scholarly journals Estimating Drug Efficacy with a Diet-Induced NASH Model in Chimeric Mice with Humanized Livers

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1647
Author(s):  
Keishi Kisoh ◽  
Go Sugahara ◽  
Yuko Ogawa ◽  
Suzue Furukawa ◽  
Yuji Ishida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Development ◽  
Drug Efficacy ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Liver Disorder ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Chimeric Mice ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Nash Model

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) is the most common liver disorder in developed countries. Although many new therapeutics for NASH are present in the drug development pipeline, there are still no approved drugs. One of the reasons that makes NASH drug development challenging is the lack of appropriate animal NASH models that resolve issues arising from inter-species differences between humans and rodents. In the present study, we developed a choline-deficient, L-amino-acid-defined, high-fat-diet (CDAHFD)-induced human NASH model using human liver chimeric mice. We demonstrated human hepatocyte injury by an elevation of plasma human alanine aminotransferase 1 in mice fed CDAHFD. Histological analysis showed that CDAHFD feeding induced similar histological changes to human NASH patients, including ballooning, inflammation, apoptosis, regeneration of human hepatocytes, and pericellular and perisinusoidal fibrosis. The chimeric mice fed CDAHFD were treated with a peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor α/δ agonist, Elafibranor. Elafibranor ameliorated steatosis, ballooning of hepatocytes, and preserved fibrosis progression. We developed a novel humanized NASH model that can elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and predict therapeutic efficacy in human NASH. This model will be useful in exploring new drugs and biomarkers in the early stages of human NASH.

Natural Aldose Reductase Inhibitor: A Potential Therapeutic Agent for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 599-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Longxin Qiu ◽  
Chang Guo
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Aldose Reductase ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Acid Oxidation ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver

Aldose reductase (AR) has been reported to be involved in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hepatic AR is induced under hyperglycemia condition and converts excess glucose to lipogenic fructose, which contributes in part to the accumulation of fat in the liver cells of diabetes rodents. In addition, the hyperglycemia-induced AR or nutrition-induced AR causes suppression of the transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α and reduced lipolysis in the liver, which also contribute to the development of NAFLD. Moreover, AR induction in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may aggravate oxidative stress and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the liver. Here, we summarize the knowledge on AR inhibitors of plant origin and review the effect of some plant-derived AR inhibitors on NAFLD/NASH in rodents. Natural AR inhibitors may improve NAFLD at least in part through attenuating oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine expression. Some of the natural AR inhibitors have been reported to attenuate hepatic steatosis through the regulation of PPARα-mediated fatty acid oxidation. In this review, we propose that the natural AR inhibitors are potential therapeutic agents for NAFLD.

scholarly journals The Management of Cholestatic Liver Diseases: Current Therapies and Emerging New Possibilities

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1763
Author(s):  
Marta Mazzetti ◽  
Giulia Marconi ◽  
Martina Mancinelli ◽  
Antonio Benedetti ◽  
Marco Marzioni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Diseases ◽  
Immunosuppressive Drugs ◽  
Farnesoid X Receptor ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Primary Biliary Cholangitis ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Biliary Cirrhosis ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Multiple Drugs ◽  
New Treatments

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are two chronic cholestatic liver diseases affecting bile ducts that may progress to biliary cirrhosis. In the past few years, the increasing knowledge in the pathogenesis of both diseases led to a growing number of clinical trials and possible new targets for therapy. In this review, we provide an update on the treatments in clinical use and summarize the new drugs in trials for PBC and PSC patients. Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) agonists and Pan-Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) agonists are the most promising agents and have shown promising results in both PBC and PSC. Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 (FGF19) analogues also showed good results, especially in PBC, while, although PBC and PSC are autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressive drugs had disappointing effects. Since the gut microbiome could have a potential role in the pathogenesis of PSC, recent research focused on molecules that could change the microbiome, with good results. The near future of the medical management of these diseases may include new treatments or a combination of multiple drugs targeting different signaling pathways at different stages of the diseases.

scholarly journals Characterization and applications of chimeric mice with humanized livers for preclinical drug development

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chise Tateno ◽  
Yuha Kojima
Keyword(s):  
Liver Function ◽  
Drug Development ◽  
Mass Production ◽  
Human Hepatocytes ◽  
In Vitro Studies ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Pharmaceutical Companies ◽  
Chimeric Mice ◽  
Preclinical Drug Development

AbstractWe have succeeded in stable mass production of chimeric PXB-mice, whose liver is repopulated by human hepatocytes at a ratio of more than 70%, and we are providing these mice to academia and pharmaceutical companies to support the development of new drugs or studies of liver function. Furthermore, we isolated human hepatocytes, called PXB-cells, from the chimeric mice, and provide them for clients weekly for in vitro studies. In this review, we summarize the existing characterizations of PXB-mice and PXB-cells and their present and future applications.

