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Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a lifesaving procedure. However, grafts may fail due to primary nonfunction (PNF). In the past, we demonstrated PNFs to be mainly associated with fatty allografts, and given its unpredictable nature, the development of a disease model is urgently needed. In an effort to investigate mechanism of fatty allograft-associated PNFs, we induced fatty liver disease in donor animals by feeding rats a diet deficient in methionine and choline (MCD). We performed OLT with allografts of different grades of hepatic steatosis and compared the results to healthy ones. We assessed liver function by considering serum biochemistries, and investigated genome wide responses following OLT of healthy and fatty allograft-associated PNFs. Furthermore, we performed immunohistochemistry to evaluate markers of oxidative stress and reperfusion injury, inflammation, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, lactate transport, and its utilization as part of the Cori cycle. Strikingly, PNFs are strictly lipid content dependent. Nonetheless, a fat content of ≤17% and an increase in the size of hepatocytes of ≤11% (ballooning) greatly improved outcome of OLTs and the hepatic microcirculation. Mechanistically, PNFs arise from a dysfunctional Cori cycle with complete ablation of the lactate transporter SLC16A1. Thus, lipid-laden hepatocytes fail to perform gluconeogenesis via lactate reutilization, and the resultant hyperlactatemia and lactic acidosis causes cardiac arrhythmogenicity and death. Furthermore, the genomic and immunohistochemistry investigations underscore a dysfunctional Krebs cycle with impaired energy metabolism in lipid-burdened mitochondria. Together, we show fatty allografts to be highly vulnerable towards ischemia/reperfusion-injury, and stabilizing the Cori cycle is of critical importance to avert PNFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and miRNAs play a key role in LC development. To better diagnose LC and to predict drug treatment responses we evaluated 228 articles encompassing 16,697 patients and 12,582 healthy controls. Based on the criteria of ≥3 independent studies and a sensitivity and specificity of >0.8 we found blood-borne miR-20a, miR-10b, miR-150, and miR-223 to be excellent diagnostic biomarkers for non-small cell LC whereas miR-205 is specific for squamous cell carcinoma. The systematic review also revealed 38 commonly regulated miRNAs in tumor tissue and the circulation, thus enabling the prediction of histological subtypes of LC. Moreover, theranostic biomarker candidates with proven responsiveness to checkpoint inhibitor treatments were identified, notably miR-34a, miR-93, miR-106b, miR-181a, miR-193a-3p, and miR-375. Conversely, miR-103a-3p, miR-152, miR-152-3p, miR-15b, miR-16, miR-194, miR-34b, and miR-506 influence programmed cell death-ligand 1 and programmed cell death-1 receptor expression, therefore providing a rationale for the development of molecularly targeted therapies. Furthermore, miR-21, miR-25, miR-27b, miR-19b, miR-125b, miR-146a, and miR-210 predicted response to platinum-based treatments. We also highlight controversial reports on specific miRNAs. In conclusion, we report diagnostic miRNA biomarkers for in-depth clinical evaluation. Furthermore, in an effort to avoid unnecessary toxicity we propose predictive biomarkers. The biomarker candidates support personalized treatment decisions of LC patients and await their confirmation in randomized clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium channel blockers (CCB) differ in their effects on the cardiovascular system with diltiazem being less negatively ionotrop as compared to verapamil. Diltiazem is mainly used to treat supraventricular tachycardia, vasospastic angina and the Raynaud's syndrome. Little is known about the molecular effects of benzothiazepins on cardiac gene expression. We therefore investigated the effects of diltiazem on cardiac gene expression in normotensive and hypertensive rats with left ventricular hypertrophy and compared the results with our previous findings on verapamil and nifedipine. Spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were treated with 15 mg/kg diltiazem b.i.d. for 3 days. Total RNA was isolated from surgically removed hearts and the gene expression of ion channels, ion transporters and their associated partners, calcium handling proteins as well as stress and cellular differentiation markers was investigated by RT-PCR. Subsequently, hierarchical gene cluster analysis was performed to decode treatment effects of different classes of CCBs. CCB treatment of normotensive and hypertensive rats revealed class specific effects with diltiazem specifically repressing cardiac genes