Primary Kupffer Cells Research Articles

Resistin mediates the hepatic stellate cell phenotype

To describe the role of resistin in liver fibrosis. For the in vivo animal study, Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL) for 4 wk. Rat liver, adipose tissue (epididymal fat) and serum were analyzed for resistin expression. For the in vitro experiment, rat primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and Kupffer cells (KCs) were used. HSCs were exposed to recombinant resistin, and collagen I, transforming growth factor β1, α smooth muscle actin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and connective tissue growth factor expression were analyzed. Resistin gene and protein expression was quantified as was the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). The effects of resistin on HSC proliferation, migration and apoptosis were determined. The effects of resistin on KCs were also investigated. Following BDL, rat epididymal fat and serum rather than liver showed higher resistin expression compared to control rats. In liver, resistin was expressed in quiescent HSCs and KCs. Resistin treatment resulted in enhancement of TNFα, IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 gene expression and increased IL-6 and MCP-1 protein in HSCs. Resistin activated HSC phospho-MAPK/p38, and p38 inhibition diminished IL-6 and MCP-1 expression. Furthermore, resistin facilitated HSC proliferation and migration, but decreased apoptosis which was via an IL-6 and MCP-1 mechanism. Finally, resistin-induced transforming growth factor β1 from KCs enhanced HSC collagen I expression. Resistin directly and indirectly modulates HSC behavior towards a more pro-fibrogenic phenotype.

Macrophage‐derived hedgehog ligands promotes fibrogenic and angiogenic responses in human schistosomiasis mansoni

Schistosomiasis mansoni is a major cause of portal fibrosis and portal hypertension. The Hedgehog pathway regulates fibrogenic repair in some types of liver injury. Determine if Hedgehog pathway activation occurs during fibrosis progression in schistosomiasis and to determine if macrophage-related mechanisms are involved. Immunohistochemistry was used to characterize the cells that generate and respond to Hedgehog ligands in 28 liver biopsies from patients with different grades of schistosomiasis fibrosis staged by ultrasound. Cultured macrophages (RAW264.7 and primary rat Kupffer cells) and primary rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) were treated with schistosome egg antigen (SEA) and evaluated using qRT-PCR. Inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway was used to investigate its role in alternative activation of macrophages (M2) and vascular tube formation. Patients with schistosomiasis expressed more ligands (Shh and Ihh) and target genes (Patched and Gli2) than healthy individuals. Activated LSEC and myofibroblasts were Hedgehog responsive [Gli2(+)] and accumulated in parallel with fibrosis stage (P < 0.05). Double IHC for Ihh/CD68 showed that Ihh(+) cells were macrophages. In vitro studies demonstrated that SEA-stimulated macrophages to express Ihh and Shh mRNA (P < 0.05). Conditioned media from such macrophages induced luciferase production by Shh-LightII cells (P < 0.001) and Hedgehog inhibitors blocked this effect (P < 0.001). SEA-treated macrophages also up-regulated their own expression of M2 markers, and Hh pathway inhibitors abrogated this response (P < 0.01). Inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway in LSEC blocked SEA-induced migration and tube formation. SEA stimulates liver macrophages to produce Hh ligands, which promote alternative activation of macrophages, fibrogenesis and vascular remodelling in schistosomiasis.

