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Li Q, Niu JQ, Jia JH, Xu W, Bai M, Yao GD, Song SJ. A highly oxidized germacranolide from elephantopus tomentosus inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting EGFR in vitro and in vivo. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:107007. [PMID: 38039928 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, with high mortality and poor prognosis. WBDC-1 is a novel highly oxidized germacranolide from the Elephantopus tomentosus in our previous work, which has excellent anti-HCC activity, but the detailed mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we found that WBDC-1 was able to inhibit the proliferation and colony formation of Hep3B and HepG2 cells, as well as the cell migration ability and EMT. In addition, WBDC-1 showed no obvious toxicity to normal liver epithelial cells L-02. The potential targets of WBDC-1 were predicted by network pharmacology, and the following verified experiments showed that WBDC-1 exerted anti-HCC effect by targeting EGFR. Mechanismly, subsequent biological analysis showed that WBDC-1 can inhibit EGFR and its downstream RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Overexpression of EGFR reversed the anticancer properties of WBDC-1. Consistent with in vitro experiments, WBDC-1 was able to inhibit tumor growth and was non-toxic in xenograft tumor models. In summary, this study revealed a potential tumor suppressive mechanism of WBDC-1 and provided a novel strategy for HCC treatment. It also laid a foundation for further research on the anti-tumor effect of highly oxidized germacranolides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine Active Molecule Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Compounds Discovery & Modification, Shenyang, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Jia-Qi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine Active Molecule Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Compounds Discovery & Modification, Shenyang, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Jian-Huan Jia
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine Active Molecule Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Compounds Discovery & Modification, Shenyang, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine Active Molecule Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Compounds Discovery & Modification, Shenyang, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Ming Bai
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine Active Molecule Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Compounds Discovery & Modification, Shenyang, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Guo-Dong Yao
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine Active Molecule Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Compounds Discovery & Modification, Shenyang, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China.
| | - Shao-Jiang Song
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine Active Molecule Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Compounds Discovery & Modification, Shenyang, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
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Velázquez-Enríquez JM, Cerna R, Beltrán-Ramírez O, Piña-Vázquez C, Villa-Treviño S, Vásquez-Garzón VR. DCLK1 is Overexpressed and Associated with Immune Cell Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-024-10667-y. [PMID: 38294590 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-024-10667-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Recent research has shown that Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is overexpressed in different types of cancer. It has recently been described as a cancer stem cells (CSCs) marker, is associated with carcinogenesis, and positively correlates with infiltration of multiple immune cell types in some cancers. However, studies focused on assessing DCLK1 expression in HCC are limited, and the role of DCLK1 in HCC tumor immunity remains to be determined. In this study, we used a modified model of the resistant hepatocyte (MRHM) to evaluate DCLK1 expression in HCC. Furthermore, DCLK1 expression in HCC was analyzed using TIMER 2.0, UALCAN, GEPIA, GEO, and HPA web-based tools. Correlations between DCLK1 expression and clinicopathological factors in patients were analyzed using the UALCAN web-based tool. Finally, correlations between DCLK1 and immune infiltrates were investigated using the TIMER 2.0 and TISIDB web-based tools. The results showed that DCLK1 is significantly overexpressed during progression of the HCC carcinogenic process in the MRHM. DCLK1 is overexpressed in HCC according to multiple publics web-based tools, and its overexpression is associated with cancer stage. Furthermore, DCLK1 expression was correlated with infiltration levels of multiple immune cells, immunomodulatory factors, immunoinhibitors, MHC molecules, chemokines, receptors, and immune cell-specific markers. These results suggest that DCLK1 is a potential prognostic biomarker that determines cancer progression and correlates with immune cell infiltration in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Velázquez-Enríquez
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, C.P. 68020, Oaxaca, México
| | - Renata Cerna
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, C.P. 07360, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Olga Beltrán-Ramírez
- Universidad Estatal de Sonora, Unidad Académica Navojoa, Boulevard Manlio Fabio Beltrones 810, Colonia Bugambilias, C.P. 85875, Navojoa, Sonora, México
| | - Carolina Piña-Vázquez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, C.P. 07360, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Saúl Villa-Treviño
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, C.P. 07360, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Verónica Rocío Vásquez-Garzón
- CONACYT-Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, C.P. 68020, Oaxaca, México.
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153
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Zheng H, Han X, Liu Q, Zhou L, Zhu Y, Wang J, Hu W, Zhu F, Liu R. Construction of immune-related molecular diagnostic and predictive models of hepatocellular carcinoma based on machine learning. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24854. [PMID: 38312556 PMCID: PMC10835357 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To exploit hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnostic substances, we identify potential predictive markers based on machine learning and to explore the significance of immune cell infiltration in this pathology. Method Three HCC gene expression datasets were used for weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential expression analysis. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Random Forest were applied to identify candidate biomarkers. The diagnostic value of HCC diagnostic gene biomarkers was further assessed by the area under the ROC curve observed in the validation dataset. CIBERSORT was used to analyze 22 immune cell fractions from HCC patients and to analyze their correlation with diagnostic markers. In addition, the prognostic value of the markers and the sensitivity of the drugs were analyzed. Result WGCNA and differential expression analysis were used to screen 396 distinct gene signatures in HCC tissues. They were mostly engaged in cytoplasmic fusion and the cell division cycle, according to gene enrichment analyses. Five genes were shown to have a high diagnostic value for use as diagnostic biomarkers for HCC, including EFHD1 (AUC = 0.77), KIF4A (AUC = 0.97), UBE2C (AUC = 0.96), SMYD3 (AUC = 0.91), and MCM7 (AUC = 0.93). T cells, NK cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells were found to be related to diagnostic markers in HCC tissues by immune cell infiltration analysis, indicating that these cells are intimately linked to the onset and spread of HCC. Concurrently, these five genes and their constructed models have considerable prognostic value. Conclusion These five genes (EFHD1, KIF4A, UBE2C, SMYD3, and MCM7) may serve as new candidate molecular markers for HCC, providing new insights for future diagnosis, prognosis, and molecular therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xu Han
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Li Zhou
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yawen Zhu
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wenjing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Fengcai Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
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154
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Kuang TZ, Xiao M, Liu YF. Predictive value of NLR, Fib4, and APRI in the occurrence of liver failure after hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 16:155-165. [PMID: 38328329 PMCID: PMC10845278 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i1.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), fibrosis index based on four factors (Fib4), aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) can be used for prognostic evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, no study has established an individualized prediction model for the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma based on these factors. AIM To screen the factors that affect the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and establish a nomogram model that predicts postoperative liver failure after hepatic resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS In total, 220 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated in our hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were selected. They were divided into 154 participants in the modeling cohort, and 66 in the validation cohort. Comparative analysis of the changes in NLR, Fib4, and APRI levels in 154 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before liver resection and at 3 mo, 6 mo, and 12 mo postoperatively was conducted. Binary logistic regression to analyze the influencing factors on the occurrence of liver failure in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, roadmap prediction modeling, and validation, patient work characteristic curves (ROCs) to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the model, calibration curves to assess the consistency, and decision curve analysis (DCA) to evaluate the model's validity were also conducted. RESULTS Binary logistic regression showed that Child-Pugh grading, Surgical site, NLR, Fib4, and APRI were all risk factors for liver failure after hepatic resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The modeling cohort built a column-line graph model, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.986 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.963-1.000]. The patients in the validation cohort utilized the column-line graph to predict the probability of survival in the validation cohort and plotted the ROC curve with an area under the curve of the model of 0.692 (95%CI: 0.548-0.837). The deviation of the actual outcome curves from the calibration curves of the column-line plots generated by the modeling and validation cohorts was small, and the DCA confirmed the validity. CONCLUSION NLR, Fib4, and APRI independently influence posthepatectomy liver failure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The column-line graph prediction model exhibited strong prognostic capability, with substantial concordance between predicted and actual events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Zuo Kuang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Ji’an Central People’s Hospital, Ji’an 343000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Meng Xiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Ji’an Central People’s Hospital, Ji’an 343000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yong-Fan Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Ji’an Central People’s Hospital, Ji’an 343000, Jiangxi Province, China
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155
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Huang JZ, Li JD, Chen G, He RQ. Identification of the key genes and mechanisms associated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation refractoriness in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Clin Oncol 2024; 15:62-88. [PMID: 38292662 PMCID: PMC10823944 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i1.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcatheter arterial embolisation (TACE) is the primary treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients while some HCC cases have shown resistance to TACE. AIM To investigate the key genes and potential mechanisms correlated with TACE refractoriness in HCC. METHODS The microarray datasets of TACE-treated HCC tissues, HCC and non-HCC tissues were collected by searching multiple public databases. The respective differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were attained via limma R package. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was employed for identifying the significant modules related to TACE non-response. TACE refractoriness-related genes were obtained by intersecting up-regulated TACE-associated and HCC-associated DEGs together with the genes in significant modules related to TACE non-response. The key genes expression in the above two pairs of samples was compared respectively via Wilcoxon tests and standard mean differences model. The prognostic value of the key genes was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curve. Multivariate analysis was utilised to investigate the independent prognostic factor in key genes. Single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing analysis was conducted to explore the cell types in HCC. TACE refractoriness-related genes activity was calculated via AUCell packages. The CellChat R package was used for the investigation of the cell-cell communication between the identified cell types. RESULTS HCC tissues of TACE non-responders (n = 66) and TACE responders (n = 81), HCC (n = 3941) and non-HCC (n = 3443) tissues were obtained. The five key genes, DLG associated protein 5 (DLGAP5), Kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A), Assembly factor for spindle microtubules (ASPM), Kinesin family member 11 (KIF11) and TPX2 microtubule nucleation factor (TPX2) in TACE refractoriness-related genes, were identified. The five key genes were all up-regulated in the TACE non-responders group and the HCC group. High expression of the five key genes predicted poor prognosis in HCC. Among the key genes, TPX2 was an independent prognostic factor. Four cell types, hepatocytes, embryonic stem cells, T cells and B cells, were identified in the HCC tissues. The TACE refractoriness-related genes expressed primarily in hepatocytes and embryonic stem cells. Hepatocytes, as the providers of ligands, had the strongest interaction with embryonic stem cells that provided receptors. CONCLUSION Five key genes (DLGAP5, KIF20A, ASPM, KIF11 and TPX2) were identified as promoting refractory TACE. Hepatocytes and embryonic stem cells were likely to boost TACE refractoriness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Zhuang Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jian-Di Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Rong-Quan He
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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156
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Golonka RM, Yeoh BS, Saha P, Tian Y, Chiang JYL, Patterson AD, Gewirtz AT, Joe B, Vijay-Kumar M. Sex Dimorphic Effects of Bile Acid Metabolism in Liver Cancer in Mice. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:719-735. [PMID: 38262588 PMCID: PMC10966305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a male-dominant disease, but targeted sex hormone therapies have not been successful. Bile acids are a potential liver carcinogen and are biomolecules with hormone-like effects. A few studies highlight their potential sex dimorphism in physiology and disease. We hypothesized that bile acids could be a potential molecular signature that explains sex disparity in HCC. METHODS & RESULTS We used the farnesoid X receptor knockout (FxrKO) mouse model to study bile acid-dependent HCC. Temporal tracking of circulating bile acids determined more than 80% of FxrKO females developed spontaneous cholemia (ie, serum total bile acids ≥40 μmol/L) as early as 8 weeks old. Opposingly, FxrKO males were highly resistant to cholemia, with ∼23% incidence even when 26 weeks old. However, FxrKO males demonstrated higher levels of deoxycholate than females. Compared with males, FxrKO females had more severe cholestatic liver injury and further aberrancies in bile acid metabolism. Yet, FxrKO females expressed more detoxification transcripts and had greater renal excretion of bile acids. Intervention with CYP7A1 (rate limiting enzyme for bile acid biosynthesis) deficiency or taurine supplementation either completely or partially normalized bile acid levels and liver injury in FxrKO females. Despite higher cholemia prevalence in FxrKO females, their tumor burden was less compared with FxrKO males. An exception to this sex-dimorphic pattern was found in a subset of male and female FxrKO mice born with congenital cholemia due to portosystemic shunt, where both sexes had comparable robust HCC. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights bile acids as sex-dimorphic metabolites in HCC except in the case of portosystemic shunt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Golonka
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Beng San Yeoh
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Piu Saha
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - John Y L Chiang
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio
| | - Andrew D Patterson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrew T Gewirtz
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Bina Joe
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Matam Vijay-Kumar
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio.
