Programming of Distinct Chemokine-Dependent and -Independent Search Strategies for Th1 and Th2 Cells Optimizes Function at Inflamed Sites.

T-helper (Th) cell differentiation drives specialized gene programs that dictate effector T cell function at sites of infection. Here, we have shown Th cell differentiation also imposes discrete motility gene programs that shape Th1 and Th2 cell navigation of the inflamed dermis. Th1 cells scanned a smaller tissue area in a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and chemokine-dependent fashion, while Th2 cells scanned a larger tissue area independent of GPCR signals. Differential chemokine reliance for interstitial migration was linked to STAT6 transcription-factor-dependent programming of integrin αVß3 expression: Th2 cell differentiation led to high αVß3 expression relative to Th1 cells. Th1 and Th2 cell modes of motility could be switched simply by manipulating the amount of αVß3 on the cell surface. Deviating motility modes from those established during differentiation impaired effector function. Thus, programmed expression of αVß3 tunes effector T cell reliance on environmental cues for optimal exploration of inflamed tissues.

Brillouin spectroscopy via an atomic line monochromator.

Brillouin spectrometers, used for characterizing material mechanical properties, traditionally employ etalons such as Fabry-Pérot interferometers and virtually imaged phased arrays (VIPA) that use spatial dispersion of the spectrum for measurement. Here, we introduce what we believe to be a novel approach to Brillouin spectroscopy using hot atomic vapors. Using laser induced circular dichroism of the rubidium D2 line in a ladder-type configuration, we developed a narrow-band monochromator for Brillouin analysis. Unlike etalon-based spectrometers, atomic line monochromators operate in free-space, facilitating Brillouin spectroscopy integration with microscopy instruments. We report the transmission and spectral resolution performances of the spectrometer and demonstrate Brillouin spectra measurements in liquids.

Gross, histopathologic, microbiologic, and radiologic characterization of lesions associated with clinical lameness in a cohort of group-housed sows euthanized for lameness.

Lameness in sows is reported as the most frequent cause of early culling from commercial farms and results in reduced productivity, economic losses, and a negative impact on animal welfare. Osteochondrosis was reported as the leading cause of lameness in North American sows and, although more recent European studies report infectious arthritis as the leading cause, lameness in US production facilities using group housing for gestating sows has not yet been evaluated. This study's aim was to characterize lesions associated with lameness in the appendicular musculoskeletal system of 26 sows euthanized for lameness using pathologic, radiologic, and microbiologic analyses. Of 178 total lesions, infectious lesions were most common (54%), predominated in distal limb segments (ie, at or distal to carpi and tarsi) and more often correlated with the clinically lame limb, whereas osteochondrosis and degenerative osteoarthritis predominated in proximal limb segments (ie, at or proximal to cubital and stifle joints) and rarely correlated with the clinically lame limb. The location and characteristics of infectious lesions, including mixed bacterial growth isolated from 22/22 orthopedic sites representing 19 sows with Trueperella pyogenes isolated in 16/22 (73%) of samples, suggest an etiologic component involving trauma. Radiography had a 70.6% sensitivity and 93.9% specificity for detecting infectious lesions affecting tarsocrural, antebrachiocarpal, and digital (ie, claw) regions combined. The frequency, type, and location of infectious lesions identified in this cohort of sows euthanized for lameness differ from previous reports, indicating the need for further investigation of the etiopathogenesis, earlier detection methods, and prevention.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) 15 and FGF19 on Liver Fibrosis Development.

