Biomedical subjects

Kurt Zatloukal

Publications and source records attributed to Kurt Zatloukal.

31 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Regurgitation of bile acids from leaky bile ducts causes sclerosing cholangitis in Mdr2 (Abcb4) knockout mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Because the mechanisms leading to bile duct damage in sclerosing cholangitis are unknown, we aimed to determine the pathogenesis of bile duct injury in multidrug resistance gene (Mdr2) (Abcb4) knockout mice (Mdr2(-/-)) as a novel model of the disease. METHODS: Mdr2(-/-) and wild-type controls (Mdr2(+/+)) were studied at 2, 4, and 8 weeks of age. Liver histology, ultrastructure, immunofluorescence microscopy (to study inflammatory cells, tight junction protein ZO-1, basement membrane protein laminin, fluorescence-labeled ursodeoxycholic acid), immunohistochemistry (for alpha-smooth muscle actin, nitrotyrosine), sirius red staining, bacterial cultures of intra-abdominal organs, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Helicobacter bilis DNA were compared between both genotypes. Hepatic cytokine expression was determined by reverse-transcription PCR. RESULTS: Bile ducts of Mdr2(-/-) showed disrupted tight junctions and basement membranes, bile acid leakage into portal tracts, induction of a portal inflammatory (CD11b, CD4-positive) infiltrate, and activation of proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha, interleukin [IL]-1beta) and profibrogenic cytokines (transforming growth factor [TGF]-beta1). This resulted in activation of periductal myofibroblasts, leading to periductal fibrosis, separating the peribiliary plexus from bile duct epithelial cells and, finally, causing atrophy and death of the bile duct epithelium. Bacterial translocation was not increased and H. bilis was not detectable in Mdr2(-/-). CONCLUSIONS: Sclerosing cholangitis in Mdr2(-/-) mice is a multistep process with regurgitation of bile from leaky ducts into the portal tracts, leading to induction of periductal inflammation, followed by activation of periductal fibrogenesis, finally causing obliterative cholangitis owing to atrophy and death of bile duct epithelial cells.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B↗

PubMed2003

Role of farnesoid X receptor in determining hepatic ABC transporter expression and liver injury in bile duct-ligated mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Cholestasis induces changes in hepatic adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) transporter expression. We aimed to investigate the role of the nuclear bile acid receptor (farnesoid X receptor [FXR]) in mediating changes in ABC transporter expression and in determining liver injury. METHODS: Hepatic ABC transporter (multidrug resistance-associated proteins [Mrp] 2-4 and bile salt export pump [Bsep]) expression and localization were studied in common bile duct-ligated (CBDL) FXR knockout (FXR(-/-)), wild-type (FXR(+/+)), and sham-operated mice. Serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and bile acid levels, hepatic bile acid composition, and liver histology were investigated. Cholangiomanometry and bile duct morphometry were performed. RESULTS: CBDL induced expression of Mrp 3 and Mrp 4 in FXR(+/+) and even more in FXR(-/-), whereas Mrp 2 expression remained unchanged. Bsep expression was maintained in CBDL FXR(+/+) but remained undetectable in CBDL FXR(-/-). Alanine aminotransferase levels and mortality rates did not differ between CBDL FXR(+/+) and FXR(-/-). CBDL increased biliary pressure and induced bile ductular proliferation and bile infarcts in FXR(+/+), whereas FXR(-/-) had lower biliary pressures, less ductular proliferation, and developed disseminated liver cell necroses. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of Mrp 3 and Mrp 4 in CBDL mice is FXR independent and could play an important role in the adaptive hepatic ABC transporter response to cholestasis. Maintenance of Bsep expression strictly depends on FXR and is a critical determinant of the cholestatic phenotype. Lack of bile infarcts in CBDL FXR(-/-) suggests that development of bile infarcts is related to bile acid-dependent bile flow and biliary pressure. This information is relevant for the potential use of FXR modulators in the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

