scholarly journals Real-time monitoring of liver fibrosis through embedded sensors in a microphysiological system

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafiz Muhammad Umer Farooqi ◽  
Bohye Kang ◽  
Muhammad Asad Ullah Khalid ◽  
Abdul Rahim Chethikkattuveli Salih ◽  
Kinam Hyun ◽  
...  

AbstractHepatic fibrosis is a foreshadowing of future adverse events like liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and cancer. Hepatic stellate cell activation is the main event of liver fibrosis, which results in excessive extracellular matrix deposition and hepatic parenchyma's disintegration. Several biochemical and molecular assays have been introduced for in vitro study of the hepatic fibrosis progression. However, they do not forecast real-time events happening to the in vitro models. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) is used in cell culture science to measure cell monolayer barrier integrity. Herein, we explored TEER measurement's utility for monitoring fibrosis development in a dynamic cell culture microphysiological system. Immortal HepG2 cells and fibroblasts were co-cultured, and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was used as a fibrosis stimulus to create a liver fibrosis-on-chip model. A glass chip-based embedded TEER and reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensors were employed to gauge the effect of TGF-β1 within the microphysiological system, which promotes a positive feedback response in fibrosis development. Furthermore, albumin, Urea, CYP450 measurements, and immunofluorescent microscopy were performed to correlate the following data with embedded sensors responses. We found that chip embedded electrochemical sensors could be used as a potential substitute for conventional end-point assays for studying fibrosis in microphysiological systems.

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 204062232094204
Author(s):  
Eloïne Bestion ◽  
Zuzana Macek Jilkova ◽  
Jean-Louis Mège ◽  
Marie Novello ◽  
Keerthi Kurma ◽  
...  

Background: Hepatic fibrosis is the result of chronic liver injury that can progress to cirrhosis and lead to liver failure. Nevertheless, there are no anti-fibrotic drugs licensed for human use. Here, we investigated the anti-fibrotic activity of GNS561, a new lysosomotropic molecule with high liver tropism. Methods: The anti-fibrotic effect of GNS561 was determined in vitro using LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and primary human HSCs by studying cell viability, activity of caspases 3/7, autophagic flux, cathepsin maturation and activity, HSC activation and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) maturation and signaling. The contribution of GNS561 lysosomotropism to its anti-fibrotic activity was assessed by increasing lysosomal pH. The potency of GNS561 on fibrosis was evaluated in vivo in a rat model of diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis. Results: GNS561 significantly decreased cell viability and promoted apoptosis. Disrupting the lysosomal pH gradient impaired its pharmacological effects, suggesting that GNS561 lysosomotropism mediated cell death. GNS561 impaired cathepsin activity, leading to defective TGF-β1 maturation and autophagic processes. Moreover, GNS561 decreased HSC activation and extracellular matrix deposition by downregulating TGF-β1/Smad and mitogen-activated proteine kinase signaling and inducing fibrolysis. Finally, oral administration of GNS561 (15 mg/kg per day) was well tolerated and attenuated diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in this rat model (decrease of collagen deposition and of pro-fibrotic markers and increase of fibrolysis). Conclusion: GNS561 is a new potent lysosomotropic compound that could represent a valid medicinal option for hepatic fibrosis treatment through both its anti-fibrotic and its pro-fibrolytic effects. In addition, this study provides a rationale for targeting lysosomes as a promising therapeutic strategy in liver fibrosis.


2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 2111-2122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Bing Hu ◽  
Xiao-Ting Ye ◽  
Qing-Qing Zhou ◽  
Rong-Quan Fu