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Luo J, Zhu WC, Chen QX, Yang CF, Huang BJ, Zhang SJ. A prognostic model based on DNA methylation-related gene expression for predicting overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1171932. [PMID: 38304027 PMCID: PMC10830715 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1171932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to increase in morbidity and mortality among all types of cancer. DNA methylation, an important epigenetic modification, is associated with cancer occurrence and progression. The objective of this study was to establish a model based on DNA methylation risk scores for identifying new potential therapeutic targets in HCC and preventing cancer progression. Methods Transcriptomic, clinical, and DNA methylation data on 374 tumor tissues and 50 adjacent normal tissues were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma database. The gene expression profiles of the GSE54236 liver cancer dataset, which contains data on 161 liver tissue samples, were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We analyzed the relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression levels after identifying the differentially methylated and expressed genes. Then, we developed and validated a risk score model based on the DNA methylation-driven genes. A tissue array consisting of 30 human hepatocellular carcinoma samples and adjacent normal tissues was used to assess the protein and mRNA expression levels of the marker genes by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR, respectively. Results Three methylation-related differential genes were identified in our study: GLS, MEX3B, and GNA14. The results revealed that their DNA methylation levels were negatively correlated with local gene expression regulation. The gene methylation levels correlated strongly with the prognosis of patients with liver cancer. This was confirmed by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical verification of the expression of these genes or proteins in tumors and adjacent tissues. These results revealed the relationship between the level of relevant gene methylation and the prognosis of patients with liver cancer as well as the underlying cellular and biological mechanisms. This allows our gene signature to provide more accurate and appropriate predictions for clinical applications. Conclusion Through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we obtained three DNA methylation marker: GLS, MEX3B, and GNA14. This helps to predict the prognosis and may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Luo
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wan-Cui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiu-Xia Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chang-Fu Yang
- Department of Oncology, The People’s Hospital of Gaozhou, Gaozhou, China
| | - Bi-Jun Huang
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Jun Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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158
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Wang K, Liao PY, Chang WC, Yang CR, Su YT, Wu PC, Wu YC, Hung YC, Akhtar N, Lai HC, Ma WL. Linoleate-pazopanib conjugation as active pharmacological ingredient to abolish hepatocellular carcinoma growth. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1281067. [PMID: 38293667 PMCID: PMC10824963 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1281067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Small molecule compounds targeting multiple kinases involved in neoangiogenesis have shown survival benefits in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonetheless, despite the beneficial effects of multikinase inhibitors (MKIs), a lack of boosting adjuvant limits their objective response rate. Lipid conjugates have been used to improve delivery efficacy or pharmaceutical benefits for decades. However, the feasibility of utilizing lipid-drug conjugates (LDCs) in HCC regimens remains untested. In this study, oral feeding of linoleate-fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugates showed that the compound was well distributed in a spontaneous HCC mouse model. Therefore, a rationale design was developed for chemically synthesizing a linoleate-pazopanib conjugate (LAPC). The LAPC showed a significantly improved cytotoxicity compared to the parental drug pazopanib. Pazopanib's angiogenic suppressing signals were not observed in LAPC-treated HCC cells, potentially suggesting an altered mechanism of action (MOA). In an efficacy trial comparing placebo, oral pazopanib, and LAPC treatments in the hepatitis B virus transgene-related spontaneous HCC mouse model (HBVtg-HCC), the LAPC treatment demonstrated superior tumor ablating capacity in comparison to both placebo and pazopanib treatments, without any discernible systemic toxicity. The LAPC exposure is associated with an apoptosis marker (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling [TUNEL]) and an enhanced ferroptosis (glutathione peroxidase 4 [GPX4]) potential in HBVtg-HCC tumors. Therefore, the LAPC showed excellent HCC ablative efficacy with altered MOA. The molecular mechanisms of the LAPC and LDCs for HCC therapeutics are of great academic interest. Further comprehensive preclinical trials (e.g., chemical-manufacture-control, toxicity, distribution, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics) are expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Ph.D. Program for Health Science and Industry, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yin Liao
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Ph.D. Program for Health Science and Industry, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chun Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cian-Ru Yang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Ph.D. Program for Health Science and Industry, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Su
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Ph.D. Program for Health Science and Industry, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Ching Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Oral Medicine and Department of Stomatology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center of Applied Nanomedicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Medical Device Innovation Center, Taiwan Innovation Center of Medical Devices and Technology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Chang Wu
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Ching Hung
- Department of Medical Research, Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asia University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Najim Akhtar
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Ph.D. Program for Health Science and Industry, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chou Lai
- Department of Medical Research, Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Lung Ma
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Ph.D. Program for Health Science and Industry, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Pei X, Zhao J, Wang Z. Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined with Lenvatinib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Oncology 2024; 102:688-702. [PMID: 38190815 DOI: 10.1159/000536006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and lenvatinib individually has shown favorable outcomes, but there is currently no meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate the efficacy and safety of this combined treatment for HCC. The aim of this study was to identify the efficacy and safety of TACE plus lenvatinib for the treatment of HCC. METHODS A systematic search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and the Web of Science was conducted on July 31, 2023. RCTs evaluating the efficacy and safety of TACE in combination with lenvatinib for the treatment of HCC were included. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool. Outcome measures such as objective response rate (ORR), complete remission (CR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety parameters were extracted from the included studies. Binary outcomes were analyzed using odds ratio (OR), risk ratio, or hazard ratio (HR), while continuous variables were analyzed using mean difference (MD) or standardized MD in RStudio. The quality of the evidence was graded using the GRADE approach. Heterogeneity was considered significant when the I-squared was 50% or less. RESULTS Five RCTs involving 638 patients were included. The meta-analysis revealed that patients in the TACE plus lenvatinib group had a significantly higher mean ORR compared to the control group (OR: 3.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.50-5.32, fixed-effects model; OR: 3.58, 95% CI: 2.45-5.24, random-effects model, I2 = 0, moderate quality). Specifically, 40.9% of patients in the TACE plus lenvatinib group achieved a PR, which was significantly higher than the control group (OR: 3.51, 95% CI: 2.41-5.13, fixed-effects model; OR: 3.46, 95% CI: 2.36-5.07, random-effects model, I2 = 0, moderate quality). The HR for OS was 0.47 (95% CI: 0.35-0.62, fixed-effects model and random-effects model, I2 = 0, moderate quality). The meta-analysis revealed that the TACE plus lenvatinib group had a significantly higher total adverse effects rate than the control group (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.01-3.43, fixed-effects model; OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.00-3.43, random-effects model, I2 = 0, moderate quality). CONCLUSION Our study suggests that the combination of TACE and lenvatinib in the treatment of HCC has shown promising results, with extended OS and improved ORR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaxia Pei
- Department of Oncology, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China,
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Institute of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, Gansu Nephro-Urological Clinical Center, Lanzhou, China
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160
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Lin S, Li D, Yang Y, Yu M, Zhao R, Li J, Peng L. Single-cell RNA-Seq Elucidates the Crosstalk Between Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2024; 15:1093-1109. [PMID: 38230205 PMCID: PMC10788724 DOI: 10.7150/jca.92185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The challenge of systemic treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stems from the development of drug resistance, primarily driven by the interplay between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, there is a notable dearth of comprehensive research investigating the crosstalk between CSCs and stromal cells or immune cells within the TME of HCC. Methods: We procured single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) data from 16 patients diagnosed with HCC. Employing meticulous data quality control and cell annotation procedures, we delineated distinct CSCs subtypes and performed multi-omics analyses encompassing metabolic activity, cell communication, and cell trajectory. These analyses shed light on the potential molecular mechanisms governing the interaction between CSCs and the TME, while also identifying CSCs' developmental genes. By combining these developmental genes, we employed machine learning algorithms and RT-qPCR to construct and validate a prognostic risk model for HCC. Results: We successfully identified CSCs subtypes residing within malignant cells. Through meticulous enrichment analysis and assessment of metabolic activity, we discovered anomalous metabolic patterns within the CSCs microenvironment, including hypoxia and glucose deprivation. Moreover, CSCs exhibited aberrant activity in signaling pathways associated with lipid metabolism. Furthermore, our investigations into cell communication unveiled that CSCs possess the capacity to modulate stromal cells and immune cells through the secretion of MIF or MDK, consequently exerting regulatory control over the TME. Finally, through cell trajectory analysis, we found developmental genes of CSCs. Leveraging these genes, we successfully developed and validated a prognostic risk model (APCS, ADH4, FTH1, and HSPB1) with machine learning and RT-qPCR. Conclusions: By means of single-cell multi-omics analysis, this study offers valuable insights into the potential molecular mechanisms governing the interaction between CSCs and the TME, elucidating the pivotal role CSCs play within the TME. Additionally, we have successfully established a comprehensive clinical prognostic model through bulk RNA-Seq data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Lin
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danfei Li
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Yang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengjiao Yu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiqi Zhao
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghao Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, South China University of Technology, Foshan, China
| | - Lisheng Peng
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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161
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Abdullah AD, Amanpour-Gharaei B, Nassiri Toosi M, Delazar S, Saligheh Rad H, Arian A. Comparing Texture Analysis of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient MRI in Hepatocellular Adenoma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cureus 2024; 16:e51443. [PMID: 38298321 PMCID: PMC10829059 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of using MRI-apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map-driven radiomics to differentiate between hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) features. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study involved 55 patients with liver tumors (20 with HCA and 35 with HCC), featuring 106 lesions equally distributed between hepatic carcinoma and hepatic adenoma who underwent texture analysis on ADC map MR images. The analysis identified several imaging features that significantly differed between the HCA and HCC groups. Four classification models were compared for distinguishing HCA from HCC including linear support vector machine (linear-SVM), radial basis function SVM (RBF-SVM), random forest (RF), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN). RESULTS The k-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifier displayed the top accuracy (0.89) and specificity (0.90). Linear-SVM and KNN classifiers showcased the leading sensitivity (0.88) for both, with the KNN classifier achieving the highest precision (0.9). In comparison, the conventional interpretation had lower sensitivity (70.1%) and specificity (77.9%). CONCLUSION The study found that utilizing ADC maps for texture analysis in MR images is a viable method to differentiate HCA from HCC, yielding promising results in identified texture features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayoob Dinar Abdullah