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) induces fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15; human ortholog FGF19) in the gut to potently inhibit bile acid (BA) synthesis in the liver. FXR activation in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) reduces liver fibrosis (LF). Fgf15-/- mice develop attenuated LF, but the underlying mechanisms for this protection are unclear. We hypothesized that FGF15/19 functions as a profibrotic mediator or mitogen to HSCs and increased BAs in Fgf15-/- mice leads to enhanced FXR activation in HSCs, subsequently reducing fibrogenesis. In this study, complimentary in vivo and in vitro approaches were used: (1) CCl4 -induced LF model in wild type (WT), Fgf15-/- , and Fgf15 transgenic (TG) mice with BA levels modulated by feeding cholestyramine- or cholic acid-containing diets; (2) analysis of primary HSCs isolated from WT and Fgf15-/- mice; and (3) treatment of a human HSC line, LX-2, with FXR activators and/or recombinant FGF19 protein. The results showed that Fgf15-/- mice had lower basal collagen expression, which was increased by BA sequestration. CCl4 induced fibrosis with similar severity in all genotypes; however, cholestyramine increased fibrosis severity only in Fgf15-/- mice. HSCs from Fgf15-/- mice showed increased FXR activity and reduced expression of profibrotic mediators. In LX-2 cells, FXR activation increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma activity and reduced proliferation. FGF19 activated both signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathways and reduced nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling without increasing fibrogenic gene expression or cell proliferation. Conclusion: FGF15/19 does not act as a direct profibrotic mediator or mitogen to HSCs in our models, and the protection against fibrosis by FGF15 deficiency may be mediated through increased BA activation of FXR in HSCs.

Enhanced alcoholic liver disease in mice with intestine-specific farnesoid X receptor deficiency.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is one of the major causes of liver morbidity and mortality worldwide. We have previously shown that whole-body, but not hepatocyte-specific, deficiency of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in mice worsens AFLD, suggesting that extrahepatic FXR deficiency is critical for AFLD development. Intestinal FXR is critical in suppressing hepatic bile acid (BA) synthesis by inducing fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) in mice and FGF19 in humans. We hypothesized that intestinal FXR is critical for reducing AFLD development in mice. To test this hypothesis, we compared the AFLD severity in wild type (WT) and intestine-specific Fxr knockout (FXRInt-/-) mice following treatment with control or ethanol-containing diet. We found that FXRInt-/- mice were more susceptible to ethanol-induced liver steatosis and inflammation, compared with WT mice. Ethanol treatment altered the expression of hepatic genes involved in lipid and BA homeostasis, and ethanol detoxification. Gut FXR deficiency increased intestinal permeability, likely due to reduced mucosal integrity, as revealed by decreased secretion of Mucin 2 protein and lower levels of E-cadherin protein. In summary, intestinal FXR may protect AFLD development by maintaining gut integrity.

Pharmacologic Modulation of Bile Acid-FXR-FGF15/FGF19 Pathway for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is within the spectrum of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The prevalence of NASH is rising and has become a large burden to the medical system worldwide. Unfortunately, despite its high prevalence and severe health consequences, there is currently no therapeutic agent approved to treat NASH. Therefore, the development of efficacious therapies is of utmost urgency and importance. Many molecular targets are currently under investigation for their ability to halt NASH progression. One of the most promising and well-studied targets is the bile acid (BA)-activated nuclear receptor, farnesoid X receptor (FXR). In this chapter, the characteristics, etiology, and prevalence of NASH will be discussed. A brief introduction to FXR regulation of BA homeostasis will be described. However, for more details regarding FXR in BA homeostasis, please refer to previous chapters. In this chapter, the mechanisms by which tissue and cell type-specific FXR regulates NASH development will be discussed in detail. Several FXR agonists have reached later phase clinical trials for treatment of NASH. The progress of these compounds and summary of released data will be provided. Lastly, this chapter will address safety liabilities specific to the development of FXR agonists.

Orally Administered Berberine Modulates Hepatic Lipid Metabolism by Altering Microbial Bile Acid Metabolism and the Intestinal FXR Signaling Pathway.