Interleukin-33 Is hepatoprotective during liver ischemia/reperfusion in mice

Interleukin (IL)-33 is a recently identified member of the IL-1 family that binds to the receptor, ST2L. In the current study, we sought to determine whether IL-33 is an important regulator in the hepatic response to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 90 minutes of partial hepatic ischemia, followed by up to 8 hours of reperfusion. Some mice received recombinant IL-33 (IL-33) intraperitoneally (IP) before surgery or anti-ST2 antibody IP at the time of reperfusion. Primary hepatocytes and Kupffer cells were isolated and treated with IL-33 to assess the effects of IL-33 on inflammatory cytokine production. Primary hepatocytes were treated with IL-33 to assess the effects of IL-33 on mediators of cell survival in hepatocytes. IL-33 protein expression increased within 4 hours after reperfusion and remained elevated for up to 8 hours. ST2L protein expression was detected in healthy liver and was up-regulated within 1 hour and peaked at 4 hours after I/R. ST2L was primarily expressed by hepatocytes, with little to no expression by Kupffer cells. IL-33 significantly reduced hepatocellular injury and liver neutrophil accumulation at 1 and 8 hours after reperfusion. In addition, IL-33 treatment increased liver activation of nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), cyclin D1, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), but reduced serum levels of CXC chemokines. In vitro experiments demonstrated that IL-33 significantly reduced hepatocyte cell death as a result of increased NF-κB activation and Bcl-2 expression in hepatocytes. The data suggest that IL-33 is an important endogenous regulator of hepatic I/R injury. It appears that IL-33 has direct protective effects on hepatocytes, associated with the activation of NF-κB, p38 MAPK, cyclin D1, and Bcl-2 that limits liver injury and reduces the stimulus for inflammation.

Arachidonic acid stimulates TNFα production in Kupffer cells via a reactive oxygen species-pERK1/2-Egr1-dependent mechanism.

Kupffer cells are a key source of mediators of alcohol-induced liver damage such as reactive oxygen species, chemokines, growth factors, and eicosanoids. Since diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids are a requirement for the development of alcoholic liver disease, we hypothesized that polyunsaturated fatty acids could synergize with ethanol to promote Kupffer cell activation and TNFα production, hence, contributing to liver injury. Primary Kupffer cells from control and from ethanol-fed rats incubated with arachidonic acid showed similar proliferation rates than nontreated cells; however, arachidonic acid induced phenotypic changes, lipid peroxidation, hydroperoxides, and superoxide radical generation. Similar effects occurred in human Kupffer cells. These events were greater in Kupffer cells from ethanol-fed rats, and antioxidants and inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism prevented them. Arachidonic acid treatment increased NADPH oxidase activity. Inhibitors of NADPH oxidase and of arachidonic acid metabolism partially prevented the increase in oxidant stress. Upon arachidonic acid stimulation, there was a rapid and sustained increase in TNFα, which was greater in Kupffer cells from ethanol-fed rats than in Kupffer cells from control rats. Arachidonic acid induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of early growth response-1 (Egr1), and ethanol synergized with arachidonic acid to promote this effect. PD98059, a mitogen extracellular kinase 1/2 inhibitor, and curcumin, an Egr1 inhibitor, blocked the arachidonic acid-mediated upregulation of TNFα in Kupffer cells. This study unveils the mechanism whereby arachidonic acid and ethanol increase TNFα production in Kupffer cells, thus contributing to alcoholic liver disease.

439 HEPATITIS B VIRUS SURFACE ANTIGEN SUPPRESSES INNATE AND ADAPTIVE IMMUNE RESPONSES OF MURINE AND HUMAN LIVER CELLS

A S L D A b st ra ct s of HCV patients was determined by qrt-PCR and correlated to viral and host parameters. The effect of IL-10, TGF-β and miR-155 on poly I:C-activated murine Kupffer cells (KC) was assessed In Vitro. NPC were assayed for inflammatory and antiviral cytokines as well as T cell-activating factors. Results: Elevated expression of TGF-βwas linked to HCV genotype 1, while hepatic IL-10 expression correlated with HCV titers. TLR3-induced antiviral activity of NPC in a murine HCV-replicon system was potently suppressed by IL-10 or TGF-β. This correlated with decreased TLR3 expression and inhibition of NF-κB and IRF-3 activation in NPC. T cell activation, induced by TLR3-activated NPC, was suppressed by IL-10 and TGF-β which was associated with a down-regulation of CD80 and CD86. In primary KC, miR-155 could be up-regulated by poly I:C. Inhibition of NF-κB by Bay11-7082 impaired TLR3-induced miR-155 expression. The expression levels of miR-155, TNF-α, IL-6 and IFIT1 were elevated after miR-155 mimic treatment compared with controls. Pretreatment with IL-10 or TGF-β potently suppressed TLR3-induced miR-155 expression. The immunosuppressive effects of IL-10 and TGF-β in NPCs could be completely abrogated by treatment with miR-155 mimics. Conclusions: Our data suggest that TLR3-induced innate and adaptive immune responses in the liver are controlled by anti-inflammatory cytokines which in turn is mediated largely through miR-155. This is of relevance for the regulation of local immune responses and may at least partly explain the “IFN-paradox” in the pathogenesis of HCV infection, in particular.

