scholarly journals Following the SPARC: tracking Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine associated with LX-2´s extracellular vesicles as a non-destructive modality to evaluate lipid-based antifibrotic treatments

Author(s):  
Cristina Zivko ◽  
Kathrin Fuhrmann ◽  
Gregor Fuhrmann ◽  
Paola Luciani

Abstract Uncovering the complex cellular mechanisms underlying hepatic fibrogenesis, a highly dynamic and active process ultimately responsible for liver failure if left untreated, could expedite the development of effective treatments and noninvasive diagnostic modalities for this often silent pathology. The biochemical complexity of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their role in intercellular communication make them an attractive tool to look for biomarkers that might become a viable alternative to invasive liver biopsies. We developed a solid set of methods to isolate and characterize EVs from differently treated human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 in vitro, and we investigated the biological effect they exert onto naïve LX-2, proving that EVs do play an active role in fibrogenesis. Electrical/asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (EAF4) revealed EV subpopulations with different physicochemical behaviors. Proteomic data from our samples was mined for EV-associated proteins whose expression correlated with HSC treatment. Consequently, we chose the secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich (SPARC), a matricellular protein previously reported to be upregulated in activated HSCs, as a proof-of-concept protein to explore the feasibility of using fluorescence nanoparticle tracking analysis as a non-destructive tool for the determination of HSCs’ fibrogenic phenotype based on EVs. We could thus use EVs to directly evaluate the efficacy of treatment with S80, a lipid rich (>75 %) in polyenylphosphatidylcholines (PPC). We found that PPC-rich S80 reduces the relative presence of SPARC-positive EVs. For the first time, we could correlate the cellular response to lipid-based antifibrotic treatment to the relative presence of a candidate protein marker associated with the released EVs. In addition to providing novel insights into PPC treatments, our findings pave the way for more precise and less invasive diagnostic analyses of hepatic fibrogenesis.

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatsugu Ohara ◽  
Shunsuke Ohnishi ◽  
Hidetaka Hosono ◽  
Koji Yamamoto ◽  
Kohei Yuyama ◽  
...  

Background. There are no approved drug treatments for liver fibrosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced stage of fibrosis which has rapidly become a major cause of cirrhosis. Therefore, development of anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic therapies is desired. Mesenchymal stem cell- (MSC-) based therapy, which has been extensively investigated in regenerative medicine for various organs, can reportedly achieve therapeutic effect in NASH via paracrine action. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) encompass a variety of vesicles released by cells that fulfill functions similar to those of MSCs. We herein investigated the therapeutic effects of EVs from amnion-derived MSCs (AMSCs) in rats with NASH and liver fibrosis. Methods. NASH was induced by a 4-week high-fat diet (HFD), and liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 2 mL/kg 50% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) twice a week for six weeks. AMSC-EVs were intravenously injected at weeks 3 and 4 in rats with NASH (15 μg/kg) and at week 3 in rats with liver fibrosis (20 μg/kg). The extent of inflammation and fibrosis was evaluated with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The effect of AMSC-EVs on inflammatory and fibrogenic response was investigated in vitro. Results. AMSC-EVs significantly decreased the number of Kupffer cells (KCs) in the liver of rats with NASH and the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor- (Tnf-) α, interleukin- (Il-) 1β and Il-6, and transforming growth factor- (Tgf-) β. Furthermore, AMSC-EVs significantly decreased fiber accumulation, KC number, and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation in rats with liver fibrosis. In vitro, AMSC-EVs significantly inhibited KC and HSC activation and suppressed the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. Conclusions. AMSC-EVs ameliorated inflammation and fibrogenesis in a rat model of NASH and liver fibrosis, potentially by attenuating HSC and KC activation. AMSC-EV administration should be considered as a new therapeutic strategy for chronic liver disease.


