AIM: To identify the key cytokines involved in hepatic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBM-MSCs) under liver-injury conditions. METHODS: Abdominal injection of CCl4 was adopted to duplicat...AIM: To identify the key cytokines involved in hepatic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBM-MSCs) under liver-injury conditions. METHODS: Abdominal injection of CCl4 was adopted to duplicate a mouse acute liver injury model. Global gene expression analysis was performed to evaluate the potential genes involved in hepatic commitment under liver-injury conditions. The cytokines involved in hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs was function-ally examined by depletion experiment using specifi c antibodies, followed by rescue experiment and direct inducing assay. The hepatic differentiation was characterized by the expression of hepatic lineage genes and proteins, as well as functional features. RESULTS: Cytokines potentially participating in hepatic fate commitment under liver-injury conditions were initially measured by microarray. Among the up-regulated genes determined, 18 cytokines known to closely relate to liver growth, repair and development, were selected for further identif ication. The f ibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and oncostatin M (OSM) were fi nally found to be involved in hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs under liver-injury conditions. Hepatic differentiation could be dramatically decreased after removing FGF-4, HGF and OSM from the liver-injury conditioned medium, and could be rescued by supplementing these cytokines. The FGF-4, HGF and OSM play different roles in the hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs, in which FGF-4 and HGF are essential for the initiation of hepatic differentiation, while OSM is critical for the maturation of hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: FGF-4, HGF and OSM are the key cytokines involved in the liver-injury conditioned medium for the hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs.展开更多
AIM: To explore whether a co-culture of cynomolgus monkey embryonic stem (cES) cells with embryonic liver cells could promote their differentiation into hepatocytes. METHODS: Mouse fetal liver-derived cells (MFLCs) we...AIM: To explore whether a co-culture of cynomolgus monkey embryonic stem (cES) cells with embryonic liver cells could promote their differentiation into hepatocytes. METHODS: Mouse fetal liver-derived cells (MFLCs) were prepared as adherent cells from mouse embryos on embryonic d (ED) 14, after which undifferentiated cES cells were co-cultured with MFLCs. The induction of cES cells along a hepatic lineage was examined in MFLC- assisted differentiation, spontaneous differentiation, and growth factors (GF) and chemicals-induced differentiations (GF-induced differentiation) using retinoic acid, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), FGF2, FGF4, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), oncostatin M (OSM), and dexamethasone. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of α-fetoprotein, albumin (ALB), α-1-antitrypsin, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α was observed earlier in the differentiating cES cells co-cultured with MFLCs, as compared to cES cells undergoing spontaneous differentiation and those subjected to GF-induced differentiation. The expression of cytochrome P450 7a1, a possible marker for embryonic endoderm-derived mature hepatocytes, was only observed in cES cells that had differentiated in a co-culture with MFLCs. Further, the disappearance of Oct3/4, a representative marker of an undifferentiated state, was noted in cells co-cultured with MFLCs, but not in those undergoing spontaneous or GF-induced differentiation. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed an increased ratio of ALB-immunopositive cells among cES cells co-cultured with MFLCs, while glycogen storageand urea synthesis were also demonstrated. CONCLUSION: MFLCs showed an ability to induce cES cells to differentiate toward hepatocytes. The co-culture system with MFLCs is a useful method for induction of hepatocyte-like cells from undifferentiated cES cells.展开更多
