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Ischemia Reperfusion Injury: A Cell Signaling Crossroads and Therapeutics 2.0

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Guest Editor
Experimental Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Unit, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: organ (liver, pancreas, small intestine, kidney) transplantation; cell signaling molecular mechanisms in organ transplantation; graft therapeutics; preservation and preservation solutions
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Guest Editor
Centre Hépato-Biliaire, AP-PH, Hôpital Paul Brousse, 94800 Paris, France
Interests: liver cancer; liver metastases; liver surgery; liver transplantation; ischemia–reperfusion; liver preservation; machine perfusion; liver graft dysfunction
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Guest Editor
Steatohepatitis and Transplantation Research Group. Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Interests: pathophysiology of ischemia reperfusion injury; cell signaling molecular mechanisms; liver transplantation; dynamic preservation strategies (HOPE and NMP); inflammatory mediators; (nitric oxide; DAMPS; inflammasome NLRP3; cytokines)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is inherent to surgery and organ resection and transplantationnterests (TX). The cumulative damage due to ischemia and reperfusion associated with organ transplantation compromises the viability of the organ and its successful transplantation outcome. The present knowledge of underlying IRI pathophysiological mechanisms reveals a complex cell signaling crossroads that make further therapeutic strategies difficult and justify the in-depth investigation of the cell signaling pathways involved in IRI to prevent its adverse consequences more effectively and improve organ transplantation outcomes.

The advances in the study of IRI pathophysiology mechanisms are poor when compared to the development of immunosuppressive strategies in TX. For this reason, and continuing with the core idea of previous Special Issues, it is necessary to explore new insights into the molecular pathways involved in the complex pathophysiology of IRI, covering different perspectives, including different organs (heart, liver, kidney, pancreas, small intestine), with a special emphasis on the underlying mechanisms, including, but not limited to, the involvement of inflammatory mediators, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and other potential markers associated with IRI.

This Special Issue calls for original research, full reviews, and perspectives that address the progress and current knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms of IRI in different organs. This includes protective graft preservation strategies with MP, surgical intervention, ischemic preconditioning/postconditioning, and pharmacological strategies including clinical and experimental settings. We welcome studies on the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in warm and cold ischemia and inherent reperfusion and any strategy aimed at the prevention of IRI. Contributions are not limited to the fields that are mentioned in the keywords.

Due to the success of the first volume of this Special Issue, we would like to continue the push to advance this field and are therefore looking to publish more results and new insights from recent research projects. You can find the first volume at the following link:

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/special_issues/YMS09AXMPR.

Prof. Dr. Joan Roselló-Catafau
Prof. Dr. René Adam
Dr. Arnau Panisello-Roselló
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • ischemia–reperfusion injury
  • transplantation
  • liver
  • pancreas
  • small intestine
  • HOPE, glycocalyx
  • inflammation
  • oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress
  • pharmacological treatments