Background/Aims: Sestrin 2 is associated with the pathophysiology of several diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of Sestrin 2 in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) during liver fibrogenesis. Methods: In this study, Sestrin 2 protein expression was detected in rat HSC-T6 cells challenged with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and in mice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a well-known model of hepatic fibrosis. Next, HSC-T6 cells and fibrotic mice were transfected with lentivirus. The mRNA expression levels of markers of liver fibrosis [alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen 1A1 (Col1A1)] were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cell death and proliferation were evaluated by the MTT assay, and biochemical markers of liver damage in serum [alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)] were also measured using a biochemical analyzer. Histopathological examination was used to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis, and protein expression [phospho-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), AMPK, phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and mTOR] was determined by western blotting. Results: We found that Sestrin 2 was elevated in both the HSC-T6 cell and hepatic fibrosis models. In vitro, overexpression of Sestrin 2 attenuated the mRNA levels of α-SMA and Col1A1, suppressed α-SMA protein expression, and modulated HSC-T6 cell proliferation. In vivo, overexpression of Sestrin 2 reduced the ALT and AST levels as well as the α-SMA and Col1A1 protein expression in the CCl4 model of liver fibrosis. Moreover, the degree of liver fibrosis was ameliorated. Interestingly, overexpression of Sestrin 2 increased p-AMPK but decreased p-mTOR protein expression. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that Sestrin 2 may attenuate the activation of HSCs and ameliorate liver fibrosis, most likely via upregulation of AMPK phosphorylation and suppression of the mTOR signaling pathway.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Peng-chun Yang ◽  
Wei-zhe Bai ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Cai-hua Yan ◽  
Wei-feng Huang ◽  
...  

Objectives. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects over 142 million people worldwide. The main causes of death of schistosomiasis include liver granuloma and secondary hepatic cirrhosis resulting from severe fibrosis. Despite intensive research, controlling liver fibrosis associated with schistosomiasis remains challenging. Sedum sarmentosum total flavonoid (SSTF) is a promising agent to reduce liver fibrosis with an unknown mechanism. Thus, the objectives of this study are to validate its effect on the liver fibrosis caused by schistosomiasis and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: one group of normal control and five groups of liver fibrosis induced by schistosomiasis japonica with or without SSTF or colchicine treatment, the latter serving as the positive control. Liver tissues from each animal were harvested to observe the degree and grade of hepatic fibrosis. We also measured the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and Smad7 using RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Results. Compared with the untreated model group, groups treated with SSTF at all three tested doses had significantly reduced hepatic fibrosis ( P < 0.05 ). Each dose of SSTF also significantly reduced TGF-β1 protein expression and mRNA levels in the liver tissues ( P < 0.05 ). In contrast, the middle and high doses of SSTF significantly increased Smad7 protein expression and mRNA levels ( P < 0.05 ). Immunohistochemistry showed that each dose of SSTF reduced TGF-β1 protein expression ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion. Our results demonstrated that SSTF alleviated schistosomiasis japonica-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad7 pathway.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin-Yi Xu ◽  
Yan Du ◽  
Xue Liu ◽  
Yilin Ren ◽  
Yingying Dong ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological response of the liver to a variety of chronic stimuli. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major source of myofibroblasts in the liver. Follistatin like 1 (Fstl1) is a secreted glycoprotein induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). However, the precise functions and regulation mechanisms of Fstl1 in liver fibrogenesis remains unclear. Methods Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 stimulated by TGF-β1, primary culture of mouse HSCs and a model of liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice was used to assess the effect of Fstl1 in vitro and in vivo. Results Here, we found that Fstl1 was significantly up regulated in human and mouse fibrotic livers, as well as activated HSCs. Haplodeficiency of Fstl1 or blockage of Fstl1 with a neutralizing antibody 22B6 attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo. Fstl1 modulates TGF-β1 classic Samd2 and non-classic JNK signaling pathways. Knockdown of Fstl1 in HSCs significantly ameliorated cell activation, cell migration, chemokines C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) and C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 8 (CXCL8) secretion and extracellular matrix (ECM) production, and also modulated microRNA-29a (miR29a) expression. Furthermore, we identified that Fstl1 was a target gene of miR29a. And TGF-β1 induction of Fstl1 expression was partially through down regulation of miR29a in HSCs. Conclusions Our data suggests TGF-β1-miR29a-Fstl1 regulatory circuit plays a key role in regulation the HSC activation and ECM production, and targeting Fstl1 may be a strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Graphical abstract