Bone morphogenetic protein 9(BMP9)(or GDF2)was originally identified from fetal mouse liver cDNA libraries.Emerging evidence indicates BMP9 exerts diverse and pleiotropic functions during postnatal development and in ...Bone morphogenetic protein 9(BMP9)(or GDF2)was originally identified from fetal mouse liver cDNA libraries.Emerging evidence indicates BMP9 exerts diverse and pleiotropic functions during postnatal development and in maintaining tissue homeostasis.However,the expression landscape of BMP9 signaling during development and/or in adult tissues remains to be analyzed.Here,we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the expression landscape of BMP9 and its signaling mediators in postnatal mice.By analyzing mouse ENCODE transcriptome datasets we found Bmp9 was highly expressed in the liver and detectable in embryonic brain,adult lungs and adult placenta.We next conducted a comprehensive qPCR analysis of RNAs isolated from major mouse tissues/organs at various ages.We found that Bmp9 was highly expressed in the liver and lung tissues of young adult mice,but decreased in older mice.Interestingly,Bmp9 was only expressed at low to modest levels in developing bones.BMP9-associated TGFβ/BMPR type I receptor Alk1 was highly expressed in the adult lungs.Furthermore,the feedback inhibitor Smads Smad6 and Smad7 were widely expressed in mouse postnatal tissues.However,the BMP signaling antagonist noggin was highly expressed in fat and heart in the older age groups,as well as in kidney,liver and lungs in a biphasic fashion.Thus,our findings indicate that the circulating BMP9 produced in liver and lungs may account for its pleiotropic effects on postnatal tissues/organs although possible roles of BMP9 signaling in liver and lungs remain to be fully understood.展开更多
Background:Our previous in vitro study has shown that total flavonoids from the leaves of Carya cathayensis exert estrogenic activities by promoting the expressions of ER𝛼and ER𝛽.C.cathayensis leaf ext...Background:Our previous in vitro study has shown that total flavonoids from the leaves of Carya cathayensis exert estrogenic activities by promoting the expressions of ER𝛼and ER𝛽.C.cathayensis leaf extract(CCE)was rich in flavonoids.Oral administration of CCE reduced the serum lipids and hepatic lipids,alleviated liver steatosis in ovariectomized rats.Objective:To investigate whether CCE has estrogenic effects on reproductive tissue and influences lipid metabolism in ovariectomized rats,and whether CCE has a direct effect on regulation of lipid synthesis and/or oxidation and adipocyte differentiation of ovariectomized(OVX)rats.Methods:Female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized and treated with CCE or estradiol in combination with a normal diet(ND),a high-fat diet(HFD)for 8 weeks.Histological analysis of uterus were performed and the lipid metabolism-related enzyme activity were examined.Expression of liver lipogenesis-related genes,adipocyte differentiation-and fat accumulation-related genes and protein were measured.Rusults:Ovariectomy accelerated the uterine atrophy,development of dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis,which were effectively mitigated by CCE supplementation.CCE significantly elevated ovariectomy-induced reduction in the cross-section area of the uterus and uterine glands.Compared with the OVX group,CCE increased the activities of lipoprtein lipase(LPL)and hepatic lipase(HL),decreased the hepatic mRNA expressions of Fas,Srebf1,Sla2a2,and increased Ppar𝛼expressions at the mRNA levels under both ND and HFD conditions.CCE also decreased the Pck1 and G6pc mRNA expressions under HFD conditions,and show no significant effects on Hmgcr.The expressions of SREBF1,CEBPA and VEGF at the protein level were effectively regulated by CCE supplementation.Conclusion:CCE effectively alleviated ovariectomy-induced dyslipidemia and visceral fat accumulation by mod-ulating hepatic lipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation.Furthermore,CCE exhibited estrogenic activity for the prevention of postmenopausal fat展开更多
AIM： To transplant undifferentiated embryonic stem （ES） cells into the spleens of carbon tetrachloride （CCl4）-treated mice to determine their ability to differentiate into hepatocytes in the liver. METHODS： CCh,...AIM： To transplant undifferentiated embryonic stem （ES） cells into the spleens of carbon tetrachloride （CCl4）-treated mice to determine their ability to differentiate into hepatocytes in the liver. METHODS： CCh, 0.5 mL/kg body weight, was injected into the peritoneum of C57BL/6 mice twice a week for 5 wk. In group 1 （n = 12）, 1 × 10^5 undifferentiated ES cells （0.1 mL of 1 × 10^6/mL solution）, genetically labeled with GFP, were transplanted into the spleens 1 d after the second injection. Group 2 mice （n = 12） were injected with 0.2 mL of saline twice a week, instead of CCh, and the same amount of ES cells was transplanted into the spleens. Group 3 mice （n = 6） were treated with CCh and injected with 0.1 mL of saline into the spleen, instead of ES cells. Histochemical analyses of the livers were performed on post-transplantation d （PD） 10, 20, and 30. RESULTS： Considerable numbers of GFP-immunopositive cells were found in the periportal regions in group 1 mice （CCh-treated） on PD 10, however, not in those untreated with CCh （group 2）. The GFP-positive cells were also immunopositive for albumin （ALB）, alpha-1 antitrypsin, cytokeratin 18, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha on PD 20. Interestingly, most of the GFP-positive cells were immunopositive for DLK, a hepatoblast marker, on PD 10. Although very few ES-derived cells were demonstrated immunohistologically in the livers of group 1 mice on PD 30, improvements in liver fibrosis were observed. Unexpectedly, liver tumor formation was not observed in any of the mice that received ES cell transplantation during the experimental period CONCLUSION： Undifferentiated ES cells developed into hepatocyte-like cells with appropriate integration into tissue, without uncontrolled cell growth.展开更多