Toll-like receptor-4 mediates obesity-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis through activation of X-box binding protein-1 in mice

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease is an obesity-related chronic liver disorder ranging from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may progress to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.ObjectiveTto investigate the role of...

Adiponectin upregulates hepatocyte CMKLR1 which is reduced in human fatty liver

Objective: Chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1) ligands chemerin and resolvin E1 are suggested to have a role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, expression of CMKLR1 in liver cells and NAFLD was studied. Methods: Primary human hepatocytes and liver of patients with and without liver steatosis were used. Human liver tissue was obtained according to the guidelines of the charitable state-controlled foundation Human Tissue & Cell Research (HTCR) with the patient's informed consent. To induce NASH mice were fed a methionine-choline deficient diet for 6 weeks. Results: CMKLR1 was detected in primary human hepatocytes (PHH), Kupffer cells, bile-duct cells and hepatic stellate cells. In human fatty liver and in fibrotic liver of mice fed a methionine-choline deficient diet CMKLR1 protein was reduced. Hepatocytes are the major cells in the liver and effects of adipokines, cytokines and lipids on CMKLR1 in PHH were analysed. Increased cellular triglyceride or cholesterol content, lipopolysaccharide, IL–6, TNF and leptin did not influence CMKLR1 levels in PHH whereas profibrotic TGFbeta tended to reduce CMKLR1. Adiponectin strongly upregulated CMKLR1 mRNA and protein, and CMKLR1 was suppressed in the liver of adiponectin deficient mice. Conclusion: These data indicate that low CMKLR1 in NAFLD may partly result from reduced adiponectin activity.

Carbon monoxide induces hypothermia tolerance in Kupffer cells and attenuates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in liver grafts, which is initiated by cold preservation and is augmented by reperfusion, is a major problem that complicates graft quality, posttransplant patient care, and outcomes of liver transplantation (LT). Kupffer cells (KCs) play important roles in I/R injury; however, little is known about their changes during cold preservation. We examined whether a pretreatment with carbon monoxide (CO), a cytoprotective product of heme degradation, could influence KC activity during cold storage and protect liver grafts against LT-induced I/R injury. In vitro, primary rat KCs were stimulated for 24 hours under hypothermic conditions (4°C, 20% O(2)), with lipopolysaccharide, or under hypoxic conditions (37°C, 5% O(2)) with or without a CO pretreatment. When rat KCs were exposed to hypothermic conditions, they produced reactive oxygen species (ROS), but they did not produce tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) or nitric oxide. The preincubation of KCs with CO up-regulated heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and inhibited ROS generation. When liver grafts from donor rats exposed to CO (250 ppm) for 24 hours were transplanted after 18 hours of cold preservation in University of Wisconsin solution, HSP70 expression increased in these grafts versus control grafts, and serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels as well as necrotic areas and inflammatory infiltrates were significantly reduced after LT. CO-pretreated liver grafts showed less up-regulation of TNF-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase messenger RNA (mRNA) and reduced expression of proapoptotic B cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein mRNA, cleaved caspase-3, and poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase. In conclusion, the pretreatment of donors with CO ameliorates LT-associated I/R injury with increased hepatic HSP70 expression, particularly in the KC population.