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 2257 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Human Liver Transplantation on the Concentration of Fibroblast Growth Factors: FGF19 and FGF21
by Marta Budkowska, Ewa Ostrycharz-Jasek, Elżbieta Cecerska-Heryć, Katarzyna Dołęgowska, Aldona Siennicka, Łukasz Nazarewski, Paweł Rykowski and Barbara Dołęgowska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1299; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031299 - 3 Feb 2025
Viewed by 762
Abstract
The multitude of processes in which the liver participates makes it vulnerable to many serious diseases, which can lead to chronic organ failure. Modern medicine bases the treatment of end-stage liver failure on liver transplantation. To ensure the proper functioning of the transplanted [...] Read more.
The multitude of processes in which the liver participates makes it vulnerable to many serious diseases, which can lead to chronic organ failure. Modern medicine bases the treatment of end-stage liver failure on liver transplantation. To ensure the proper functioning of the transplanted liver, a balance of cellular and immunological processes and appropriate concentrations of many different factors are necessary, including, among others, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). Over the last several years, studies have focused on some FGF growth factors, i.e., FGF19 and FGF21. These two growth factors belong to the FGF19 subfamily, and we concentrate on these two factors in our work. These factors diffuse away from the site of secretion into the blood, acting as hormones. FGF19 is a growth factor with a high therapeutic potential, involved in the homeostasis of bile acids necessary to maintain the proper function of the transplanted liver. FGF21, in turn, plays an important role in regulating lipid and glucose homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the concentration of growth factors FGF19 and FGF21 in the plasma of 84 patients before, 24 h, and 2 weeks after liver transplantation (ELISA test was used). Additionally, the correlations of the basic laboratory parameters—alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin and hemoglobin (Hb)—with FGF19 and FGF21 were determined. Our studies noted statistically significant changes in FGF19 and FGF21 concentrations before, 24 h, and 2 weeks after liver transplantation. The highest values for FGF19 before liver transplantation and the lowest values 24 h after this surgery were observed for FGF21; the highest concentrations were observed the day after liver transplantation, and the lowest were observed immediately before surgery. Observations of increases and decreases in the concentration of the examined factors at individual time points (before and after transplantation) allow us to suspect that FGF19 has an adaptive and protective function toward the transplanted liver. At the same time, FGF21 may affect the regenerative mechanisms of the damaged organ. Full article
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14 pages, 1995 KiB  
Article
Cardioprotection by Preconditioning with Intralipid Is Sustained in a Model of Endothelial Dysfunction for Isolated-Perfused Hearts
by Martin Stroethoff, Natalie Schneider, Lea Sung, Jan Wübbolt, André Heinen and Annika Raupach
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(20), 10975; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252010975 - 12 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1110
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is closely associated with most cardiovascular diseases. Experimental models are needed to analyze the potential impact of ED on cardioprotection in constant pressure Langendorff systems (CPLS). One cardioprotective strategy against ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI) is conditioning with the lipid emulsion Intralipid [...] Read more.
Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is closely associated with most cardiovascular diseases. Experimental models are needed to analyze the potential impact of ED on cardioprotection in constant pressure Langendorff systems (CPLS). One cardioprotective strategy against ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI) is conditioning with the lipid emulsion Intralipid (IL). Whether ED modulates the cardioprotective effect of IL remains unknown. The aim of the study was to transfer a protocol using a constant flow Langendorff system for the induction of ED into a CPLS, without the loss of smooth muscle cell functionality, and to analyze the cardioprotective effect of IL against I/RI under ED. In isolated hearts of male Wistar rats, ED was induced by 10 min perfusion of a Krebs–Henseleit buffer containing 60 mM KCl (K+), and the vasodilatory response to the vasodilators histamine (endothelial-dependent) and sodium–nitroprusside (SNP, endothelial-independent) was measured. A CPLS was employed to determine cardioprotection of pre- or postconditioning with 1% IL against I/RI. The constant flow perfusion of K+ reduced endothelial response to histamine but not to SNP, indicating reduced vasodilatory functionality of endothelial cells but not smooth muscle cells. Preconditioning with IL reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function while postconditioning with IL had no effect. The induction of ED neither influenced infarct size nor affected the cardioprotective effect by preconditioning with IL. This protocol allows for studies of cardioprotective strategies under ED in CLPS. The protection by preconditioning with IL seems to be mediated independently of a functional endothelium. Full article
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13 pages, 1744 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Hepatic Ischaemia–Reperfusion Injury in Wistar Rats: An Experimental Study
by Jorge Luiz Saraiva Ximenes, Joel Avancini Rocha-Filho, Flavio Henrique Ferreira Galvão, Cinthia Lanchotte, Marcia Saldanha Kubrusly, Regina Maria Cubero Leitão, Jose Jukemura, Agustin Vintimilla Moscoso, Emilio Elias Abdo, Luiz Augusto Carneiro D’Albuquerque and Estela Regina Ramos Figueira
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(16), 8833; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25168833 - 14 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1122
Abstract
Liver ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) during hepatic surgeries can lead to liver cell death via oxidative stress and the activation of immune cells, the release of cytokines, and damage-associated molecular patterns. Ascorbic acid has been shown to confer potential protective effects against IR injury, mainly [...] Read more.
Liver ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) during hepatic surgeries can lead to liver cell death via oxidative stress and the activation of immune cells, the release of cytokines, and damage-associated molecular patterns. Ascorbic acid has been shown to confer potential protective effects against IR injury, mainly due to its antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the effect of ascorbic acid infusion at different time points during hepatic IR in rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into control and experimental groups that received the same total ascorbic acid dose at three different infusion times: before ischaemia, before reperfusion, or before both ischaemia and reperfusion. All of the animals experienced hepatic IR injury. We measured the hepatic enzymes, cytokines, and portal blood flow. Animals receiving ascorbic acid before both ischaemia and reperfusion had lower liver enzyme levels, reduced inflammation, and better portal venous flow than other animals. Divided doses of ascorbic acid before IR may be beneficial for reducing liver injury associated with IR. Full article
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Review

