGRN delivery as a potential therapeutic strategy in chronic inflammatory liver disease.

scholarly journals MKL1 promotes endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and liver fibrosis by activating TWIST1 transcription

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zilong Li ◽  
Baoyu Chen ◽  
Wenhui Dong ◽  
Ming Kong ◽  
Zhiwen Fan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Duct Ligation ◽  
Small Molecule Compound ◽  
Liver Fibrogenesis ◽  
Endothelial To Mesenchymal Transition

AbstractExcessive fibrogenic response in the liver disrupts normal hepatic anatomy and function heralding such end-stage liver diseases as hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Sinusoidal endothelial cells contribute to myofibroblast activation and liver fibrosis by undergoing endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). The underlying mechanism remains poorly defined. Here we report that inhibition or endothelial-specific deletion of MKL1, a transcriptional modulator, attenuated liver fibrosis in mice. MKL1 inhibition or deletion suppressed EndMT induced by TGF-β. Mechanistically, MKL1 was recruited to the promoter region of TWIST1, a master regulator of EndMT, and activated TWIST1 transcription in a STAT3-dependent manner. A small-molecule STAT3 inhibitor (C188-9) alleviated EndMT in cultured cells and bile duct ligation (BDL) induced liver fibrosis in mice. Finally, direct inhibition of TWIST1 by a small-molecule compound harmine was paralleled by blockade of EndMT in cultured cells and liver fibrosis in mice. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel mechanism underlying EndMT and liver fibrosis and highlight the possibility of targeting the STAT3-MKL1-TWIST1 axis in the intervention of aberrant liver fibrogenesis.

scholarly journals STAT3 inhibition suppresses hepatic stellate cell fibrogenesis: HJC0123, a potential therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis

RSC Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (102) ◽  
pp. 100652-100663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Nunez Lopez ◽  
Fredrick J. Bohanon ◽  
Xiaofu Wang ◽  
Na Ye ◽  
Tiziana Corsello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cell ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Therapeutic Agent ◽  
Stellate Cell ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Potential Therapeutic Agent ◽  
Human Hscs ◽  
Stat3 Inhibition

The novel small molecule HJC0123 will inhibit STAT3 activation in human HSCs resulting in decreased fibrogenesis, unveiling a potential role for its use as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

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