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S L Friedman

Publications and source records attributed to S L Friedman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Secretion of 72 kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase by cultured human lipocytes. Analysis of gene expression, protein synthesis and proteinase activity.

The matrix metalloproteinases play an important role in matrix degradation, but there is limited information about this family of enzymes in either normal or diseased human liver. In this study, we have examined the synthesis of a 72 kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase by human hepatic lipocytes in primary culture. Hepatic lipocytes were isolated from wedges of normal human donor liver by Pronase/collagenase perfusion, purified by density-gradient centrifugation, and established in primary culture on uncoated plastic. By Northern-blot analysis, the total RNA extracted from cultured human lipocytes was found to contain 3.4 kb mRNA for the 72 kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase. Low levels of expression of this mRNA were observed in freshly isolated lipocytes but expression increased with the duration of lipocyte culture. Using anti-human 72 kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase IgG, synthesized enzyme was immunolocalized to monensin-treated human lipocyte cultures. De novo synthesis and secretion of 72 kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase were confirmed by immunoprecipitation of radiolabelled enzyme from medium obtained from [35S]methionine-treated cells. Activity of the secreted enzyme was demonstrated by gelatin-zymography and by degradation of soluble, radiolabelled [14C]gelatin. The enzyme was released both in active and latent pro-enzyme forms and its inhibition profile was that of a metalloproteinase. These studies indicate that cultured human hepatic lipocytes express the gene for the 72 kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase, and secrete this enzyme, particularly in prolonged primary culture. As this enzyme exhibits degradative activity against basement membrane collagen, its release by activated hepatic lipocytes in the space of Disse could lead to disruption of the normal subendothelial liver matrix. It is suggested that this enzyme may have an important role in human liver injury and fibrosis.

Adipose Tissue

Isolated hepatic lipocytes and Kupffer cells from normal human liver: morphological and functional characteristics in primary culture.

The development of techniques for isolating hepatic lipocytes (Ito, stellate or fat-storing cells) from rodents has been instrumental in defining their role in hepatic vitamin A storage and fibrogenesis. In this study, we developed a method for the purification of lipocytes and Kupffer cell from wedge sections of normal human liver and examined their properties in primary culture. Sections of donor liver (400 to 600 gm) harvested but not used for transplantation were perfused in situ with University of Wisconsin solution and used for lipocyte isolation within 48 hr. Cells were isolated by catheter perfusion of the wedge through several large vessels with L-15 salts, Pronase and collagenase, followed by Larex density gradient centrifugation. Lipocytes were plated on either uncoated plastic or a basement membrane-like gel. Lipocyte and Kupffer cell yields were 2.3 +/- 0.6 x 10(5) and 8.6 +/- 1.4 x 10(5) cells, respectively, per gram of liver (n = 5). Lipocyte purity was 91% as assessed by vitamin A autofluorescence, and Kupffer cell purity was 83% as determined by uptake of fluorescinated staphylococci. Lipocytes cultured on the plastic spread within 48 to 72 hr, displaying slightly more heterogeneous retinoid droplet size than comparable rat cells; on a basement-membrane gel, the cells remained aggregated and spherical with occasional spindlelike extensions. Lipocytes on plastic expressed procollagens I and III, collagen IV and laminin by immunocytochemistry, and types I, III and IV procollagen messenger RNAs by RNAse protection. Northern blot and polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy of lipocytes at 7 days demonstrated a prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum and contractile filaments. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a smooth cell surface with perinuclear droplets beneath the cell membrane. With continued primary culture on plastic (more than 7 days), cells appeared "activated" (i.e., increased spreading and diminished retinoid droplets) and began proliferating as assessed by nuclear autoradiography and [3H]thymidine incorporation. Kupffer cells observed by scanning electron microscopy in early primary culture displayed prominent membrane ruffling and lamellipodia. In summary, we have established a reproducible method for the isolation and primary culture of human lipocytes and Kupffer cells.

Adipose Tissue

Inhibition of rat hepatic lipocyte activation in culture by interferon-gamma.