pertinent for ion homeostasis and excitation-contraction coupling in normotensive but not hypertensive rats. Conversely, verapamil and nifedipine caused predominantly repression of genes to affect ion homeostasis and contractile dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats; nonetheless, genes coding for calcium-handling proteins were up-regulated. Unlike diltiazem treatment of normotensive rats with verapamil and/or nifedipine did not influence cardiac gene expression. The effects of diltiazem on cardiac gene expression provide a molecular rationale for its use in the treatment of vasospastic angina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disorder hallmarked by excessive lipid deposits. Based on our recent research on lipid droplet (LD) formation in hepatocytes, we investigated LD-associated gene regulations in NAFLD of different grades, that is, steatosis vs steatohepatitis by comparing liver biopsies from healthy controls (N = 13) and NAFLD patients (N = 102). On average, more than 700 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified of which 146 are mechanistically linked to LD formation. We identified 51 LD-associated DEGs frequently regulated in patient samples (range ≥5 to ≤102) with the liver-receptor homolog-1(NR5A2), that is, a key regulator of cholesterol metabolism being commonly repressed among 100 patients examined. With bland steatosis, notable regulations involved hypoxia-inducible lipid droplet-associated-protein and diacylglycerol-O-acyltransferase-2 renowned for their role in LD-growth. Conversely, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated DEGs coded for epidermal growth factor receptor and TLR4 signaling with decreased expression of the GTPase Rab5 and the lipid phosphohydrolase PPAP2B thus highlighting adaptive responses to inflammation, LDL-mediated endocytosis and lipogenesis, respectively. Studies with steatotic primary human hepatocyte cultures demonstrated induction of LD-associated PLIN2, CIDEC, DNAAF1, whereas repressed expression of CPT1A, ANGPTL4, and PKLR informed on burdened mitochondrial metabolism. Equally, repressed expression of the B-lymphocyte chemoattractant CXCL13 and STAT4 as well as induced FGF21 evidenced amelioration of steatosis-related inflammation. In-vitro/in-vivo patient sample comparisons confirmed C-reactive protein, SOCS3, NR5A2, and SOD2 as commonly regulated. Lastly, STRING network analysis highlighted potential "druggable" targets with PLIN2, CIDEC, and hypoxia-inducible lipid droplet-associated-protein being confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy. In conclusion, steatosis and steatohepatitis specific gene regulations informed on the pathogenesis of NAFLD to broaden the perspective of targeted therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Serum enzyme markers (LFTs) are commonly used to predict drug induced liver injury. [•] LFTs are highly variable amongst individual donors in human hepatocyte cultures (hHC). [•] Treatment of hHC with different drugs results in highly variable LFTs. [•] Assaying ammonia detoxification is clearly dose and time dependent. [•] An estimation of urea and urea cycle enzymes will improve prediction of DILI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Triacyglycerols are a major energy reserve of the body and are normally stored in adipose tissue as lipid droplets (LDs). The liver, however, stores energy as glycogen and digested triglycerides in the form of fatty acids. In stressed condition such as obesity, imbalanced nutrition and drug induced liver injury hepatocytes accumulate excess lipids in the form of LDs whose prolonged storage leads to disease conditions most notably non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Fatty liver disease has become a major health burden with more than 90% of obese, nearly 70% of overweight and about 25% of normal weight patients being affected. Notably, research in recent years has shown LD as highly dynamic organelles for maintaining lipid homeostasis through fat storage, protein sorting and other molecular events studied in adipocytes and other cells of living organisms. This review focuses on the molecular events of LD formation in hepatocytes and the importance of cross talk between different cell types and their signalling in NAFLD as to provide a perspective on molecular mechanisms as well as possibilities for different therapeutic intervention strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Activation of the lectin-like oxLDL receptor (LOX-1) promotes atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) increases production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and leads to the development of endothelial dysfunction. The molecular causes for oxLDL to induce oxidative DNA damage and