PubMed2003

Mallory body formation in primary biliary cirrhosis is associated with increased amounts and abnormal phosphorylation and ubiquitination of cytokeratins.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Animal studies revealed a key role of toxic bile acids in the regulation of hepatocytic cytokeratin (CK) expression and Mallory body (MB) formation. In this study, we compared CK expression, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and control livers to determine whether bile acid-induced CK alterations are associated with cytoskeletal alterations and MB formation in a prototypic chronic cholestatic liver disease. METHODS: CK 8 and CK 18 mRNA and protein levels were investigated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Intermediate filament (IF) cytoskeletal alterations were assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy using antibodies against CKs, CK phosphoepitopes, MBs, and ubiquitin. RESULTS: Despite unchanged mRNA levels, CK 8 and CK 18 protein levels were significantly elevated in PBC suggesting stabilization of CKs, possibly due to decreased degradation. CK-IF alterations in PBC comprised increased density with abnormal phosphorylation of the IF network of hepatocytes in acinar zone 1 and in the periphery of cirrhotic nodules. In addition, in these areas hepatocytes with diminished IF network containing MBs consisting of abnormally phosphorylated and ubiquitinated CK were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support our concept that IF cytoskeletal alterations and MB formation in cholestatic liver diseases are related to bile acid-induced cell stress.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Adaptive changes in hepatobiliary transporter expression in primary biliary cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Information about alterations of hepatobiliary transporter expression in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) could provide important insights into the pathogenesis of cholestasis. This study aimed to determine the expression of hepatobiliary transport systems for bile salts (Na(+)/taurocholate cotransporter, NTCP; bile salt export pump, BSEP), organic anions (organic anion transporting protein, OATP2; canalicular conjugate export pump, MRP2; basolateral MRP homologue, MRP3), organic cations (canalicular multidrug export pump, MDR1), and phospholipids (canalicular phospholipid flippase MDR3) in livers from patients with advanced stages of PBC. METHODS: Transporter mRNA and protein levels were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Tissue distribution of transporters was investigated by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy. Hepatic bile acids were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Compared to controls, basolateral uptake systems (NTCP, OATP2) were reduced, canalicular export pumps for bile salts and bilirubin (BSEP, MRP2) were preserved, while canalicular MDR P-glycoproteins (MDR1, MDR3) and the basolateral efflux pump MRP3 were increased in PBC. Double immunofluorescence labeling with a canalicular marker (dipeptidyl peptidase IV) demonstrated proper canalicular localization of BSEP and MRP2 in PBC. OATP2 and MRP2 expression correlated inversely with hepatic levels of hydrophobic bile acids, while positively correlating with hepatic enrichment with ursodeoxycholic acid. CONCLUSIONS: Down-regulation of basolateral uptake systems and maintenance/up-regulation of canalicular and basolateral efflux pumps may represent adaptive mechanisms limiting the accumulation of toxic biliary constituents.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2003

Role of nuclear bile acid receptor, FXR, in adaptive ABC transporter regulation by cholic and ursodeoxycholic acid in mouse liver, kidney and intestine.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Adaptive changes in transporter expression in liver and kidney provide alternative excretory pathways for biliary constituents during cholestasis and may thus attenuate liver injury. Whether adaptive changes in ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter expression are stimulated by bile acids and their nuclear receptor FXR is unknown. METHODS: Hepatic, renal and intestinal ABC transporter expression was compared in cholic acid (CA)- and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)-fed wild-type (FXR(+/+)) and FXR knock-out mice (FXR(-/-)). Expression was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: CA feeding stimulated hepatic Mrp2, Mrp3, Bsep and renal Mrp2 as well as intestinal Mrp2 and Mrp3 expression. Lack of Bsep induction by CA in FXR(-/-) was associated with disseminated hepatocyte necrosis which was not prevented by compensatory induction of Mrp2 and Mrp3. With the exception of Bsep, UDCA stimulated expression of hepatic, renal and intestinal ABC transporters independent of FXR without inducing liver toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Toxic CA and non-toxic UDCA induce adaptive ABC transporter expression, independent of FXR with the exception of Bsep. Stimulation of hepatic Mrp3 as well as intestinal and renal Mrp2 by UDCA may contribute to its therapeutic effects by inducing alternative excretory routes for bile acids and other cholephiles.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

PubMed2003

Automated evaluation and normalization of immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays with a DNA microarray scanner.

Hundreds of tissue samples may be assembled in a tissue microarray format for simultaneous immunostaining assessment of protein expression profiling. A DNA microarray two-color laser scanner was used for automated analysis of tissue microarray indirect immunofluorescence. On sections from both a human lung adenocarcinoma and a squamous cell carcinoma tissue microarray, fluorescence intensity for two epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR and c-erbB2) correlates with diagnostic pathologic assessment, indicating that immunohistochemistry quantitation can be achieved. Importantly, double-label indirect immunofluorescence detection with the cDNA scanner demonstrates that one reference antigen can normalize tumor marker immunosignal for the cellular content of tissue microarray tissue cores. Therefore, DNA microarray scanners and associated image analysis software provide general and efficient analysis of tissue microarray immunostaining, including estimation of specific protein expression levels.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2002

Novel colon cancer cell lines leading to better understanding of the diversity of respective primary cancers.

