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Di Martino JS, Akhter T, Bravo-Cordero JJ. Remodeling the ECM: Implications for Metastasis and Tumor Dormancy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4916. [PMID: 34638400 PMCID: PMC8507703 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
While most primary tumors can be effectively treated, therapeutics fail to efficiently eliminate metastases. Metastases arise from cancer cells that leave the primary tumor and seed distant sites. Recent studies have shown that cancer cells disseminate early during tumor progression and can remain dormant for years before they resume growth. In these metastatic organs, cancer cells reside in microenvironments where they interact with other cells, but also with the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM was long considered to be an inert, non-cellular component of tissues, providing their architecture. However, in recent years, a growing body of evidence has shown that the ECM is a key driver of cancer progression, and it can exert effects on tumor cells, regulating their metastatic fate. ECM remodeling and degradation is required for the early steps of the metastatic cascade: invasion, tumor intravasation, and extravasation. Similarly, ECM molecules have been shown to be important for metastatic outgrowth. However, the role of ECM molecules on tumor dormancy and their contribution to the dormancy-supportive niches is not well understood. In this perspective article, we will summarize the current knowledge of ECM and its role in tumor metastasis and dormancy. We will discuss how a better understanding of the individual components of the ECM niche and their roles mediating the dormant state of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) will advance the development of new therapies to target dormant cells and prevent metastasis outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jose Javier Bravo-Cordero
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (J.S.D.M.); (T.A.)
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Identification of miR-199a-5p, miR-214-3p and miR-99b-5p as Fibrosis-Specific Extracellular Biomarkers and Promoters of HSC Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189799. [PMID: 34575957 PMCID: PMC8464755 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) resulting in the formation of fibrous scars. In the clinic, liver biopsies are the standard diagnostic method despite the potential for clinical complications. miRNAs are single-stranded, non-coding RNAs that can be detected in tissues, body fluids and cultured cells. The regulation of many miRNAs has been linked to tissue damage, including liver fibrosis in patients, resulting in aberrant miRNA expression/release. Experimental evidence also suggests that miRNAs are regulated in a similar manner in vitro and could thus serve as translational in vitro–in vivo biomarkers. In this work, we set out to identify and characterize biomarkers for liver fibrosis that could be used in vitro and clinically for research and diagnostic purposes. We focused on miRNAs released from hepatic 3D cultures exposed to methotrexate (MTX), which causes fibrosis, and acetaminophen (APAP), an acute hepatotoxicant with no clinically relevant association to liver fibrosis. Using a 3D in vitro model, we corroborated compound-specific responses as we show MTX induced a fibrotic response, and APAP did not. Performing miRNA-seq of cell culture supernatants, we identified potential miRNA biomarkers (miR-199a-5p, miR-214-3p, niRNA-125a-5p and miR-99b-5p) that were associated with a fibrotic phenotype and not with hepatocellular damage alone. Moreover, transfection of HSC with miR-199a-5p led to decreased expression of caveolin-1 and increased α-SMA expression, suggesting its role in HSC activation. In conclusion, we propose that extracellular miR-214-3p, miR-99b-5p, miR-125a-5p and specifically miR-199a-5p could contribute towards a panel of miRNAs for identifying liver fibrosis and that miR-199a-5p, miR-214-3p and miR-99b-5p are promoters of HSC activation.
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53
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Gopinath V, Shamsitha MKA, Penarveettil Nair V, Seena P, Uppu RM, C Raghavamenon A. Thermally Oxidized Coconut Oil as Fat Source in High-Fat Diet Induces Hepatic Fibrosis in Diabetic Rat Model. Cell Biochem Biophys 2021; 79:629-639. [PMID: 34106414 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-021-01009-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, HFD/STZ-mediated type 2 diabetic rodent model was used to comparatively evaluate coconut oil (CO) and thermally oxidized CO (TCO) as fat sources for the development of NAFLD. Female Wistar rats (six in each group; average bwt 200 g) fed HFD containing either CO or TCO for 2 months along with an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg bwt) at the end of 1-month feeding were found to develop fatty liver and subsequent inflammatory changes when compared to the normal laboratory diet-fed animals over 2-month period. Dyslipidemia as well as enhanced activities of serum hepatic marker enzymes (e.g., AST, ALT, and ALP) were prominent in TCO-fed animals. Further, HFD-fed animals showed alterations in their hepatic redox equilibrium. Hepatic GSH and antioxidant enzyme activities that form the part of a protective mechanism against oxidative/carbonyl stress were found to be increased in HFD-fed rats. Supporting this, CO- and TCO-containing-HFD-fed animals had enhanced lipid peroxidation (increased TBARs). Thus, fatty liver with heightened antioxidant defense, lipid peroxidation, and inflammation indicate hepatosteatosis. Histological details of the hepatic tissues corroborated sufficiently with these observations and showed an increased incidence of macrovesicles, inflammation, and hepatocyte ballooning in the TCO-fed rats than in CO-fed animals. Further, in support of this proposition, hydroxyproline, an index of collagen formation, was found to be significantly increased in TCO-fed rats than in the CO-fed group. Overall, the study shows that the formulation of HFD incorporated with TCO as a fat source, combined with STZ injection, is an efficient dietary model for developing hepatosteatosis with fibrotic stage in rats within 2 months. Administration of this modified diet for a more extended period may be a good model for cirrhotic and hepatocellular carcinoma studies, which need to be further assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena Gopinath
- Department of Biochemistry, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur, Kerala, India
| | | | | | - Punnakkal Seena
- Markaz Arts and Science College, Athavanad, Valanchery, Kerala, India
| | - Rao M Uppu
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Sciences and Engineering, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Achuthan C Raghavamenon
- Department of Biochemistry, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
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54
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Baglieri J, Zhang C, Liang S, Liu X, Nishio T, Rosenthal SB, Dhar D, Su H, Cong M, Jia J, Hosseini M, Karin M, Kisseleva T, Brenner DA. Nondegradable Collagen Increases Liver Fibrosis but Not Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:1564-1579. [PMID: 34119473 PMCID: PMC8406794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although hepatocellular cancer (HCC) usually occurs in the setting of liver fibrosis, the causal relationship between liver fibrosis and HCC is unclear. in vivo and in vitro models of HCC involving Colr/r mice (that produce a collagenase-resistant type I collagen) or wild-type (WT) mice were used to assess the relationship between type I collagen, liver fibrosis, and experimental HCC. HCC was either chemically induced in WT and Colr/r mice or Hepa 1-6 cells were engrafted into WT and Colr/r livers. The effect of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from WT and Colr/r mice on the growth of Hepa 1-6 cells was studied by using multicellular tumor spheroids and xenografts. Collagen type I deposition and fibrosis were increased in Colr/r mice, but they developed fewer and smaller tumors. Hepa 1-6 cells had reduced tumor growth in the livers of Colr/r mice. Although Colr/r HSCs exhibited a more activated phenotype, Hepa 1-6 growth and malignancy were suppressed in multicellular tumor spheroids and in xenografts containing Colr/r HSCs. Treatment with vitronectin, which mimics the presence of degraded collagen fragments, converted the Colr/r phenotype into a WT phenotype. Although Colr/r mice have increased liver fibrosis, they exhibited decreased HCC in several models. Thus, increased liver type I collagen does not produce increased experimental HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Baglieri
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Cuili Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Takahiro Nishio
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Sara B Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Debanjan Dhar
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Hua Su
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Min Cong
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis and National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Jidong Jia
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis and National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Mojgan Hosseini
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Michael Karin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - David A Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California.
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55
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A Novel Orthotopic Liver Cancer Model for Creating a Human-like Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13163997. [PMID: 34439154 PMCID: PMC8394300 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13163997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of liver cancer. The lack of models that resemble actual tumor development in patients, limits the research to improve the diagnosis rate and develop new treatments. This study describes a novel mouse model that involves organoid formation and an implantation technique. This mouse model shares human genetic profiles and factors around the tumor, resembling the actual tumor development in patients. We demonstrate the roles of different cell types around the tumor, in promoting tumor growth, using this model. This model will be useful to understand the tumor developmental process, drug testing, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment development. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer. This study aims to develop a new method to generate an HCC mouse model with a human tumor, and imitates the tumor microenvironment (TME) of clinical patients. Here, we have generated functional, three-dimensional sheet-like human HCC organoids in vitro, using luciferase-expressing Huh7 cells, human iPSC-derived endothelial cells (iPSC-EC), and human iPSC-derived mesenchymal cells (iPSC-MC). The HCC organoid, capped by ultra-purified alginate gel, was implanted into the disrupted liver using an ultrasonic homogenizer in the immune-deficient mouse, which improved the survival and engraftment rate. We successfully introduced different types of controllable TME into the model and studied the roles of TME in HCC tumor growth. The results showed the role of the iPSC-EC and iPSC-MC combination, especially the iPSC-MC, in promoting HCC growth. We also demonstrated that liver fibrosis could promote HCC tumor growth. However, it is not affected by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, the implantation of HCC organoids to humanized mice demonstrated that the immune response is important in slowing down tumor growth at an early stage. In conclusion, we have created an HCC model that is useful for studying HCC development and developing new treatment options in the future.