metabolic dysfunction remain uncertain. Here we report treatment of cultured human coronary arterial endothelial cells (HCAEC) with oxLDL to cause oxidative DNA damage as determined by a 3-fold increase in 8-OH-desoxyguanosine adduct formation and a 4-fold induction of the growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible transcripts GADD45 and GADD153. Oxidative stress resulted in activation of Oct-1, a transcriptional repressor of various vascular cytochrome P450 (CYP) monooxygenases. Activation of Oct-1 was protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated. Binding of Oct-1 to promoter sequences of CYP monooxygenases was increased upon treatment of HCAEC with oxLDL. This resulted in repressed production of endothelium-derived hyperpolarization factor 11,12-epoxyeicosatrieonic acid. Small interference RNA-mediated functional knockdown of Oct-1 prevented oxLDL-mediated silencing of CYP expression. Inhibition of LOX-1 attenuated oxLDL-mediated endothelial DNA damage, Oct-1/DNA binding, and reversed impaired production of EDHF. Taken collectively, oxLDL induced oxidative DNA damage and activation of Oct-1 to result in metabolic dysfunction of coronary arterial endothelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: The orphan nuclear receptor HNF4α is a member of the hepatic transcription factor network. This protein plays a pivotal role in liver development and hepatocellular differentiation. Nine splice variants have been identified, some of which are specifically regulated in disease. The role of HNF4α splice variants in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) is unknown. Here, we report an identification of novel candidate genes targeted by splice variants of HNF4α. Methods: We used chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by cloning and sequencing of DNA. Expression of HNF4α P1 and P2 promoter-driven isoforms and of genes targeted by HNF4α were analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and immunohistochemistry. Results: We observed a remarkable switch in gene and protein expression from P1 to P2 promoter-driven fetal isoforms of HNF4α in transgenic livers and HCCs of epidermal growth factor (EGF) overexpressing mice and in human HCCs. We further identified EGF-receptor substrate (EPS15R), related EPS15, the premessenger RNA processing factor 3 (PRPF3), and taspase 1 (TASP1) as novel HNF4α disease regulated genes with induced expression in mouse and in human HCCs. We suggest EPS15 and EPS15R mediated internalization of activated EGF receptor to result in receptor recycling as to reinforce the proliferative response to EGF. Regulation of the type 2 asparaginase TASP1 and of the splicing factor PRPF3 further documents a switch to fetal liver programs in HCC. Conclusions: We report induction of P2 promoter-driven HNF4α splice variants and regulation of disease candidate genes in EGF-induced mouse and human HCC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background & Aims: The transcription factor nuclear factor-eythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2−/− ) is essential for protecting cells against xenobiotic and oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of many diseases including ethanol-induced liver disease. Therefore, the role of Nrf2−/− in ethanol-induced liver injury was investigated. Methods: Wild-type and Nrf2−/− mice were fed with the ethanol diet, followed by examination of liver pathology, mortality, and ethanol metabolism. Results: Nrf2−/− mice displayed a dramatically increased mortality associated with liver failure when fed doses of ethanol that were tolerated by WT mice. Nrf2−/− mice showed a significantly reduced ability to detoxify acetaldehyde, leading to an accumulation of the toxic metabolite. Loss of Nrf2−/− caused a marked steatosis in livers of ethanol-fed mice, and Srebp1 was identified as a candidate transcription factor responsible for lipogenic enzyme induction. Furthermore, ethanol consumption led to a progressive depletion of total and mitochondrial reduced glutathione, which was associated with more pronounced structural and functional changes to mitochondria of Nrf2−/− mice. In addition, ethanol feeding elicited an aggravated inflammatory response mediated by Kupffer cells in Nrf2−/− mice as shown by an increased tumor necrosis factor-α secretion and activation of the interleukin-6/Stat-3 pathway. Together these changes lead to a vicious cycle of accumulating hepatocellular damage, ultimately leading to liver failure and death of Nrf2−/− mice. Conclusions: Our data establish a central role for Nrf2−/− in the protection against ethanol-induced liver injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: ‘Epigenetics’ is a heritable phenomenon without change in primary DNA sequence. In recent