- Technology of Radiology and Radiotherapy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IRN
| | - Behzad Amanpour-Gharaei
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IRN
| | | | - Sina Delazar
- Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IRN
| | - Hamidraza Saligheh Rad
- Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IRN
| | - Arvin Arian
- Radiology, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IRN
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Souaid CK, Marty O, Medlij C. A rare and challenging case of extrahepatic costal metastases from an unknown primary hepatocellular carcinoma. GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY FROM BED TO BENCH 2024; 17:93-99. [PMID: 38737936 PMCID: PMC11080690 DOI: 10.22037/ghfbb.v17i1.2812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) typically presents with a primary hepatic mass. Nevertheless, on rare occasions, the initial presentation can be exclusively related to extrahepatic metastases and the most common sites of metastases are the lungs, lymph nodes, bones, and adrenal glands. While, bone metastases are generally accompanied by multiple metastatic spreads elsewhere in the body or previously diagnosed HCC, cases of solitary bone metastases with no liver lesion at imaging have been reported. Indeed, two rare entities of HCC have been reported in the literature which are the ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma and the infiltrative type of hepatocellular carcinoma with a very challenging radiologic diagnosis and poor prognosis. In this article, we present a case of extrahepatic costal metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma, which was diagnosed through a bone biopsy, with no focal lesion on liver imaging including ultrasound, multiphase MRI, and CT scan except for the presence of a portal vein thrombosis. It is important to consider the possibility of HCC metastases when evaluating rapidly growing extrahepatic lesions in patients with chronic liver disease and to consider the tumor characteristics and imaging findings as well as limitations to make accurate and timely diagnosis leading to improved patient management. Our patient had probably an infiltrating HCC because of two prominent factors: the presence of portal vein thrombosis and a markedly elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). A liver biopsy was crucial in order to confirm the diagnosis but unfortunately it could not be performed because of the unexpected death of the patient due to hemorrhagic shock. It is also worth noting in this case, that the elevated level of AFP raised the suspicion on an underlying HCC and contributed to more elaborate diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe-Karl Souaid
- Department of gastroenterology, Paris Saint Joseph Hospital Group, Paris, France
- Holy spirit university of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Olivier Marty
- Department of gastroenterology, Paris Saint Joseph Hospital Group, Paris, France
| | - Cynthia Medlij
- Department of gastroenterology, Paris Saint Joseph Hospital Group, Paris, France
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Wu Y, Liu S, Fan Z, Tian Y, Zhang L, Liu S. Establishment and Validation of a Blood Test-based Nomogram to Diagnose Patients with AFP-negative HCC. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:556-564. [PMID: 38178672 DOI: 10.2174/0115680096264770231113103930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Alpha-protein (AFP) is the most widely used blood biomarker for HCC. However, elevated serum AFP is only observed in part of HCC. AIMS This study aimed to develop an efficient nomogram model to distinguish patients with alpha- protein-negative HCC and liver cirrhosis. OBJECTIVES A total of 1130 patients (508 HCC patients + 622 cirrhosis patients) were enrolled in the training cohort. A total of 244 HCC patients and 246 cirrhosis patients were enrolled in the validation cohort. METHODS A total of 41 parameters about blood tests were analyzed with logistic regression. The nomogram was based on independent factors and validated both internally and externally. RESULTS Independent factors were eosinophils %, hemoglobin concentration distribution width, fibrinogen, platelet counts, total bile acid, and mitochondria aspartate aminotransferase. The calibration curve for the probability of HCC showed good agreement between prediction by nomogram and actual observation. The concordance index was 0.851. In the validation cohort, the nomogram distinguished HCC from liver cirrhosis with an area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic of 0.754. CONCLUSION This proposed nomogram was an accurate and useful method to distinguish patients with AFP-negative HCC from liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Wu
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Zhijuan Fan
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Yaqiong Tian
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Shuye Liu
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300170, China
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164
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Ren Y, Zhao C, Xiong Y, Liu Z, Wu G. Comparison of Callisphere Drug-Eluting Beads Transarterial Chemoembolization and Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization for the treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pak J Med Sci 2024; 40:303-307. [PMID: 38356820 PMCID: PMC10862419 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.40.3.8572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare the efficacy of CalliSphere drug-eluting beads (DEBs) and conventional (c) transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 125 patients with HCC who had received treatment in Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January 2018 to February 2019. Sixty-one patients underwent DEB-TACE (observation group) and 64 patients underwent cTACE (control group). The clinical efficacies, overall survivals, and incidence of postoperative adverse reactions between the two groups were compared. Results The objective response rate in the observation group (85.25%) was higher than that in the control group (70.31%; P<0.05). The disease control in the observation group (96.72%) was higher than that in the control group (85.94%; P<0.05). The median survival time of the observation group (24.85 months) was significantly higher than that in the control group (18.18 months; P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group (4.92%) was lower than that in the control group (17.19%, P<0.05). Conclusions In the treatment of HCC, Callisphere DEB-TACE has better efficacy and longer patient survival with fewer adverse reactions compared to cTACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Ren
- Yongjun Ren, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan Province 637000, P.R. China
| | - Caixia Zhao
- Caixia Zhao, Department of Oncology, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan Province 637000, P.R. China
| | - Yongfu Xiong
- Yongfu Xiong, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan Province 637000, P.R. China
| | - Zhongbai Liu
- Zhongbai Liu, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan Province 637000, P.R. China
| | - Guo Wu
- Guo Wu, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan Province 637000, P.R. China
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165
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Liu L, Chen J, Ye F, Yan Y, Wang Y, Wu J. A Novel RNA Methylation-Related Prognostic Signature and its Tumor Microenvironment Characterization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241276895. [PMID: 39155614 PMCID: PMC11331574 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241276895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system. RNA methylation plays an important role in tumorigenesis and metastasis, which could alter gene expression and even function at multiple levels, such as RNA splicing, stability, translocation, and translation. In this study, we aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of RNA methylation-related genes (RMGs) in HCC and their relationship with survival and clinical features. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed using publicly available HCC-related datasets. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HCC and controls were identified from TCGA-LlHC and intersected with RMGs to obtain differentially expressed RNA methylation-related genes (DERMGs). Regression analysis was used to screen for prognostic genes and construct risk models. Simultaneously, clinical, immune infiltration and therapeutic efficacy analyses were performed. Finally, multivariate cox regression was used to identify independent risk factors, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the expression levels of the core genes of the model. RESULTS A 21-gene risk model for HCC was established with excellent performance based on ROC curves and survival analysis. Risk scores correlated with tumor grade, pathologic T, and TNM stage. Immune infiltration analysis showed correlations with immune scores, 11 immune cells, and 30 immune checkpoints. Low-risk patients showed a higher susceptibility to immunotherapy. The risk score and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors. qRT-PCR confirmed higher expression of PRDM9, ALPP, and GAD1 in HCC. CONCLUSIONS This study identified RNA methylation-related signature genes in HCC and constructed a risk model that predicts patient outcomes and reflects the immune microenvironment. Prognostic genes are involved in complex regulatory mechanisms, which may be useful for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzheng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Jiacheng Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Department of Blood Cell Therapy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yanggang Yan
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Jincai Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
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Alshehri SA, Almarwani WA, Albalawi AZ, Al-Atwi SM, Aljohani KK, Alanazi AA, Ebrahim MA, Hassan HM, Al-Gayyar MM. Role of Arctiin in Fibrosis and Apoptosis in Experimentally Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats. Cureus 2024; 16:e51997. [PMID: 38205087 PMCID: PMC10777261 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. It is currently the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality. Arctiin, a compound found in plants commonly used as a vegetable in Asian countries and as an ingredient in traditional European dishes, possesses various properties, including anti-proliferative, anti-senescence, anti-oxidative, anti-tumor, toxic, anti-adipogenic, and anti-bacterial effects. Our study aims to investigate the potential antitumor activity of arctiin against HCC in rats by inhibiting cell fibrosis and apoptosis. Methods Rats were induced with HCC by administering thioacetamide. Arctiin was orally administered to some rats twice a week for 16 weeks at a dose of 30 mg/kg. The liver impairment was evaluated by measuring serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) and examining liver sections stained with Masson trichrome or anti-hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α) antibodies. The hepatic expression of messenger RNA and protein levels of HIF-1α, protein kinase C (PKC), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), β-catenin, and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4) were analyzed. Results Our study demonstrated that arctiin can potentially increase the survival rate of rats. This is achieved through a reduction in serum AFP levels and hepatic nodules. We also observed that arctiin has the ability to inhibit the formation of fibrotic tissues and necrotic nodules in HCC rats. Additionally, arctiin can significantly decrease the expression of HIF-1α, PKC, ERK, β-catenin, and SMAD4. Conclusion Arctiin has demonstrated potential anti-tumor properties that could ameliorate HCC. Studies have shown that it may increase survival rates and reduce the number of tumors and AFP levels. Arctiin works by inhibiting HCC-induced hypoxia, thus blocking the expression of HIF-1α. It also helps to slow down tumor fibrosis by decreasing the expression of β-catenin and SMAD4. Furthermore, arctiin has been found to downregulate PKC and ERK, reducing hepatic tissue apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mohamed A Ebrahim
- Medical Oncology, Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
| | - Hanan M Hassan
- Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, EGY
| | - Mohammed M Al-Gayyar
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Tabuk Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabuk, SAU
- Biochemistry, Mansoura University Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura, EGY
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Peng Z, Xu S, Zhang Q, Yang X, Yuan W, Wang Y, Li Y, Zhu P, Wu X, Jiang Z, Li F, Fan X. FAXDC2 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of human liver cancer HepG2 cells. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:27. [PMID: 38125362 PMCID: PMC10728893 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The reprogramming of lipid metabolism serves an important role in occurrence and development of liver cancer. Fatty acid hydroxylase domain containing 2 (FAXDC2) is a hydroxylase involved in the synthesis of cholesterol and sphingomyelin and downregulated in various types of cancer. There are no reports on the relationship between FAXDC2 and liver carcinogenesis. The present study used multiple portals and publicly available tools to explore its correlation with liver cancer. The results showed that the expression of FAXDC2 decreased in liver cancer and the methylation level near the promoter increased. Patients with liver cancer and with low expression of FAXDC2 had a poor prognosis. Gain of function and loss of function strategies were performed to evaluate its roles in liver cancer cells. CCK-8 assay showed that overexpression of FAXDC2 inhibited the viability of liver cancer cells (HepG2). Flow cytometry analysis indicated that HepG2 cells with overexpressing FAXDC2 showed an S phase arrest, associated with cyclin-dependent kinase 2 decreased. Transwell experiments showed that increasing FAXDC2 inhibited HepG2 cell invasion ability, accompanied by the upregulation of E-cadherin. Notably, knockdown of FAXDC2 had no significant effect on cell cycle and invasion functions. Based on the cBioPortal platform, FAXDC2 was predicted to closely correlate to the ERK signal in tumorigenesis. Western blotting results showed that overexpression of FAXDC2 decreased the phosphorylation level of ERK in liver cancer cells. The present study first identified FAXDC2 as a liver cancer suppressor, which might inhibit the proliferation and invasion of liver cancer cells through the mechanism associated with ERK signaling. The present study provided a possible new target for the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilin Peng