2006 ◽  
Vol 290 (1) ◽  
pp. G137-G144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shane Patella ◽  
David J. Phillips ◽  
Jorge Tchongue ◽  
David M. de Kretser ◽  
William Sievert

Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, is constitutively expressed in hepatocytes and regulates liver mass through tonic inhibition of hepatocyte DNA synthesis. Follistatin is the main biological inhibitor of activin bioactivity. These molecules may be involved in hepatic fibrogenesis, although defined roles remain unclear. We studied activin and follistatin gene and protein expression in cultured rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and in rats given CCl4 for 8 wk and examined the effect of follistatin administration on the development of hepatic fibrosis. In activated HSCs, activin mRNA was upregulated with high expression levels, whereas follistatin mRNA expression was unchanged from baseline. Activin A expression in normal lobular hepatocytes redistributed to periseptal hepatocytes and smooth muscle actin-positive HSCs in the fibrotic liver. A 32% reduction in fibrosis, maximal at week 4, occurred in CCl4-exposed rats treated with follistatin. Hepatocyte apoptosis decreased by 87% and was maximal at week 4 during follistatin treatment. In conclusion, activin is produced by activated HSCs in vitro and in vivo. Absence of simultaneous upregulation of follistatin gene expression in HSCs suggests that HSC-derived activin is biologically active and unopposed by follistatin. Our in vivo and in vitro results demonstrate that activin-mediated events contribute to hepatic fibrogenesis and that follistatin attenuates early events in fibrogenesis by constraining HSC proliferation and inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.


Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Zhang ◽  
Yaoyun Kuang ◽  
Xuan Zheng ◽  
Marios Psychogios ◽  
Thorsten R Doeppner

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from neural progenitor cells (NPCs) enhance post-stroke neurological recovery, albeit the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Since previous research described an enhanced post-stroke integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) upon systemic transplantation of NPCs, we wondered if NPC-derived EVs affect BBB stability and which cellular mechanisms might be involved in the process. Using an in vitro co-culture model of brain endothelial cells (ECs) and astrocytes, cells were treated with EVs or PBS and exposed to oxygen-glucose-deprivation (OGD) injury. The readout parameters focused on the expression of ABCB1, an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter expressed on ECs contributing to BBB integrity. Further in vitro analysis examined the pro-inflammatory NF-κB pathway, the permeability and the transcellular electrical resistance (TER) of cultured ECs. In vitro data was finally confirmed using a rodent stroke model. Cultured ECs displayed increased ABCB1 levels when exposed to OGD, which was reversed by treatment with EVs. The latter was due to an EV-induced inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. Using a BBB co-culture model of ECs and astrocytes exposed to OGD, EVs stabilized the BBB and ABCB1 levels without affecting TER. Likewise, EVs yielded reduced Evans blue extravasation, decreased ABCB1 expression as well as an inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and downstream matrix metalloprotease-9 activity in stroke mice. The EV-induced inhibition of the NF-κB pathway resulted in a post-stroke modulation of immune responses. Our findings suggest that EVs enhance post-stroke BBB integrity via ABCB1 and MMP-9 regulation, attenuating inflammatory cell recruitment by inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suguru Takeuchi ◽  
Atsunori Tsuchiya ◽  
Takahiro Iwasawa ◽  
Shunsuke Nojiri ◽  
Takayuki Watanabe ◽  
...  

AbstractMesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are used for ameliorating liver fibrosis and aiding liver regeneration after cirrhosis; Here, we analyzed the therapeutic potential of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from interferon-γ (IFN-γ) pre-conditioned MSCs (γ-sEVs). γ-sEVs effectively induced anti-inflammatory macrophages with high motility and phagocytic abilities in vitro, while not preventing hepatic stellate cell (HSC; the major source of collagen fiber) activation in vitro. The proteome analysis of MSC-derived sEVs revealed anti-inflammatory macrophage inducible proteins (e.g., annexin-A1, lactotransferrin, and aminopeptidase N) upon IFN-γ stimulation. Furthermore, by enabling CX3CR1+ macrophage accumulation in the damaged area, γ-sEVs ameliorated inflammation and fibrosis in the cirrhosis mouse model more effectively than sEVs. Single cell RNA-Seq analysis revealed diverse effects, such as induction of anti-inflammatory macrophages and regulatory T cells, in the cirrhotic liver after γ-sEV administration. Overall, IFN-γ pre-conditioning altered sEVs resulted in efficient tissue repair indicating a new therapeutic strategy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 16-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. V. Lugovaya ◽  
N. M. Kalinina ◽  
V. Ph. Mitreikin ◽  
Yu. P. Kovaltchuk ◽  
A. V. Artyomova ◽  
...  