years, this field has attracted much attention as more epigenetic controls of gene activities are being discovered. Such epigenetic controls ensue from an interplay of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA-mediated pathways from non-coding RNAs, notably silencing RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA). Although epigenetic regulation is inherent to normal development and differentiation, this can be misdirected leading to a number of diseases including cancer. All the same, many of the processes can be reversed offering a hope for epigenetic therapies such as inhibitors of enzymes controlling epigenetic modifications, specifically DNA methyltransferases, histone deacetylases, and RNAi therapeutics. ‘In utero’ or early life exposures to dietary and environmental exposures can have a profound effect on our epigenetic code, the so-called ‘epigenome’, resulting in birth defects and diseases developed later in life. Indeed, examples are accumulating in which environmental exposures can be attributed to epigenetic causes, an encouraging edge towards greater understanding of the contribution of epigenetic influences of environmental exposures. Routine analysis of epigenetic modifications as part of the mechanisms of action of environmental contaminants is in order. There is, however, an explosion of research in the field of epigenetics and to keep abreast of these developments could be a challenge. In this paper, we provide an overview of epigenetic mechanisms focusing on recent reviews and studies to serve as an entry point into the realm of ‘environmental epigenetics’. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Retigabine (D-23129), an N-2-amino-4-(4-fluorobenzylamino)phenylcarbamine acid ethyl ester, is a novel antiepileptic drug which is currently in phase II clinical development. This drug undergoes N-glucuronidation. We aimed to identify the principal enzymes involved in the N-glucuronidation pathway of retigabine and compared our findings with those obtained from human liver (a pool of 30 donors) and kidney microsomes (a pool of 3 donors) and with results from a human absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion study upon administration of 200 μCi of [14C]-D-23129. Essentially, microsomal assays with UGT1A1 produced only one of the 2 N-glucuronides, whereas UGT1A9 is capable of forming both N-glucuronides. The rates of metabolism for UGT1A9, human liver microsomes, and UGT1A1 were 200, 100, and 100 pmol N-glucuronide per minute per milligram of protein, respectively. At the 50 μmol/L uridine diphosphate glucoronic acid (UDPGA) concentration, UGT1A4 also catalyzed the N-glucuronidation of retigabine, the rates being approximately 5 and 6 pmol/(min·mg protein). With UGT1A9, the production of metabolites 1 and 2 proceeded at a K m of 38 ± 25 and 45 ± 15 μmol/L, whereas the K m for retigabine N-glucuronidation by human liver microsomal fractions was 145  ± 39 μmol/L. Furthermore, a V max of 1.2 ± 0.3 (nmol/[min·mg protein]) was estimated for human liver microsomes (4 individual donors). We investigated the potential for drug-drug interaction using the antiepileptic drugs valproic acid, lamotrigine, the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine, and the anesthetic propofol. These are commonly used medications and are extensively glucuronidated. No potential for drug-drug interactions was found at clinically relevant concentrations (when assayed with human liver microsomes or UGT1A9 enzyme preparations). Notably, the biosynthesis of retigabine–N-glucuronides was not inhibited in human liver microsomal assays in the presence of 330 μmol/L bilirubin, and glucuronidation of retigabine was also observed with microsomal preparations from human kidney and Crigler-Najjar type II liver. This suggests that lack of a particular UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoform (eg, UGT1A1 in kidney) or functional loss of an entire UGT1A gene does not completely abolish disposal of the drug. Finally, chromatographic separations of extracts from microsomal assays and human urine of volunteers receiving a single dose of 14C-retigabine provided clear evidence for the presence of the 2 N-glucuronides known to be produced by UGT1A9. We therefore suggest N-glucuronidation of retigabine to be of importance in the metabolic clearance of this drug. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality and malformations in congenital heart disease (CHD) are among the most prevalent and fatal of all birth defects. Yet the molecular mechanisms leading to CHD are complex and the causes of the cardiac malformations observed in humans are still unclear. In recent years, the pivotal role of certain transcription factors in heart development has been demonstrated, and gene targeting of cardiac-specific transcription factor genes in animal models has provided valuable insights into heart anomalies. Nonetheless results in these models can be species specific, and in humans, germline mutations in transcription factor genes can only account for some cases of CHD. Furthermore, most patients do not have family history of CHD. There is, therefore, a need for a better understanding of the mechanisms in both normal cardiac development and the formation of malformations. The combining of expertise in cardiac anatomy, pathology, and molecular genetics is essential to adequately comprehend developmental abnormalities associated with CHD. To help elucidate genetic alterations in affected tissues of malformed hearts, we carried out genetic analysis of cardiac-specific transcription factor genes from the Leipzig collection of formalin-fixed malformed hearts. Working with this morphologically well-characterized archival material not only provided valuable genetic information associated with disease, but enabled us to put forward a hypothesis of somatic mutations as a novel molecular cause of CHD. Knowledge of cause and disease mechanism may allow for intervention that could modify the degree of cardiac malformations or development of new approaches for prevention of CHD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background & Aims: Caspase-8 is the apical caspase essential for triggering Fas-induced apoptosis. In this study, we investigated caspase-8 expression in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) using recently described HCC mouse models (c-myc and IgEGF transgenes). Methods: HCCs were isolated from c-myc and IgEGF transgenic animals. Expression of caspase-8 was monitored by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The murine caspase-8 promoter was characterized by luciferase-reporter analysis and the analysis of promoter methylation was performed by bisulfite genomic sequencing. Results: In HCCs investigated, we frequently found a lack of caspase-8 messenger RNA expression. Genomic deletions at the caspase-8 locus did not contribute to caspase-8 silencing. We examined tumor-derived promoter sequences and found significant hypermethylation at distinct CpG sites. In parallel, we characterized the murine caspase-8 promoter and identified a 30-bp promoter element that is indispensable for basal promoter activity. This minimal promoter element contained SP1 binding motifs that are colocalized with CpG sites and were methylated in tumor-derived promoter sequences. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay analysis showed that methylation of these SP1 sites is sufficient to prevent SP1 complex formation. To support our data, we mimicked the methylation pattern of a tumor-derived caspase-8 promoter in vitro using CpG methylase and found a strong reduction of promoter activity. Conclusions: We show that HCCs are correlated frequently with silencing of caspase-8 expression and provide data suggesting that caspase-8 silencing is a direct consequence of inhibiting SP1-dependent transactivation caused by CpG methylation at its essential binding sites in the promoter region. Our data support the hypothesis that inhibition of apoptosis triggers hepatocarcinogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] The lung anatomy differs amongst rodents with a higher portion of Club cells in mice. [•] Isolation and cultivation of metabolically competent alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) was achieved for 6 days. [•] Dispase digestion and Percoll centrifugation yield 4.4±1.1×106 AECs per lung. [•] IHC and FACS sorting of surface markers defined 90% of AECs as type II pneumocytes. [•] AECs express a range of functionally active xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The alveolar epithelium may function as a barrier for airborne xenobiotics, and in vitro models mimicking this barrier are useful for metabolism and toxicity studies. To gain insight into the metabolic competence of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs), we investigated transcript expression of 10 different cytochrome P450 monooxygenases as well as expression of surfactant proteins A to D. We also investigated gene expression of the transcription factors PCNA, TTF-1, HNF3β , GATA-6, C/EBPα and C/EBPδ which drive, at least in part, development and differentiation of alveolar epithelium. We further studied the metabolism of testosterone, a substrate for cytochrome P450 (CYP) monooxygenases, in cultures of AECs. Essentially, medium supplementation with 5% rat serum, as opposed to 10% FCS, promoted a high level of differentiation, as judged by the mRNA expression of CYP monooxygenases, e.g. 1A1, 1A2, 2B1 and 2J3, the expression of the surfactant proteins A, B, and C, the