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56
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Wang TC, An TZ, Li JX, Pang PF. Systemic Inflammation Response Index is a Prognostic Risk Factor in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing TACE. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:2589-2600. [PMID: 34188570 PMCID: PMC8232961 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s316740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mounting evidence has shown that systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), a novel prognostic biomarker based on peripheral lymphocyte, neutrophil and monocyte counts, is associated with poor prognosis for several tumors. However, the prognostic value of SIRI in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is elusive. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between SIRI and clinical outcomes in these patients. Methods A total of 194 consecutive patients who underwent TACE were included in this study. Patients were stratified into high and low SIRI groups based on the cut-off value using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Independent risk factors for tumor response were analyzed using forward stepwise logistic regression. A one-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to compare progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between low and high SIRI patients. The discriminatory power of the combination of number of tumors and SIRI in predicting initial TACE response was evaluated by ROC analysis. Results Patients were divided into high SIRI (> 0.88) and low SIRI (≤ 0.88) groups. High SIRI (p = 0.003) and more than three tumors (p = 0.002) were significantly related to poorer tumor response. Moreover, the low SIRI group had longer PFS and OS than the high SIRI group (both P < 0.05) before and after PSM. Combination of SIRI and number of tumors can improve the predictive ability to predict initial TACE response with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.678. Conclusion Pretreatment peripheral blood SIRI was found to be an independent predictor of tumor response and clinical outcomes in patients with HCC undergoing TACE. Patients with high SIRI may have a poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Cheng Wang
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Zhi An
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Xiang Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng-Fei Pang
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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57
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Zhang B, Lapenta K, Wang Q, Nam JH, Chung D, Robert ME, Nathanson MH, Yang X. Trefoil factor 2 secreted from damaged hepatocytes activates hepatic stellate cells to induce fibrogenesis. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100887. [PMID: 34146542 PMCID: PMC8267550 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common characteristic of chronic liver diseases. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a key role in fibrogenesis in response to liver injury, yet the mechanism by which damaged hepatocytes modulate the activation of HSCs is poorly understood. Our previous studies have established that liver-specific deletion of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT)leads to hepatocyte necroptosis and spontaneous fibrosis. Here, we report that OGT-deficient hepatocytes secrete trefoil factor 2 (TFF2) that activates HSCs and contributes to the fibrogenic process. The expression and secretion of TFF2 are induced in OGT-deficient hepatocytes but not in WT hepatocytes. TFF2 activates the platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta signaling pathway that promotes the proliferation and migration of primary HSCs. TFF2 protein expression is elevated in mice with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury. These findings identify TFF2 as a novel factor that mediates intercellular signaling between hepatocytes and HSCs and suggest a role of the hepatic OGT–TFF2 axis in the process of fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bichen Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kalina Lapenta
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jin Hyun Nam
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Dongjun Chung
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Marie E Robert
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael H Nathanson
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Xiaoyong Yang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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58
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Nga HT, Moon JS, Tian J, Lee HY, Kim SH, Lee YS, Jeon JH, Yi HS. Interleukin-10 Attenuates Liver Fibrosis Exacerbated by Thermoneutrality. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:672658. [PMID: 34124102 PMCID: PMC8187571 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.672658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Crosstalk between brown adipose tissue (BAT) and the liver is receiving increasing attention. This study investigated the effect of BAT dysfunction by thermoneutral (TN) housing on liver fibrosis in mice and examined the effect of secreted factors from brown adipocytes on the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Methods: The carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis mouse model was used to evaluate fibrotic changes in the livers of mice housed under standard and TN conditions. The effect of BAT on the activation of HSCs was examined using cultured cells treated with conditioned media from brown adipocytes. Results: Under TN conditions, mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis exhibited increased liver injury, collagen deposition, and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in the liver compared with mice maintained at room temperature. The numbers of liver-infiltrating immune cells and T cells producing IL-17A and IFN-γ were also significantly increased in the livers of mice housed under TN conditions. Treatment of HSCs with conditioned media from brown adipocytes markedly attenuated HSC activation, as shown by down-regulated α-SMA expression at day 4, day 7 and day 10 of culture. At thermoneutrality, with CCl4 administration, IL-10-deficient mice exhibited more severe liver fibrosis than wild-type mice. Interestingly, conditioned media from IL-10-deficient brown adipocytes could up-regulate the expression of α-SMA and induce HSCs activation. Conclusions: BAT inactivation by thermoneutrality contributes to the activation of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic pathways in mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Normal brown adipocytes secreted factors that impair the activation of HSCs, while this protective effect was lost in IL-10-deficient brown adipocytes. Thus, the BAT–liver axis may serve as a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis, and IL-10 may be a key factor regulating the activation of HSCs by BAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Thi Nga
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Immune System, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Ji Sun Moon
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Immune System, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jingwen Tian
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Immune System, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Ho Yeop Lee
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Immune System, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seok-Hwan Kim
- Department of Surgery, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Young-Sun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Han Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Hyon-Seung Yi
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Immune System, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.,Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
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Hashem A, Awad A, Shousha H, Alakel W, Salama A, Awad T, Mabrouk M. Validation of a machine learning approach using FIB-4 and APRI scores assessed by the metavir scoring system: A cohort study. Arab J Gastroenterol 2021; 22:88-92. [PMID: 33985905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM The study aim was to improve and validate the accuracy of the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) scores for use in a potential machine-learning (ML) method that accurately predicts the extent of liver fibrosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective multicenter study included 69,106 patients with chronic hepatitis C planned for antiviral therapy from January 2010-December 2014 with liver biopsy results. FIB-4 and APRI scores were calculated and their performance for predicting significant liver fibrosis (F3-F4) assessed against the Metavir scoring system. ML was used for feature selection and reduction to identify the most relevant attributes (CfsSubseteval/best first) for prediction. RESULTS In this study, 57,492 (83.2%) patients were F0-F2, and 11,615 (16.8%) patients were F3-F4. The revalidation of FIB-4 and APRI showed lower accuracy and higher disagreement with the biopsy results, with AUCs of 0.68 and 0.58, respectively. FIB-4 diagnosed fewer (14%) F3-F4 patients, and the high specificity and negative predictive values of FIB-4 and APRI reflected the low prevalence of F3-F4 in the study population. Out of 15 attributes, age (>35 years), AFP (>6.5 ng/ml), and platelet count (<150,000/mm3) were the most relevant risk attributes, and patients with one or more of these risk factors were likely to be F3-F4, with a classification accuracy of ≤ 92% and receiver operating characteristics area of 0.74. CONCLUSION FIB-4 and APRI scores were not very accurate and missed diagnosing most of the F3-F4 patients. ML implementation improved medical decisions and minimized the required clinical data to three risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hashem
- Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abubakr Awad
- School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Hend Shousha
- Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Wafaa Alakel
- Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Salama
- Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tahany Awad
- Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahasen Mabrouk
- Endemic Medicine and Hepatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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60
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Aghabi YO, Yasin A, Kennedy JI, Davies SP, Butler AE, Stamataki Z. Targeting Enclysis in Liver Autoimmunity, Transplantation, Viral Infection and Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:662134. [PMID: 33953725 PMCID: PMC8089374 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.662134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent liver inflammation can lead to cirrhosis, which associates with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are no curative treatments beyond transplantation, followed by long-term immunosuppression. The global burden of end stage liver disease has been increasing and there is a shortage of donor organs, therefore new therapies are desperately needed. Harnessing the power of the immune system has shown promise in certain autoimmunity and cancer settings. In the context of the liver, regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies are in development. The hypothesis is that these specialized lymphocytes that dampen inflammation may reduce liver injury in patients with chronic, progressive diseases, and promote transplant tolerance. Various strategies including intrinsic and extracorporeal expansion of Treg cells, aim to increase their abundance to suppress immune responses. We recently discovered that hepatocytes engulf and delete Treg cells by enclysis. Herein, we propose that inhibition of enclysis may potentiate existing regulatory T cell therapeutic approaches in patients with autoimmune liver diseases and in patients receiving a transplant. Moreover, in settings where the abundance of Treg cells could hinder beneficial immunity, such us in chronic viral infection or liver cancer, enhancement of enclysis could result in transient, localized reduction of Treg cell numbers and tip the balance towards antiviral and anti-tumor immunity. We describe enclysis as is a natural process of liver immune regulation that lends itself to therapeutic targeting, particularly in combination with current Treg cell approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zania Stamataki
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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61
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Llewellyn SV, Niemeijer M, Nymark P, Moné MJ, van de Water B, Conway GE, Jenkins GJS, Doak SH. In Vitro Three-Dimensional Liver Models for Nanomaterial DNA Damage Assessment. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2006055. [PMID: 33448117 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202006055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Whilst the liver possesses the ability to repair and restore sections of damaged tissue following acute injury, prolonged exposure to engineered nanomaterials (ENM) may induce repetitive injury leading to chronic liver disease. Screening ENM cytotoxicity using 3D liver models has recently been performed, but a significant challenge has been the application of such in vitro models for evaluating ENM associated genotoxicity; a vital component of regulatory human health risk assessment. This review considers the benefits, limitations, and adaptations of specific in vitro approaches to assess DNA damage in the liver, whilst identifying critical advancements required to support a multitude of biochemical endpoints, focusing on nano(geno)toxicology (e.g., secondary genotoxicity, DNA damage, and repair following prolonged or repeated exposures).