BACKGROUND To solve the problem of liver transplantation donor insufficiency,an alternative cell transplantation therapy was investigated.We focused on amniotic epithelial cells(AECs)as a cell source because,unlike in...BACKGROUND To solve the problem of liver transplantation donor insufficiency,an alternative cell transplantation therapy was investigated.We focused on amniotic epithelial cells(AECs)as a cell source because,unlike induced pluripotent stem cells,they are cost-effective and non-tumorigenic.The utilization of AECs in regenerative medicine,however,is in its infancy.A general profile for AECs has not been comprehensively analyzed.Moreover,no hepatic differentiation protocol for AECs has yet been established.To this end,we independently compiled human AEC libraries,purified amniotic stem cells(ASCs),and co-cultured them with mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)and human umbilical vein endothelial cell(HUVECs)in a 3D system which induces functional hepatic organoids.AIM To characterize AECs and generate functional hepatic organoids from ASCs and other somatic stem cells METHODS AECs,MSCs,and HUVECs were isolated from the placentae and umbilical cords of cesarean section patients.Amnion and primary AEC stemness characteristics and heterogeneity were analyzed by immunocytochemistry,Alkaline phosphatase(AP)staining,and flow cytometry.An adherent AEC subpopulation was selected and evaluated for ASC purification quality by a colony formation assay.AEC transcriptomes were compared with those for other hepatocytes cell sources by bioinformatics.The 2D and 3D culture were compared by relative gene expression using several differentiation protocols.ASCs,MSCs,and HUVECs were combined in a 3D co-culture system to generate hepatic organoids whose structure was compared with a 3D AEC sphere and whose function was elucidated by immunofluorescence imaging,periodic acid Schiff,and an indocyanine green(ICG)test.RESULTS AECs have certain stemness markers such as EPCAM,SSEA4,and E-cadherin.One AEC subpopulation was also either positive for AP staining or expressed the TRA-1-60 and TRA-1-81 stemness markers.Moreover,it could form colonies and its frequency was enhanced ten-fold in the adherent subpopulation after selective primary passage.Bioinfo展开更多
Background: Our previous study showed that overexpression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α(HNF4α) could directly promote mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. However, the efficien...Background: Our previous study showed that overexpression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α(HNF4α) could directly promote mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. However, the efficiency of hepatic differentiation remains low. The purpose of our study was to establish an MSC cell line that overexpressed HNF4α and FOXA2 genes to obtain an increased hepatic differentiation efficiency and hepatocyte-like cells with more mature hepatocyte functions. Methods: Successful establishment of high-level HNF4α and FOXA2 co-overexpression in human induced hepatocyte-like cells(hi Hep cells) was verified by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Measurements of albumin(ALB), urea, glucose, indocyanine green(ICG) uptake and release, cytochrome P450(CYP) activity and gene expression were used to analyze mature hepatic functions of hi Hep cells. Results: hi Hep cells efficiently express HNF4α and FOXA2 genes and proteins, exhibit typical epithelial morphology and acquire mature hepatocyte-like cell functions, including ALB secretion, urea production, ICG uptake and release, and glycogen storage. hi Hep cells can be activated by CYP inducers. The percentage of both ALB and α-1-antitrypsin(AAT)-positive cells was approximately 72.6%. The expression levels of hepatocyte-specific genes( ALB, AAT, and CYP1A1) and liver drug transport-related genes( ABCB1, ABCG2, and SLC22A18) in hi Hep cells were significantly higher than those in MSCs-Vector cells. The hi Hep cells did not form tumors after subcutaneous xenograft in BALB/c nude mice after 2 months. Conclusion: This study provides an accessible, feasible and efficient strategy to generate hi Hep cells from MSCs.