Adiponectin upregulates hepatocyte CMKLR1 which is reduced in human fatty liver

Chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1) ligands chemerin and resolvin E1 are suggested to have a role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, expression of CMKLR1 in liver cells and NAFLD was studied. CMKLR1 was detected in primary human hepatocytes (PHH), Kupffer cells, bile-duct cells and hepatic stellate cells. In human and rodent fatty liver and in fibrotic liver of mice fed a methionine–choline deficient diet CMKLR1 was reduced. Hepatocytes are the major cells in the liver and effects of adipokines, cytokines and lipids on CMKLR1 in PHH were analyzed. Increased cellular triglyceride or cholesterol content, lipopolysaccharide, IL-6, TNF and leptin did not influence CMKLR1 levels in PHH whereas profibrotic TGFβ tended to reduce CMKLR1. Adiponectin strongly upregulated CMKLR1 mRNA and protein in PHH and hepatic CMKLR1 when injected into wild type mice. Further, CMKLR1 was suppressed in the liver of adiponectin deficient mice. These data indicate that low CMKLR1 in NAFLD may partly result from reduced adiponectin activity.

Primary Porcine Kupffer Cell Phagocytosis of Human Platelets Involves the CD18 Receptor

Hepatic failure has been treated successfully with clinical extracorporeal perfusions of porcine livers. However, dog-to-pig and pig-to-baboon liver xenotransplant models have resulted in severe bleeding secondary to liver xenograft-induced thrombocytopenia. Kupffer cells (KC) are abundant phagocytic cells in the liver. KC express the CD11b/CD18 receptor, which has been implicated in chilled platelet binding and phagocytosis through interaction with platelet surface proteins and carbohydrates. We sought to identify the role of KC CD18 in liver xenograft-induced thrombocytopenia. Primary pig KC were characterized by flow cytometry, immunoblots, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Pig KC were used in inhibition assays with fluorescently labeled human platelets. The CD18 receptor was targeted for siRNA knockdown. Domestic and α1,3-galactosyltransferase double knockout porcine KC cultures were approximately 92% positive for CD18 as detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry. Use of CD18 blocking antibodies resulted in reduction of human platelet binding and phagocytosis. Additionally, asialofetuin, not fetuin, inhibited platelet phagocytosis suggesting the involvement of an oligosaccharide-binding site. Furthermore, reduced CD18 expression by siRNA resulted in decreased human platelet binding. Our data suggest that primary pig KC bind and phagocytose human platelets with involvement of CD18. Further understanding and modification of CD18 expression in pigs may result in a liver xenograft with reduced thrombocytopenic effects, which could be used as a bridge to allogeneic liver transplantation.

Differential cytokine responses from primary human Kupffer cells following infection with wild-type or vaccine strain yellow fever virus

Wild-type yellow fever virus (YFV) infections result in a hepatotropic disease which is often fatal, while vaccination with the live-attenuated 17-D strain results in productive infection yet is well-tolerated with few adverse events. Kupffer cells (KCs) are resident liver macrophages that have a significant role in pathogen detection, clearance and immune signaling. Although KCs appear to be an important component of YF disease, their role has been under-studied. This study examined cytokine responses in KCs following infection with either wild-type or vaccine strains of YFV. Results indicate that KCs support replication of both wild-type and vaccine strains, yet wild-type YFV induced a prominent and prolonged pro-inflammatory cytokine response (IL-8, TNF-α and RANTES/CCL5) with little control by a major anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). This response was significantly reduced in vaccine strain infections. These data suggest that a differentially regulated infection in KCs may play a critical role in development of disease.