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha V Llewellyn
- In vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Marije Niemeijer
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Penny Nymark
- Division of Toxicology, Misvik Biology, Karjakatu 35 B, Turku, FI-20520, Finland
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Nobels väg 13, Stockholm, 17 177, Sweden
| | - Martijn J Moné
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Bob van de Water
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Gillian E Conway
- In vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Gareth J S Jenkins
- In vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Shareen H Doak
- In vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
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Vilfranc CL, Che LX, Patra KC, Niu L, Olowokure O, Wang J, Shah SA, Du CY. BIR repeat-containing ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (BRUCE) regulation of β-catenin signaling in the progression of drug-induced hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenesis. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:343-361. [PMID: 33815677 PMCID: PMC8006081 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i3.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND BIR repeat-containing ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (BRUCE) is a liver tumor suppressor, which is downregulated in a large number of patients with liver diseases. BRUCE facilitates DNA damage repair to protect the mouse liver against the hepatocarcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-dependent acute liver injury and carcinogenesis. While there exists an established pathologic connection between fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), DEN exposure alone does not induce robust hepatic fibrosis. Further studies are warranted to identify new suppressive mechanisms contributing to DEN-induced fibrosis and HCC.
AIM To investigate the suppressive mechanisms of BRUCE in hepatic fibrosis and HCC development.
METHODS Male C57/BL6/J control mice [loxp/Loxp; albumin-cre (Alb-cre)-] and BRUCE Alb-Cre KO mice (loxp/Loxp; Alb-Cre+) were injected with a single dose of DEN at postnatal day 15 and sacrificed at different time points to examine liver disease progression.
RESULTS By using a liver-specific BRUCE knockout (LKO) mouse model, we found that BRUCE deficiency, in conjunction with DEN exposure, induced hepatic fibrosis in both premalignant as well as malignant stages, thus recapitulating the chronic fibrosis background often observed in HCC patients. Activated in fibrosis and HCC, β-catenin activity depends on its stabilization and subsequent translocation to the nucleus. Interestingly, we observed that livers from BRUCE KO mice demonstrated an increased nuclear accumulation and elevated activity of β-catenin in the three stages of carcinogenesis: Pre-malignancy, tumor initiation, and HCC. This suggests that BRUCE negatively regulates β-catenin activity during liver disease progression. β-catenin can be activated by phosphorylation by protein kinases, such as protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates it at Ser-675 (pSer-675-β-catenin). Mechanistically, BRUCE and PKA were colocalized in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes where PKA activity is maintained at the basal level. However, in BRUCE deficient mouse livers or a human liver cancer cell line, both PKA activity and pSer-675-β-catenin levels were observed to be elevated.
CONCLUSION Our data support a “BRUCE-PKA-β-catenin” signaling axis in the mouse liver. The BRUCE interaction with PKA in hepatocytes suppresses PKA-dependent phosphorylation and activation of β-catenin. This study implicates BRUCE as a novel negative regulator of both PKA and β-catenin in chronic liver disease progression. Furthermore, BRUCE-liver specific KO mice serve as a promising model for understanding hepatic fibrosis and HCC in patients with aberrant activation of PKA and β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystelle L Vilfranc
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Li-Xiao Che
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Krushna C Patra
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Liang Niu
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Olugbenga Olowokure
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Jiang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Shimul A Shah
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Chun-Ying Du
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
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Xu X, Lin D, Tu S, Gao S, Shao A, Sheng J. Is Ferroptosis a Future Direction in Exploring Cryptococcal Meningitis? Front Immunol 2021; 12:598601. [PMID: 33815361 PMCID: PMC8017140 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.598601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is the leading cause of mortality among patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although treatment strategies for CM are continually being developed, the mortality rate is still high. Therefore, we need to explore more therapeutic strategies that are aimed at hindering its pathogenic mechanism. In the field of CM, several studies have observed rapid iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation within the brain, all of which are hallmarks of ferroptosis, which is a type of programmed cell death that is characterized by iron dependence and lipid peroxidation. In recent years, many studies have confirmed the involvement of ferroptosis in many diseases, including infectious diseases such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Furthermore, ferroptosis is considered as immunogenic and pro-inflammatory as the ferroptotic cells release damage-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs) and alarmin, both of which regulate immunity and pro-inflammatory activity. Hence, we hypothesize that there might be a relationship between this unique cell death modality and CM. Herein, we review the evidence of ferroptosis in CM and consider the hypothesis that ferroptotic cell death may be involved in the cell death of CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbin Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danfeng Lin
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Tu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiqi Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jifang Sheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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McIntosh AT, Wei R, Ahn J, Aouizerat BE, Kassaye SG, Augenbraun MH, Price JC, French AL, Gange SJ, Anastos KM, Goldman R. A genomic variant of ALPK2 is associated with increased liver fibrosis risk in HIV/HCV coinfected women. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247277. [PMID: 33705408 PMCID: PMC7951908 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV coinfection is associated with more rapid liver fibrosis progression in hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Recently, much work has been done to improve outcomes of liver disease and to identify targets for pharmacological intervention in coinfected patients. In this study, we analyzed clinical data of 1,858 participants from the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) to characterize risk factors associated with changes in the APRI and FIB-4 surrogate measurements for advanced fibrosis. We assessed 887 non-synonymous single nucleotide variants (nsSNV) in a subset of 661 coinfected participants for genetic associations with changes in liver fibrosis risk. The variants utilized produced amino acid substitutions that either altered an N-linked glycosylation (NxS/T) sequon or mapped to a gene related to glycosylation processes. Seven variants were associated with an increased likelihood of liver fibrosis. The most common variant, ALPK2 rs3809973, was associated with liver fibrosis in HIV/HCV coinfected patients; individuals homozygous for the rare C allele displayed elevated APRI (0.61, 95% CI, 0.334 to 0.875) and FIB-4 (0.74, 95% CI, 0.336 to 1.144) relative to those coinfected women without the variant. Although warranting replication, ALPK2 rs3809973 may show utility to detect individuals at increased risk for liver disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec T. McIntosh
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Renhuizi Wei
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jaeil Ahn
- Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics & Biomathematics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Brad E. Aouizerat
- Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Seble G. Kassaye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Michael H. Augenbraun
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
| | - Jennifer C. Price
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Audrey L. French
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Stephen J. Gange
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kathryn M. Anastos
- Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Radoslav Goldman
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America,Clinical Translational Glycoscience Research Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America,* E-mail:
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Leone V, Ali A, Weber A, Tschaharganeh DF, Heikenwalder M. Liver Inflammation and Hepatobiliary Cancers. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:606-623. [PMID: 33674229 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune regulation has an important role in cancer development, particularly in organs with continuous exposure to environmental pathogens, such as the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Chronic liver inflammation can lead to the development of hepatobiliary cancers, namely hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), or combined HCC (cHCC)-CCA. In this review, we discuss the link between oxidative stress and the hepatic immune compartments, as well as how these factors trigger hepatocyte damage, proliferation, and eventually cancer initiation and its sustainment. We further give an overview of new anticancer therapies based on immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Leone
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Adnan Ali
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Achim Weber
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular Cancer Research (IMCR), University Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Darjus Felix Tschaharganeh
- Helmholtz-University Group Cell Plasticity and Epigenetic Remodeling, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Institute of Pathology University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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66
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Xie Z, Wu Y, Liu S, Lai Y, Tang S. LncRNA-SNHG7/miR-29b/DNMT3A axis affects activation, autophagy and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2021; 45:101469. [PMID: 32893175 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2020.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the relative expression of long non-coding small nucleolar RNA host gene 7 (lncRNA-SNHG7) in fibrotic liver and hepatic stellate cells, and investigate the biological effects and mechanisms of SNHG7 on liver fibrosis. METHODS Liver fibrosis model of mice was established, primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were cultured from normal mice and induced to activate by TGF-β. Cell viability, proliferation, and autophagy were detected with MTT, BrdU, and MDC stain, respectively. Liver tissue stained with Masson and Sirius Red. The interaction between SNHG7 and miR-29b was investigated by immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down and Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The effects of SNHG7 on the expression of miR-29b, DNMT3A and liver fibrosis related factors were detected in vitro or in vivo transfection experiments. RESULTS SNHG7 was signally increased in liver tissue and HSCs of liver fibrosis model of mice, and inhibition of SNHG7 expression in liver fibrosis mice can reduce liver fibrosis. We also found that SNHG7 could bind to miR-29b in HSCs and inhibit the expression of miR-29b. In TGF-β-stimulated normal HSCs, knockdown of SNHG7 expression after shSNHG7 transfection could restrain DNMT3A and HSCs activation factors α-SMA, Collα1 and autophagy-related factors LC3I/II, Beclin1. However, this shSNHG7 effect was reversed by the inhibition of miR-29b. CONCLUSION Inhibition of lncRNA-SNHG7 can inhibit liver fibrosis. This is partly due to SNHG7 acts as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to affect the expression of DNMT3A, a downstream target gene of miR-29b, by binding to miR-29b, thereby affecting the activation, autophagy and proliferation of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyuan Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.1 Mingde Road, Nanchang 330006, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuanhao Wu