immunohistochemical staining for surfactant protein C, and staining for alkaline phosphatase activity. Further, AECs, when cultured in the presence of 5% rat serum, promoted metabolic competence, as evidenced by the fingerprinting of individual testosterone metabolites. We thus characterized AECs in culture and found these respiratory epithelial cells to express an array of differentiation markers and showed these cultures to be metabolically competent under optimized culture conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Systematic comparison of 549 medications was conducted between FDA and EMA labeling. • Our analysis found limited discrepancies in hepatic safety information. • The discrepancies were mainly associated with non-severe or low-frequency hepatic adverse events. Drug labeling informs physicians and patients on the safe and effective use of medication. However, recent studies suggested discrepancies in labeling of the same drug between different regulatory agencies. Here, we evaluated the hepatic safety information in labeling for 549 medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Limited discrepancies were found regarding risk for hepatic adverse drug reactions (ADRs) (8.7% in hepatic ADR warnings and 21.3% in contraindication for liver disease), while caution should be exercised over drugs with inconsistencies in contraindications for liver disease and evidence for hepatotoxicity (4.9%). Most discrepancies were attributable to less-severe hepatic events and low-frequency hepatic ADR reports and had limited implication on clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Post-transplant hypertension (PTH) is a common complication in cyclosporine immunosuppressed patients; however choosing the right antihypertensive medication is challenging. In a long-term observational study (≤13y) we examined different antihypertensive medications on graft/patient survival of kidney recipients with pre-existing and PTH. Altogether thirty-three co-variables were analyzed including dose and type of immunosuppressive and antihypertensive medication, co-medications, serum biochemistries and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A Cox proportional-hazard multivariable survival model was developed to detect a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 3.0 at the Bonferroni corrected level α = 0.0015. Importantly, a significant relationship between immunosuppressive cyclosporine dose/serum concentration, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and GFR (p < 0.001) was observed with post-transplant hypertension being a major risk factor (HR6.1) for graft/patient survival. Although all medications lowered effectively elevated SBP the risk of graft failure/death was significantly increased when hypertension was treated with ACE inhibitors or β-blockers (HR3.3 and 3.1) but not with angiotensin receptor- and/or Ca-channel blockers. Antihypertensive medication was associated with a decline in GFR but β-blockers alone or in combination with ARB and/or CCB improved GFR. Neither BMI nor any of the drug combinations used in immunosuppression, i.e. prednisolone, mycophenolic acid, azathioprine and/or sirolimus influenced patient and/or graft survival while decision tree analyses informed on complex dependencies between immunosuppressive medications, dose of anti-hypertensive drug and diuretics in the management of hypertension. In conclusion, our study is suggestive for graft/patient survival to be influenced by the class of antihypertensive medication. A prospective randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm the results. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) plays a central role in lipid transport and cholesterol metabolism, with surplus cholesterol being removed from the liver through bile acid (BA) synthesis. Furthermore, BAs are of critical importance in fat absorption by forming intestinal lipid-bile salt mixed micelles. To define ApoE's role in BA homeostasis, the metabolism of cholesterol and BA was investigated in liver tissue and gallbladder bile of ApoE-deficient mice given a chow or high-cholesterol/high-fat diet (HCHF) diet for 6 months. When compared to wild-type mice, muricholic acid (MCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) increased approximately 15-, 82-, 22- and 38-fold, respectively, in hepatic tissue of ApoE-deficient mice given a chow or HCHF diet. Moreover, ApoE-deficient mice on an HCHF diet increased the amounts of hepatic free cholesterol, MCA and CDCA by 61%, 61% and 50% (P<.05). Conversely, total cholesterol and cholesterol esters were unchanged, and the bile acids taurohyodeoxycholic acid, taurodeoxycholic acid and hyodeoxycholic acid decreased to one third as compared to the chow diet (P<.05). Additionally, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assays