Previous studies suggest that the lipid-lowering effect of berberine (BBR) involves actions on the low-density lipoprotein receptor and the AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. However, the implication of these mechanisms is unclear because of the low bioavailability of BBR. Because the main action site of BBR is the gut and intestinal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of lipid metabolism, we hypothesized that the effects of BBR on intestinal FXR signaling pathway might account for its pharmacological effectiveness. Using wild type (WT) and intestine-specific FXR knockout (FXRint-/-) mice, we found that BBR prevented the development of high-fat-diet-induced obesity and ameliorated triglyceride accumulation in livers of WT, but not FXRint-/- mice. BBR increased conjugated bile acids in serum and their excretion in feces. Furthermore, BBR inhibited bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity in gut microbiota, and significantly increased the levels of tauro-conjugated bile acids, especially tauro-cholic acid(TCA), in the intestine. Both BBR and TCA treatment activated the intestinal FXR pathway and reduced the expression of fatty-acid translocase Cd36 in the liver. These results indicate that BBR may exert its lipid-lowering effect primarily in the gut by modulating the turnover of bile acids and subsequently the ileal FXR signaling pathway. In summary, we provide the first evidence to suggest a new mechanism of BBR action in the intestine that involves, sequentially, inhibiting BSH, elevating TCA, and activating FXR, which lead to the suppression of hepatic expression of Cd36 that results in reduced uptake of long-chain fatty acids in the liver.

Mechanistic review of drug-induced steatohepatitis.

Drug-induced steatohepatitis is a rare form of liver injury known to be caused by only a handful of compounds. These compounds stimulate the development of steatohepatitis through their toxicity to hepatocyte mitochondria; inhibition of beta-oxidation, mitochondrial respiration, and/or oxidative phosphorylation. Other mechanisms discussed include the disruption of phospholipid metabolism in lysosomes, prevention of lipid egress from hepatocytes, targeting mitochondrial DNA and topoisomerase, decreasing intestinal barrier function, activation of the adenosine pathway, increasing fatty acid synthesis, and sequestration of coenzyme A. It has been found that the majority of compounds that induce steatohepatitis have cationic amphiphilic structures; a lipophilic ring structure with a side chain containing a cationic secondary or tertiary amine. Within the last decade, the ability of many chemotherapeutics to cause steatohepatitis has become more evident coining the term chemotherapy-associated steatohepatitis (CASH). The mechanisms behind drug-induced steatohepatitis are discussed with a focus on cationic amphiphilic drugs and chemotherapeutic agents.

Functional effects of the spatial-varying lens mechanical properties in accommodation.

Lens biomechanical properties are critical for our eyes to accommodate. While it is well understood that lens mechanical properties change with age, different experimental techniques have been used over the years, with varying results on how the lens modulus changes. In this study, we developed a spatial-varying elasticity model to characterize the overall elastic modulus of the lens and establish its effect on accommodation. First, to validate the model, ex vivo porcine lenses underwent compression testing using biopsy punches of different diameters to change the percentage of nucleus within samples. Importantly, we found that, indeed, changing nucleus/cortex spatial ratio produces dramatic (∼7-fold) increase in overall sample modulus. Comparing the model with human lens spatial ratios, we demonstrate how changing spatial mechanics are more influential than peak modulus changes on overall elastic modulus. Next, in vivo clinical measurements of the spatial-varying lens modulus were used to generate a simplified mechanical-optical model of accommodation. We defined an ellipsoid lens with patient-derived modulus and geometry measurements, and a statics simulation and ray tracing analysis were performed through the deformed and undeformed lens. The resulting accommodation estimates agree with general accommodation expectations.

First-in-Human Study to Assess the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of BMS-986308: A Renal Outer Medullary Potassium Channel Inhibitor.