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Siting Xu
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhang
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Xueting Yang
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Wuzhou Yuan
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Yuequn Wang
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Yongqing Li
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Targeted Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510100, P.R. China
| | - Xiushan Wu
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Targeted Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510100, P.R. China
| | - Zhigang Jiang
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Fang Li
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Xiongwei Fan
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
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Mu Y, Zheng D, Peng Q, Wang X, Zhang Y, Yin Y, Wang E, Ye F, Wang J. Integration of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing to analyze the heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma and establish a prognostic model. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e1935. [PMID: 37994394 PMCID: PMC10809200 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The highly heterogeneous nature of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) results in different responses and prognoses to the same treatment in patients with similar clinical stages. AIMS Thus, it is imperative to investigate the association between HCC tumor heterogeneity and treatment response and prognosis. METHODS AND RESULTS At first, we downloaded scRNA-seq, bulk RNA-seq, and clinical data from TCGA and GEO databases. We conducted quality control, normalization using SCTransform, dimensionality reduction using PCA, batch effect removal using Harmony, dimensionality reduction using UMAP, and cell annotation-based marker genes on the scRNA-seq data. We recognized tumor cells, identified tumor-related genes (TRGs), and performed cell communication analysis. Next, we developed a prognostic model using univariable Cox, LASSO, and multivariate Cox analyses. The signature was evaluated using survival analysis, ROC curves, C-index, and nomogram. Last, we studied the predictability of the signature in terms of prognosis and immunotherapeutic response for HCC, assessed a variety of drugs for clinical treatment, and used the qRT-PCR analysis to validate the mRNA expression levels of prognostic TRGs. CONCLUSION To conclude, this study expounded upon the influence of tumor cell heterogeneity on the prediction of treatment outcomes and prognosis in HCC. This, in turn, enhances the predictive ability of the TNM staging system and furnishes novel perspectives on the prognostic assessment and therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Mu
- The School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
| | - Ding Zheng
- Department of HepatobiliaryThe Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
| | - Qinghua Peng
- The School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of HepatobiliaryThe Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
| | - Yurong Zhang
- Department of HepatobiliaryThe Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
| | - Yue Yin
- Department of HepatobiliaryThe Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
| | - Encheng Wang
- Department of HepatobiliaryThe Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
| | - Fei Ye
- School of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing University of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Jing Wang
- The School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
- Department of HepatobiliaryThe Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
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Huang S, Yin Y, Li J, Shi M, Bian H, Zhao L. Evaluation of Treatments with Radiotherapy Alone and Radiotherapy Plus Chemo-immunotherapy in Patients with Primary Liver Cancer based on Blood Biomarkers. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:6586-6595. [PMID: 37608661 DOI: 10.2174/0929867331666230822121246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE It is critical to assess primary liver cancer patients likely to benefit from radiotherapy (RT) or RT plus chemo-immunotherapy. Many potential peripheral biomarkers from blood samples have been proposed for clinical application. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate treatments with radiotherapy alone and radiotherapy plus chemo-immunotherapy in patients with unresectable primary liver cancer based on blood biomarkers. METHODS From January, 2017, to February, 2022, 63 unresectable primary liver cancer patients receiving radiotherapy alone (RT, n = 21) or radiotherapy plus chemo-immunotherapy (RT plus C/IT, n = 42) were included in this study. We compared the clinical outcomes and adverse effects of these two groups. Also, distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), and progress- free survival (PFS) were retrospectively analyzed. Finally, univariable and multivariable Cox analyses were used to explore the prognostic role of blood biochemical biomarkers. RESULTS In this study, 1, 2, and 3 years of OS after RT treatment were 63.9%, 27.0%, and 13.5%, and after RT plus C/IT were 68.2%, 37.0%, and 24.7%, respectively (p = 0.617). Compared with baseline, white blood cells (WBC) and lymphocytes were significantly decreased after RT (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively) or RT plus C/IT therapy (p = 0.135 and p<0.001, respectively). In multivariable Cox regression analyses, higher lymphocyte counts before RT (pre-Lymphocyte) were associated with better OS and PFS (HR=0.439, p = 0.023; HR=0.539, p = 0.053; respectively), and higher lymphocyte counts before RT (pre- Platelets) were a poor prognostic factor associated with DMFS (HR=1.013, p = 0.040). Importantly, OS and PFS were significantly better for patients (pre-Lymphocyte ≥1.10 x 109/L) (p = 0.006; p = 0.066, respectively). The DMFS was significantly better for patients (pre-platelets < 233.5 ×109/L) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Our evaluation of blood biomarkers before and after radiotherapy or plus chem-immunotherapy for primary liver cancer revealed a potential marker for clinics to decide on precise treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigao Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yutian Yin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianping Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mei Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huijie Bian
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lina Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Yue Y, Tao J, An D, Shi L. Three molecular subtypes and a five-gene signature for hepatocellular carcinoma based on m7G-related classification. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3611. [PMID: 37847055 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current research investigated the heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on the expression of N7-methylguanosine (m7G)-related genes as a classification model and developed a risk model predictive of HCC prognosis, key pathological behaviors and molecular events of HCC. METHODS The RNA sequencing data of HCC were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-live cancer (LIHC) database, hepatocellular carcinoman database (HCCDB) and Gene Expression Omnibus database, respectively. According to the expression level of 29 m7G-related genes, a consensus clustering analysis was conducted. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and COX regression algorithm were applied to create a risk prediction model based on normalized expression of five characteristic genes weighted by coefficients. Tumor microenvironment (TME) analysis was performed using the MCP-Counter, TIMER, CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms. The Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion algorithm was applied to assess the responses to immunotherapy in different clusters and risk groups. In addition, patient sensitivity to common chemotherapeutic drugs was determined by the biochemical half-maximal inhibitory concentration using the R package pRRophetic. RESULTS Three molecular subtypes of HCC were defined based on the expression level of m7G-associated genes, each of which had its specific survival rate, genomic variation status, TME status and immunotherapy response. In addition, drug sensitivity analysis showed that the C1 subtype was more sensitive to a number of conventional oncolytic drugs (including paclitaxel, imatinib, CGP-082996, pyrimethamine, salubrinal and vinorelbine). The current five-gene risk prediction model accurately predicted HCC prognosis and revealed the degree of somatic mutations, immune microenvironment status and specific biological events. CONCLUSION In this study, three heterogeneous molecular subtypes of HCC were defined based on m7G-related genes as a classification model, and a five-gene risk prediction model was created for predicting HCC prognosis, providing a potential assessment tool for understanding the genomic variation, immune microenvironment status and key pathological mechanisms during HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yue
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dan An
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Li K, Ren K, Du S, Gao X, Yu J. Development of Liver Cancer Organoids: Reproducing Tumor Microenvironment and Advancing Research for Liver Cancer Treatment. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241285097. [PMID: 39363866 PMCID: PMC11456184 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241285097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, yet understanding of its development mechanism remains limited, and treatment barriers present substantial challenges. Owing to the heterogeneity of tumors, traditional 2D culture models are inadequate for capturing the complexity and diversity of tumor biology and understanding of the disease. Organoids have garnered considerable attention because of their ability to self-renew and develop functional structures in vitro that closely resemble those of human organs. This review explores the history of liver organoids, their cellular origins, techniques of constructing tumor microenvironments that recapitulate liver cancer organoids, and the biological and clinical applications of liver and liver cancer organoids and explores the current challenges related to liver cancer organoid applications and potentially valuable solutions, with the aim of facilitating the construction of in vitro clinical models of liver cancer therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Li
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Fuyang Hospital Affiliataed Bengbu Medical College, Fuyang, Anhui province, China, 236000
| | - Kuiwu Ren
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Fuyang Hospital Affiliataed Bengbu Medical College, Fuyang, Anhui province, China, 236000
| | - Sen Du
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Fuyang Hospital Affiliataed Bengbu Medical College, Fuyang, Anhui province, China, 236000
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Fuyang People's Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, Anhui province, China, 236000
| | - Jiangtao Yu
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Fuyang Hospital Affiliataed Bengbu Medical College, Fuyang, Anhui province, China, 236000
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Fuyang People's Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, Anhui province, China, 236000
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Wang P, Sun J, Sun C, Zhao H, Zhang Y, Chen J. BTF3 promotes proliferation and glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating GLUT1. Cancer Biol Ther 2023; 24:2225884. [PMID: 37382415 PMCID: PMC10312033 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2225884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a grievous tumor with an increasing incidence worldwide. Basic transcription factor 3 (BTF3) is discovered to regulate the expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), which benefits glycolysis, a momentous signature of tumors, through transactivation of the forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) expression. BTF3 is highly expressed in HCC. However, whether BTF3 promotes GLUT1 expression through FOXM1 to modulate glycolysis in HCC remains unclear. The expression profile of BTF3 were determined by online database, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot. The role and mechanism of BTF3 in the proliferation and glycolysis of HCC cells were examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation, XF96 Extracellular Flux analyzer, spectrophotometry and western blot analysis. In addition, the direct interaction between BTF3 and FOXM1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Moreover, the role of BTF3 was also explored in a xenografted mice model. The expression of BTF3 was increased in HCC cells and tumor tissues. Knockdown of BTF3 reduced the cell viability, Edu positive cells, extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), glucose consumption and lactate production in both Huh7 and HCCLM3 cells. The expressions of FOXM1 and GLUT1 were increased in HCC tissues, which were positively correlated with the BTF3 expression. Moreover, a direct interaction existed between BTF3 and FOXM1 in HCC cells. Downregulation of BTF3 decreased the relative protein levels of FOXM1 and GLUT1, which were rescued with overexpression of FOXM1 in both cells. More importantly, overexpression of FOXM1 restored the cell viability, ECAR, glucose consumption and lactate production in both Huh7 and HCCLM3 cells transfected with siBTF3#1. Furthermore, inhibition of BTF3 decreased tumor weight and volume, and the relative level of BTF3, FOXM1, GLUT1 and Ki-67 in tumor tissues from mice xenografted with Huh7 cells. BTF3 enhanced the cell proliferation and glycolysis through FOXM1/GLUT1 axis in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jianmin Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chengming Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Haoran Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - YuBao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Li H, Liang C, Kuang D, Huang G, Zhang M, Chen P, Zheng Q, Xu W, Ren J, Han X, Duan X. The impact