- The Second Medical College Of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Sifu Liu
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yueliang Lai
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shenglan Tang
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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67
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Fishbein A, Hammock BD, Serhan CN, Panigrahy D. Carcinogenesis: Failure of resolution of inflammation? Pharmacol Ther 2021; 218:107670. [PMID: 32891711 PMCID: PMC7470770 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation in the tumor microenvironment is a hallmark of cancer and is recognized as a key characteristic of carcinogens. However, the failure of resolution of inflammation in cancer is only recently being understood. Products of arachidonic acid and related fatty acid metabolism called eicosanoids, including prostaglandins, leukotrienes, lipoxins, and epoxyeicosanoids, critically regulate inflammation, as well as its resolution. The resolution of inflammation is now appreciated to be an active biochemical process regulated by endogenous specialized pro-resolving lipid autacoid mediators which combat infections and stimulate tissue repair/regeneration. Environmental and chemical human carcinogens, including aflatoxins, asbestos, nitrosamines, alcohol, and tobacco, induce tumor-promoting inflammation and can disrupt the resolution of inflammation contributing to a devastating global cancer burden. While mechanisms of carcinogenesis have focused on genotoxic activity to induce mutations, nongenotoxic mechanisms such as inflammation and oxidative stress promote genotoxicity, proliferation, and mutations. Moreover, carcinogens initiate oxidative stress to synergize with inflammation and DNA damage to fuel a vicious feedback loop of cell death, tissue damage, and carcinogenesis. In contrast, stimulation of resolution of inflammation may prevent carcinogenesis by clearance of cellular debris via macrophage phagocytosis and inhibition of an eicosanoid/cytokine storm of pro-inflammatory mediators. Controlling the host inflammatory response and its resolution in carcinogen-induced cancers will be critical to reducing carcinogen-induced morbidity and mortality. Here we review the recent evidence that stimulation of resolution of inflammation, including pro-resolution lipid mediators and soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors, may be a new chemopreventive approach to prevent carcinogen-induced cancer that should be evaluated in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fishbein
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Bruce D. Hammock
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, and UCD Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Charles N. Serhan
- Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Reperfusion Injury, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dipak Panigrahy
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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68
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Ely A, Bloom K, Maepa MB, Arbuthnot P. Recent Update on the Role of Circular RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:1-17. [PMID: 33542907 PMCID: PMC7851377 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s268291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
After being overlooked for decades, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently generated considerable interest. circRNAs play a role in a variety of normal and pathological biological processes, including hepatocarcinogenesis. Many circRNAs contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis through sponging of microRNAs (miRs) and disruption of cellular signaling pathways that play a part in control of cell proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis. In most cases, overexpressed circRNAs sequester miRs to cause de-repressed translation of mRNAs that encode oncogenic proteins. Conversely, low expression of circRNAs has also been described in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with inhibited production of tumor suppressor proteins. Other functions of circRNAs that contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis include translation of truncated proteins and acting as adapters to regulate influence of transcription factors on target gene expression. circRNAs also affect hepatocyte transformation indirectly. For example, the molecules regulate immune surveillance of cancerous cells and influence the liver fibrosis that commonly precedes HCC. Marked over- or under-expression of circRNA expression in HCC, with correlating plasma concentrations, has diagnostic utility and assays of these RNAs are being developed as biomarkers of HCC. Although knowledge in the field has recently surged, the myriad of described effects suggests that not all may be vital to hepatocarcinogenesis. Nevertheless, investigation of the role of circRNAs is providing valuable insights that are likely to contribute to improved management of a serious and highly aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Ely
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kristie Bloom
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mohube Betty Maepa
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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69
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Stefanius K, Servage K, Orth K. Exosomes in cancer development. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 66:83-92. [PMID: 33477017 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are secreted small extracellular vesicles (EVs) packaged with diverse biological cargo. They mediate complex intercellular communications among cells in maintenance of normal physiology or to trigger profound disease progression. Increasing numbers of studies have identified exosome-mediated functions contributing to cancer progression, including roles in paracrine cell-to-cell communication, stromal reprogramming, angiogenesis, and immune responses. Despite the growing body of knowledge, the specific role of exosomes in mediating pre-cancerous conditions is not fully understood and their ability to transform a healthy cell is still controversial. Here we review recent studies describing functions attributed to exosomes in different stages of carcinogenesis. We also explore how exosomes ultimately contribute to the progression of a primary tumor to metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoliina Stefanius
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.
| | - Kelly Servage
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Kim Orth
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States; Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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70
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Abstract
Extracellular nucleosides and nucleotides activate a group of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) known as purinergic receptors, comprising adenosine and P2Y receptors. Furthermore, purinergic P2X ion channels are activated by ATP. These receptors are expressed in liver resident cells and play a critical role in maintaining liver function. In the normal physiology, these receptors regulate hepatic metabolic processes such as insulin responsiveness, glycogen and lipid metabolism, and bile secretion. In disease states, ATP and other nucleotides serve as danger signals and modulate purinergic responses in the cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that purinergic receptors play a significant role in the development of metabolic syndrome associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver inflammation. In this concise review, we dissect the role of purinergic signaling in different liver resident cells involved in maintaining healthy liver function and in the development of the above-mentioned liver pathologies. Moreover, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies for liver diseases by targeting adenosine, P2Y and P2X receptors.
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71
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Sadhukhan P, Ugurlu MT, Hoque MO. Effect of COVID-19 on Lungs: Focusing on Prospective Malignant Phenotypes. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3822. [PMID: 33352869 PMCID: PMC7766284 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, the healthcare management systems are shattered throughout the world, even in the developed nations due to the COVID-19 viral outbreak. A substantial number of patients infected with SARS-CoV2 develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and need advanced healthcare facilities, including invasive mechanical ventilation. Intracellular infiltration of the SARS-CoV2 virus particles into the epithelial cells in lungs are facilitated by the spike glycoprotein (S Protein) on the outer side of the virus envelope, a membrane protein ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) and two proteases (TMPRSS2 and Furin) in the host cell. This virus has unprecedented effects on the immune system and induces a sudden upregulation of the levels of different pro-inflammatory cytokines. This can be a cause for the onset of pulmonary fibrosis in the lungs. Existence of a high concentration of inflammatory cytokines and viral load can also lead to numerous pathophysiological conditions. Although it is well established that cancer patients are among the high-risk population due to COVID-19-associated mortality, it is still unknown whether survivors of COVID-19-infected subjects are at high-risk population for developing cancer and whether any biologic and clinical features exist in post-COVID-19 individuals that might be related to carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Sadhukhan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (P.S.); (M.T.U.)
| | - M. Talha Ugurlu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (P.S.); (M.T.U.)
| | - Mohammad O. Hoque
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (P.S.); (M.T.U.)
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
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Vanderborght B, De Muynck K, Lefere S, Geerts A, Degroote H, Verhelst X, Van Vlierberghe H, Devisscher L. Effect of isoform-specific HIF-1α and HIF-2α antisense oligonucleotides on tumorigenesis, inflammation and fibrosis in a hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4504-4520. [PMID: 33400730 PMCID: PMC7721613 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. For advanced HCC, there is still an unmet need for more effective therapeutic strategies. HCC is typically associated with hypoxia and the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) regulatory pathway plays an important role in HCC development and progression. Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic potential of isoform-specific HIF-1α and HIF-2α antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), along with their effect on the inflammatory and fibrotic component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), in an experimental HCC mouse model. Based on its efficacy and safety, a dosage regimen of 20 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of HIFα ASO twice per week was selected for further investigation in a preventive and therapeutic setting in a N,N-diethylnitrous amide (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model. DEN administration resulted in 100% tumor formation and HIFα ASO administration led to effective and selective hepatic downregulation of its target genes. HIFα ASO treatment had no effect on tumor numbers, but even enhanced the increased hepatic expression of HCC tumor markers, α-fetoprotein and glypican-3, compared to scrambled control ASO treatment in HCC mice. Especially HIF-1α ASO treatment resulted in an enhanced increase of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages in the liver and an enhanced hepatic upregulation of inflammatory markers. Both HIFα ASOs aggravated liver fibrosis in HCC mice compared to scrambled ASO treatment. The observed effects of our dosing regimen for HIF-1α and HIF-2α ASO treatment in the DEN-induced HCC mouse model discourage the use of HIFα isoforms as targets for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Vanderborght
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Muynck
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Helena Degroote
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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73