Up-regulation of MicroRNA-155 in Macrophages Contributes to Increased Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα) Production via Increased mRNA Half-life in Alcoholic Liver Disease

Activation of Kupffer cells (KCs) by gut-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Toll-Like Receptors 4 (TLR4)-LPS-mediated increase in TNFα production has a central role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease. Micro-RNA (miR)-125b, miR-146a, and miR-155 can regulate inflammatory responses to LPS. Here we evaluated the involvement of miRs in alcohol-induced macrophage activation. Chronic alcohol treatment in vitro resulted in a time-dependent increase in miR-155 but not miR-125b or miR-146a levels in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, alcohol pretreatment augmented LPS-induced miR-155 expression in macrophages. We found a linear correlation between alcohol-induced increase in miR-155 and TNFα induction. In a mouse model of alcoholic liver disease, we found a significant increase in both miR-155 levels and TNFα production in isolated KCs when compared with pair-fed controls. The mechanistic role of miR-155 in TNFα regulation was indicated by decreased TNFα levels in alcohol-treated macrophages after inhibition of miR-155 and by increased TNFα production after miR-155 overexpression, respectively. We found that miR-155 affected TNFα mRNA stability because miR-155 inhibition decreased whereas miR-155 overexpression increased TNFα mRNA half-life. Using the NF-κB inhibitors, MG-132 or Bay11-7082, we demonstrated that NF-κB activation mediated the up-regulation of miR-155 by alcohol in KCs. In conclusion, our novel data demonstrate that chronic alcohol consumption increases miR-155 in macrophages via NF-κB and the increased miR-155 contributes to alcohol-induced elevation in TNFα production via increased mRNA stability.

Adiponectin and Heme Oxygenase-1 Suppress TLR4/MyD88-Independent Signaling in Rat Kupffer Cells and in Mice after Chronic Ethanol Exposure

Alcoholic liver disease is mediated via activation of TLR4 signaling; MyD88-dependent and -independent signals are important contributors to injury in mouse models. Adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory adipokine, suppresses TLR4/MyD88-dependent responses via induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Here we investigated the interactions between chronic ethanol, adiponectin, and HO-1 in regulation of TLR4/MyD88-independent signaling in macrophages and an in vivo mouse model. After chronic ethanol feeding, LPS-stimulated expression of IFN-β and CXCL10 mRNA was increased in primary cultures of Kupffer cells compared with pair-fed control mice. Treatment of Kupffer cells with globular adiponectin (gAcrp) normalized this response. LPS-stimulated IFN-β/CXCL10 mRNA and CXCL10 protein was also reduced in RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with gAcrp or full-length adiponectin. gAcrp and full-length adiponectin acted via adiponectin receptors 1 and 2, respectively. gAcrp decreased TLR4 expression in both Kupffer cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages. Small interfering RNA knockdown of HO-1 or inhibition of HO-1 activity with zinc protoporphyrin blocked these effects of gAcrp. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to chronic ethanol feeding, with or without treatment with cobalt protoporphyrin, to induce HO-1. After chronic ethanol feeding, mice were sensitized to in vivo challenge with LPS, expressing increased IFN-β/CXCL10 mRNA and CXCL10 protein in liver compared with control mice. Pretreatment with cobalt protoporphyrin 24 h before LPS challenge normalized this effect of ethanol. Adiponectin and induction of HO-1 potently suppressed TLR4-dependent/MyD88-independent cytokine expression in primary Kupffer cells from rats and in mouse liver after chronic ethanol exposure. These data suggest that induction of HO-1 may be a useful therapeutic strategy in alcoholic liver disease.