scholarly journals Dietary β-Cryptoxanthin Inhibits High-Refined Carbohydrate Diet–Induced Fatty Liver via Differential Protective Mechanisms Depending on Carotenoid Cleavage Enzymes in Male Mice

2019 ◽  
Vol 149 (9) ◽  
pp. 1553-1564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Ye Lim ◽  
Chun Liu ◽  
Kang-Quan Hu ◽  
Donald E Smith ◽  
Dayong Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Farnesoid X Receptor ◽  
Receptor Protein ◽  
Acid Oxidation ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Double Knockout ◽  
Carbohydrate Diet ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Β Carotene

ABSTRACT Background β-Cryptoxanthin (BCX), a provitamin A carotenoid shown to protect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), can be cleaved by β-carotene-15,15′-oxygenase (BCO1) to generate vitamin A, and by β-carotene-9′,10′-oxygenase (BCO2) to produce bioactive apo-carotenoids. BCO1/BCO2 polymorphisms have been associated with variations in plasma carotenoid amounts in both humans and animals. Objectives We investigated whether BCX feeding inhibits high refined-carbohydrate diet (HRCD)-induced NAFLD, dependent or independent of BCO1/BCO2. Methods Six-week-old male wild-type (WT) and BCO1−/−/BCO2−/− double knockout (DKO) mice were randomly fed HRCD (66.5% of energy from carbohydrate) with or without BCX (10 mg/kg diet) for 24 wk. Pathological and biochemical variables were analyzed in the liver and mesenteric adipose tissues (MATs). Data were analyzed by 2-factor ANOVA. Results Compared to their respective HRCD controls, BCX reduced hepatic steatosis severity by 33‒43% and hepatic total cholesterol by 43‒70% in both WT and DKO mice (P < 0.01). Hepatic concentrations of BCX, but not retinol and retinyl palmitate, were 33-fold higher in DKO mice than in WT mice (P < 0.001). BCX feeding increased the hepatic fatty acid oxidation protein peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α, and the cholesterol efflux gene ATP-binding cassette transporter5, and suppressed the lipogenesis gene acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (Acc1) in the MAT of WT mice but not DKO mice (P < 0.05). BCX feeding decreased the hepatic lipogenesis proteins ACC and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (3-fold and 5-fold) and the cholesterol synthesis genes 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and HMG-CoA synthase 1 (2.7-fold and 1.8-fold) and increased the cholesterol catabolism gene cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (1.9-fold) in the DKO but not WT mice (P < 0.05). BCX feeding increased hepatic protein sirtuin1 (2.5-fold) and AMP-activated protein kinase (9-fold) and decreased hepatic farnesoid X receptor protein (80%) and the inflammatory cytokine gene Il6 (6-fold) in the MAT of DKO mice but not WT mice (P < 0.05). Conclusion BCX feeding mitigates HRCD-induced NAFLD in both WT and DKO mice through different mechanisms in the liver-MAT axis, depending on the presence or absence of BCO1/BCO2.

scholarly journals Diet Modifies Pioglitazone’s Influence on Hepatic PPARγ-Regulated Mitochondrial Gene Expression

PPAR Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Sakil Kulkarni ◽  
Jiansheng Huang ◽  
Eric Tycksen ◽  
Paul F. Cliften ◽  
David A. Rudnick
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Transcriptional Regulation ◽  
Mitochondrial Gene ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Large Set ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Hepatic Expression ◽  
Insulin Resistant

Pioglitazone (Pio) is a thiazolidinedione (TZD) insulin-sensitizing drug whose effects result predominantly from its modulation of the transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated-receptor-gamma (PPARγ). Pio is used to treat human insulin-resistant diabetes and also frequently considered for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In both settings, Pio’s beneficial effects are believed to result primarily from its actions on adipose PPARγ activity, which improves insulin sensitivity and reduces the delivery of fatty acids to the liver. Nevertheless, a recent clinical trial showed variable efficacy of Pio in human NASH. Hepatocytes also express PPARγ, and such expression increases with insulin resistance and in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Furthermore, mice that overexpress hepatocellular PPARγ and Pio-treated mice with extrahepatic PPARγ gene disruption develop features of NAFLD. Thus, Pio’s direct impact on hepatocellular gene expression might also be a determinant of this drug’s ultimate influence on insulin resistance and NAFLD. Previous studies have characterized Pio’s PPARγ-dependent effects on hepatic expression of specific adipogenic, lipogenic, and other metabolic genes. However, such transcriptional regulation has not been comprehensively assessed. The studies reported here address that consideration by genome-wide comparisons of Pio’s hepatic transcriptional effects in wildtype (WT) and liver-specific PPARγ-knockout (KO) mice given either control or high-fat (HFD) diets. The results identify a large set of hepatic genes for which Pio’s liver PPARγ-dependent transcriptional effects are concordant with its effects on RXR-DNA binding in WT mice. These data also show that HFD modifies Pio’s influence on a subset of such transcriptional regulation. Finally, our findings reveal a broader influence of Pio on PPARγ-dependent hepatic expression of nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins than previously recognized. Taken together, these studies provide new insights about the tissue-specific mechanisms by which Pio affects hepatic gene expression and the broad scope of this drug’s influence on such regulation.