of drug-eluting bead (vs. conventional) transarterial chemoembolization on hepatic fibrosis in treating intermediate or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Biol Ther 2023; 24:2166335. [PMID: 36751709 PMCID: PMC9928450 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2166335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Limited studies have reported the impact of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) on hepatic fibrosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study evaluated multiple hepatic fibrosis indicators, aiming to comprehensively compare the influence of DEB-TACE and conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) on hepatic fibrosis in treating HCC patients. METHODS Intermediate/advanced HCC patients (N = 121) were divided into the DEB-TACE group (n = 62) and the cTACE group (n = 59) based on their chosen treatment. Serum hyaluronic acid (HA), pro-collagen type-III (PC-III), collagen type-IV (IV-C), and laminin (LN) were detected; aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis index based on the four factors (FIB-4) were calculated; liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was assessed by real-time shear wave elastography. RESULTS HA, PC-III, IV-C, and LN at 1 month after the second TACE and at 12 months after the first TACE were all decreased in DEB-TACE group compared with cTACE group (all P < .050). Then, APRI, FIB-4, and LSM were further assessed, which also showed a decreasing trend at aforementioned timepoints in DEB-TACE group compared with cTACE group (all P < .050). Additionally, the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that DEB-TACE (vs. cTACE) was independently associated with reduced occurrence of severe hepatic fibrosis at 12 months (OR = 0.215, 95%CI: 0.058-0.802, P = .022). Concerning the liver function indexes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin after treatment were not different between the two groups (all P > .050). CONCLUSION DEB-TACE displays attenuated hepatic fibrosis progression and noninferior tolerance compared to cTACE in treating intermediate- or advanced-stage HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chao Liang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Donglin Kuang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guohao Huang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mengfan Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingzhu Zheng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenze Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianzhuang Ren
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuhua Duan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Peng H, Liu Y, Song Z. SPP2 plays a role in the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma: A bioinformatic based analysis. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 48:1779-1792. [PMID: 38448371 PMCID: PMC10930748 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2023.230077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients at the same stage exhibit different prognosis, and the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to identify the key genes impacting the prognosis of HCC patients. METHODS Differentially expressed gene analyses were performed between HCC samples and normal ones, and between patients with long overall survival (OS) and those with short OS, in TCGA-LIHC and GSE14520 datasets. The Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test was used to evaluate the role of secreted phosphoprotein 2 (SPP2) in the prognosis of HCC patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to understand the difference of enriched signaling pathways between SPP2-stratified HCC subgroups. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to predict the potential functional pathways in which SPP2 might participate. RESULTS SPP2 was significantly down-regulated in tumors when compared with normal tissues, or in tumor samples with short OS when compared with those with long OS [fold change (FC)>2 and false discovery rate (FDR)<0.05]. Low expression of SPP2 was associated with worse clinicopathological features like vascular invasion (P=1.6e-05), poor cancer status (with tumor, P=0.021), advanced T stage (T3 or T4, P=4.5e-04), advanced TNM stage (stage III or IV, P=3.1e-04), and with unfavorable prognosis (shorter OS, P=0.002). Gene enrichment analyses revealed that SPP2 might involve in the metabolic homeostasis of HCC and in the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS SPP2 might inhibit the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and the tumorigenesis of HCC, and analogs of SPP2 might be potential drugs in the prevention of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghua Peng
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013.
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Zewen Song
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013.
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Changizi Z, Kajbaf F, Moslehi A. An Overview of the Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptors in Liver Diseases. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1542-1552. [PMID: 38161499 PMCID: PMC10752810 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a superfamily of nuclear transcription receptors, consisting of PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ, which are highly expressed in the liver. They control and modulate the expression of a large number of genes involved in metabolism and energy homeostasis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and even apoptosis in the liver. Therefore, they have critical roles in the pathophysiology of hepatic diseases. This review provides a general insight into the role of PPARs in liver diseases and some of their agonists in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Changizi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Forough Kajbaf
- Veterinary Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar Branch, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Azam Moslehi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
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Wang XD, Ge NJ, Yang YF. Portal vein embolization for closure of marked arterioportal shunt of hepatocellular carcinoma to enable radioembolization: A case report. World J Gastrointest Surg 2023; 15:2926-2931. [PMID: 38222008 PMCID: PMC10784826 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i12.2926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marked arterioportal shunt (APS) can be a contraindication for transarterial radioembolization (TARE) because of the risk of radiation-induced liver toxicity or pneumonitis. To date, the best method to close marked APS to reduce intrahepatic shunt (IHS) and hepatopulmonary shunt (HPS) before TARE has not been elucidated. CASE SUMMARY This case report describes a novel strategy of embolization of the portal venous outlet to reduce IHS and HPS caused by marked APS before TARE in a patient with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The patient had a significant intratumoral shunt from the tumor artery to the portal vein and had already been suspected based on pre-interventional magnetic resonance angiography, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) confirmed the shunt. Selective right portal vein embolization (PVE) was performed to close the APS outlet and DSA confirmed complete closure. Technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin was administered and single photon emission computed tomography revealed a low HPS with 8.4%. Successful TARE was subsequently performed. No major procedure-related complication occurred. CONCLUSION Closure of APS with PVE during mapping angiography of advanced-stage HCC to enable reduction of HPS and subsequent TARE is feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Dong Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Nai-Jian Ge
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Ye-Fa Yang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
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Hu YD, Zhang H, Tan W, Li ZK. Impact of hepatectomy and postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization on serum tumor markers and prognosis in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Surg 2023; 15:2820-2830. [PMID: 38222017 PMCID: PMC10784839 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i12.2820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumour, and its early symptoms are often not obvious, resulting in many patients experiencing middle- to late-stage disease at the time of diagnosis. The optimal time for surgery is often missed for these patients, and those who do undergo surgery have unsatisfactory long-term outcomes and a high recurrence rate within five years. Therefore, postoperative follow-up treatments, such as transhepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE), have become critical to improving survival and reducing recurrence rates. AIM To validate the prophylactic role of TACE after hepatic resection and to assess its impact on patient prognosis. METHODS This study investigated the efficacy of TACE in patients with intermediate-stage HCC after hepatectomy. When the post-treatment results of the observation group and the control group were compared, it was found that the inclusion of TACE significantly improved the clinical efficacy, reduced the levels of tumour markers and did not aggravate the damage to liver function. Thus, this may be an effective and comprehensive treatment strategy for patients with intermediate-stage HCC that helps to improve their quality of life and survival time. RESULTS When the baseline data were analysed, no statistical differences were found between the two groups in terms of gender, age, hepatitis B virus, cirrhosis, Child-Pugh grading, number of tumours, maximum tumour diameter and degree of tumour differentiation. The assessment of clinical efficacy showed that the post-treatment overall remission rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group. In terms of changes in tumour markers, the alpha-fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen levels in the patients in the observation group decreased more significantly after treatment compared with those in the control group. When post-treatment changes in liver function indicators were analysed, no statistical differences were found in the total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels between the two groups. CONCLUSION In patients with intermediate-stage HCC, post-hepatectomy TACE significantly improved clinical outcomes, reduced tumour-marker levels and may have improved the prognosis by removing residual lesions. Thus, this may be an effective and comprehensive treatment strategy for patients with intermediate-stage HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Di Hu
- Department of Surgery, Wenzhou TCM Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Wenzhou TCM Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhuo-Kai Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang Province, China
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Muglia R, Marra P, Pinelli D, Dulcetta L, Carbone FS, Barbaro A, Celestino A, Colledan M, Sironi S. Technical and Clinical Outcomes of Laparoscopic-Laparotomic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Thermal Ablation with Microwave Technology: Case Series and Review of Literature. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:92. [PMID: 38201536 PMCID: PMC10778313 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate technical and clinical outcomes of intraoperative (laparoscopic/laparotomic) microwave ablation on HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective single-center study evaluating consecutive patients treated for very early/early-stage HCC with intraoperative microwave ablation from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2023. In these patients, a percutaneous US-guided approach was excluded due to the nodule's suboptimal visibility or harmful location and liver resection for a deep position or adherences. Data about the clinical stage, surgical approach, liver pathology and nodules characteristics, technical success, complications, and follow-up were collected. Technical success was intended as the absence of locoregional persistence at follow-up CT/MRI controls. RESULTS A total of 36 cirrhotic patients (M:F = 30:6, median age 67 years) were enrolled; 18/36 (50%) had a single nodule, 13/36 (36%) had two, 4/36 had three (11%), and 1/36 had four (3%). Among the patients, 24 (67%) were treated with laparoscopy, and 12/36 (33%) with a laparotomic approach. Sixty HCCs of 16.5 mm (6-50 mm) were treated for 7 min (2-30 min) with 100 W of power. A total of 55 nodules (92%) were treated successfully and showed no residual enhancement at the first postoperative follow-up; the other 5/60 (8%) underwent chemo/radioembolization. There was one complication (3%): a biliary fistula treated with percutaneous drainage and glue embolization. The average hospital stay was 3.5 days (1-51 days), and patients were followed up on average for 238 days (13-1792 days). During follow-up, 5/36 patients (14%) underwent liver transplantation, 1/36 (2%) died during hospitalization and 1 after discharge. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic/laparotomic intraoperative HCC MW ablation is feasible in patients unsuitable for percutaneous approach or hepatic resection, with rare complications and with good technical and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Muglia
- Department of Radiology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (P.M.); (L.D.); (F.S.C.)
- School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy (A.C.)
| | - Paolo Marra
- Department of Radiology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (P.M.); (L.D.); (F.S.C.)
- School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy (A.C.)
| | - Domenico Pinelli
- Department of General Surgery, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (D.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Ludovico Dulcetta
- Department of Radiology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (P.M.); (L.D.); (F.S.C.)
| | - Francesco Saverio Carbone
- Department of Radiology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (P.M.); (L.D.); (F.S.C.)
| | - Alessandro Barbaro
- School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy (A.C.)
| | - Antonio Celestino
- School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy (A.C.)
| | - Michele Colledan
- Department of General Surgery, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (D.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Sandro Sironi
- Department of Radiology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (P.M.); (L.D.); (F.S.C.)
- School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy (A.C.)