Apoptosis, along with proliferation, is a form of lymphocyte response to activating stimuli. In the early stages of cell differentiation, the apoptotic response prevails and it results to the formation of tolerance to inductor antigen. Mature lymphocytes proliferate in response to stimulation and it means the initial stage in the development of the immune response. Since in this case apoptosis and proliferation acts as alternative processes, their ratio can serve as a measure of the effectiveness of the cellular response to activating signals. The resistance of autoreactive T-cells to apoptosis is the main key point in the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Autoreactive T-cells migrates from the bloodstream to the islet tissue of the pancreas and take an active part in b cells destruction. The resistance of autoreactive effector T-cells to apoptosis may suggest their high proliferative potential. Therefore, the comparative evaluation of apoptosis and proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes can give a more complete picture of their functional state and thus will help to reveal the causes of ineffective peripheral blood T-ceiis apoptosis in patients with T1DM and will help to understand more deeply the pathogenesis of the disease. in this article, the features of proliferative response of peripheral blood T-cells in patients with T1DM and in individuals with high risk of developing T1DM have been studied. Apoptosis of T-cell subpopulations has been investigated. The correlation between the apoptotic markers and the intensity of spontaneous and activation- induced in vitro T-cells proliferation of was revealed. it was determined, that autoreactive peripheral blood T-cells were resistant to apoptosis and demonstrated the increased proliferative potential in patients with T1DM and in individuals with high risk of developing T1DM.


Author(s):  
Mohammad Ghiasloo ◽  
Laura De Wilde ◽  
Kashika Singh ◽  
Patrick Tonnard ◽  
Alexis Verpaele ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Recent evidence confirms that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) facilitate angiogenesis mainly through paracrine function. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are regarded as key components of the cell secretome, possessing functional properties of their source cells. Subsequently, MSC-EVs have emerged as a novel cell-free approach to improve fat graft retention rate. Objectives To provide a systematic review of all studies reporting the use of MSC-EVs to improve graft retention rate. Methods A systematic search was undertaken using the Embase, PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Outcome measures included donor/receptor organism of the fat graft, study model, intervention groups, evaluation intervals, EV research data, in vitro and in vivo results. Results Of the total 1717 articles, 62 full-texts were screened. Seven studies reporting on 294mice were included. Overall, EV treated groups showed higher graft retention rates compared to untreated groups. Notably, retention rate was similar following EV- and MSC-treatment. In addition to reduced inflammation, graft enrichment with EVs resulted in early revascularization and better graft integrity. Interestingly, hypoxic preconditioning of MSCs improved their beneficial paracrine effects and led to a more proangiogenic EV population, as observed by both in vitro and in vivo results. Conclusions MSC-EVs appear to offer an interesting cell-free alternative to improve fat graft survival. While their clinical relevance remains to be determined, it is clear that not the cells, but their secretome is essential for graft survival. Thus, a paradigm shift from cell-assisted lipotransfer towards ‘secretome-assisted lipotransfer’ is well on its way.


Membranes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 411
Author(s):  
Nader Kameli ◽  
Anya Dragojlovic-Kerkache ◽  
Paul Savelkoul ◽  
Frank R. Stassen

In recent years, plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) have gained the interest of many experts in fields such as microbiology and immunology, and research in this field has exponentially increased. These nano-sized particles have provided researchers with a number of interesting findings, making their application in human health and disease very promising. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that PDEVs can exhibit a multitude of effects, suggesting that these vesicles may have many potential future applications, including therapeutics and nano-delivery of compounds. While the preliminary results are promising, there are still some challenges to face, such as a lack of protocol standardization, as well as knowledge gaps that need to be filled. This review aims to discuss various aspects of PDEV knowledge, including their preliminary findings, challenges, and future uses, giving insight into the complexity of conducting research in this field.


Author(s):  
Andreas Zietzer ◽  
Baravan Al-Kassou ◽  
Paul Jamme ◽  
Verena Rolfes ◽  
Eva Steffen ◽  
...  