Hepatocytes as a Tool in Drug Metabolism, Transport and Safety Evaluations in Drug Discovery

The liver is the primary site of metabolism for most drugs. Its major roles include detoxification of the systemic and portal blood, and production and secretion of critical blood and biliary components. A number of liver-derived in vitro systems, such as slices, primary and immortalized hepatocytes, microsomes and S9 fractions are used to assess the metabolism and potential toxicity of new chemical entities. Over the past decade, primary hepatocytes have become a standard in vitro tool to evaluate hepatic drug metabolism, cytochrome P450 (P450) induction, and drug interactions affecting hepatic metabolism. While earlier, hepatocytes were used in suspension for metabolic stability evaluations, more recent studies have demonstrated the added value of using these over longer terms in primary culture. Primary hepatocyte cultures are particularly useful in the evaluation of low turn-over compounds. Hepatic transporter studies are recommended for drug candidates that are predominantly eliminated through the bile. An appropriate strategy is to use primary hepatocytes to assess uptake, followed by singly transfected cell lines to identify the specific transporter(s) involved. Primary hepatocytes can also be used to assess biliary clearance to enable improved hepatic clearance predictions. Newer technologies such as siRNA can be used to knock out specific transporters for more predictive evaluations of potential clinically-based drug-drug interactions. In vitro safety (toxicology) studies have historically been conducted using cell lines. There is increasing evidence that co-cultures of primary hepatocytes and Kupffer cells would be more predictive of the in vivo outcome, as this system provides the complete complement of drug metabolizing enzymes, transcription factors and cytokines necessary to get a more in vivo-like toxicological response. In this review, we will discuss standard and novel in vitro approaches for using primary hepatocytes to extrapolate clinical hepatic metabolism, transport and toxicity.

Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein Subverts the Antiviral Activities of Human Kupffer Cells

Kupffer cells (KC) are important innate immune cells of the liver, functioning as scavenging sinusoidal phagocytes and transducers of pattern recognition signals, including those of toll-like receptors (TLRs). The hepatitis C virus core protein (HCVc) engages TLR2 on peripheral blood monocytes and induces production of multiple inflammatory cytokines. We examined the effects of HCVc on human primary KC functions. KC were isolated from living donor allografts and stimulated with HCVc and/or ligands for TLRs. KC were examined for production of cytokines, expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), secretion of type 1 interferons (IFNs), and expression of the apoptosis-inducing protein tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). HCVc acts as a ligand for TLR2 on human KC, inducing them to secrete interleukin (IL)-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 and up-regulate cell surface PD-L1. HCVc blocked TLR3-mediated secretion of IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, and cell surface expression of the cytotoxic molecule TRAIL. Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3 kinase with LY294002 blocked the up-regulation of PD-L1 by TLR ligands and the TLR3-specific induction of TRAIL and type 1 IFNs. KC are intravascular macrophages that are continuously exposed to, and tolerant of, bacterial TLR ligands, which are delivered via the portal circulation. By mimicking a bacterial TLR2 ligand and effectively blocking the TLR3-mediated, double-stranded RNA-induced antiviral response, HCVc might appear to exploit this unique aspect of immunity in the liver.

In this issue

AbstractWhat dopes who dope: Biomarkers for rhGH in humanspp. 912–922The use of natural products to enhance sports performance has been a “leapfrog” game for many years. Now, with recombinant DNA methods of producing the identical products, it has gotten more difficult and expensive for regulatory authorities to develop the robust and accurate tests needed. In the case of recombinant human growth hormone, Boateng et al. report a reliable serum test that only requires two mass spectrometers (nanoESI‐LC‐MS and MALDI) and an artificial neural network (ANN) to perform. After multiple training cycles, the MALDI system identified six ions that had a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 100% (n=22, 24, respectively). The LC‐MS parameters yielded 90 and 95% sensitivity and specificity (six training runs, n=21). magnified imageAn open‐faced sandwich draws esophageal biomarkerspp. 923–931Sandwiches always seem to attract flying pests, particularly in the late summer as the pests stock up their nests for the coming colder weather. Shao et al. have assembled a Dagwood‐style multi‐layer sandwich/stack that binds serum components and potential biomarkers according to the type of glycans attached. The method is rapid and efficient, based on a 48‐element array. The disease in this case is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, which produces and modifies an abundance of glycosylated proteins. As sandwiches go, this one is tough to chew but the product is good. magnified imageYou give me fever...pp. 947–967Carcinogens such as N‐nitrosomorpholine (NNM) or bacterial lipopolysaccharide provoke an almost immediate inflammatory response when applied to rats by gavage. By growing primary hepatocytes (HC) and Kupffer cells (KC) in 35S‐labeled medium, the responses of specific proteins could be monitored as a function of treatment and time. Using proteomic methods, including 2‐DE, LC‐MS/MS, and shotgun peptide identification, Lorenz et al. were able to show that the secretory responses of KC and HC were distinctly different and that NNM triggers an inflammatory response directly and immediately (&lt;4 h) in KC. Proteins expressed included IL‐6, allograft inflammatory factor, and macrophage inflammatory factor. Also in the response are members of functional teams that repair various types of damage. magnified image