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and the second leading cause of death among all cancer types. Deregulation of the networks of tissue-specific transcription factors(TFs...Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and the second leading cause of death among all cancer types. Deregulation of the networks of tissue-specific transcription factors(TFs) observed in HCC leads to profound changes in the hepatic transcriptional program that facilitates tumor progression. In addition, recent reports suggest that substantial aberrations in the production of TF isoforms occur in HCC. In vitro experiments have identified distinct isoform-specific regulatory functions and related biological effects of liver-specific TFs that are implicated in carcinogenesis, which may be relevant for tumor progression and clinical outcome. This study reviews available data on the expression of isoforms of liver-specific and ubiquitous TFs in the liver and HCC and their effects, including HNF4α, C/EBPs, p73 and TCF7 L2, and indicates that assessment of the ratio of isoforms and targeting specific TF variants may be beneficial for the prognosis and treatment of HCC.展开更多
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)or metabolic(dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease is the leading cause of chronic liver diseases defined as a disease spectrum comprising hepatic steatosis,non-alcoholic ...Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)or metabolic(dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease is the leading cause of chronic liver diseases defined as a disease spectrum comprising hepatic steatosis,non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),liver fibrosis,cirrhosis,and hepatic carcinoma.NASH,characterized by hepatocyte injury,steatosis,inflammation,and fibrosis,is associated with NAFLD prognosis.Ductular reaction(DR)is a common compensatory reaction associated with liver injury,which involves the hepatic progenitor cells(HPCs),hepatic stellate cells,myofibroblasts,inflammatory cells(such as macrophages),and their secreted substances.Recently,several studies have shown that the extent of DR parallels the stage of NASH and fibrosis.This review summarizes previous research on the correlation between DR and NASH,the potential interplay mechanism driving HPC differentiation,and NASH progression.展开更多
The mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor(MANF)has been recently identified as a neurotrophic factor,but its role in hepatic fibrosis is unknown.Here,we found that MANF was upregulated in the fibrotic li...The mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor(MANF)has been recently identified as a neurotrophic factor,but its role in hepatic fibrosis is unknown.Here,we found that MANF was upregulated in the fibrotic liver tissues of the patients with chronic liver diseases and of mice treated with CCl4.MANF deficiency in either hepatocytes or hepatic mono-macrophages,particularly in hepatic mono-macrophages,clearly exacerbated hepatic fibrosis.Myeloid-specific MANF knockout increased the population of hepatic Ly6C^(high)macrophages and promoted HSCs activation.Furthermore,MANF-sufficient macrophages(from WT mice)transfusion ameliorated CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in myeloid cells-specific MANF knockout(MKO)mice.Mechanistically,MANF interacted with S100A8 to competitively block S100A8/A9 heterodimer formation and inhibited S100A8/A9-mediated TLR4-NF-κB signal activation.Pharmacologically,systemic administration of recombinant human MANF significantly alleviated CCl_(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in both WT and hepatocytes-specific MANF knockout(HKO)mice.This study reveals a mechanism by which MANF targets S100A8/A9-TLR4 as a“brake”on the upstream of NF-κB pathway,which exerts an impact on macrophage differentiation and shed light on hepatic fibrosis treatment.展开更多
Human hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) promise a valuable source of cells with human genetic background, physiologically relevant liver functions, and unlimited supply. Wi...Human hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) promise a valuable source of cells with human genetic background, physiologically relevant liver functions, and unlimited supply. With over 10 years’ efforts in this field, great achievements have been made. HLCs have been successfully derived and applied in disease modeling, toxicity testing and drug discovery. Large cohorts of induced pluripotent stem cells-derived HLCs have been recently applied in studying population genetics and functional outputs of common genetic variants in vitro. This has offered a new paradigm for genomewide association studies and possibly in vitro pharmacogenomics in the nearly future. However, HLCs have not yet been successfully applied in bioartificial liver devices and have only displayed limited success in cell transplantation. HLCs still have an immature hepatocyte phenotype and exist as a population with great heterogeneity, and HLCs derived from different hPSC lines display variable differentiation efficiency. Therefore, continuous improvement to the quality of HLCs, deeper investigation of relevant biological processes, and proper adaptation of recent advances in cell culture platforms, genome editing technology, and bioengineering systems are required before HLCs can fulfill the needs in basic and translational research. In this review, we summarize the discoveries, achievements, and challenges in the derivation and applications of HLCs.展开更多