Hepatic lipocytes (perisinusoidal, Ito cells) are the primary matrix-producing cells in liver fibrosis. During liver injury they undergo activation, a process characterized by cell proliferation and increased fibrogenesis. We and others have established a culture model in which in vivo features of lipocyte activation can be mimicked by cells grown on plastic. Additionally, we recently showed that activation is associated with new expression of smooth muscle-specific alpha-actin both in vivo and in culture. Although interferon-gamma is known to inhibit collagen production in some systems, its action as a general modulator of lipocyte activation has not been examined; this issue forms the basis for our study. In culture-activated lipocytes, interferon-gamma (1,000 U/ml) significantly inhibited lipocyte proliferation as assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation assay and nuclear autoradiography. In time-course studies of activation, it also markedly reduced expression of smooth muscle-specific alpha-actin and its messenger RNA. In dose-response experiments, maximal inhibitory effects on smooth muscle-specific alpha-actin mRNA gene expression were achieved with as little as 10 U interferon-gamma/ml. Inhibition of cellular activation was reversible; after interferon-gamma withdrawal, messenger RNA levels of smooth muscle-specific alpha-actin returned to untreated control levels. The effect of interferon-gamma extended to extracellular matrix gene expression, with reduction of type I collagen, type IV collagen and total fibronectin messenger RNAs to 3%, 24% and 15% of untreated control levels, respectively. In contrast to the marked effects on smooth muscle-specific alpha-actin and extracellular matrix gene expression, interferon-gamma reduced total protein synthesis by only 17.7%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Actins

Human hepatic lipocytes synthesize tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1. Implications for regulation of matrix degradation in liver.

Hepatic lipocytes play a central role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, both via production of extracellular matrix proteins and through secretion of matrix metalloproteinases. In this study, we have characterized lipocyte expression and release of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), an important inhibitor of metalloproteinase activity, whose role in liver has not previously been examined. TIMP-1 was immunolocalized to human lipocytes, and secretion of TIMP-1 was confirmed by ELISA of culture media; (mean +/- SD) 159 +/- 79 ng of TIMP-1/10(6) cells per 24 h. Evidence for functional inhibitory activity of released TIMP-1 was obtained by (a) reverse zymography that demonstrated a single inhibitor band, M(r) 28 kD, that co-migrated with a TIMP-1-positive control sample; and (b) unmasking of inhibited gelatinase activity in lipocyte medium by separating it from TIMP-1 using gelatin sepharose chromatography; gelatinase activity in chromatographed medium increased more than 20-fold, compared with unfractionated medium, and could be reinhibited by adding back fractions that contained inhibitor. By Northern analysis, freshly isolated human lipocytes exhibited low levels of mRNA expression for TIMP-1, but this increased markedly relative to beta-actin expression with lipocyte activation during cell culture. We conclude that human hepatic lipocytes synthesize TIMP-1, a potent metalloproteinase inhibitor, and that TIMP-1 expression increases with lipocyte activation. These data indicate that hepatic lipocytes can regulate matrix degradation in the liver, and suggest that expression of TIMP-1 by activated lipocytes may contribute to the progression of liver fibrosis.

Adipose Tissue

Rat hepatic lipocytes express smooth muscle actin upon activation in vivo and in culture.

Myofibroblasts are mesenchymal cells that are prominent in liver injury. The origin of myofibroblasts in liver is debated, although morphologic evidence to date has suggested that these cells are derived from lipocytes (fat-storing cells, Ito cells). In the present study, we have utilized smooth muscle alpha actin antibody--a marker of myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cells--to study lipocytes in situ in normal and fibrotic rat liver as well as during their 'activation' in culture. Dual immunofluorescence studies on tissue sections from normal liver identified lipocytes as perisinusoidal desmin-positive, smooth muscle alpha actin-negative cells. In bile duct obstructed fibrotic liver, desmin-positive cells were numerous in areas of fibrosis and these cells also exhibited smooth muscle alpha actin. In carbon tetrachloride-induced fibrosis, cells expressing both desmin and smooth muscle alpha actin were present in fibrotic bands and in regenerating nodules. These results suggested that lipocytes had acquired characteristics of myofibroblasts during liver injury. To further address this issue we examined lipocytes immediately after isolation and also in primary culture. In freshly isolated lipocytes from normal liver, smooth muscle alpha actin was absent. In contrast, freshly isolated lipocytes from CCl4-treated animals expressed this smooth muscle marker immediately after isolation. In primary culture on plastic, lipocytes from normal liver began to express smooth muscle alpha actin coincident with culture-induced activation; at 14 days, smooth muscle alpha actin was identified in all cells. Electron microscopy demonstrated a highly developed array of microfilament bundles characteristic of actin filaments. Immunoblot of culture-activated lipocytes using the smooth muscle alpha actin antibody demonstrated the expected 42 kD protein (corresponding to the molecular size of smooth muscle alpha actin). Although smooth muscle alpha actin was readily detectable in culture-activated cells, it was not expressed in cells in which a quiescent phenotype was preserved by maintenance in culture on a laminin-rich gel. These findings demonstrate that the acquisition by lipocytes of a smooth muscle marker accompanies their 'activation', and are consistent with the hypothesis that lipocytes transform to myofibroblasts during liver injury.