A major obstacle to obtaining more detailed insights into the diversity of phenotypic and molecular changes occurring in colon cancer cells is the lack of low-passage colon cancer cell lines, which would still closely reflect the phenotype of the colon cancer cells in vivo. Here, we characterize eight novel, low passage number human colon carcinoma cell lines, originating from colorectal cancers extensively characterized in the clinics. All cell lines closely resemble the original tumors with respect to phenotype, markers and detectable genetic changes. Cell morphology and marker expression is highly variable, ranging from fully polarized cells correctly expressing all basolateral epithelial markers, to cells with mesenchymal characteristics and a complete loss of polarity due to delocalization or loss of junction complex proteins. The alterations in phenotype and epithelial marker expression correspond to changes already detectable in the primary tumor in vivo. Seven of the cell lines show chromosomal instability, while one cell line is characterized by microsatellite instability. p53 associated with K-ras mutations were detected in three cell lines. Hitherto non-described E-cadherin mutations were found at both alleles in one cell line whereas in another cell line the E-cadherin protein was down-regulated. A stabilizing beta-catenin mutation (S45F) appears in the same cell line that carried the mutated E-cadherin gene. Six cell lines carried APC mutations, which in five of the lines led to an activated beta-catenin/Tcf/LEF signaling pathway. In accordance with beta-catenin/Tcf/LEF activation, the cell lines show increased migration and invasiveness. Our results show that the characterized, low-passage cell lines mirror the diversity of the individual tumors from which they were derived. Through molecular analyses of these cell lines we demonstrate that tumorgenicity events are much more diverse in human colon cancer than expected, despite the common origin of the tumors from a small patient group with similar tumor grading and clinical prognosis.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein↗

PubMed2002

p62 Is a common component of cytoplasmic inclusions in protein aggregation diseases.

Exposure of cells to stress, particularly oxidative stress, leads to misfolding of proteins and, if they are not refolded or degraded, to cytoplasmic protein aggregates. Protein aggregates are characteristic features of a variety of chronic toxic and degenerative diseases, such as Mallory bodies (MBs) in hepatocytes in alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, neurofibrillary tangles in neurons in Alzheimer's, and Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease. Using 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, we identified p62 as a novel MB component. p62 and cytokeratins (CKs) are major MB constituents; HSP 70, HSP 25, and ubiquitinated CKs are also present. These proteins characterize MBs as a prototype of disease-associated cytoplasmic inclusions generated by stress-induced protein misfolding. As revealed by transfection of tissue culture cells overexpressed p62 did not induce aggregation of regular CK filaments but selectively bound to misfolded and ubiquitinated CKs. The general role of p62 in the cellular response to misfolded proteins was substantiated by detection of p62 in other cytoplasmic inclusions, such as neurofibrillary tangles, Lewy bodies, Rosenthal fibers, intracytoplasmic hyaline bodies in hepatocellular carcinoma, and alpha1-antitrypsin aggregates. The presence of p62 along with other stress proteins and ubiquitin in cytoplasmic inclusions indicates deposition as aggregates as a third line of defense against misfolded proteins in addition to refolding and degradation.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

PubMed2002

Bile acid-induced Mallory body formation in drug-primed mouse liver.

Chronic cholestasis is associated with retention of bile acids and profound cytoskeletal alterations in hepatocytes including Mallory body (MB) formation. The mechanisms responsible for MB formation in cholestatic liver diseases are unclear. The aim of our study was to determine the relevance of cholestasis and bile acids for MB formation. For this purpose mice received a 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-supplemented diet for 2.5 months to induce MB formation. After recovery from DDC intoxication for 4 weeks followed by disappearance of MBs, these drug-primed mice were subjected to DDC refeeding, common bile duct ligation (CBDL), and feeding of a cholic acid (CA)-supplemented diet for 7 days, respectively. Cytokeratin (CK) 8 and CK 18 expression was studied by competitive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Cytoskeletal alterations of hepatocytes and MB formation were monitored by immunofluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry using CK-, ubiquitin-, and MB-specific antibodies. Like DDC refeeding, both CBDL and CA feeding of drug-primed mice significantly increased CK 8 and CK 18 mRNA and protein levels (with excess of CK 8) and resulted in ubiquitination and abnormal phosphorylation of CKs. Furthermore, CBDL and CA feeding resulted in rapid neoformation of MBs in drug-primed mice. It is concluded that MB formation in cholestatic liver diseases may be triggered by the action of potentially toxic bile acids.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Cytokeratins as targets for bile acid-induced toxicity.