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31 pages, 6135 KiB  
Review
From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Therapy: Understanding Sepsis-Induced Multiple Organ Dysfunction
by Tijana Srdić, Siniša Đurašević, Iva Lakić, Aleksandra Ružičić, Predrag Vujović, Tanja Jevđović, Tamara Dakić, Jelena Đorđević, Tomislav Tosti, Sofija Glumac, Zoran Todorović and Nebojša Jasnić
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7770; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147770 - 16 Jul 2024
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7695
Abstract
Sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction arises from the highly complex pathophysiology encompassing the interplay of inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, mitochondrial damage, cellular energy failure, and dysbiosis. Over the past decades, numerous studies have been dedicated to elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms of sepsis [...] Read more.
Sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction arises from the highly complex pathophysiology encompassing the interplay of inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, mitochondrial damage, cellular energy failure, and dysbiosis. Over the past decades, numerous studies have been dedicated to elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms of sepsis in order to develop effective treatments. Current research underscores liver and cardiac dysfunction, along with acute lung and kidney injuries, as predominant causes of mortality in sepsis patients. This understanding of sepsis-induced organ failure unveils potential therapeutic targets for sepsis treatment. Various novel therapeutics, including melatonin, metformin, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), certain herbal extracts, and gut microbiota modulators, have demonstrated efficacy in different sepsis models. In recent years, the research focus has shifted from anti-inflammatory and antioxidative agents to exploring the modulation of energy metabolism and gut microbiota in sepsis. These approaches have shown a significant impact in preventing multiple organ damage and mortality in various animal sepsis models but require further clinical investigation. The accumulation of this knowledge enriches our understanding of sepsis and is anticipated to facilitate the development of effective therapeutic strategies in the future. Full article
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31 pages, 3938 KiB  
Review
Initial Despair and Current Hope of Identifying a Clinically Useful Treatment of Myocardial Reperfusion Injury: Insights Derived from Studies of Platelet P2Y12 Antagonists and Interference with Inflammation and NLRP3 Assembly
by Michael V. Cohen and James M. Downey
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5477; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105477 - 17 May 2024
Viewed by 1429
Abstract
Myocardial necrosis following the successful reperfusion of a coronary artery occluded by thrombus in a patient presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) continues to be a serious problem, despite the multiple attempts to attenuate the necrosis with agents that have shown promise in [...] Read more.
Myocardial necrosis following the successful reperfusion of a coronary artery occluded by thrombus in a patient presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) continues to be a serious problem, despite the multiple attempts to attenuate the necrosis with agents that have shown promise in pre-clinical investigations. Possible reasons include confounding clinical risk factors, the delayed application of protective agents, poorly designed pre-clinical investigations, the possible effects of routinely administered agents that might unknowingly already have protected the myocardium or that might have blocked protection, and the biological differences of the myocardium in humans and experimental animals. A better understanding of the pathobiology of myocardial infarction is needed to stem this reperfusion injury. P2Y12 receptor antagonists minimize platelet aggregation and are currently part of the standard treatment to prevent thrombus formation and propagation in STEMI protocols. Serendipitously, these P2Y12 antagonists also dramatically attenuate reperfusion injury in experimental animals and are presumed to provide a similar protection in STEMI patients. However, additional protective agents are needed to further diminish reperfusion injury. It is possible to achieve additive protection if the added intervention protects by a mechanism different from that of P2Y12 antagonists. Inflammation is now recognized to be a critical factor in the complex intracellular response to ischemia and reperfusion that leads to tissue necrosis. Interference with cardiomyocyte inflammasome assembly and activation has shown great promise in attenuating reperfusion injury in pre-clinical animal models. And the blockade of the executioner protease caspase-1, indeed, supplements the protection already seen after the administration of P2Y12 antagonists. Importantly, protective interventions must be applied in the first minutes of reperfusion, if protection is to be achieved. The promise of such a combination of protective strategies provides hope that the successful attenuation of reperfusion injury is attainable. Full article
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25 pages, 888 KiB  
Review
Steatotic Donor Transplant Livers: Preservation Strategies to Mitigate against Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury
by Syed Hussain Abbas, Carlo Domenico Lorenzo Ceresa and Joerg-Matthias Pollok
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4648; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094648 - 24 Apr 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1659
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the only definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease, yet the UK has seen a 400% increase in liver disease-related deaths since 1970, constrained further by a critical shortage of donor organs. This shortfall has necessitated the use of extended [...] Read more.
Liver transplantation (LT) is the only definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease, yet the UK has seen a 400% increase in liver disease-related deaths since 1970, constrained further by a critical shortage of donor organs. This shortfall has necessitated the use of extended criteria donor organs, including those with evidence of steatosis. The impact of hepatic steatosis (HS) on graft viability remains a concern, particularly for donor livers with moderate to severe steatosis which are highly sensitive to the process of ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and static cold storage (SCS) leading to poor post-transplantation outcomes. This review explores the pathophysiological predisposition of steatotic livers to IRI, the limitations of SCS, and alternative preservation strategies, including novel organ preservation solutions (OPS) and normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), to mitigate IRI and improve outcomes for steatotic donor livers. By addressing these challenges, the liver transplant community can enhance the utilisation of steatotic donor livers which is crucial in the context of the global obesity crisis and the growing need to expand the donor pool. Full article
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