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Gao C, Zhu R, Shen J, Xu T, She Y, Chen Z. RBM12 regulates the progression of hepatocellular cancer via miR-497-5p/CPNE1 Axis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117203. [PMID: 37793588 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), also called hepatocellular cancer, has emerged as a highly prevalent malignancy globally. By binding to specific RNA via one or more spherical RNA Domains (RBDs) or RNA Motifs (RBMs), RNA Binding Proteins (RBPs) can affect RNA modification, splicing, localization, translation, and stability. METHODS This paper builds on previous research by further investigating the impact of RBM12 on LC progression. In order to determine the effect of RBM12 expression on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular cancer, we first investigated its expression in liver cancer cells (LCC) and tissues. The effect of RBM12 on the malignant biological behavior of LCC was subsequently detected using cytological experiments. To explore the upstream mechanism affecting RBM12, we predicted the miRNA targeting RBM12. According to the database, miR-497-5p was the best candidate gene. The double Luciferase reporter gene experiment was executed to validate the bounding of miR-497-5p with RBM12. RESULTS According to the cytological experiments, a high RBM12 expression promoted the propagation, migration, and invasion of LCC and impeded liver cancer cell apoptosis. By secreting TGF-β1, RBM12 could induce the EMT process. The miR-497-5p expression is suppressed in hepatocellular cancer. As shown by the CCK8, plate cloning, Transwell, EDU, and other experiments, miR-497-5p suppressed RBM12 expression and tumor growth. The double Luciferase reporter gene system was utilized to verify the combination of miR-497-5p and RBM12. The CPNE1 is a downstream gene regulated by RBM12. A high CPNE1 expression was exhibited in LCC and tissues. The CPNE1 is essential in the process where RBM12 promotes the incidence and progression of liver cancer. CONCLUSIONS By elucidating the exact molecular mechanism through which RBM12 promotes the initiation and progression of LC, thus, the current investigation provides some reference for the clinical management of LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Renfei Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| | - Jianbo Shen
- Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Tianxin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - YongJun She
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China.
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180
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Mei XC, Chen Q, Zuo S. Transient receptor potential-related risk model predicts prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:2064-2076. [PMID: 38173438 PMCID: PMC10758653 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i12.2064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) protein family shape oncogenic development, but the specific relevance of TRP-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has yet to be defined. AIM To investigate the role of TRP genes in HCC, their association with HCC development and treatment was examined. METHODS HCC patient gene expression and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression models were employed to explore the TRP-related risk spectrum. Based on these analyses, clinically relevant TRP family genes were selected, and the association between the key TRP canonical type 1 (TRPC1) gene and HCC patient prognosis was evaluated. RESULTS In total, 28 TRP family genes were screened for clinical relevance, with multivariate analyses ultimately revealing three of these genes (TRPC1, TRP cation channel subfamily M member 2, and TRP cation channel subfamily M member 6) to be significantly associated with HCC patient prognosis (P < 0.05). These genes were utilized to establish a TRP-related risk model. Patients were separated into low- and high-risk groups based on the expression of these genes, and high-risk patients exhibited a significantly poorer prognosis (P = 0.001). Functional analyses highlighted pronounced differences in the immune status of patients in these two groups and associated enriched immune pathways. TRPC1 was identified as a candidate gene in this family worthy of further study, with HCC patients expressing higher TRPC1 levels exhibiting poorer survival outcomes. Consistently, quantitative, immunohistochemistry, and western blot analyses revealed increased TRPC1 expression in HCC. CONCLUSION These three TRP genes help determine HCC patient prognosis, providing insight into tumor immune status and immunological composition. These findings will help design combination therapies including immunotherapeutic and anti-TRP agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Cai Mei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Shi Zuo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou Province, China
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Popiołek Ł, Gawrońska-Grzywacz M, Dziduch A, Biernasiuk A, Piątkowska-Chmiel I, Herbet M. Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro and In Vivo Bioactivity Studies of Hydrazide-Hydrazones of 2,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17481. [PMID: 38139308 PMCID: PMC10743905 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In this research, twenty-four hydrazide-hydrazones of 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid were designed, synthesized, and subjected to in vitro and in vivo bioactivity studies. The chemical structure of the obtained compounds was confirmed by spectral methods. Antimicrobial activity screening was performed against a panel of microorganisms for all synthesized hydrazide-hydrazones. The performed assays revealed the interesting antibacterial activity of a few substances against Gram-positive bacterial strains including MRSA-Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300 (compound 18: 2,4-dihydroxy-N-[(2-hydroxy-3,5-diiodophenyl)methylidene]benzohydrazide-Minimal Inhibitory Concentration, MIC = 3.91 µg/mL). In addition, we performed the in vitro screening of antiproliferative activity and also assessed the acute toxicity of six hydrazide-hydrazones. The following human cancer cell lines were used: 769-P, HepG2, H1563, and LN-229, and the viability of the cells was assessed using the MTT method. The HEK-293 cell line was used as a reference line. The toxicity was tested in vivo on Danio rerio embryos using the Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity (FET) test procedure according to OECD No. 236. The inhibitory concentration values obtained in the in vitro test showed that N-[(4-nitrophenyl)methylidene]-2,4-dihydroxybenzhydrazide (21) inhibited cancer cell proliferation the most, with an extremely low IC50 (Inhibitory Concentration) value, estimated at 0.77 µM for LN-229. In addition, each of the compounds tested was selective against cancer cell lines. The compounds with a nitrophenyl substituent were the most promising in terms of inhibition cancer cell proliferation. The toxicity against zebrafish embryos and larvae was also very low or moderate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Popiołek
- Chair and Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Monika Gawrońska-Grzywacz
- Chair and Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 8B Jaczewskiego Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.G.-G.); (I.P.-C.); (M.H.)
| | - Aleksandra Dziduch
- Chair and Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Anna Biernasiuk
- Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Iwona Piątkowska-Chmiel
- Chair and Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 8B Jaczewskiego Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.G.-G.); (I.P.-C.); (M.H.)
| | - Mariola Herbet
- Chair and Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 8B Jaczewskiego Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.G.-G.); (I.P.-C.); (M.H.)
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Yi S, Zhang C, Li M, Qu T, Wang J. Machine learning and experiments identifies SPINK1 as a candidate diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:231. [PMID: 38093163 PMCID: PMC10719188 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00849-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Machine learning techniques have been widely used in predicting disease prognosis, including cancer prognosis. One of the major challenges in cancer prognosis is to accurately classify cancer types and stages to optimize early screening and detection, and machine learning techniques have proven to be very useful in this regard. In this study, we aimed at identifying critical genes for diagnosis and outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients using machine learning. The HCC expression dataset was downloaded from GSE65372 datasets and TCGA datasets. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between 39 HCC and 15 normal samples. For the purpose of locating potential biomarkers, the LASSO and the SVM-RFE assays were performed. The ssGSEA method was used to analyze the TCGA to determine whether there was an association between SPINK1 and tumor immune infiltrates. RT-PCR was applied to examine the expression of SPINK1 in HCC specimens and cells. A series of functional assays were applied to examine the function of SPINK1 knockdown on the proliferation of HCC cells. In this study, 103 DEGs were obtained. Based on LASSO and SVM-RFE analysis, we identified nine critical diagnostic genes, including C10orf113, SPINK1, CNTLN, NRG3, HIST1H2AI, GPRIN3, SCTR, C2orf40 and PITX1. Importantly, we confirmed SPINK1 as a prognostic gene in HCC. Multivariate analysis confirmed that SPINK1 was an independent prognostic factor for overall survivals of HCC patients. We also found that SPINK1 level was positively associated with Macrophages, B cells, TFH, T cells, Th2 cells, iDC, NK CD56bright cells, Th1 cells, aDC, while negatively associated with Tcm and Eosinophils. Finally, we demonstrated that SPINK1 expression was distinctly increased in HCC specimens and cells. Functionally, silence of SPINK1 distinctly suppressed the proliferation of HCC cells via regulating Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The evidence provided suggested that SPINK1 may possess oncogenic properties by inducing dysregulated immune infiltration in HCC. Additionally, SPINK1 was identified as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming Yi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Chunlei Zhang
- Department of Colorectal and Anus Surgery, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Tianyi Qu
- Emergency Department, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Jiafeng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, China.
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Chen L, Liu D, Tan Y. Research progress in cuproptosis in liver cancer. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 48:1368-1376. [PMID: 38044648 PMCID: PMC10929866 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2023.230083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Copper, like iron, is an essential trace metal element for human cells. The role of iron overload and ferroptosis has been gradually clarified in tumors, but the role of copper overload and cuproptosis is still being explored. Cuproptosis is a novel mode of cell death, secondary to impaired mitochondrial function induced by copper overload, and characterized by copper-dependent and programmed. The excessive copper leads to protein toxicity stress by binding to sulfhydryl proteins in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle of mitochondria, disrupting cellular homeostasis and triggering cuproptosis. Copper accumulation has carcinogenic effects on normal cells, dual effects on tumor cells. Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in China and even globally, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most common histological subtype. Copper exhibits dualism in HCC, as it both contributes to the growth and invasion of HCC cells, and exerts anticancer effects by inducing cuproptosis. Also, cuproptosis-related genes can be the evaluation of immunotherapy effect and the construction of prognostic models. Clarifying the role of copper death in liver cancer can help explore new methods for liver cancer screening, treatment, and prognosis evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leijie Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Deliang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yuyong Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.
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184
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Liu K, Liu J, Zhang X, Liu D, Yao W, Bu Y, Chen B. Identification of a Novel CD8 + T cell exhaustion-related gene signature for predicting survival in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1185. [PMID: 38049741 PMCID: PMC10694949 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11648-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern, necessitating a deeper understanding of its prognosis and underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism and prognostic value of CD8+ T Cell exhaustion (CD8+ TEX)-related genes in HCC and construct a survival prognosis prediction model for patients with HCC. METHODS CD8+ TEX-related genes associated with HCC prognosis were analysed and identified, and a prognostic prediction model was constructed using the 'least absolute shrinkage and selection operator' Cox regression model. Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the expression of the model genes in HCC tissues. A nomogram was constructed based on risk scores and clinical features, and its predictive efficacy was verified. The expression of STAM, ANXA5, and MAD2L2 in HCC cell lines was detected by western blotting; subsequently, these genes were knocked down in HCC cell lines by small interfering RNA, and their effects on the proliferation and migration of HCC cell lines were detected by colony formation assay, cck8, wound healing, and transwell assays. RESULTS Six genes related to CD8+ TEX were included in the risk-prediction model. The prognosis of patients with HCC in the low-risk group was significantly better than that of those in the high-risk group. Cox regression analysis revealed that the risk score was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of patients with HCC. The differentially expressed genes in patients with high-risk HCC were mainly enriched in the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein-like receptor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, and tumour programmed cell death protein (PD)-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint pathways. The CD8+ TEX-related genes STAM, ANXA5, and MAD2L2 were knocked down in HCC cell lines to significantly inhibit cell proliferation and migration. The prediction results of the nomogram based on the risk score showed a good fit and application value. CONCLUSION The prediction model based on CD8+ TEX-related genes can predict the prognosis of HCC and provide a theoretical basis for the early identification of patients with poor HCC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejun Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Junhao Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750002, China
| | - Xusheng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Weijie Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yang Bu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750002, China.