Cholestasis is associated with retention of potentially toxic bile acids and profound cytoskeletal alterations of hepatocytes. Given the well-established cytoprotective role of hepatocyte keratins this study aimed to determine the effects of cholestasis on the cytokeratin (CK) intermediate filament network in mouse liver. Mice were subjected to common bile duct ligation or sham operation. Mice were also fed a cholic acid or ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)-supplemented diet (0.1%, 0.5%, and 1%) or control diet for 7 days. CK 8 and CK 18 expression was studied by competitive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Common bile duct ligation and cholic acid feeding significantly stimulated CK 8 and CK 18 mRNA and protein levels compared to controls, whereas UDCA had no effect. CK overexpression was accompanied by pronounced phosphorylation. Our results show that potentially toxic bile acids induce hepatocytic CK 8 and CK 18 expression and phosphorylation whereas nontoxic UDCA has no effect on CKs. Thus, increased hepatocellular CK expression and phosphorylation in cholestasis may be caused by retention of toxic bile acids and reflect a hepatocellular stress response with potential beneficial effects.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Ursodeoxycholic acid aggravates bile infarcts in bile duct-ligated and Mdr2 knockout mice via disruption of cholangioles.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in biliary obstruction are unclear. We aimed to determine the effects of UDCA in bile duct-ligated and in Mdr2 knockout (Mdr2(-/-)) mice with biliary strictures. METHODS: Mice fed UDCA (0.5% wt/wt) or a control diet were subjected to common bile duct ligation (CBDL), selective bile duct ligation (SBDL), or sham operation. UDCA was also fed to 2-month-old Mdr2(-/-) mice. Serum biochemistry, liver histology, and mortality rates were investigated. The biliary tract was studied by plastination, India ink injection, and electron microscopy. The effects of UDCA on biliary pressure were determined by cholangiomanometry. RESULTS: UDCA feeding in CBDL mice increased biliary pressure, with subsequent rupture of cholangioles and aggravation of hepatocyte necroses, resulting in significantly increased mortality. UDCA feeding in SBDL mice aggravated liver injury exclusively in the ligated lobe. Mdr2(-/-) mice developed liver lesions resembling sclerosing cholangitis characterized by biliary strictures and dilatations. UDCA induced bile infarcts in these animals. CONCLUSIONS: UDCA aggravates bile infarcts and hepatocyte necroses in mice with biliary obstruction via disruption of cholangioles as a result of increased biliary pressure caused by its choleretic action.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B↗

PubMed2002

Mallory body--a disease-associated type of sequestosome.

Mallory bodies (MBs) consist of abnormal keratins, ubiquitin, heat shock proteins, and the protein p62. p62 is encoded by an immediate-early response gene that rapidly responds to a variety of extracellular signals involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and particularly oxidative stress. It acts as an adapter in signal transduction and binds noncovalently to ubiquitin, possibly being involved in the regulation of the fate of ubiquitinated proteins by segregation (i.e., sequestosome or aggresome formation). The presence of p62 together with ubiquitinated abnormal keratins in the MB characterizes MBs as a disease-associated type of sequestosome. A detailed study on the expression of p62 and its relationship to MB formation in the 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-treated mouse liver is reported based on immunohistochemical, immunoblot, and Northern blot analyses. The results indicate that p62 is rapidly induced in hepatocytes of intoxicated animals preceding MB formation. As suggested by experiments with short-term DDC-treated naive mice and mice refed DDC after recovery from long-term DDC treatment (primed mice), p62 does not exert an initiating effect on MB formation but the appearance of MBs requires the presence of abnormal keratins, which associate with p62 after ubiquitination. The rapid induction of p62 and its association with MBs further support the role of oxidative stress in MB formation. In conclusion, the constant presence of p62 in MBs suggests that binding of p62 to abnormal keratins may allow hepatocytes to dispose potentially harmful proteins in a biologically inert manner.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

PubMed2002

Induction of short heterodimer partner 1 precedes downregulation of Ntcp in bile duct-ligated mice.

Cholestasis is associated with retention of bile acids and reduced expression of the Na(+)/taurocholate cotransporter (Ntcp), the major hepatocellular bile acid uptake system. This study aimed to determine whether downregulation of Ntcp in obstructive cholestasis 1) is a consequence of bile acid retention and 2) is mediated by induction of the transcriptional repressor short heterodimer partner 1 (SHP-1). To study the time course for the changes in serum bile acid levels as well as SHP-1 and Ntcp steady-state mRNA levels, mice were subjected to common bile duct ligation (CBDL) for 3, 6, 12, 24, 72, and 168 h and compared with sham-operated controls. Serum bile acid levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. SHP-1 and Ntcp steady-state mRNA expression were assessed by Northern blotting. In addition, Ntcp protein expression was studied by Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy. Increased SHP-1 mRNA expression paralleled elevations of serum bile acid levels and was followed by downregulation of Ntcp mRNA and protein expression in CBDL mice. Maximal SHP-1 mRNA expression reached a plateau phase after 6-h CBDL (12-fold; P < 0.001) and preceded the nadir of Ntcp mRNA levels (12%, P < 0.001) by 6 h. In conclusion, bile acid-induced expression of SHP-1 may, at least in part, mediate downregulation of Ntcp in CBDL mice. These findings support the concept that downregulation of Ntcp in cholestasis limits intracytoplasmatic accumulation of potentially toxic bile acids.

Animals↗