scholarly journals Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Hepatic Fibrosis

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Minling Cao ◽  
Xiaoling Chi ◽  
Junmin Jiang ◽  
Guangjun Tian
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Hepatic Fibrosis ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Liver Cells ◽  
Tissue Factors

<p>The occurrence of hepatic fibrosis is a multi-factor involved process. The key is the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Synthesis of extracellular matrix in the liver cells increases while degradation decreases. This paper reviews the tissue factors and the mechanism closely related to the forming of hepatic fibrosis.</p>

scholarly journals Inhibition of Rho-Kinase Downregulates Th17 Cells and Ameliorates Hepatic Fibrosis by Schistosoma japonicum Infection

Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Zhou ◽  
Yingying Yang ◽  
Congjin Mei ◽  
Panpan Dong ◽  
Shasha Mu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Schistosoma Japonicum ◽  
Hepatic Fibrosis ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Th17 Cells ◽  
Worm Burden ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Granuloma Formation ◽  
Type I ◽  
Hepatic Granuloma

Background: Schistosomiasis is an immunopathogenic disease in which Th17 cells play vital roles. Hepatic granuloma formation and subsequent fibrosis are its main pathologic manifestations and the leading causes of hepatic cirrhosis, and effective therapeutic interventions are lacking. In this study, we explored the effects of fasudil, a selective RhoA–Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, on Th17 cells and the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. Methods: Mice were infected with Schistosoma japonicum and treated with fasudil. The worm burden, hepatic granuloma formation, and fibrosis were evaluated. The roles of fasudil on Th17, Treg, and hepatic stellate cells were analyzed. Results: Fasudil therapy markedly reduced the granuloma size and collagen deposit in livers from mice infected with S. japonicum. However, fasudil therapy did not affect the worm burden in infected mice. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms were investigated. Fasudil suppressed the activation and induced the apoptosis of CD4+ T cells. Fasudil inhibited the differentiation and effector cytokine secretion of Th17 cells, whereas it upregulated Treg cells in vitro. It also restrained the in vivo interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-17 levels in infected mice. Fasudil directly induced the apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells and downregulated the expressions of hepatic fibrogenic genes, such as collagen type I (Col-I), Col-III, and transforming growth factor-1 (TGF-β1). These effects may contribute to its anti-pathogenic roles in schistosomiasis. Conclusions: Fasudil inhibits hepatic granuloma formation and fibrosis with downregulation of Th17 cells. Fasudil might serve as a novel therapeutic agent for hepatic fibrosis due to schistosome infections and perhaps other disorders.

scholarly journals Structural changes and expression of hepatic fibrosis-related proteins in coculture of Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces and human hepatic stellate cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deping Cao ◽  
Emad Shamsan ◽  
Bofan Jiang ◽  
Haining Fan ◽  
Yaogang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatic Fibrosis ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Related Proteins

Abstract Background Echinococcus multilocularis is the causative agent of human hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE). AE can cause damage to several organs, primarily the liver, and have severe outcomes, such as hepatic failure and encephalopathy. The main purpose of this study was to explore the interactions between hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and E. multilocularis protoscoleces (PSCs). The results of this study provide an experimental basis for further examination of the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis due to AE infection. Methods We investigated the role of Echinococcus multilocularis (Echinococcus genus) PSCs in hepatic fibrosis by examining structural changes and measuring hepatic fibrosis-related protein levels in cocultures of PSCs and human HSCs. Structural changes were detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and levels of the hepatic fibrosis-related proteins collagen I (Col-I), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and osteopontin (OPN) were measured by western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Under coculture (1) both PSCs and HSCs exhibited morphological changes, as observed by TEM; (2) Col-I, α-SMA, and OPN expression levels, which were determined by western blotting and ELISA, significantly increased after 3 days of incubation. Conclusions The results of this study provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of AE-induced hepatic fibrosis. Graphical abstract

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.

scholarly journals Levistilide A reverses rat hepatic fibrosis by suppressing angiotensin II‑induced hepatic stellate cells activation

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 2191-2198
Author(s):  
Shu Li ◽  
Wei Zhao ◽  
Zhimin Zhao ◽  
Binbin Cheng ◽  
Shuang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Hepatic Fibrosis ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Stellate Cells

Cellular crosstalk mediated by platelet-derived growth factor BB and transforming growth factor β during hepatic injury activates hepatic stellate cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 96 (8) ◽  
pp. 728-741 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sowmya Mekala ◽  
SubbaRao V. Tulimilli ◽  
Ramasatyaveni Geesala ◽  
Kanakaraju Manupati ◽  
Neha R. Dhoke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Hepg2 Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Platelet Derived Growth Factor ◽  
Hepatic Tissue

Apoptotic hepatocytes release factors that activate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), thereby inducing hepatic fibrosis. In the present study, in vivo and in vitro injury models were established using acetaminophen, ethanol, carbon tetrachloride, or thioacetamide. Histology of hepatotoxicant-induced diseased hepatic tissue correlated with differential expression of fibrosis-related genes. A marked increase in co-staining of transforming growth factor β receptor type II (TGFRIIβ) – desmin or α-smooth muscle actin – platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ), markers of activated HSCs, in liver sections of these hepatotoxicant-treated mice also depicted an increase in Annexin V – cytokeratin expressing hepatocytes. To understand the molecular mechanisms of disease pathology, in vitro experiments were designed using the conditioned medium (CM) of hepatotoxicant-treated HepG2 cells supplemented to HSCs. A significant increase in HSC proliferation, migration, and expression of fibrosis-related genes and protein was observed, thereby suggesting the characteristics of an activated phenotype. Treating HepG2 cells with hepatotoxicants resulted in a significant increase in mRNA expression of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). CM supplemented to HSCs resulted in increased phosphorylation of PDGFRβ and TGFRIIβ along with its downstream effectors, extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 and focal adhesion kinase. Neutralizing antibodies against PDGF-BB and TGFβ effectively perturbed the hepatotoxicant-treated HepG2 cell CM-induced activation of HSCs. This study suggests PDGF-BB and TGFβ as potential molecular targets for developing anti-fibrotic therapeutics.

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