基金Supported by The Grant of Medicine and Health Key Projects of Zhejiang Province, Science and Technology Fund of Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China, No. WKJ2007-2-037Shaoxing Key Project for Science and Technology, No. 2007A23008the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province, China, No. Y2090337
文摘AIM: To identify the key cytokines involved in hepatic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBM-MSCs) under liver-injury conditions. METHODS: Abdominal injection of CCl4 was adopted to duplicate a mouse acute liver injury model. Global gene expression analysis was performed to evaluate the potential genes involved in hepatic commitment under liver-injury conditions. The cytokines involved in hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs was function-ally examined by depletion experiment using specifi c antibodies, followed by rescue experiment and direct inducing assay. The hepatic differentiation was characterized by the expression of hepatic lineage genes and proteins, as well as functional features. RESULTS: Cytokines potentially participating in hepatic fate commitment under liver-injury conditions were initially measured by microarray. Among the up-regulated genes determined, 18 cytokines known to closely relate to liver growth, repair and development, were selected for further identif ication. The f ibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and oncostatin M (OSM) were fi nally found to be involved in hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs under liver-injury conditions. Hepatic differentiation could be dramatically decreased after removing FGF-4, HGF and OSM from the liver-injury conditioned medium, and could be rescued by supplementing these cytokines. The FGF-4, HGF and OSM play different roles in the hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs, in which FGF-4 and HGF are essential for the initiation of hepatic differentiation, while OSM is critical for the maturation of hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: FGF-4, HGF and OSM are the key cytokines involved in the liver-injury conditioned medium for the hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs.
文摘AIM: To explore whether a co-culture of cynomolgus monkey embryonic stem (cES) cells with embryonic liver cells could promote their differentiation into hepatocytes. METHODS: Mouse fetal liver-derived cells (MFLCs) were prepared as adherent cells from mouse embryos on embryonic d (ED) 14, after which undifferentiated cES cells were co-cultured with MFLCs. The induction of cES cells along a hepatic lineage was examined in MFLC- assisted differentiation, spontaneous differentiation, and growth factors (GF) and chemicals-induced differentiations (GF-induced differentiation) using retinoic acid, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), FGF2, FGF4, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), oncostatin M (OSM), and dexamethasone. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of α-fetoprotein, albumin (ALB), α-1-antitrypsin, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α was observed earlier in the differentiating cES cells co-cultured with MFLCs, as compared to cES cells undergoing spontaneous differentiation and those subjected to GF-induced differentiation. The expression of cytochrome P450 7a1, a possible marker for embryonic endoderm-derived mature hepatocytes, was only observed in cES cells that had differentiated in a co-culture with MFLCs. Further, the disappearance of Oct3/4, a representative marker of an undifferentiated state, was noted in cells co-cultured with MFLCs, but not in those undergoing spontaneous or GF-induced differentiation. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed an increased ratio of ALB-immunopositive cells among cES cells co-cultured with MFLCs, while glycogen storageand urea synthesis were also demonstrated. CONCLUSION: MFLCs showed an ability to induce cES cells to differentiate toward hepatocytes. The co-culture system with MFLCs is a useful method for induction of hepatocyte-like cells from undifferentiated cES cells.