In patients with heart failure (HF) who respond inadequately to loop diuretic therapy, BMS-986308, an oral, selective, reversible renal outer medullary potassium channel (ROMK) inhibitor may represent an effective diuretic with a novel mechanism of action. We present data from the first-in-human study aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) following single ascending doses of BMS-986308 in healthy adult participants. Forty healthy participants, aged from 20 to 55 years, and body mass index (BMI) from 19.8 to 31.6 kg/m2 were assigned to 1 of 5 dose cohorts (1, 3, 10, 30, and 100 mg) and randomized (6:2) to receive BMS-986308 oral solution or matching placebo. Following administration, BMS-986308 was rapidly absorbed with a median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) of 1.00 to 1.75 h and exhibiting a mean terminal half-life (t1/2) of approximately 13 h. Dose proportionality was evident in BMS-986308 area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), while maximum concentration (Cmax) was slightly greater than dose-proportional. We observed that urine output (or diuresis; mL) and urinary sodium excretion (or natriuresis; mmol) increased in a dose-dependent manner, starting at a minimum pharmacologically active dose of 30 mg. The largest mean changes from baseline in diuresis and natriuresis occurred in both the 6- and -24 h post-dose period following administration of 100 mg (1683.0 mL and 2055.3 mL, and 231.7 mmol and 213.7 mmol, respectively; ***P < 0.001). Overall, single-dose BMS-986308 was found to be safe, well-tolerated, with an excellent PK profile, and substantial diuretic and natriuretic activity.

Effects of intestine-specific deletion of FGF15 on the development of fatty liver disease with vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (SGx) is a type of bariatric surgery to treat morbid obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The molecular mechanisms of SGx to improve MASLD are unclear, but increased bile acids (BAs) and FGF19 (mouse FGF15) were observed. FGF15/19 is expressed in the ileum in response to BAs and is critical in not only suppressing BA synthesis in the liver but also promoting energy expenditure. We hypothesized the reduction of obesity and resolution of MASLD by SGx may be mediated by FGF15/19. METHODS: First, we conducted hepatic gene expression analysis in obese patients undergoing SGx, with the results showing increased expression of FGF19 in obese patients' livers. Next, we used wild-type and intestine-specific Fgf15 knockout mice (Fgf15ile-/-) to determine the effects of FGF15 deficiency on improving the metabolic effects. RESULTS: SGx improved metabolic endpoints in both genotypes, evidenced by decreased obesity, improved glucose tolerance, and reduced MASLD progression. However, Fgf15ile-/- mice showed better improvement compared to wild-type mice after SGx, suggesting that other mediators than FGF15 are also responsible for the beneficial effects of FGF15 deficiency. Further gene expression analysis in brown adipose tissue suggests increased thermogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: FGF15 deficiency, the larger BA pool and higher levels of secondary BAs may increase energy expenditure in extrahepatic tissues, which may be responsible for improved metabolic functions following SGx.

FXR deficiency alters bile acid pool composition and exacerbates chronic alcohol induced liver injury.

Recent studies have investigated the roles of FXR deficiency in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, FXR knockout (FXR-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to chronic-plus-binge alcohol feeding to study the effect of FXR deficiency on ALD development. The degree of liver injury was greater in FXR-/- mice compared to WT mice. Ethanol feeding enhanced hepatic steatosis in FXR-/- mice, accompanied by decreased mRNA levels of Pparα and Srebp-1c. The expression of Lcn2 was increased by ethanol treatment, despite unchanged expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines Tnfα, Il6 and Il-1ß. Furthermore, ethanol treatment altered bile acid (BA) homeostasis to a greater extent in FXR-/- mice, as well as serum and hepatic BA pool composition. The mRNA levels of hepatic Cyp7a1 and Shp, as well as intestinal Fgf15, were decreased in WT mice with ethanol feeding, which were further reduced in FXR-/- mice. Levels of both primary and secondary BAs were markedly elevated in FXR-/- mice, which were further increased after ethanol treatment. Moreover, hepatic MAPK signaling pathways were disturbed presumably by increased hepatic BA levels. In summary, FXR deficiency increased hepatic steatosis and altered BA pool composition, contributing to worsened liver toxicity.

FXR deletion in hepatocytes does not affect the severity of alcoholic liver disease in mice.