2015 ◽  
Vol 90 (6) ◽  
pp. 3044-3055 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Hyeok Jee ◽  
Ka Young Hong ◽  
Ji Hoon Park ◽  
Jae Seung Lee ◽  
Hee Sun Kim ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTHepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver inflammatory disease (hepatitis), which often leads to more severe diseases, such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver fibrosis, in particular, is a major pathogenic consequence of HCV infection, and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) plays a key role in its pathogenesis. Several HCV proteins have been suggested to either augment or suppress the expression of TGF-β1 by HCV-infected cells. Here, we report that TGF-β1 levels are elevated in HCV-infected hepatocytes culturedin vitroand in liver tissue of HCV patients. Notably, the level of TGF-β1 in media fromin vitro-cultured HCV-infected hepatocytes was high enough to activate primary hepatic stellate cells isolated from rats. This indicates that TGF-β1 secreted by HCV-infected hepatocytes is likely to play a key role in the liver fibrosis observed in HCV patients. Moreover, we showed that HCV E2 protein triggers the production of TGF-β1 by HCV-infected cells through overproduction of glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94).IMPORTANCEHepatic fibrosis is a critical step in liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C virus infection. It is already known that immune cells, including Kupffer cells, mediate liver fibrosis. Recently, several papers have suggested that HCV-infected hepatocytes also significantly produce TGF-β1. Here, we provide the first examination of TGF-β1 levels in the hepatocytes of HCV patients. Using an HCV culture system, we showed that HCV infection increases TGF-β1 production in hepatocytes. Furthermore, we confirmed that the amount of TGF-β1 secreted by HCV-infected hepatocytes was sufficient to activate primary hepatic stellate cells. To understand the molecular basis of TGF-β1 production in HCV-infected hepatocytes, we used HCV replicons and various stable cell lines. Finally, we elucidated that HCV E2 triggered TGF-β1 secretion via GRP94 mediated NF-κB activation. This study contributes to the understanding of liver fibrosis by HCV and suggests a new potential target (GRP94) for blocking liver cirrhosis in HCV patients.


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Liu ◽  
Youwei Xu ◽  
Xu Han ◽  
Lianhong Yin ◽  
Lina Xu ◽  
...  

Abstract The present work aimed to investigate the activities and underlying mechanisms of dioscin against alcoholic liver fibrosis (ALF). In vivo liver fibrosis in mice was induced by an alcoholic liquid diet and in vitro studies were performed on activated HSC-T6 and LX2 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide. Our results showed that dioscin significantly attenuated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, improved collagen accumulation and attenuated inflammation through down-regulating the levels of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α by decreasing Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 expression both in vivo and in vitro. TLR4 overexpression was also decreased by dioscin, leading to the markedly down-regulated levels of MyD88, NF-κB, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen (COL1A1) in cultured HSCs. Suppression of cellular MyD88 by ST2825 or abrogation of NF-κB by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate eliminated the inhibitory effects of dioscin on the levels of TGF-β1, α-SMA and COL1A1. In a word, dioscin exhibited potent effects against ALF via altering TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, which provided novel insights into the mechanisms of this compound as an antifibrogenic candidate for the treatment of ALF in the future.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liteng Lin ◽  
Rui Li ◽  
Mingyue Cai ◽  
Jingjun Huang ◽  
Wensou Huang ◽  
...  

Liver fibrosis is characterized by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and extracellular matrix accumulation. Blocking the activation of HSC and the inflammation response are two major effective therapeutic strategies for liver fibrosis. In addition to the long history of using andrographolide (Andro) for inflammatory disorders, we aimed at elucidating the pharmacological effects and potential mechanism of Andro on liver fibrosis. In this study, liver fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and the mice were intraperitoneally injected with Andro for 6 weeks. HSC cell line (LX-2) and primary HSC were also treated with Andro in vitro. Treatment of CCl4-induced mice with Andro decreased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Sirius red staining as well as the expression of α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1. Furthermore, the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 and NF-κB p50 was also inhibited by Andro. Additionally, in vitro data confirmed that Andro treatment not only attenuated the expression of profibrotic and proinflammatory factors but also blocked the TGF-β1/Smad2 and TLR4/NF-κB p50 pathways. These results demonstrate that Andro prevents liver inflammation and fibrosis, which is in correlation with the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad2 and TLR4/NF-κB p50 pathways, highlighting Andro as a potential therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (24) ◽  
pp. 13354
Author(s):  
Seita Kataoka ◽  
Atsushi Umemura ◽  
Keiichiro Okuda ◽  
Hiroyoshi Taketani ◽  
Yuya Seko ◽  
...  