基金The reported work was supported in part by research grants from the National Institutes of Health(CA226303 to TCH)the U.S.Department of Defense(OR130096 to JMW)+3 种基金the Scoliosis Research Society(TCH and MJL)This project was also supported in part by The University of Chicago Cancer Center Support Grant(P30CA014599)the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health through Grant Number UL1 TR000430.TCH was also supported by the Mabel Green Myers Research Endowment Fund and The University of Chicago Orthopaedics Alumni Fund.Funding sources were not involved in the study design,in the collection,analysis and interpretation of datain the writing of the report,and in the decision to submit the paper for publication。
文摘Bone morphogenetic protein 9(BMP9)(or GDF2)was originally identified from fetal mouse liver cDNA libraries.Emerging evidence indicates BMP9 exerts diverse and pleiotropic functions during postnatal development and in maintaining tissue homeostasis.However,the expression landscape of BMP9 signaling during development and/or in adult tissues remains to be analyzed.Here,we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the expression landscape of BMP9 and its signaling mediators in postnatal mice.By analyzing mouse ENCODE transcriptome datasets we found Bmp9 was highly expressed in the liver and detectable in embryonic brain,adult lungs and adult placenta.We next conducted a comprehensive qPCR analysis of RNAs isolated from major mouse tissues/organs at various ages.We found that Bmp9 was highly expressed in the liver and lung tissues of young adult mice,but decreased in older mice.Interestingly,Bmp9 was only expressed at low to modest levels in developing bones.BMP9-associated TGFβ/BMPR type I receptor Alk1 was highly expressed in the adult lungs.Furthermore,the feedback inhibitor Smads Smad6 and Smad7 were widely expressed in mouse postnatal tissues.However,the BMP signaling antagonist noggin was highly expressed in fat and heart in the older age groups,as well as in kidney,liver and lungs in a biphasic fashion.Thus,our findings indicate that the circulating BMP9 produced in liver and lungs may account for its pleiotropic effects on postnatal tissues/organs although possible roles of BMP9 signaling in liver and lungs remain to be fully understood.
基金This project was financially supported by the Natural Science Foun-dation of China(Grant No:81303258).
文摘Background:Our previous in vitro study has shown that total flavonoids from the leaves of Carya cathayensis exert estrogenic activities by promoting the expressions of ER𝛼and ER𝛽.C.cathayensis leaf extract(CCE)was rich in flavonoids.Oral administration of CCE reduced the serum lipids and hepatic lipids,alleviated liver steatosis in ovariectomized rats.Objective:To investigate whether CCE has estrogenic effects on reproductive tissue and influences lipid metabolism in ovariectomized rats,and whether CCE has a direct effect on regulation of lipid synthesis and/or oxidation and adipocyte differentiation of ovariectomized(OVX)rats.Methods:Female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized and treated with CCE or estradiol in combination with a normal diet(ND),a high-fat diet(HFD)for 8 weeks.Histological analysis of uterus were performed and the lipid metabolism-related enzyme activity were examined.Expression of liver lipogenesis-related genes,adipocyte differentiation-and fat accumulation-related genes and protein were measured.Rusults:Ovariectomy accelerated the uterine atrophy,development of dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis,which were effectively mitigated by CCE supplementation.CCE significantly elevated ovariectomy-induced reduction in the cross-section area of the uterus and uterine glands.Compared with the OVX group,CCE increased the activities of lipoprtein lipase(LPL)and hepatic lipase(HL),decreased the hepatic mRNA expressions of Fas,Srebf1,Sla2a2,and increased Ppar𝛼expressions at the mRNA levels under both ND and HFD conditions.CCE also decreased the Pck1 and G6pc mRNA expressions under HFD conditions,and show no significant effects on Hmgcr.The expressions of SREBF1,CEBPA and VEGF at the protein level were effectively regulated by CCE supplementation.Conclusion:CCE effectively alleviated ovariectomy-induced dyslipidemia and visceral fat accumulation by mod-ulating hepatic lipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation.Furthermore,CCE exhibited estrogenic activity for the prevention of postmenopausal fat
文摘AIM： To transplant undifferentiated embryonic stem （ES） cells into the spleens of carbon tetrachloride （CCl4）-treated mice to determine their ability to differentiate into hepatocytes in the liver. METHODS： CCh, 0.5 mL/kg body weight, was injected into the peritoneum of C57BL/6 mice twice a week for 5 wk. In group 1 （n = 12）, 1 × 10^5 undifferentiated ES cells （0.1 mL of 1 × 10^6/mL solution）, genetically labeled with GFP, were transplanted into the spleens 1 d after the second injection. Group 2 mice （n = 12） were injected with 0.2 mL of saline twice a week, instead of CCh, and the same amount of ES cells was transplanted into the spleens. Group 3 mice （n = 6） were treated with CCh and injected with 0.1 mL of saline into the spleen, instead of ES cells. Histochemical analyses of the livers were performed on