| | - Bendong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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Hu P, Lin L, Huang T, Li Z, Xiao M, Guo H, Chen G, Liu D, Ke M, Shan H, Zhang F, Zhang Y. Circular RNA circEYA3 promotes the radiation resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma via the IGF2BP2/DTX3L axis. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:308. [PMID: 38042777 PMCID: PMC10693171 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03168-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high incidence and mortality rate despite various treatment options, including 125I seed implantation. However, recurrence and radiation resistance remain challenging issues. Hsa_circ_0007895 (circEYA3)-derived from exons 2-6 of EYA3-facilitates the proliferation and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. However, the role of circEYA3 in HCC 125I radiation resistance remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of circEYA3 in HCC under 125I and X-ray irradiation conditions. METHODS CircEYA3 was identified by RNA-seq in patients with HCC before and after 125I seed implantation treatment, followed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and RNase R assays. The radiosensitivity of HCC cell lines irradiated with 125I seeds or external irradiation were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit 8, flow cytometry, γH2A.X immunofluorescence and comet assays. RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the interactions between circEYA3 and IGF2BP2. DTX3L mRNA was identified by RNA-seq in PLC/PRF/5 cells with overexpressed circEYA3. The corresponding in vitro results were verified using a mouse xenograft model. RESULTS CircEYA3 decreased the radiosensitivity of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, using a circRNA pulldown assay and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, we identified IGF2BP2 as a novel and robust interacting protein of circEYA3. Mechanistically, circEYA3 binds to IGF2BP2 and enhances its ability to stabilize DTX3L mRNA, thereby specifically alleviating radiation-induced DNA damage in HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that circEYA3 increases the radioresistance of HCC to 125I seeds and external irradiation via the IGF2BP2/DTX3L axis. Thus, circEYA3 might be a predictive indicator and intervention option for 125I brachytherapy or external radiotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Hu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Intervention, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Letao Lin
- Department of Minimally Invasive Intervention, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Intervention, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou,, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Meigui Xiao
- Department of Minimally Invasive Intervention, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanqing Guo
- Department of Minimally Invasive Intervention, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanyu Chen
- Department of Minimally Invasive Intervention, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Dengyao Liu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Intervention, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Miaola Ke
- Department of Blood Transfusion, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou,, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbo Shan
- Department of Endoscopy, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Fujun Zhang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Intervention, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanling Zhang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, 1023 South Shatai Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China.
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Liu J, Sun T, Yin L. ZMIZ1 Upregulation of TET3-Mediated Hydroxymethylation Induces M2 Polarization of Kupffer Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinogenesis by Mediating Notch1/c-Myc Signaling. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100264. [PMID: 37839636 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydroxymethylation of DNA, mediated by the ten-eleven translocation (TET) family of methylcytosine dioxygenases, represents a crucial epigenetic modification that manipulates gene expression in numerous biological processes. This study focuses on the effect of TET3 on the polarization of Kupffer cells (KCs) and its connection to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TET3 was found to be abundant in KCs, and its knockdown induced an M2-M1 phenotype shift, resulting in the suppression of viability, migration, and invasion of cocultured HCC cells. Additionally, the TET3 knockdown inhibited the tumorigenesis of HCC cells in nude mice. Downstream targets of TET3 were predicted using bioinformatics. TET3-mediated DNA hydroxymethylation of zinc finger MIZ-type containing 1 (ZMIZ1) promoter. The ZMIZ1 protein interacted with notch receptor 1 (Notch1) protein to activate the transcription of c-Myc. Silencing of ZMIZ1 in KCs similarly suppressed M2 polarization of KCs and malignant phenotype of cocultured HCC cells. However, these changes were counteracted by the overexpression of either Notch1 or c-Myc overexpression in KCs. In summary, this study demonstrates that TET3-mediated hydroxymethylation of ZMIZ1 enhances hepatocellular carcinogenesis by promoting M2 skewing of KCs through the Notch1/c-Myc axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Sun
- Department of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - Linan Yin
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, P.R. China.
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187
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Wu Y, Yang Y, Yi X, Song L. The circSNX14 functions as a tumor suppressor via the miR-562/ LATS2 pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. J Mol Histol 2023; 54:593-607. [PMID: 37861952 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-023-10157-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in the initiation and progression of various cancers. However, the potential functional roles of circSNX14 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. CircSNX14 expression pattern was analyzed in HCC tissues and cell lines via qRT-PCR. The effects of circSNX14 on cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were investigated by overexpression experiments. The role of circSNX14 in the tumorigenesis of HCC cells was examined using in vivo xenograft mouse model. The interaction between circSNX14, miR-562, and Large Tumor Suppressor Kinase 2 (LATS2) mRNA was confirmed by Luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis. CircSNX14 was significantly down-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and its down-regulation was correlated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients. In the following functional experiments, circSNX14 overexpression remarkably suppressed the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells, and attenuated the mesenchymall status. circSNX14 overexpression also suppressed the tumorigenesis of HCC cells in the mouse model. We further revealed the interaction of circSNX14 and miR-562, and miR-562 could suppress the expression of LATS2 by interacting with its mRNA. The negative correlation of circSNX14 and miR-562, negative correlation of miR-562 and LATS2, and positive correlation of circSNX14 and LATS2 have been confirmed by Pearson correlation in the HCC samples. Collectively, these results reveal a novel role of circSNX14/miR-562/LATS2 axis in regulating the malignant progression of HCC cancer progression, indicating the tumor suppressor role of circSNX14 and its potential as a prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.55 University Town Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Yaowei Yang
- Department of General Surgery, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.55 University Town Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Xin Yi
- Department of General Surgery, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.55 University Town Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Liwen Song
- Department of General Surgery, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.55 University Town Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China.
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188
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Hu QR, Huang QX, Hong H, Pan Y, Luo T, Li J, Deng ZY, Chen F. Ginsenoside Rh2 and its octyl ester derivative inhibited invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via the c-Jun/COX2/PGE2 pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 121:155131. [PMID: 37806155 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is a topical global health issue. The treatment of liver cancer meets significant challenges in the high recurrence rate and invasive incidence. Therefore, the treatment strategies that target epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)/ prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) pathway have become epidemic. Ginsenoside Rh2 has been proved to inhibit the EMT. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Moreover, the octyl ester derivative of Rh2 (Rh2-O) exhibited superior anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory effects than Rh2 in our previous researches, which indicated that Rh2-O might also exert inhibitory effects on invasion and metastasis. PURPOSE The aim of current study is to explore the inhibitory effects of Rh2 and Rh2-O on invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma, and to investigate whether these effects are dependent on the c-Jun/COX2/PGE2 pathway. STUDY DESIGN The Huh-7 liver cancer cells and the H22 tumor-bearing mice were treated with Rh2 and Rh2-O. METHOD In this paper, the inhibitory effects of Rh2 and Rh2-O on invasion and metastasis were tested by wound healing, trans-well assay and tumor-bearing mice, and the involvement of c-Jun/COX2/PGE2 pathway were verified by exogenous PGE2, activation of COX2 and overexpression of c-Jun. RESULTS The results showed that Rh2 and Rh2-O could efficiently inhibit the invasion and metastasis in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). And the Rh2-O showed stronger effects than Rh2. Moreover, the exogenous PGE2, activation of COX2 by exogenous LPS and the overexpression of c-Jun by transfection all reversed the inhibitory effects of Rh2 and Rh2-O on metastasis or EMT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Rh2 and Rh2-O could inhibit the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via restraining the EMT, which was mediated by c-Jun/COX2/PGE2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Rui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, College of Food Science, Nanchang University, Nanjing East Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330047, China
| | - Qing-Xin Huang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
| | - Huan Hong
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
| | - Yao Pan
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
| | - Ting Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, College of Food Science, Nanchang University, Nanjing East Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330047, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, College of Food Science, Nanchang University, Nanjing East Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330047, China
| | - Ze-Yuan Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, College of Food Science, Nanchang University, Nanjing East Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330047, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China.
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189
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Wang D, Ding D, Ying J, Qin Y. Bioinformatics identification of a T-cell-related signature for predicting prognosis and drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma. IET Syst Biol 2023; 17:366-377. [PMID: 37935646 PMCID: PMC10725711 DOI: 10.1049/syb2.12082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal disease with poor clinical outcomes. T cells play a vital role in the crosstalk between the tumour microenvironment and HCC. Single-cell RNA sequencing data were downloaded from the GSE149614 dataset. The T-cell-related prognostic signature (TRPS) was developed with the integrative procedure including 10 machine learning algorithms. The TRPS was established using 7 T-cell-related markers in the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort with 1-, 2- and 3-year area under curve values of 0.820, 0.725 and 0.678, respectively. TRPS acted as an independent risk factor for HCC patients. HCC patients with a high TRPS-based risk score had a higher Tumour Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion score, lower PD1 and CTLA4 immunophenoscore and lower level of immunoactivated cells, including CD8+ T cells and NK cells. The response rate was significantly higher in patients with low-risk scores in immunotherapy cohorts, including IMigor210 and GSE91061. The TRPS-based nomogram had a relatively good predictive value in evaluating the mortality risk at 1, 3 and 5 years in HCC. Overall, this study develops a TRPS by integrated bioinformatics analysis. This TRPS acted as an independent risk factor for the OS rate of HCC patients. It can screen for HCC patients who might benefit from immunotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianqian Wang
- Health Science CenterNingbo UniversityNingboZhejiangChina
| | - Dongxiao Ding
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe People's Hospital of Beilun DistrictNingboZhejiangChina
| | - Junjie Ying
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe People's Hospital of Beilun DistrictNingboZhejiangChina
| | - Yunsheng Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryFirst Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe People's Hospital of Beilun DistrictNingboZhejiangChina
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190
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Resende V, Tsilimigras DI, Endo Y, Guglielmi A, Ratti F, Aldrighetti L, Marques HP, Soubrane O, Lam V, Poultsides GA, Popescu I, Alexandrescu S, Gleisner A, Martel G, Hugh T, Endo I, Shen F, Pawlik TM. Machine-Based Learning Hierarchical Cluster Analysis: Sex-Based Differences in Prognosis Following Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. World J Surg 2023; 47:3319-3327. [PMID: 37777670 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-023-07194-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may have a heterogeneous presentation, as well as different long-term outcomes following surgical resection. We sought to use machine learning to cluster patients into different prognostic groups based on preoperative characteristics. METHODS Patients who underwent curative-intent liver resection for HCC between 2000 and 2020 were identified from a large international multi-institutional database. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed based on preoperative factors to characterize patterns of presentation and define disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS Among 966 with HCC, 3 distinct clusters were identified: Cluster 1 (n = 160, 16.5%), Cluster 2 (n = 537, 55.6%) and Cluster 3 (n = 269, 27.8%). Cluster 1 (n = 160, 16.5%) consisted of female patients (n = 160, 100%), low inflammation-based scores, intermediate tumor burden score (TBS) (median: 4.71) and high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels (median 41.3 ng/mL); Cluster 2 consisted of male individuals (n = 537, 100%), mainly with a history of HBV infection (n = 429, 79.9%), low inflammation-based scores, intermediate AFP levels (median 26.0 ng/mL) and lower TBS (median 4.49); Cluster 3 was comprised of older patients (median age 68 years) predominantly male (n = 248, 92.2%) who had low incidence of HBV/HCV infection (7.1% and 8.2%, respectively), intermediate AFP levels (median 16.8 ng/mL), high inflammation-based scores and high TBS (median 6.58). Median DFS worsened incrementally among the three different clusters with Cluster 3 having the lowest DFS (Cluster 1: median not reached; Cluster 2: 34 months, 95% CI 23.0-48.0, Cluster 3: 19 months, 95% CI 15.0-29.0, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Cluster analysis classified HCC patients into three distinct prognostic groups. Cluster assignment predicted DFS following resection of HCC with the female cluster having the most favorable prognosis following HCC resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Resende
- Department of Surgery, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite 670, Columbus, OH, USA
- Federal University of Minas Gerais School of Medicine, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Diamantis I Tsilimigras
- Department of Surgery, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite 670, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yutaka Endo
- Department of Surgery, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite 670, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | - Hugo P Marques
- Department of Surgery, Curry Cabral Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Olivier Soubrane
- Department of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, APHP, Beaujon Hospital, Clichy, France
| | - Vincent Lam
- Department of Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Irinel Popescu
- Department of Surgery, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Ana Gleisner
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | | | - Tom Hugh
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Itaru Endo
- Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Feng Shen
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite 670, Columbus, OH, USA.