Actins

The ulnar impaction syndrome.

The ulnar impaction syndrome can be defined as the impaction of the ulnar head against the triangular fibrocartilage complex and ulnar carpus resulting in progressive degeneration of those structures. The differential diagnosis in patients who present with ulnar wrist pain and limitation of motion can also include ulnar impingement syndrome and arthrosis or incongruity of the distal radioulnar joint. Structural abnormalities involving the distal radioulnar joint, distal radius, and ulnar carpus must be carefully elucidated prior to developing a treatment plan. When such abnormalities are identified and appropriately addressed, surgical treatment can be expected to be effective in the majority of cases. It is important to remember that in the absence of obvious structural abnormalities, the ulnar impaction syndrome may result from daily activities that result in excessive intermittent loading of the ulnar carpus. In this group of patients, treatment is directed at decreasing ulnar load by shortening the distal ulna in any of several ways. If relative instability of the ulnar ligamentous complex is a factor, then ulnar shortening by recession is the treatment of choice. Malunion of the distal radius resulting in ulnar impaction syndrome is best treated by addressing the deformity; that is, corrective radial osteotomy. Patients who present with a combination of ulnar impaction syndrome along with distal radioulnar joint, abnormalities must have both of these abnormalities addressed at the time of surgery. The matched ulnar resection and the hemiresection interposition arthroplasty are both effective procedures; however, the Suave-Kapandji procedure also can be used to address relative ligamentous laxity at the ulnar aspect of the wrist. The Darrach procedure is presently not recommended as a first-line treatment in these cases; however, when used as a salvage procedure, satisfactory results can be obtained in properly selected patients. Careful preoperative evaluation and planning are therefore the key to successful treatment of the ulnar impaction syndrome.

Biomechanical Phenomena

Apolipoprotein E is secreted by cultured lipocytes of the rat liver.

Hepatic lipocytes, the retinoid-storing cells of the liver, share several characteristics with vascular smooth muscle cells. To determine whether they also share the characteristic of apolipoprotein E secretion, we have compared the relative mRNA expression and protein secretion of apolipoprotein E, apolipoprotein A-I, and apolipoprotein A-IV in early primary cultures of lipocytes, hepatocytes, and Kupffer cells. Expression of apolipoprotein mRNAs was detected using the polymerase chain reaction and oligonucleotide primers specific for apolipoprotein E, apolipoprotein A-I, and apolipoprotein A-IV. Cellular mRNA concentrations were compared by dot blot analysis, and apolipoprotein secretion was assessed by immunoblot analysis of culture media. Apolipoprotein E mRNA was found in all three cell types, whereas apolipoprotein A-I and A-IV mRNAs were detected only in hepatocytes. Hepatocyte, lipocyte, and Kupffer cell media all contained a Mr approximately 36,000 protein identified by an antibody specific for rat apolipoprotein E. The relative concentration of apolipoprotein E mRNA per microgram of total cellular RNA in lipocytes, hepatocytes, and Kupffer cells was 1.0, 3.0, and 1.6, respectively. The relative secretion of apolipoprotein E per cell was also lowest in lipocytes, being twofold greater in hepatocytes and 1.4-fold greater in Kupffer cells. The secretion of apolipoprotein E by lipocytes is not only an additional smooth muscle cell-like characteristic of the hepatic lipocyte, but also raises the possibility of retinol mobilization upon apolipoprotein secretion.

Animals

Hepatic fibrosis: new insights into pathogenesis.

From available clinical and experimental data, the deterioration of hepatocellular function associated with fibrosis may be ascribed, in part, to loss of biologic support provided by a normal extracellular matrix. These studies of pathogenesis are expected to clarify new points of therapeutic intervention and also to rationalize empiric therapies.

Basement Membrane

Connective tissue biology and hepatic fibrosis: report of a conference.

The past 15 years have seen major advances in the characterization of extracellular matrix proteins and structure of matrix. As a by-product of this work, investigators now have an array of molecular and immunological reagents for monitoring matrix metabolism. Progress in the isolation and culture of individual cell types from liver has made possible direct measurement of matrix protein production and also has opened the way to studies of matrix degradation. The expanding knowledge of soluble mediators of inflammation is being applied to the regulation of matrix protein synthesis and degradation. Finally, experimental models of fibrosis in vivo are available for defining the complexity of matrix metabolism in the intact tissue and for validating the findings from cell culture and in vitro systems.

Animals

Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphoma of the gut in AIDS.