post-transplantation d （PD） 10, 20, and 30. RESULTS： Considerable numbers of GFP-immunopositive cells were found in the periportal regions in group 1 mice （CCh-treated） on PD 10, however, not in those untreated with CCh （group 2）. The GFP-positive cells were also immunopositive for albumin （ALB）, alpha-1 antitrypsin, cytokeratin 18, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha on PD 20. Interestingly, most of the GFP-positive cells were immunopositive for DLK, a hepatoblast marker, on PD 10. Although very few ES-derived cells were demonstrated immunohistologically in the livers of group 1 mice on PD 30, improvements in liver fibrosis were observed. Unexpectedly, liver tumor formation was not observed in any of the mice that received ES cell transplantation during the experimental period CONCLUSION： Undifferentiated ES cells developed into hepatocyte-like cells with appropriate integration into tissue, without uncontrolled cell growth.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81770621Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science,and Technology of Japan,KAKENHI,No.16K15604,No.18H02866Japan Science and Technology Agency-Japan International Cooperation Agency’s(JST-JICA)Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development(SATREPS)Project
文摘BACKGROUND To solve the problem of liver transplantation donor insufficiency,an alternative cell transplantation therapy was investigated.We focused on amniotic epithelial cells(AECs)as a cell source because,unlike induced pluripotent stem cells,they are cost-effective and non-tumorigenic.The utilization of AECs in regenerative medicine,however,is in its infancy.A general profile for AECs has not been comprehensively analyzed.Moreover,no hepatic differentiation protocol for AECs has yet been established.To this end,we independently compiled human AEC libraries,purified amniotic stem cells(ASCs),and co-cultured them with mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)and human umbilical vein endothelial cell(HUVECs)in a 3D system which induces functional hepatic organoids.AIM To characterize AECs and generate functional hepatic organoids from ASCs and other somatic stem cells METHODS AECs,MSCs,and HUVECs were isolated from the placentae and umbilical cords of cesarean section patients.Amnion and primary AEC stemness characteristics and heterogeneity were analyzed by immunocytochemistry,Alkaline phosphatase(AP)staining,and flow cytometry.An adherent AEC subpopulation was selected and evaluated for ASC purification quality by a colony formation assay.AEC transcriptomes were compared with those for other hepatocytes cell sources by bioinformatics.The 2D and 3D culture were compared by relative gene expression using several differentiation protocols.ASCs,MSCs,and HUVECs were combined in a 3D co-culture system to generate hepatic organoids whose structure was compared with a 3D AEC sphere and whose function was elucidated by immunofluorescence imaging,periodic acid Schiff,and an indocyanine green(ICG)test.RESULTS AECs have certain stemness markers such as EPCAM,SSEA4,and E-cadherin.One AEC subpopulation was also either positive for AP staining or expressed the TRA-1-60 and TRA-1-81 stemness markers.Moreover,it could form colonies and its frequency was enhanced ten-fold in the adherent subpopulation after selective primary passage.Bioinfo
基金supported by grants from the National Natu-ral Science Foundation of China(81501561)Medical Scientific Re-search Foundation of Guangdong Province(A2018121)Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(2014A030310043 and 2017A030313873)
文摘Background: Our previous study showed that overexpression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α(HNF4α) could directly promote mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. However, the efficiency of hepatic differentiation remains low. The purpose of our study was to establish an MSC cell line that overexpressed HNF4α and FOXA2 genes to obtain an increased hepatic differentiation efficiency and hepatocyte-like cells with more mature hepatocyte functions. Methods: Successful establishment of high-level HNF4α and FOXA2 co-overexpression in human induced hepatocyte-like cells(hi Hep cells) was verified by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Measurements of albumin(ALB), urea, glucose, indocyanine green(ICG) uptake and release, cytochrome P450(CYP) activity and gene expression were used to analyze mature hepatic functions of hi Hep cells. Results: hi Hep cells efficiently express HNF4α and FOXA2 genes and proteins, exhibit typical epithelial morphology and acquire mature hepatocyte-like cell functions, including ALB secretion, urea production, ICG uptake and release, and glycogen storage. hi Hep cells can be activated by CYP inducers. The percentage of both ALB and α-1-antitrypsin(AAT)-positive cells was approximately 72.6%. The expression levels of hepatocyte-specific genes( ALB, AAT, and CYP1A1) and liver drug transport-related genes( ABCB1, ABCG2, and SLC22A18) in hi Hep cells were significantly higher than those in MSCs-Vector cells. The hi Hep cells did not form tumors after subcutaneous xenograft in BALB/c nude mice after 2 months. Conclusion: This study provides an accessible, feasible and efficient strategy to generate hi Hep cells from MSCs.