Cover Picture: Proteomics – Clinical Applications 8/09

AbstractWhat dopes who dope: Biomarkers for rhGH in humansThe use of natural products to enhance sports performance has been a “leapfrog” game for many years. Now, with recombinant DNA methods of producing the identical products, it has gotten more difficult and expensive for regulatory authorities to develop the robust and accurate tests needed. In the case of recombinant human growth hormone, Boateng et al. report a reliable serum test that only requires two mass spectrometers (nanoESI‐LC‐MS and MALDI) and an artificial neural network (ANN) to perform. After multiple training cycles, the MALDI system identified six ions that had a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 100% (n=22, 24, respectively). The LC‐MS parameters yielded 90 and 95% sensitivity and specificity (six training runs, n=21).Boateng, J. et al., Proteomics Clin. Appl. 2009, 3, 912–922.An open‐faced sandwich draws esophageal biomarkersSandwiches always seem to attract flying pests, particularly in the late summer as the pests stock up their nests for the coming colder weather. Shao et al. have assembled a Dagwood‐style multi‐layer sandwich/stack that binds serum components and potential biomarkers according to the type of glycans attached. The method is rapid and efficient, based on a 48‐element array. The disease in this case is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, which produces and modifies an abundance of glycosylated proteins. As sandwiches go, this one is tough to chew but the product is good.Shao, C. et al., Proteomics Clin. Appl. 2009, 3, 923–931.You give me fever...Carcinogens such as N‐nitrosomorpholine (NNM) or bacterial lipopolysaccharide provoke an almost immediate inflammatory response when applied to rats by gavage. By growing primary hepatocytes (HC) and Kupffer cells (KC) in 35S‐labeled medium, the responses of specific proteins could be monitored as a function of treatment and time. Using proteomic methods, including 2‐DE, LC‐MS/MS, and shotgun peptide identification, Lorenz et al. were able to show that the secretory responses of KC and HC were distinctly different and that NNM triggers an inflammatory response directly and immediately (&lt;4 h) in KC. Proteins expressed included IL‐6, allograft inflammatory factor, and macrophage inflammatory factor. Also in the response are members of functional teams that repair various types of damage.Lorenz, O. et al., Proteomics Clin. Appl. 2009, 3, 947–967.

C-Jun N-terminal Kinase-1 From Hematopoietic Cells Mediates Progression From Hepatic Steatosis to Steatohepatitis and Fibrosis in Mice