Emerging evidence has shown that FXR activation ameliorates the development of alcoholic liver diseases (ALD) while whole-body deficiency of FXR in mice leads to more severe ALD. However, it's unknown whether the enhanced susceptibility to ALD development in FXR-/- mice is due to deficiency of hepatic FXR or increased toxicity secondary to increased bile acid (BA) levels. Hepatocyte-specific FXR knockout mice (FXRhep-/-) present similar BA levels compared to wild-type mice, and are therefore a useful model to study a direct role of hepatic FXR in ALD development. FXRhep-/- mice were subject to an ALD model with chronic plus binge drinking of alcohol to determine the effects of hepatic FXR deficiency on ALD development. The FXRhep-/- mice showed an altered expression of genes involved in BA and lipid homeostasis with alcohol treatment. Despite a slightly increased trend in hepatic lipid deposition and collagen accumulation in FXRhep-/- mice, there were no significant differences in the severity of steatosis, inflammation, or fibrosis between WT and FXRhep-/- mice. Therefore, these findings indicate that FXR deficiency in hepatocytes might only play a minor role in ALD development. Deficiency of FXR in other non-hepatic tissues and/or increased BA levels resultant from whole-body FXR deficiency might be responsible for more severe ALD development.

Diminished gallbladder filling, increased fecal bile acids, and promotion of colon epithelial cell proliferation and neoplasia in fibroblast growth factor 15-deficient mice.

Fibroblast growth factor-19 (human FGF19; murine FGF15) suppresses bile acid synthesis. In FGF19 deficiency, diarrhea resulting from bile acid spillage into the colon mimics irritable bowel syndrome. To seek other consequences of FGF19/15 deficiency, we used Fgf15-/- and wild-type (WT) mice to assess gallbladder filling, the bile acid pool, fecal bile acid levels, and colon neoplasia. We fasted mice for six hours before assessing gallbladder size by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We measured bile acid levels in different compartments by enzymatic assay, and induced colon neoplasia with azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and quantified epithelial Ki67 immunostaining and colon tumors 20 weeks later. In vivo MRI confirmed the gross finding of tubular gallbladders in FGF15-deficient compared to WT mice, but fasting gallbladder volumes overlapped. After gavage with a bile acid analogue, ex vivo MRI revealed diminished gallbladder filling in FGF15-deficient mice (P = 0.0399). In FGF15-deficient mice, the total bile acid pool was expanded 45% (P <0.05) and fecal bile acid levels were increased 2.26-fold (P <0.001). After AOM/DSS treatment, colons from FGF15-deficient mice had more epithelial cell Ki67 staining and tumors (7.33 ± 1.32 vs. 4.57 ± 0.72 tumors/mouse; P = 0.003 compared to WT mice); carcinomas were more common in FGF15-deficient mice (P = 0.01). These findings confirm FGF15, the murine homolog of FGF19, plays a key role in modulating gallbladder filling and bile acid homeostasis. In a well-characterized animal model of colon cancer, increased fecal bile acid levels in FGF15-deficient mice promoted epithelial proliferation and advanced neoplasia.

Regulation of Hepatic Stellate Cells and Fibrogenesis by Fibroblast Growth Factors.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of growth factors critically involved in developmental, physiological, and pathological processes, including embryogenesis, angiogenesis, wound healing, and endocrine functions. In the liver, several FGFs are produced basally by hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Upon insult to the liver, expression of FGFs in HSCs is greatly upregulated, stimulating hepatocyte regeneration and growth. Various FGF isoforms have also been shown to directly induce HSC proliferation and activation thereby enabling autocrine and paracrine regulation of HSC function. Regulation of HSCs by the endocrine FGFs, namely, FGF15/19 and FGF21, has also recently been identified. With the ability to modulate HSC proliferation and transdifferentiation, targeting FGF signaling pathways constitutes a promising new therapeutic strategy to treat hepatic fibrosis.