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmic disease in humans, which leads to thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage and stroke through peripheral embolization. Depending on their origin, large extracellular vesicles (lEVs) can exert pro-coagulant functions. In the present study, we investigated how different types of AF influence the levels of large EV subtypes in three distinct atrial localizations. Blood samples were collected from the right and left atrium and the left atrial appendage of 58 patients. 49% of the patients had permanent AF, 34% had non-permanent AF, and 17% had no history of AF. Flow cytometric analysis of the origin of the lEVs showed that the proportion of platelet-derived lEVs in the left atrial appendage was significantly higher in permanent AF patients compared to non-permanent AF. When we grouped patients according to their current heart rhythm, we also detected significantly higher levels of platelet-derived lEVs in the left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients with atrial fibrillation. In vitro studies revealed, that platelet activation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leads to higher levels of miR-222-3p and miR-223-3p in platelet-derived lEVs. Treatment with lEVs from LPS- or thrombin-activated platelets reduces the migration of endothelial cells in vitro. These results suggest that permanent atrial fibrillation is associated with increased levels of platelet-derived lEVs in the LAA, which are potentially involved in LAA thrombus formation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (13) ◽  
pp. 7099
Author(s):  
Pradeep Kumar Kopparapu ◽  
Meghshree Deshmukh ◽  
Zhicheng Hu ◽  
Majd Mohammad ◽  
Marco Maugeri ◽  
...  

Staphylococcal aureus (S. aureus), a Gram-positive bacteria, is known to cause various infections. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous array of membranous structures secreted by cells from all three domains of life, i.e., eukaryotes, bacteria, and archaea. Bacterial EVs are implied to be involved in both bacteria–bacteria and bacteria–host interactions during infections. It is still unclear how S. aureus EVs interact with host cells and induce inflammatory responses. In this study, EVs were isolated from S. aureus and mutant strains deficient in either prelipoprotein lipidation (Δlgt) or major surface proteins (ΔsrtAB). Their immunostimulatory capacities were assessed both in vitro and in vivo. We found that S. aureus EVs induced pro-inflammatory responses both in vitro and in vivo. However, this activity was dependent on lipidated lipoproteins (Lpp), since EVs isolated from the Δlgt showed no stimulation. On the other hand, EVs isolated from the ΔsrtAB mutant showed full immune stimulation, indicating the cell wall anchoring of surface proteins did not play a role in immune stimulation. The immune stimulation of S. aureus EVs was mediated mainly by monocytes/macrophages and was TLR2 dependent. In this study, we demonstrated that not only free Lpp but also EV-imbedded Lpp had high pro-inflammatory activity.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2545
Author(s):  
Ya-Hui Chen ◽  
Po-Hui Wang ◽  
Pei-Ni Chen ◽  
Shun-Fa Yang ◽  
Yi-Hsuan Hsiao

Cervical cancer is one of the major gynecologic malignancies worldwide. Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgical resection, radiotherapy, or a combination of these treatments; however, relapse and recurrence may occur, and the outcome may not be favorable. Metformin is an established, safe, well-tolerated drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes; it can be safely combined with other antidiabetic agents. Diabetes, possibly associated with an increased site-specific cancer risk, may relate to the progression or initiation of specific types of cancer. The potential effects of metformin in terms of cancer prevention and therapy have been widely studied, and a number of studies have indicated its potential role in cancer treatment. The most frequently proposed mechanism underlying the diabetes–cancer association is insulin resistance, which leads to secondary hyperinsulinemia; furthermore, insulin may exert mitogenic effects through the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor, and hyperglycemia may worsen carcinogenesis through the induction of oxidative stress. Evidence has suggested clinical benefits of metformin in the treatment of gynecologic cancers. Combining current anticancer drugs with metformin may increase their efficacy and diminish adverse drug reactions. Accumulating evidence is indicating that metformin exerts anticancer effects alone or in combination with other agents in cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo. Metformin might thus serve as an adjunct therapeutic agent for cervical cancer. Here, we reviewed the potential anticancer effects of metformin against cervical cancer and discussed possible underlying mechanisms.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document