Chronic liver injury may result in hepatic fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. There are no drugs that are specifically approved for treating hepatic fibrosis. The natural product honokiol (HNK), a bioactive compound extracted from Magnolia grandiflora, represents a potential tool in the management of hepatic fibrosis. Though HNK has been reported to exhibit suppressive effects in a rat fibrosis model, the mechanisms accounting for this suppression remain unclear. In the present study, the anti-fibrotic effects of HNK on the liver were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. In vivo studies utilized a murine liver fibrosis model, in which fibrosis is induced by treatment with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). For in vitro studies, LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were treated with HNK, and expression of markers of fibrosis, cell viability, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1)/SMAD signaling pathway, and autophagy were analyzed. HNK was well tolerated and significantly attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo. Moreover, HNK decreased HSC activation and collagen expression by downregulating the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway and autophagy. These results suggest that HNK is a new potential candidate for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis through suppressing both TGF-β1/SMAD signaling and autophagy in HSCs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 319 (6) ◽  
pp. F1125-F1134
Author(s):  
Bo Zhang ◽  
Chengguang Zhao ◽  
Ling Hou ◽  
Yubin Wu

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and involves epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The lncRNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 ( TUG1) participates in EMT in several cancers; however, the effect and underlying mechanism of TUG1 in RIF-related EMT remain unclear. Here, we explored the mechanisms by which TUG1 modulates RIF. An in vivo model of renal fibrosis was established by unilateral ureteral obstruction in Balb/c mice. Human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were used to induce the in vitro model. Morphological changes and TUG1 expression were assessed. HK-2 cells were transfected with siRNA to silence TUG1. Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, cell proliferation, and migration assays were performed to examine TGF-β1-induced changes in EMT markers and EMT-like cell behaviors. TUG1 and β-catenin ( CTNNB1) levels were significantly upregulated, whereas miR-141-3p was significantly downregulated, during EMT in vitro and in vivo. TUG1 knockdown or miR-141-3p overexpression supported the epithelioid morphology of HK-2 cells while enhancing the downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, and β-catenin levels in TGF-β1-treated HK-2 cells. TUG1 knockdown promoted the proliferation and decreased the migration of HK-2 cells and enhanced the downregulation of miR-141-3p levels in TGF-β1-treated HK-2 cells. TUG1 directly targeted miR-141-3p, and miR-141-3p was directly bound to CTNNB1. Downregulation of miR-141-3p inhibited TUG1 silencing-induced suppression of EMT. In conclusion, TUG1 promotes EMT in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells via upregulation of β-catenin levels by sponging miR-141-3p, suggesting a novel therapeutic candidate for RIF.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (15) ◽  
pp. 4491
Author(s):  
Hao Ruan ◽  
Jiaoyan Luan ◽  
Shaoyan Gao ◽  
Shuangling Li ◽  
Qiuyan Jiang ◽  
...  

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease with multiple causes, characterized by excessive myofibrocyte aggregation and extracellular matrix deposition. Related studies have shown that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a key cytokine causing fibrosis, promoting abnormal epithelial–mesenchymal communication and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition. Fedratinib (Fed) is a marketed drug for the treatment of primary and secondary myelofibrosis, targeting selective JAK2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, its role in pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the potential effects and mechanisms of Fed on pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies have shown that Fed attenuates TGF-β1- and IL-6-induced myofibroblast activation and inflammatory response by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. In vivo studies have shown that Fed can reduce bleomycin-induced inflammation and collagen deposition and improve lung function. In conclusion, Fed inhibited inflammation and fibrosis processes induced by TGF-β1 and IL-6 by targeting the JAK2 receptor.


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