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Wu S, Yang W, Cheng C, Lin K, Sampurna BP, Chan S, Yuh C. Low molecular weight fucoidan inhibits hepatocarcinogenesis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in zebrafish via ASGR/STAT3/HNF4A signaling. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e252. [PMID: 33377648 PMCID: PMC7752165 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma ranks fourth in cancer-related mortality currently lacks effective therapeutics. Fucoidan is sulfated polysaccharide that is mainly found in brown seaweeds. In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of low molecular weight fucoidan (i.e. oligo-fucoidan [OF]) preventing hepatocarcinogenesis. METHODS We used [HBx,src], [HBx,src,p53-/+ ], and [CD36] transgenic zebrafish liver cancer model treated with OF, and performed molecular and histopathological analysis. Transcriptomic and pathways analysis was performed. RESULTS Decreased expression of lipogenic enzymes, fibrosis markers, and cell cycle/proliferation markers by OF in [HBx,src] and [HBx,src,p53-/+ ] transgenic fish. Liver fibrosis was decreased as revealed by Sirius Red staining, and the liver cancer formation was eventually reduced by feeding OF. OF was also found to be capable of reducing lipid accumulation and cancer formation in non-B non-C Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model in CD36 transgenic zebrafish. Whole-genome expression analysis showed that 661 genes were up-regulated, and 451 genes were downregulated by feeding OF. Upregulated genes were mostly found in protein transporter activity, and downregulated genes were enriched with response to extracellular stimulus and metal binding in gene ontology analysis. The driver gene was HNF4A revealed by NetworkAnalyst from OF differential regulated genes at various insults. OF is able to bind the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGR) in hepatoma cells, and increased the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in both hepatoma cells and [HBx,src,p53-/+ ] transgenic fish liver cancer model. Using chromatin-immunoprecipitation, we found pSTAT3 could associate with the P1 promoter of HNF4A. Knockdown of either ASGR or HNF4A reversed OF mediated anti-cancer cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, we provide evidence that OF exhibits the anti-HCC, anti-steatosis, and anti-fibrosis effect for liver in zebrafish models, and the anti-cancer potential of OF attributed to the binding to ASGR and activation of STAT3/HNF4A signaling. OF might be potentially valuable for the management of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu‐Yuan Wu
- Department of Food Nutrition and Health Biotechnology, College of Medical and Health ScienceAsia UniversityTaichung41354Taiwan
- Big Data Center, Lo‐Hsu Medical FoundationLotung Poh‐Ai HospitalYilan26546Taiwan
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Lo‐Hsu Medical FoundationLotung Poh‐Ai HospitalYilan26546Taiwan
- Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Medical and Health ScienceAsia UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Graduate Institute of Business AdministrationFu Jen Catholic UniversityTaipei24205Taiwan
| | - Wan‐Yu Yang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic MedicineNational Health Research InstitutesZhunan35053Taiwan
| | - Chun‐Chia Cheng
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic MedicineNational Health Research InstitutesZhunan35053Taiwan
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Institute for Radiological ResearchChang Gung University/Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at LinkouTaoyuan33302Taiwan
| | - Kuan‐Hao Lin
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic MedicineNational Health Research InstitutesZhunan35053Taiwan
| | | | - Suat‐Ming Chan
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic MedicineNational Health Research InstitutesZhunan35053Taiwan
| | - Chiou‐Hwa Yuh
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic MedicineNational Health Research InstitutesZhunan35053Taiwan
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural BiologyNational Tsing‐Hua UniversityHsinchu30013Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science & TechnologyNational Chiao Tung UniversityHsinchu30010Taiwan
- PhD Program in Environmental and Occupational MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiung80708Taiwan
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74
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Yuan JM, Wang Y, Wang R, Luu HN, Adams-Haduch J, Koh WP, Gao YT, Behari J, Lotze MT. Serum IL27 in Relation to Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Two Nested Case-Control Studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020; 30:388-395. [PMID: 33203693 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-20-1081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND IL27 mRNA is highly enriched in the tissue of hepatocellular carcinoma. Overexpression of IL27 gene has been found to increase T-cell expression of inhibitory receptors, an immunosuppressive feature in tumor microenvironment, that promotes the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS Two parallel case-control studies of hepatocellular carcinoma, each with 100 case-control pairs were conducted in the Singapore Chinese Health Study and the Shanghai Cohort Study to examine the association between serum IL27 levels and risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS The IL27 concentrations were significantly elevated in sera collected from study participants 4 to 5 years prior to the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in both cohort studies. Compared with the lowest tertile of IL27, odds ratios (OR) of hepatocellular carcinoma for the highest tertile of IL27 was 46.08 [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.68-453.86] in the Singapore Chinese Health Study and 19.09 (95% CI, 3.81-95.57) in the Shanghai Cohort Study (both P trend <0.001). The corresponding ORs in both cohort studies were 42.47 (95% CI, 8.30-217.40) among individuals negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and 242.46 (95% CI, 38.42-1,529.01) among those positive for HBsAg compared with the lowest tertile of interleukin-27 and negative HBsAg. CONCLUSIONS Levels of IL27 in prediagnostic sera were significantly associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma development. IMPACT IL27, through its immunosuppressive property, may play a significant role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Serum levels of IL27 may be used as a biomarker for prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Min Yuan
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. .,Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yue Wang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Renwei Wang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Hung N Luu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Woon-Puay Koh
- Health Service and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu-Tang Gao
- Department of Epidemiology, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jaideep Behari
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael T Lotze
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Departments of Surgery, Immunology and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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75
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D'souza S, Lau KCK, Coffin CS, Patel TR. Molecular mechanisms of viral hepatitis induced hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:5759-5783. [PMID: 33132633 PMCID: PMC7579760 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i38.5759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with viral hepatitis affects half a billion individuals worldwide and can lead to cirrhosis, cancer, and liver failure. Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality, of which hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents 90% of all primary liver cancers. Solid tumors like HCC are complex and have heterogeneous tumor genomic profiles contributing to complexity in diagnosis and management. Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis delta virus (HDV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the greatest etiological risk factors for HCC. Due to the significant role of chronic viral infection in HCC development, it is important to investigate direct (viral associated) and indirect (immune-associated) mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HCC. Common mechanisms used by HBV, HCV, and HDV that drive hepatocarcinogenesis include persistent liver inflammation with an impaired antiviral immune response, immune and viral protein-mediated oxidative stress, and deregulation of cellular signaling pathways by viral proteins. DNA integration to promote genome instability is a feature of HBV infection, and metabolic reprogramming leading to steatosis is driven by HCV infection. The current review aims to provide a brief overview of HBV, HCV and HDV molecular biology, and highlight specific viral-associated oncogenic mechanisms and common molecular pathways deregulated in HCC, and current as well as emerging treatments for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simmone D'souza
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 1N4, AB, Canada
| | - Keith CK Lau
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 1N4, AB, Canada
| | - Carla S Coffin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 1N4, AB, Canada
| | - Trushar R Patel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 1N4, AB, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge T1K3M4, AB, Canada
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76
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Wekesa C, Kirk GD, Aizire J, Benson EM, Karabarinde A, Parkes-Ratanshi R, Ocama P. Prevalence and Factors Associated With Liver Fibrosis Among Adult HIV-Infected Patients Attending Urban and Rural Care Clinics in Uganda. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa483. [PMID: 33241065 PMCID: PMC7676506 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis is common among HIV-infected patients. Risk factors vary by location. Understanding this variation may inform prevention strategies. We compared the prevalence and correlates of liver fibrosis among HIV-infected patients attending care clinics in Uganda. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 2030 HIV-infected patients attending care clinics in urban and rural Uganda. Liver fibrosis was defined as liver stiffness measurement (LSM) >7.1 KPa. Proportions and correlates of liver fibrosis were assessed and compared using logistic regression stratified by gender and site. Results Prevalence of liver fibrosis was higher among participants in the rural clinic (15% vs 11%; P = .017). History of tobacco use (urban P = .022; rural P = .035) and serologic evidence of hepatitis C infection (HCV; urban P = .028; rural P = .03) was associated with liver fibrosis in all men. Elevated liver transaminases (urban P = .002; rural P = .028) and increasing age (urban P = .008; rural P = .052) were risk factors among all women. Tobacco use among women was only a risk factor in those attending the rural clinic (P = .003), and detectable HIV viral load (P = .002) for men in the urban clinic. Conclusions Liver fibrosis is prevalent among HIV-infected persons in Uganda. HIV viral suppression and avoiding tobacco may be strategies to prevent liver fibrosis and cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Wekesa
- MRC/UVRI and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research, Entebbe, Uganda.,HIV and HCC in Uganda (H2U) Consortium, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gregory D Kirk
- John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,HIV and HCC in Uganda (H2U) Consortium, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jim Aizire
- John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,HIV and HCC in Uganda (H2U) Consortium, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eve-Marie Benson
- John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,HIV and HCC in Uganda (H2U) Consortium, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Karabarinde
- MRC/UVRI and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Ponsiano Ocama
- HIV and HCC in Uganda (H2U) Consortium, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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77
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Kusnik A, Teufel A. [Association of Aspirin with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver-Related Mortality]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2020; 58:1003-1005. [PMID: 33036053 DOI: 10.1055/a-1162-1200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kusnik
- Sektion Hepatologie, II. Medizinische Klinik, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg
| | - Andreas Teufel
- Sektion Hepatologie, II. Medizinische Klinik, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg
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78