KS and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas frequently involve the gut in patients with AIDS. These neoplasms establish the diagnosis of AIDS in an HIV-positive patient. KS is a spindle-cell tumour derived from lymphatic endothelia which is associated with luminal lesions in at least 40% of patients. Gastrointestinal KS is usually asymptomatic but may rarely bleed or obstruct. Treatment of KS with either interferon-alpha, radiation or chemotherapy can reduce tumour bulk, but does not alter overall survival in AIDS. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in AIDS are B cell neoplasms with many genotypic and phenotypic similarities to Burkitt's lymphoma. The tumours are usually highly aggressive, and present in extranodal sites in the majority of cases. Of these extranodal sites, gastrointestinal involvement is most common. Gastrointestinal lymphomas are usually symptomatic and almost always require treatment. Obstruction, perforation and bleeding may occur in patients with luminal involvement, whereas hepatic or biliary disease may lead to jaundice. Several chemotherapeutic regimens for lymphoma have been successfully used to achieve partial remission, although no prolongation of survival has been demonstrated. There appears to be an increased incidence of Hodgkin's disease in patients with AIDS, which is generally of advanced stage. This tumour does not meet the CDC criteria for AIDS as yet. Hepatic and/or splenic involvement in this setting are common.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Scientist-administrators at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development as contributors to the scientific enterprise.

At the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), as in other government research supporting agencies, scientist-administrators who are "program staff" work to accomplish their organization's set of research priorities using established mechanisms for supporting research. At the same time, the definition of their work is given to their interpretation, which, in turn, is guided by their understanding of their scientific discipline and their commitment to it. The tension that may arise between the organization-guided role and the science-guided role is more apparent than real because the major responsibility of "program staff" within the Institute is to cultivate a grant portfolio addressing scientific issues relevant to the mission of the Institute and exemplifying the most advanced research concepts and methodologies. When the overlap between the mission of the Institute and the direction of science is small, the push to increase it leads to new and imaginative solutions that benefit both the Institute and the science.

Administrative Personnel

Maintenance of differentiated phenotype of cultured rat hepatic lipocytes by basement membrane matrix.

This study examined the role of extracellular matrix in regulating matrix phenotype of hepatic lipocytes, the major source of matrix in liver. Lipocytes (Ito, stellate, or fat-storing cells) were purified from normal rat liver and established in primary culture on either uncoated plastic, plastic coated with individual matrix proteins, or a "complete" gel matrix, a basement membrane-like matrix derived from the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) murine tumor. The ultrastructure of lipocytes cultured on the gel matrix resembled that of cells in normal liver, whereas lipocytes on plastic had dispersed nuclear chromatin and expanded rough endoplasmic reticulum, consistent with active proliferation and secretion. Lipocytes on the gel matrix exhibited no proliferative activity; cells maintained on plastic proliferated and produced type I collagen predominantly. Total collagen secretion by lipocytes on the gel matrix was 29% of that of cells on plastic, and consisted of type III collagen only. This difference extended to proteoglycan production, which was less than 5% of the amount produced by cells in conventional culture on plastic. The effects of the EHS gel were not reproduced by the individual components of the gel (laminin, type IV collagen, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan) or by a type I collagen gel. They were also reversible upon transfer of the cells to conventional culture. In contrast to lipocytes, collagen synthesis by hepatocytes was similar whether cultured on EHS gel or on plastic. These results show that the extracellular matrix can modulate matrix protein production by lipocytes and imply that, in early hepatic inflammation, changes in the hepatic subendothelial matrix may underlie stimulation of lipocyte matrix production and progression of the fibrotic process.

Animals

Lipocytes from normal rat liver release a neutral metalloproteinase that degrades basement membrane (type IV) collagen.

We report a proteinase that degrades basement-membrane (type IV) collagen and is produced by the liver. Its cellular source is lipocytes (fat-storing or Ito cells). Lipocytes were isolated from normal rat liver and established in primary culture. The cells synthesize and secrete a neutral proteinase, which by gelatin-substrate gel electrophoresis and gel filtration chromatography, has a molecular mass of 65,000 D. The enzyme is secreted in latent form and is activated by p-aminophenylmercuric acetate but not by trypsin. Enzyme activity in the presence of EDTA is restored selectively by zinc and is unaffected by serine-protease inhibitors. In assays with radiolabeled soluble substrates, it degrades native type IV (basement membrane) collagen but not interstitial collagen types I or V and exhibits no activity against laminin or casein. At temperatures causing partial denaturation of soluble collagen in vitro, it rapidly degrades types I and V. Thus, it is both a type IV collagenase and gelatinase. The enzyme may play a role in initiating breakdown of the subendothelial matrix in the Disse space as well as augmenting the effects of collagenases that attack native interstitial collagen.

Animals