revealed induced expression of the bile acid receptor (Fxr) and associated transcription factors, i.e.Fxr, Lrh, Lxra and Srebp1c. Transcript expression of Cyp2a12, Cyp1b1, Cyp2e1, Cyp3a16 and Cyp4a10 was also induced. Note that Cyp4a10 catalyzes ω-hydroxylation of arachidonic acid to epoxy- and hydroxyeicosatrienoic acids to control vascular tone. Altogether, MCA and CDCA synthesis is selectively induced in ApoE-deficient mice. These hydrophilic BAs alter micellar size and structure to lower intestinal cholesterol solubilization. Furthermore, CDCA and MCA are potent FXR agonist and antagonist, respectively, and function in a regulatory loop to mitigate impaired ApoE function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interference of bile salt transport is one of the underlying mechanisms for drug-induced liver injury (DILI). We developed a novel bile salt transport activity assay involving in situ biosynthesis of bile salts from their precursors in primary human, monkey, dog, rat, and mouse hepatocytes in suspension as well as LC-MS/MS determination of extracellular bile salts transported out of hepatocytes. Glycine- and taurine-conjugated bile acids were rapidly formed in hepatocytes and effectively transported into the extracellular medium. The bile salt formation and transport activities were time‒ and bile-acid-concentration‒dependent in primary human hepatocytes. The transport activity was inhibited by the bile salt export pump (BSEP) inhibitors ketoconazole, saquinavir, cyclosporine, and troglitazone. The assay was used to test 86 drugs for their potential to inhibit bile salt transport activity in human hepatocytes, which included 35 drugs associated with severe DILI (sDILI) and 51 with non-severe DILI (non-sDILI). Approximately 60% of the sDILI drugs showed potent inhibition (with IC 50 values <50 μM), but only about 20% of the non-sDILI drugs showed this strength of inhibition in primary human hepatocytes and these drugs are associated only with cholestatic and mixed hepatocellular cholestatic (mixed) injuries. The sDILI drugs, which did not show substantial inhibition of bile salt transport activity, are likely to be associated with immune-mediated liver injury. Twenty-four drugs were also tested in monkey, dog, rat and mouse hepatocytes. Species differences in potency were observed with mouse being less sensitive than other species to inhibition of bile salt transport. In summary, a novel assay has been developed using hepatocytes in suspension from human and animal species that can be used to assess the potential for drugs and/or drug-derived metabolites to inhibit bile salt transport and/or formation activity. Drugs causing sDILI, except those by immune-mediated mechanism, are highly associated with potent inhibition of bile salt transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here the results of a collaborative research program to develop a robust and reliable in vitro system to allow an accurate definition of the drug-induced liver injury (DILI) potential of new drug entities during drug development. The in vitro hepatotoxic potential of 152 drugs with known DILI profiles were evaluated in primary cultured human hepatocytes with four mechanistically-relevant endpoints: cellular ATP depletion, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) depletion, and caspase activation for apoptosis. The drugs, 80 in the testing set and 72 in the validation set, were classified based on serious clinical/regulatory outcomes as defined by reported acute liver failure, black-box warning, and/or withdrawal. The drugs were further sub-categorized for dominant types of liver injury. Logistic regression models were performed to calculate the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) and to evaluate the prediction potential of the selected endpoints for serious clinical/regulatory outcomes. The ROS/ATP ratio was found to yield an excellent AUROC in both the testing (0.8989, P < 0.0001) and validation set (0.8545, P < 0.0001), and was found to distinguish drugs associated with severe from non-severe DILI cases (p < 0.0001). The results suggest that evaluation of drugs in primary human hepatocytes using the ROS/ATP ratio endpoint may aid the definition of their potential to cause severe DILI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Deferoxamine (DFO) was granted orphan drug status for the treatment of traumatic spinal cord injury but its neuroprotective mechanism is not well understood. We therefore investigated the mode of action of DFO in serum-starved and/or iron-stressed cultures of rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells. We probed for redox signaling by determining hemeoxygenase-1 activity and by measuring expression of intracellular