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Lee YH, Tai D, Yip C, Choo SP, Chew V. Combinational Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Radiotherapy, Immune Checkpoint Blockade and Beyond. Front Immunol 2020; 11:568759. [PMID: 33117354 PMCID: PMC7561368 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.568759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The systemic treatment landscape for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has experienced tremendous paradigm shift towards targeting tumor microenvironment (TME) following recent trials utilizing immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, limited success of ICB as monotherapy mandates the evaluation of combination strategies incorporating immunotherapy for improved clinical efficacy. Radiotherapy (RT) is an integral component in treatment of solid cancers, including HCC. Radiation mediates localized tumor killing and TME modification, thereby potentiating the action of ICB. Several preclinical and clinical studies have explored the efficacy of combining RT and ICB in HCC with promising outcomes. Greater efforts are required in discovery and understanding of novel combination strategies to maximize clinical benefit with tolerable adverse effects. This current review provides a comprehensive assessment of RT and ICB in HCC, their respective impact on TME, the rationale for their synergistic combination, as well as the current potential biomarkers available to predict clinical response. We also speculate on novel future strategies to further enhance the efficacy of this combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Hua Lee
- Translational Immunology Institute (TII), SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Tai
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Connie Yip
- Division of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Su Pin Choo
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Curie Oncology, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Valerie Chew
- Translational Immunology Institute (TII), SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
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79
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Patten DA, Wilkinson AL, O'Rourke JM, Shetty S. Prognostic Value and Potential Immunoregulatory Role of SCARF1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:565950. [PMID: 34354939 PMCID: PMC8336907 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.565950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Scavenger receptor class F member 1 (SCARF1) is thought to play an important role in the selective recruitment of CD4+ T cells to liver sinusoidal endothelial cells during chronic liver disease. However, the contribution of SCARF1 to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently unknown. We utilized publically-available RNA-sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA) to explore SCARF1 expression in HCC and correlated it with a number of clinicopathological features. Flow adhesion assays were used to determine the role of SCARF1 in CD4+ T cell subset recruitment. SCARF1 expression was downregulated in HCC tumor tissues, compared to non-tumoral tissues, and loss of SCARF1 expression was associated with poorly differentiated/aggressive tumors. Additionally, higher SCARF1 expression in HCC tumor tissues was highly prognostic of better overall, disease-free and progression-free survival. SCARF1 within HCC was largely associated with tumor endothelial cells and adhesion studies suggested that it played a role in the specific recruitment of proinflammatory CD4+ T cells (CD4+CD25−) to HCC tumor tissues. Endothelial SCARF1 expression in tumor biopsies may provide critical prognostic information. Additionally, SCARF1 may also be a novel endothelial target that could help re-programme the microenvironment of HCC by promoting effector T cell tumor infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Patten
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit and Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alex L Wilkinson
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit and Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne M O'Rourke
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit and Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Shishir Shetty
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit and Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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80
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Wilkinson AL, Qurashi M, Shetty S. The Role of Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells in the Axis of Inflammation and Cancer Within the Liver. Front Physiol 2020; 11:990. [PMID: 32982772 PMCID: PMC7485256 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) form a unique barrier between the liver sinusoids and the underlying parenchyma, and thus play a crucial role in maintaining metabolic and immune homeostasis, as well as actively contributing to disease pathophysiology. Whilst their endocytic and scavenging function is integral for nutrient exchange and clearance of waste products, their capillarisation and dysfunction precedes fibrogenesis. Furthermore, their ability to promote immune tolerance and recruit distinct immunosuppressive leukocyte subsets can allow persistence of chronic viral infections and facilitate tumour development. In this review, we present the immunological and barrier functions of LSEC, along with their role in orchestrating fibrotic processes which precede tumourigenesis. We also summarise the role of LSEC in modulating the tumour microenvironment, and promoting development of a pre-metastatic niche, which can drive formation of secondary liver tumours. Finally, we summarise closely inter-linked disease pathways which collectively perpetuate pathogenesis, highlighting LSEC as novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shishir Shetty
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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81
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Kuo CY, Chiu V, Hsieh PC, Huang CY, Huang SJ, Tzeng IS, Tsai FM, Chen ML, Liu CT, Chen YR. Chrysophanol attenuates hepatitis B virus X protein-induced hepatic stellate cell fibrosis by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis. J Pharmacol Sci 2020; 144:172-182. [PMID: 32811746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2020.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are critical for liver fibrosis development. Anti-fibrosis occurs via reversion to quiescent-type HSCs or clearance of HSCs via apoptosis or ferroptosis. We aimed to elucidate the role of chrysophanol in rat HSC-T6 cells expressing HBx and investigate whether chrysophanol (isolated from Rheum palmatum rhizomes) influences cell death via ferroptosis in vitro. Analysis of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), Bip, CHOP, p-IRE1α, GPX4, SLC7A11, α-SMA, and CTGF showed that chrysophanol attenuated HBx-repressed cell death. Chrysophanol can impair HBx-induced activation of HSCs via endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and ferroptosis-dependent and GPX4-independent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Yen Kuo
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Valeria Chiu
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Po-Chun Hsieh
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Yen Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - S Joseph Huang
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, USA.
| | - I-Shiang Tzeng
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Fu-Ming Tsai
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Mao-Liang Chen
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Ting Liu
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Ru Chen
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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82
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Lee RM, Gamboa AC, Turgeon MK, Yopp A, Ryon EL, Kronenfeld JP, Goel N, Wang A, Lee AY, Luu S, Hsu C, Silberfein E, Maithel SK, Russell MC. The Evolving Landscape of Hepatocellular Carcinoma : A US Safety Net Collaborative Analysis of Etiology of Cirrhosis. Am Surg 2020; 86:865-872. [PMID: 32721171 DOI: 10.1177/0003134820939934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has historically been the most common cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States. With improved HCV treatment, cirrhosis secondary to other etiologies is increasing. Given this changing epidemiology, our aim was to determine the impact of cirrhosis etiology on overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC. METHODS All patients with cirrhosis and primary HCC from the US Safety Net Collaborative (2012-2014) database were included. Patients were grouped into "safety net" and "academic" based on where they received their care. The primary outcome was the OS. RESULTS 1479 patients were included. The average age was 60 years and 78% (n = 1156) were male. 56% (n = 649) received care at academic and 44% (n = 649) at safety net hospitals. The median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) was 10 (IQR 8-16). Median OS was 23 months. Etiology of cirrhosis was viral hepatitis 56% (n = 612), alcohol abuse 14% (n = 152), alcohol and hepatitis 23% (n = 251), and other 7% (n = 85). Patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis (alcohol alone or with hepatitis) were younger (59 vs 62 years), more likely to be male (86% vs 75%), treated at a safety net facility (45% vs 35%), uninsured (17% vs 13%), and had a higher MELD (median 12 vs 10) (all P < .003). They were less likely to have been screened for HCC within 1 year of diagnosis (20% vs 29%) and to receive treatment (69% vs 81%), and more likely to present with stage IV disease (21% vs 15%) (all P < .001). Patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis had decreased OS (5-year OS 24% vs 40%, P < .001), which persisted in a subset analysis of both academic and safety net populations. CONCLUSION Although not significant on MVA, alcohol-related cirrhosis is associated with all factors that correlate with decreased survival from HCC. Efforts must focus on this vulnerable patient population to optimize screening, treatment, and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Lee
- 1371 Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adriana C Gamboa
- 1371 Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael K Turgeon
- 1371 Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adam Yopp
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Emily L Ryon
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Joshua P Kronenfeld
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Neha Goel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Annie Wang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ann Y Lee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sommer Luu
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cary Hsu
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eric Silberfein
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shishir K Maithel
- 1371 Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maria C Russell
- 1371 Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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83
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Metabolism of N-nitrosodimethylamine, methylation of macromolecules, and development of hepatic fibrosis in rodent models. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1203-1213. [PMID: 32666246 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01950-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis are chronic diseases affecting liver and a major health problem throughout the world. The hallmark of fibrosis and cirrhosis is inordinate synthesis and deposition of fibril forming collagens in the extracellular matrix of the liver leading to nodule formation and loss of normal architecture. Hepatic stellate cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of liver fibrosis through secretion of several potent fibrogenic factors that trigger hepatocytes, portal fibrocytes, and bone marrow-derived fibroblasts to synthesize and deposit several connective tissue proteins, especially collagens between hepatocytes and space of Disse. Regulation of various events involved in the activation and transformation of hepatic stellate cells seems to be an appropriate strategy for the arrest of hepatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. In order to unravel the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and progression of hepatic fibrosis, to determine proper and potent targets to arrest fibrosis, and to discover powerful therapeutic agents, a quick and reproducible animal model of hepatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis that display all decompensating features of human condition is required. This review thoroughly evaluates the biochemical, histological, and pathological features of N-nitrosodimethylamine-induced model of liver injury, hepatic fibrosis, and early cirrhosis in rodents.