基金Supported by Russian Foundation for Basic Research,contract No.18-34-00816\18
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and the second leading cause of death among all cancer types. Deregulation of the networks of tissue-specific transcription factors(TFs) observed in HCC leads to profound changes in the hepatic transcriptional program that facilitates tumor progression. In addition, recent reports suggest that substantial aberrations in the production of TF isoforms occur in HCC. In vitro experiments have identified distinct isoform-specific regulatory functions and related biological effects of liver-specific TFs that are implicated in carcinogenesis, which may be relevant for tumor progression and clinical outcome. This study reviews available data on the expression of isoforms of liver-specific and ubiquitous TFs in the liver and HCC and their effects, including HNF4α, C/EBPs, p73 and TCF7 L2, and indicates that assessment of the ratio of isoforms and targeting specific TF variants may be beneficial for the prognosis and treatment of HCC.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81970511&82270620.
文摘Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)or metabolic(dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease is the leading cause of chronic liver diseases defined as a disease spectrum comprising hepatic steatosis,non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),liver fibrosis,cirrhosis,and hepatic carcinoma.NASH,characterized by hepatocyte injury,steatosis,inflammation,and fibrosis,is associated with NAFLD prognosis.Ductular reaction(DR)is a common compensatory reaction associated with liver injury,which involves the hepatic progenitor cells(HPCs),hepatic stellate cells,myofibroblasts,inflammatory cells(such as macrophages),and their secreted substances.Recently,several studies have shown that the extent of DR parallels the stage of NASH and fibrosis.This review summarizes previous research on the correlation between DR and NASH,the potential interplay mechanism driving HPC differentiation,and NASH progression.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81973336)the Joint Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U21A20345)。
文摘The mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor(MANF)has been recently identified as a neurotrophic factor,but its role in hepatic fibrosis is unknown.Here,we found that MANF was upregulated in the fibrotic liver tissues of the patients with chronic liver diseases and of mice treated with CCl4.MANF deficiency in either hepatocytes or hepatic mono-macrophages,particularly in hepatic mono-macrophages,clearly exacerbated hepatic fibrosis.Myeloid-specific MANF knockout increased the population of hepatic Ly6C^(high)macrophages and promoted HSCs activation.Furthermore,MANF-sufficient macrophages(from WT mice)transfusion ameliorated CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in myeloid cells-specific MANF knockout(MKO)mice.Mechanistically,MANF interacted with S100A8 to competitively block S100A8/A9 heterodimer formation and inhibited S100A8/A9-mediated TLR4-NF-κB signal activation.Pharmacologically,systemic administration of recombinant human MANF significantly alleviated CCl_(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in both WT and hepatocytes-specific MANF knockout(HKO)mice.This study reveals a mechanism by which MANF targets S100A8/A9-TLR4 as a“brake”on the upstream of NF-κB pathway,which exerts an impact on macrophage differentiation and shed light on hepatic fibrosis treatment.
基金Supported by National Key RD Program of China,No.017YFA0102800,and No.2017YFA0103700the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31670829
文摘Human hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) promise a valuable source of cells with human genetic background, physiologically relevant liver functions, and unlimited supply. With over 10 years’ efforts in this field, great achievements have been made. HLCs have been successfully derived and applied in disease modeling, toxicity testing and drug discovery. Large cohorts of induced pluripotent stem cells-derived HLCs have been recently applied in studying population genetics and functional outputs of common genetic variants in vitro. This has offered a new paradigm for genomewide association studies and possibly in vitro pharmacogenomics in the nearly future. However, HLCs have not yet been successfully applied in bioartificial liver devices and have only displayed limited success in cell transplantation. HLCs still have an immature hepatocyte phenotype and exist as a population with great heterogeneity, and HLCs derived from different hPSC lines display variable differentiation efficiency. Therefore, continuous improvement to the quality of HLCs, deeper investigation of relevant biological processes, and proper adaptation of recent advances in cell culture platforms, genome editing technology, and bioengineering systems are required before HLCs can fulfill the needs in basic and translational research. In this review, we summarize the discoveries, achievements, and challenges in the derivation and applications of HLCs.