iron metabolism-related proteins under pro-oxidative conditions. We also employed DNA microarrays to better understand the genomic response of DRG cultures to treatment with DFO thereby enabling the generation of hypotheses. Essentially, DFO treatment resulted in outgrowth of neurofilament 200-positive neurites and induction of synapse formation as determined by immunoblotting, transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. Furthermore, DFO treatment of DRG cell cultures activated neuroprotective and antioxidative programs such as matrix metallopeptidase 2 and apolipoprotein D to promote neurite regeneration. Indeed, DFO reduced markedly reactive oxygen species formation, increased the expression of hemeoxygenase-1 and improved iron management through regulation of transferrin receptor and ferritin. We propose DFO treatment of DRG cell cultures to completely abolish the oxidative effect of ferrous iron (Fe2+). Taken collectively, DFO reduced oxidative stress and induced synthesis of neuroprotective and antioxidative molecules to foster nerve repair and functional recovery. Our findings help to better understand the therapeutic benefit of DFO in the treatment of spinal cord injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-dependent activation of the lectin-like oxLDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) triggers apoptosis in vascular cells and appears to be involved in atherosclerosis. Autophagy might be an alternate to apoptosis in endothelial cells. The EA.hy926 endothelial cell line has been reported to undergo necrosis under oxLDL stimulation. For this reason, we studied the expression of LOX-1 and its oxLDL-dependent function in EA.hy926 cells under serum starvation. Untreated and oxLDL-treated cells expressed the LOX-1 protein at similar levels 6h after starvation. After 24h without oxLDL and with native LDL (nLDL), statistically significant higher levels were found in LOX-1 than in the oxLDL-treated probes. The oxLDL cultures with low LOX-1 expression displayed stronger features of autophagy than those with nLDL as there were remodelling of actin filaments, disrupture of adherens junctions (immunofluorescence staining), and autophagosomes with the characteristic double membrane at the ultrastructural level. For the advanced oxLDL exposure times (18 and 24h), autophagic vacuoles/autophagolysosomes were morphologically identified accompanied by a decrease in lysosomes. The autophagosome marker protein MAP LC3-II (Western blotting) was significantly augmented 6 and 18h after oxLDL treatment compared with cultures treated with nLDL and medium alone. Signs of apoptosis were undetectable in cultures under oxLDL exposure, yet present under staurosporin (apoptosis inducer), i.e. presence of apoptotic bodies and cleaved caspase 3. We conclude that serum starvation upregulates LOX-1 in EA.hy926 cells, whereas the additional oxLDL treatment downregulates the receptor and intensifies autophagy probably by increase in oxidative stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Clostridium difficile toxin A monoglucosylates the Rho family GTPases Rho, Rac, and Cdc42. Glucosylation leads to the functional inactivation of Rho GTPases and causes disruption of the actin cytoskeleton. A cDNA microarray revealed the immediate early gene rhoB as the gene that was predominantly up-regulated in colonic CaCo-2 cells after treatment with toxin A. This toxin A effect was also detectable in epithelial cells such as HT29 and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, as well as NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. The expression of RhoB was time-dependent and correlated with the morphological changes of cells. The up-regulation of RhoB was approximately 15-fold and was based on the de novo synthesis of the GTPase because cycloheximide completely inhibited the toxin A effect. After 8 h, a steady state was reached, with no further increase in RhoB. The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 reduced the expression of RhoB, indicating a participation of the p38 MAPK in this stress response. Surprisingly, newly formed RhoB protein was only partially glucosylated by toxin A, sparing a pool of potentially active RhoB, as checked by sequential C3bot-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation. A pull-down assay in fact revealed a significant amount of active RhoB in toxin A-treated cells that was not present in control cells. We demonstrate for the first time that toxin A has not only the property to inactivate the GTPases RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 by glucosylation, but it also has the property to generate active RhoB that likely contributes to the overall picture of toxin treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]