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84
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Cancer Patients Have a Higher Risk Regarding COVID-19 - and Vice Versa? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13070143. [PMID: 32640723 PMCID: PMC7408191 DOI: 10.3390/ph13070143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The world is currently suffering from a pandemic which has claimed the lives of over 230,000 people to date. The responsible virus is called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is mainly characterized by fever, cough and shortness of breath. In severe cases, the disease can lead to respiratory distress syndrome and septic shock, which are mostly fatal for the patient. The severity of disease progression was hypothesized to be related to an overshooting immune response and was correlated with age and comorbidities, including cancer. A lot of research has lately been focused on the pathogenesis and acute consequences of COVID-19. However, the possibility of long-term consequences caused by viral infections which has been shown for other viruses are not to be neglected. In this regard, this opinion discusses the interplay of SARS-CoV-2 infection and cancer with special focus on the inflammatory immune response and tissue damage caused by infection. We summarize the available literature on COVID-19 suggesting an increased risk for severe disease progression in cancer patients, and we discuss the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 could contribute to cancer development. We offer lines of thought to provide ideas for urgently needed studies on the potential long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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85
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Guo LF, Gao G, Yuan Z. Detection of Dysplastic Liver Nodules in Patients with Cirrhosis Using the Multi-Arterial CAIPIRINHA-Dixon-TWIST-Volume-Interpolated Breath-Hold Examination (MA-CDT-VIBE) Technique in Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e922618. [PMID: 32562415 PMCID: PMC7331482 DOI: 10.12659/msm.922618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The multi-arterial CAIPIRINHA-Dixon-TWIST-volume-interpolated breath-hold examination (MA-CDT-VIBE) sequence has the advantage of detecting hypervascular lesions during the arterial phase of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver. Liver cirrhosis may be associated with dysplastic nodules. This study aimed to compare the use of routine liver MRI sequences with the MA-CDT-VIBE sequence to identify dysplastic liver nodules in patients with liver cirrhosis. Material/Methods Between February 2016 and March 2017, there were 21 patients with liver cirrhosis who had 33 dysplastic liver nodules, which were detected by comprehensive multisequence MRI as the reference standard for nodule imaging. Liver MRI using edge sharpness assessment by parametric (ESAP) modeling was compared with five dynamic arterial subphases that were included in the MA-CDT-VIBE sequence with a temporal resolution of 2.8 s and an acquisition time of 20 s during one breath-hold. Results In the 21 patients included in the study, the MA-CDT-VIBE technique (30/33 for the first reading and 33/33 for the second reading) showed an improved lesion detection rate compared with the ESAP technique (27/33 for the first reading and 29/33 for the second reading), and for 73% of the patients, MA-CDT-VIBE imaging showed improved arterial parenchyma contrast. There was a high degree of interobserver agreement between the two reads (κ: 0.68–0.91; P<0.001). Conclusions The MA-CDT-VIBE sequence of MRI liver imaging improved the detection of dysplastic nodules in cirrhosis of the liver compared with routine liver MRI sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Fei Guo
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Guihua Gao
- Department of Radiology, Dongping Peoples' Hospital, Taian, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Zhenguo Yuan
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China (mainland)
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86
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GÜMÜŞ ZZ, TOPAL F, TAŞDEMİR Ü, GÜNAY S, ÇAMYAR H, AKBULUT S, SARITAŞ YÜKSEL E, VATANSEVER S, TOPAL FE. Efficacy of P2/MS and AFP in Early Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence. KONURALP TIP DERGISI 2020. [DOI: 10.18521/ktd.632438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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87
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Brovold M, Keller D, Soker S. Differential fibrotic phenotypes of hepatic stellate cells within 3D liver organoids. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:2516-2526. [PMID: 32391915 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis occurs in most cases of chronic liver disease, which are somewhat common, but also a potentially deadly group of diseases. In vitro modeling of liver fibrosis relies primarily on the isolation of in vivo activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) and studying them in standard tissue culture dishes (two-dimensional [2D]). In contrast, modeling of fibrosis in a biofabricated three-dimensional (3D) construct allows us to study changes to the environment, such as extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and structure, and tissue rigidity. In the current study, we used aHSCs produced through subcultures in 2D and encapsulated them in a 3D collagen gel to form spherical constructs. In parallel, and as a comparison, we used an established HSC line, LX-2, representing early and less severe fibrosis. Compared with LX-2 cells, the aHSCs created a stiffer environment and expressed higher levels of TIMP1 and LOXL2, all of which are indicative of advanced liver fibrosis. Collectively, this study presents a fibrosis model that could be incorporated with multi-cellular models to more accurately reflect the effects of a severe fibrotic environment on liver function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Brovold
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Dale Keller
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.,School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shay Soker
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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88
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Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios as predictors of tumor response in hepatocellular carcinoma after DEB-TACE. Eur Radiol 2020; 30:5663-5673. [PMID: 32424595 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-06931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the predictive value of quantifiable imaging and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for the clinical outcome after drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) measured as volumetric tumor response and progression-free survival (PFS). METHODS This retrospective study included 46 patients with treatment-naïve HCC who received DEB-TACE. Laboratory work-up prior to treatment included complete and differential blood count, liver function, and alpha-fetoprotein levels. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were correlated with radiomic features extracted from pretreatment contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and with tumor response according to quantitative European Association for the Study of the Liver (qEASL) criteria and progression-free survival (PFS) after DEB-TACE. Radiomic features included single nodular tumor growth measured as sphericity, dynamic contrast uptake behavior, arterial hyperenhancement, and homogeneity of contrast uptake. Statistics included univariate and multivariate linear regression, Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS Accounting for laboratory and clinical parameters, high baseline NLR and PLR were predictive of poorer tumor response (p = 0.014 and p = 0.004) and shorter PFS (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001). When compared to baseline imaging, high NLR and PLR correlated with non-spherical tumor growth (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study establishes the prognostic value of quantitative inflammatory biomarkers associated with aggressive non-spherical tumor growth and predictive of poorer tumor response and shorter PFS after DEB-TACE. KEY POINTS • In treatment-naïve hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), high baseline platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are associated with non-nodular tumor growth measured as low tumor sphericity. • High PLR and NLR are predictive of poorer volumetric enhancement-based tumor response and PFS after DEB-TACE in HCC. • This set of readily available, quantitative immunologic biomarkers can easily be implemented in clinical guidelines providing a paradigm to guide and monitor the personalized application of loco-regional therapies in HCC.
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89
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Bresnahan E, Lindblad KE, Ruiz de Galarreta M, Lujambio A. Mouse Models of Oncoimmunology in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:5276-5286. [PMID: 32327473 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and incidence is on the rise. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer, with a complex etiology and limited treatment options. The standard-of-care treatment for patients with advanced HCC is sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that offers limited survival benefit. In the past years, therapeutic options for the treatment of advanced HCC have increased substantially, including additional multikinase inhibitors as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Nivolumab and pembrolizumab were approved in 2017 and 2018, respectively, as second-line treatment in advanced HCC. These drugs, both targeting the programmed death-1 pathway, demonstrate unprecedented results, with objective response rates of approximately 20%. However, the majority of patients do not respond, necessitating the identification of biomarkers of response and resistance to immunotherapy. With the recent success of immunotherapies in oncology, mouse models that better recapitulate the human disease and antitumor immune response are needed. This review lists ongoing clinical trials testing immunotherapy in HCC, briefly discusses the unique immunosuppressive environment of the liver, and then delves into the most applicable current murine model systems to study oncoimmunology within the context of HCC, including syngeneic, genetically engineered, and humanized models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Bresnahan
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Katherine E Lindblad
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Marina Ruiz de Galarreta
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Amaia Lujambio
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York. .,Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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90
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Lee DY, Yun SM, Song MY, Ji SD, Son JG, Kim EH. Administration of Steamed and Freeze-Dried Mature Silkworm Larval Powder Prevents Hepatic Fibrosis and Hepatocellular Carcinogenesis by Blocking TGF-β/STAT3 Signaling Cascades in Rats. Cells 2020; 9:E568. [PMID: 32121064 PMCID: PMC7140417 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and the majority of HCC patients occur with a background of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. We have previously reported the hepatoprotective effects of steamed and freeze-dried mature silkworm larval powder (SMSP) in a chronic ethanol-treated rat model. Here, we assessed the anti-fibrotic and anti-carcinogenic effects of SMSP on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-treated rats. Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with DEN once a week for 12 or 16 weeks with or without SMSP administration (0.1 and 1 g/kg). SMSP administration significantly attenuated tumor foci formation and proliferation in the livers of the rats treated with DEN for 16 weeks. SMSP administration also inhibited hepatic fibrosis by decreasing the levels of collagen fiber and the expression of pro-collagen I and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Moreover, SMSP supplementation improved the major parameters of fibrosis such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and collagen type I (Col1A1) in the livers from the rats treated with DEN for 16 weeks. As s possible mechanisms, we investigated the effects of SMSP on the TGF-β and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-mediated signaling cascades, which are known to promote hepatic fibrosis. We found that SMSP treatment inhibited the activation of TGF-β and the phosphorylation of STAT3 pathway in DEN-treated rats. Moreover, SMSP administration suppressed the expressions of the target genes of TGF-β and STAT3 induced by DEN treatment. Our findings provide experimental evidences that SMSP administration has inhibitory effects of hepatic fibrosis and HCC induced by DEN in vivo and could be a promising strategy for the prevention or treatment of hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Young Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea; (D.-Y.L.); (S.-M.Y.); (M.-Y.S.)
| | - Sun-Mi Yun
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea; (D.-Y.L.); (S.-M.Y.); (M.-Y.S.)
| | - Moon-Young Song
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea; (D.-Y.L.); (S.-M.Y.); (M.-Y.S.)
| | - Sang-Deok Ji
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Korea; (S.-D.J.); (J.-G.S.)
| | - Jong-Gon Son
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Korea; (S.-D.J.); (J.-G.S.)
| | - Eun-Hee Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea; (D.-Y.L.); (S.-M.Y.); (M.-Y.S.)