scholarly journals Sijunzi, Lizhong, and Fuzilizhong Decoction Alleviate Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through Activation of PPAR Pathway

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Jiayao Yang ◽  
Dongqing Tao ◽  
Wei Ma ◽  
Song Liu ◽  
Yan Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Chinese Herbal

Objective. Sijunzi, Lizhong, and Fuzilizhong decoction were traditional Chinese classic formulations, which are widely used in clinical treatment, and the underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of Sijunzi, Lizhong, and Fuzilizhong on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods. Male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet for four weeks to induce NAFLD and were thereafter administered Sijunzi (8 g/kg/d), Lizhong (10 g/kg/d), or Fuzilizhong (10 g/kg/d) by gavage for four weeks. Hepatic damage, lipid accumulation, inflammation, autophagy, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α signaling were evaluated. Results. The high-fat diet-fed rats showed typical symptoms of NAFLD, including elevated levels of hepatic damage indicators, increased hepatic lipid deposition and fibrosis, severe liver inflammation, and prominent autophagy. Upon administration of Sijunzi, Lizhong, and Fuzilizhong, liver health was improved remarkably, along with ameliorated symptoms of NAFLD. In addition, NAFLD-suppressed peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α signaling was reactivated after treatment with the three types of decoctions. Conclusions. The results collectively signify the effective therapeutic and protective functions of Sijunzi, Lizhong, and Fuzilizhong against NAFLD and demonstrate the potential of Chinese herbal medication in mitigating the symptoms of liver diseases. Novelty of the Work. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat various diseases, but the molecular mechanisms of individual ingredients have rarely been studied. The novelty of our work lies in elucidating the specific signaling pathways involved in the control of NAFLD using three common Chinese herbal decoctions. We suggest that natural herbal formulations can be effective therapeutic agents to combat against NAFLD.

scholarly journals 6-Gingerol Normalizes the Expression of Biomarkers Related to Hypertension via PPARδ in HUVECs, HEK293, and Differentiated 3T3-L1 Cells

PPAR Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong-Jik Lee ◽  
Yoo-Na Jang ◽  
Yoon-Mi Han ◽  
Hyun-Min Kim ◽  
Hong Seog Seo
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Lipid Accumulation ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Hek293 Cells ◽  
Immunocytochemical Staining ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor

Hypertension is a disease with a high prevalence and high mortality rates worldwide. In addition, various factors, such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and the abnormality of organs related to blood pressure, are involved in the development of hypertension. However, at present, there are few available drugs for hypertension that do not induce side effects. Although the therapeutic effects of ginger on hypertension are well established, the precise mechanism has not been elucidated. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the antihypertensive mechanism of 6-gingerol, one of the main ingredients of ginger, and to assist in the development of new drugs for hypertension without side effects. The antihypertensive effects and mechanism of 6-gingerol were identified through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting, and immunocytochemical staining for biomarkers involved in hypertension in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), human embryonal kidney cells (HEK293 cells), and mouse preadipocytes (3T3-L1 cells). The lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells was evaluated by using Oil Red O staining. 6- Gingerol increased the level of phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein but decreased that of vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in HUVECs. In HEK293 cells, the expression of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) protein was reduced by 6-gingerol. Lipid accumulation was attenuated by 6-gingerol treatment in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. These effects were regulated via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ). 6-Gingerol ameliorated the expression of biomarkers involved in the development of hypertension through PPARδ in HUVECs, HEK293, and differentiated 3T3-L1 cells.

scholarly journals Ginsenoside Rb1 Alleviated High-Fat-Diet-Induced Hepatocytic Apoptosis via Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Bing Song ◽  
Yao Sun ◽  
Yafen Chu ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Hongwei Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Apoptosis ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Hepatic Cell ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Ginsenoside Rb1 ◽  
Hepatocyte Apoptosis ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Objective. High-fat-diet- (HFD-) induced hepatic cell apoptosis is common in mice with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aim to investigate the effect of Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) on hepatocyte apoptosis. Methods. C57BL/6J mice with HFD were used to induce a liver-injured model with cell apoptosis. In addition, GRb1 was used to treat HFD-induced apoptosis in a liver with or without inhibitor of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ). Results. Compared with C57BL/6J mice with common chow, there are downregulated PPAR-γ but upregulated cell apoptosis in the liver of mice with HFD. Furthermore, GRb1 elevated the hepatic PPAR-γ level and suppressed hepatocytic apoptosis. However, GW9662 abolished the effects of GRb1 on apoptosis in the liver. Conclusions. GRb1 alleviated HFD-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes of mice via PPAR-γ.

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