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) plays a pivotal role in the development of the metabolic syndrome including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the mechanism underlying the contribution of JNK to the progression from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis is unresolved. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis were examined in wild-type, jnk1(-/-), or jnk2(-/-) mice fed a choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet for 20 weeks. The functional contribution of JNK isoforms in Kupffer cells was assessed in vitro and in vivo using chimeric mice in which the hematopoietic compartment including Kupffer cells was replaced by wild-type, jnk1(-/-), or jnk2(-/-) cells. CDAA diet induced significantly less hepatic inflammation and less liver fibrosis despite a similar level of hepatic steatosis in jnk1(-/-) mice as compared with wild-type or jnk2(-/-) mice. CDAA diet-induced hepatic inflammation was chronic and mediated by Kupffer cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of JNK or gene deletion of jnk1 but not jnk2 repressed the expression of inflammatory and fibrogenic mediators in primary Kupffer cells. In vivo, CDAA diet induced less hepatic inflammation and liver fibrosis despite an equivalent level of hepatic steatosis in chimeric mice with jnk1(-/-) hematopoietic cells as compared with chimeric mice with wild-type or jnk2(-/-) hematopoietic cells. jnk1(-/-) mice are resistant to diet-induced steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. JNK1 in hematopoietic cells, especially in Kupffer cells, contributes to the development of liver fibrosis by inducing chronic inflammation.

Reactive Oxygen Species Mediate Liver Injury Through Parenchymal Nuclear Factor-κB Inactivation in Prolonged Ischemia/Reperfusion

Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB participates in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) hepatic signaling, stimulating both protective mechanisms and the generation of inflammatory cytokines. After analyzing NF-kappaB activation during increasing times of ischemia in murine I/R, we observed that the nuclear translocation of p65 paralleled Src and IkappaB tyrosine phosphorylation, which peaked after 60 minutes of ischemia. After extended ischemic periods (90 to 120 minutes) however, nuclear p65 levels were inversely correlated with the progressive induction of oxidative stress. Despite this profile of NF-kappaB activation, inflammatory genes, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-1beta, predominantly induced by Kupffer cells, increased throughout time during ischemia (30 to 120 minutes), whereas protective NF-kappaB-dependent genes, such as manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), expressed in parenchymal cells, decreased. Consistent with this behavior, gadolinium chloride pretreatment abolished TNF/IL-1beta up-regulation during ischemia without affecting Mn-SOD levels. Interestingly, specific glutathione (GSH) up-regulation in hepatocytes by S-adenosylmethionine increased Mn-SOD expression and protected against I/R-mediated liver injury despite TNF/IL-1beta induction. Similar protection was achieved by administration of the SOD mimetic MnTBAP. In contrast, indiscriminate hepatic GSH depletion by buthionine-sulfoximine before I/R potentiated oxidative stress and decreased both nuclear p65 and Mn-SOD expression levels, increasing TNF/IL-1beta up-regulation and I/R-induced liver damage. Thus, the divergent role of NF-kappaB activation in selective liver cell populations underlies the dichotomy of NF-kappaB in hepatic I/R injury, illustrating the relevance of specifically maintaining NF-kappaB activation in parenchymal cells.

18beta‐glycyrrhetinic acid prevents free fatty acid‐induced lipotoxicity by inhibiting ER stress and oxidative stress

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signal pathway has been linked to free fatty acid (FFA)‐induced inflammatory response and disease progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in clinic. We have previously shown that 18?β‐glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) prevents FFA‐induced hepatic lipotoxicity by inhibiting cathepsin B expression and activity. But the underlying cellular mechanism remains unclear. This study determined if GA prevents FFA‐induced lipotoxicity by regulating ER stress signaling pathways.MethodsMouse macrophages, primary rat hepatocytes and Kupffer cells were used in this study. Cells were treated with palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) in the presence or absence of GA. Activation of the UPR was determined by real time RT‐PCR and Western Blot analysis. The apoptosis was detected by fluorescence microscopy using Annexin V‐FITC/propidium iodide. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA).ResultsPA dose‐dependently induced UPR activation, ROS formation, and apoptosis both in macrophages and hepatocytes, while OA had no effect. GA not only inhibited PA‐induced UPR activation, but also inhibited PA‐induced ROS formation. PA‐induced ROS formation and cathepsin B expression were inhibited in CHOP knockout macrophages and hepatocytes.ConclusionGA prevents FFA‐induced lipotoxicity by inhibiting ER stress and oxidative stress.