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91
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Ye J, Wu S, Pan S, Huang J, Ge L. Risk scoring based on expression of long non‑coding RNAs can effectively predict survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with or without fibrosis. Oncol Rep 2020; 43:1451-1466. [PMID: 32323856 PMCID: PMC7108035 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have different prognoses depending on whether or not they also have fibrosis. Since long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) affect tumor formation and progression, the present study aimed to investigate whether their expression might help predict the survival of patients with HCC. Expression profiles downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database were examined to identify lncRNAs differentially expressed (DElncRNAs) between HCC patients with or without fibrosis. These DElncRNAs were then used to develop a risk scoring system to predict overall survival (OS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS). A total of 142 significant DElncRNAs were identified using data from 135 patients with fibrosis and 72 without fibrosis. For HCC patients with fibrosis, a risk scoring system to predict OS was constructed based on five lncRNAs (AL359853.1, Z93930.3, HOXA-AS3, AL772337.1 and AC012640.3), while the risk scoring system to predict RFS was based on 12 lncRNAs (PLCE1-AS1, Z93930.3, LINC02273, TRBV11-2, HHIP-AS1, AC004687.1, LINC01857, AC004585.1, AP000808.1, CU638689.4, AC090152.1 and AL357060.1). For HCC patients without fibrosis, the risk scoring system to predict OS was established based on seven lncRNAs (LINC00239, AC104971.4, AP006285.2, HOXA-AS3, AC079834.2, NRIR and LINC01929), and the system to predict RFS was based on five lncRNAs (AC021744.1, NRIR, LINC00487, AC005858.1 and AC107398.3). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for all risk scoring systems exceeded 0.7. Uni- and multivariate Cox analyses showed that the risk scoring systems were significant independent predictors of OS for HCC patients with fibrosis, or of OS and RFS for HCC patients without fibrosis, after adjusting for clinical factors. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that, depending on the risk scoring system, highly associated genes were involved in pathways mainly associated with the cell cycle, chemokines, Th17 cell differentiation or thermogenesis. The findings of the present study indicate that risk scoring systems based on lncRNA expression can effectively predict the OS of HCC patients with fibrosis as well as the OS or RFS of HCC patients without fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiang Ye
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Siyao Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Shan Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Junqi Huang
- Department of Pathology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Lianying Ge
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
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92
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Dhar D, Baglieri J, Kisseleva T, Brenner DA. Mechanisms of liver fibrosis and its role in liver cancer. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:96-108. [PMID: 31924111 PMCID: PMC7016420 DOI: 10.1177/1535370219898141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrogenesis is a pathophysiological outcome of chronic liver injury hallmarked by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Fibrosis is a dynamic process that involves cross-talk between parenchymal cells (hepatocytes), hepatic stellate cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells and both resident and infiltrating immune cells. In this review, we focus on key cell-types that contribute to liver fibrosis, cytokines, and chemokines influencing this process and what it takes for fibrosis to regress. We discuss how mitochondria and metabolic changes in hepatic stellate cells modulate the fibrogenic process. We also briefly review how the presence of fibrosis affects development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Dhar
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jacopo Baglieri
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - David A Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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93
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Keenan BP, Fong L, Kelley RK. Immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: the complex interface between inflammation, fibrosis, and the immune response. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:267. [PMID: 31627733 PMCID: PMC6798343 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0749-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and confers a poor prognosis. Beyond standard systemic therapy with multikinase inhibitors, recent studies demonstrate the potential for robust and durable responses from immune checkpoint inhibition in subsets of HCC patients across disease etiologies. The majority of HCC arises in the context of chronic inflammation and from within a fibrotic liver, with many cases associated with hepatitis virus infections, toxins, and fatty liver disease. Many patients also have concomitant cirrhosis which is associated with both local and systemic immune deficiency. Furthermore, the liver is an immunologic organ in itself, which may enhance or suppress the immune response to cancer arising within it. Here, we explore the immunobiology of the liver from its native state to chronic inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and then to cancer, and summarize how this unique microenvironment may affect the response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget P Keenan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Room M1286, 505 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA. .,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Lawrence Fong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Room M1286, 505 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Robin K Kelley
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Room M1286, 505 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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94
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Duan J, Wu Y, Liu J, Zhang J, Fu Z, Feng T, Liu M, Han J, Li Z, Chen S. Genetic Biomarkers For Hepatocellular Carcinoma In The Era Of Precision Medicine. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2019; 6:151-166. [PMID: 31696097 PMCID: PMC6805787 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s224849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Being one of the most lethal cancers that exhibit high levels of heterogeneity, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with diverse oncogenic pathways underpinned by varied driver genes. HCC can be induced by different etiological factors including virus infection, toxin exposure or metabolic disorders. Consequently, patients may display varied genetic profiles, and may respond differently to the treatments involving inhibition of target pathways. These DNA/RNA mutations, copy number variations, chromatin structural changes, aberrant expression of non-coding RNAs and epigenetic modifications were considered as biomarkers in the application of precision medication. To explore how genetic testing could contribute to early diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and postoperative monitoring of HCC, we conducted a systematic review of genetic markers associated with different pathologies. Moreover, we summarized on-going clinical trials for HCC treatment, including the trials for multiple kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). The efficacy of ICB treatment in HCC is not as good as what was observed in lung cancer and melanoma, which might be due to the heterogeneity of the microenvironment of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxian Duan
- Department of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuling Wu
- Department of Oncology, HaploX Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen518000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jikui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen518036, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Department of Oncology, HaploX Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen518000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhichao Fu
- Department of Oncology, HaploX Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen518000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tieshan Feng
- Department of Oncology, HaploX Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen518000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Oncology, HaploX Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen518000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Han
- Department of Oncology, HaploX Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen518000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhicheng Li
- Department of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shifu Chen
- Department of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, HaploX Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen518000, People’s Republic of China
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95
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Yin Z, Dong C, Jiang K, Xu Z, Li R, Guo K, Shao S, Wang L. Heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts and roles in the progression, prognosis, and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:101. [PMID: 31547836 PMCID: PMC6757399 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0782-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal disease, and recurrence and metastasis are the major causes of death in HCC patients. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a major stromal cell type in the HCC microenvironment, promote HCC progression, and have gradually become a hot research topic in HCC-targeted therapy. This review comprehensively describes and discusses the heterogeneous tissue distribution, cellular origin, phenotype, and biological functions of HCC-associated fibroblasts. Furthermore, the possible use of CAFs for predicting HCC prognosis and in targeted therapeutic strategies is discussed, highlighting the critical roles of CAFs in HCC progression, diagnosis, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeli Yin
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
| | - Chengyong Dong
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
| | - Keqiu Jiang
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
| | - Rui Li
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
| | - Kun Guo
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.
| | - Shujuan Shao
- Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Lvshun South Road, Lvshunkou District, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.
| | - Liming Wang
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China.
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Inhibitory Effect of Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Extract on 2-Acetylaminofluorene-induced Hepatocarcinogenesis Through Enhancing Antioxidative Potential and Alleviating Inflammation in Rats. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8090329. [PMID: 31443426 PMCID: PMC6770729 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8090329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leaf extract of Nelumbo nucifera (NLE) has been demonstrated to possess anti-atherosclerosis, improve alcohol-induced steatohepatitis, prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity, and inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of human breast cancer cells. This study determines the chemopreventive role of NLE against 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. AAF was used to induce hepatocarcinogenesis in rats through genetic and nongenetic effects. After administration for 12 weeks, NLE (0.5–2%) supplementation orally inhibited AAF (0.03%)-induced hepatic fibrosis which appears during the development of premalignant lesions in rats. After the 6-month experiment, NLE supplementation resulted in decreasing AAF-induced serum parameters of hepatic injury, including the level of triglycerides, total cholesterol, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and inflammatory mediator interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α as well as the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γGT). NLE supplementation also reduced AAF-induced lipid peroxidation and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) formation in the rat liver. Hepatic histopathological investigation revealed that NLE supplementation attenuated the AAF-induced HCC and glutathione S-transferase-Pi (GST-Pi) expression. Furthermore, NLE supplementation increased the expression of transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream targets, including catalase, glutathion peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1) in the rat liver. Our findings indicate that NLE supplementation inhibited AAF-induced hepatocarcinogenesis by enhancing antioxidative potential and alleviating inflammation in rats.
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Recent Insight into the Role of Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071745. [PMID: 30970564 PMCID: PMC6480228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most widespread tumors in the world and its prognosis is poor because of lack of effective treatments. Epidemiological studies show that non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced fibrosis represent a relevant risk factors to the HCC development. However little is known of pathophysiological mechanisms linking liver fibrogenesis to HCC in NASH. Recent advances in scientific research allowed to discover some mechanisms that may represent potential therapeutic targets. These include the integrin signaling, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, Hedgehog signaling and alteration of immune system. In the near future, knowledge of fibrosis-dependent carcinogenic mechanisms, will help optimize antifibrotic therapies as an approach to prevent and treat HCC in patients with NASH and advanced fibrosis.
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George J, Tsuchishima M, Tsutsumi M. Molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of N-nitrosodimethylamine induced hepatic fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:18. [PMID: 30622238 PMCID: PMC6325159 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1272-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is marked by excessive synthesis and deposition of connective tissue proteins, especially interstitial collagens in the extracellular matrix of the liver. It is a result of an abnormal wound healing in response to chronic liver injury from various causes such as ethanol, viruses, toxins, drugs, or cholestasis. The chronic stimuli involved in the initiation of fibrosis leads to oxidative stress and generation of reactive oxygen species that serve as mediators of molecular events involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. These processes lead to cellular injury and initiate inflammatory responses releasing a variety of cytokines and growth factors that trigger activation and transformation of resting hepatic stellate cells into myofibroblast like cells, which in turn start excessive synthesis of connective tissue proteins, especially collagens. Uncontrolled and extensive fibrosis results in distortion of lobular architecture of the liver leading to nodular formation and cirrhosis. The perpetual injury and regeneration process could also results in genomic aberrations and mutations that lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. This review covers most aspects of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis with special emphasize on N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA; Dimethylnitorsmaine, DMN) as the inducing agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph George
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Department of Hepatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan.
| | - Mutsumi Tsuchishima
- Department of Hepatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Mikihiro Tsutsumi
- Department of Hepatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
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