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191
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Ozen M, Patel RK. Ablation versus Radiation Segmentectomy for Small Liver Tumors. Semin Intervent Radiol 2023; 40:511-514. [PMID: 38274221 PMCID: PMC10807957 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a liver malignancy that affects more than a million people worldwide with a complex multifactorial etiology. After the diagnosis of HCC is made, physicians establish management using the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) guidelines revolving around tumor stage, liver function, performance status, and patient preferences. According to recent updates to these guidelines, thermal ablation is the second-best curative option apart from surgical resection for small HCC (< 2 cm). While thermal ablation is standard of care, recent studies have suggested that radiation segmentectomy (RS) has similar outcomes, limited hepatotoxicity, and ultimately a cost-efficient approach. Although there is limited literature on RS, this article compares ablation techniques against radiation segmentectomy for small HCC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Ozen
- Department of Radiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Ronak K. Patel
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
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192
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Yang W, Li X, He J, Xuan Q, Si H, Yao W. Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with anti-VEGF therapy in the treatment of unresectable or advanced liver cancer: a systematic review. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2023; 45:770-779. [PMID: 37228221 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2023.2215404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with anti-VEGF therapy for the treatment of unresectable or advanced liver cancer. METHOD Related databases were searched from inception to December 2022 to identify randomized controlled studies and clinical trials that evaluated the combination of ICIs and anti-VEGF therapy for the treatment of unresectable liver cancer. The outcome index was extracted and analyzed by RevMan5.4.ResultsA total of 8 clinical trials were included. In terms of efficacy, the intervention group had longer OS and PFS for unresectable or advanced liver cancer than the control group. In terms of safety, (1) Adverse events of all grades showed that the combination treatment led to significantly higher risks of urinary system disorders, cardiovascular system disorder, blood system disorders and liver dysfunction than the control treatment. Compared with monotherapy, the combination treatment led to lower risks of gastrointestinal disorders. (2) Adverse events above grade 3 showed that, compared with the control treatment, the combination treatment led to significantly higher risks of urinary system disorders, blood systeam disorders, cardiovascular system disorders and liver dysfunction. Additionally, compared with monotherapy, the combination treatment led to significantly lower risks of gastrointestinal disorders. CONCLUSIONS ICIs combined with anti-VEGF therapy exerts significant clinical effects in patients with unresectable or advanced liver cancer, can prolong the survival of these patients and can improve their quality of life. However, clinical attention should be given to the occurrence of adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Zhuji, Zhuji, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Zhuji, Zhuji, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jiana He
- Department of Pharmacy, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Zhuji, Zhuji, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Qingqing Xuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Zhuji, Zhuji, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Haiyan Si
- Department of Gastroenterology, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Zhuji, Zhuji, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Weifen Yao
- Department of Infectious Disease, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Zhuji, Zhuji, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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Ramakrishnan K, Babu S, Shaji V, Soman S, Leelamma A, Rehman N, Raju R. Hepatitis B Virus Modulated Transcriptional Regulatory Map of Hepatic Cellular MicroRNAs. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2023; 27:581-597. [PMID: 38064540 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2023.0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped, hepatotropic, noncytopathic virus with a partially double-stranded DNA genome. It infects hepatocytes and is associated with progression to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, culminating in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), accounting for 55% of total HCC cases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulated by HBV play an important role in these pathologies. Mapping the miRNAs responsive to HBV and HBV-specific proteins, including HBV X protein (HBx) that harbor the majority of HBV-human protein interactions, could aid accelerate the diagnostics and therapeutics innovation against the infection and associated diseases. With this in mind, we used a unique annotation strategy whereby we first amassed 362 mature HBV responsive-human Differentially Expressed miRNAs (HBV-hDEmiRs). The core experimentally-validated messenger RNA targets of the HBV-hDEmiRs were mostly associated with viral infections and hepatic inflammation processes. Moreover, our annotation strategy enabled the characterization of HBx-dependent/independent HBV-hDEmiRs as a tool for evaluation of the impact of HBx as a therapeutic target. Bioinformatics analysis of the HBV-human protein-protein interactome revealed new insights into the transcriptional regulatory network of the HBV-hDEmiRs. We performed a comparative analysis of data on miRNAs gathered from HBV infected cell line studies and from tissue studies of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Accordingly, we propose hsa-miR-15a-5p that is downregulated by multiple HBV proteins, including HBx, as a potential biomarker of HBV infection, and its progression to HCC. In all, this study underscores (1) the complexity of miRNA regulation in response to HBV infection and its progression into other liver pathologies and (2) provides a regulatory map of HBV-hDEmiRs and the underlying mechanisms modulating their expression through a cross talk between HBV viral proteins and human transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sreeranjini Babu
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine (CSBMM), Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vineetha Shaji
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine (CSBMM), Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sowmya Soman
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Anila Leelamma
- Department of Biochemistry, NSS College, Nilamel, Kollam, Kerala, India
| | - Niyas Rehman
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Rajesh Raju
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine (CSBMM), Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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194
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Lv Z, Gao W, Du Z, Zheng Y, Liu T, Hao C, Xue D. Alternative splicing of IRF3 plays an important role in the development of hepatocarcinoma. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2276371. [PMID: 37926963 PMCID: PMC10629432 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2276371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a process causing mRNA translation to produce different proteins, and it is crucial for the development of tumours. In this study, we constructed a prognostic model related to alternative splicing events in hepatocarcinoma using bioinformatics analysis, including the alternative splicing of CSAD, AFMID, ZDHHC16, and IRF3. The model is an independent prognostic factor and can accurately predict a patient's prognosis. IRF3 is a transcription factor related to the immune response. Its alternative splicing can affect the expression of various genes related to prognosis and plays an essential role in the tumour microenvironment. We also verified the expression of IRF3 exon skipping isoform in hepatocarcinoma at the mRNA level. In conclusion, we discovered that the alternative splicing of IRF3 is essential for the development of hepatocarcinoma. This study provides new insight into the development of treatments for hepatocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyi Lv
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wenqi Gao
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhiwei Du
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Tianming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chenjun Hao
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Dongbo Xue
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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195
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Bai W. The combined characteristics of cholesterol metabolism and the immune microenvironment may serve as valuable biomarkers for both the prognosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22885. [PMID: 38125426 PMCID: PMC10730758 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being a complex disease, commonly exhibits multifaceted presentations, rendering its treatment challenging and necessitating specific approaches. The tumor immune microenvironment is crucial in cancer treatment, and cholesterol metabolism is a key component that helps cells grow and produce vital metabolites. However, the reprogramming of cholesterol metabolism in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can promote HCC development, and cancer classifiers relating to cholesterol metabolism are currently limited. Despite significant progress, further research is needed to improve early detection, liver function, and treatment options to improve patient outcomes. Methods To evaluate the expression abundance of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and cholesterol metabolism in 8 types of liver cancer cells, we comprehensively evaluated the immune cell composition, extracellular matrix alterations, and activity of relevant signaling pathways in the TIME through nine liver cancer patients, stromal scoring, immune scoring, tumor purity scoring, immune infiltration analysis, and pathway enrichment. Subsequently, we utilized machine learning techniques to construct prognostic models for both cholesterol metabolism and the tumor immune microenvironment, further exploring the tumor mutation burden, immune infiltration levels, and drug sensitivity in different subtypes of HCC patients. Results Our study constructed three cancer screening models to identify HCC patients with high cholesterol metabolism and low TIME, who have a poorer prognosis. On the contrary, patients with low cholesterol metabolism and high TIME often have better prognosis. Furthermore, we identified chemical compounds, such as BPD-00008900, ML323, Doramapimod, and AZD2014, which display better chemotherapy results for high-risk patients in specific sub-groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyu Bai
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
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196
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Shao G, Fan Z, Qiu W, Lv G. Development and validation of a model to predict the risk of distant metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma: a real-world retrospective study. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:16489-16499. [PMID: 37712961 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05361-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to construct a novel clinical prediction model to predict the risk of distant metastases (DM) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS We included 3869 HCC patients, comprising 3076 patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and 793 patients from a hospital in China. Variables with a P-value < 0.05 in the univariate logistic analysis were entered into the multivariate analysis to determine the independent predictive factors for DM in HCC. A nomogram was created based on the independent predictive factors. The predictive performance of the model was assessed using the receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), calibration curves, and clinical impact curve analysis (CIC). Additionally, we developed a user-friendly web-based calculator based on the model. RESULTS The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that tumor size (P < 0.001), type of treatment (P < 0.001), T stage (P = 0.001), N stage (P < 0.001), and grade (P = 0.043) were identified as independent predictive factors. A nomogram was constructed based on these factors. The area under the ROC curves (AUC) value was 0.845 (95% CI 0.815-0.874) for the training set, 0.818 (95% CI 0.774-0.863) for the internal validation set, and 0.823 (95% CI 0.770-0.876) for the external validation set. Moreover, DCA analysis, calibration curves, and CIC analysis demonstrated the favorable predictive performance of the nomogram. Finally, a more user-friendly web-based calculator was developed. CONCLUSION We developed a nomogram and showed its favorable predictive performance in predicting DM in HCC. Furthermore, we developed a more user-friendly web-based calculator, which has the potential to aid clinicians in individualized diagnosis and make better clinical decisions for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhao Shao
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhongqi Fan
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Qiu
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guoyue Lv
- General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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197
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Ying H, Zhang B, Cao G, Wang Y, Zhang X. Role for ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) in the treatment and the immune response to hepatocellular carcinoma: potential mechanisms. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:3016-3033. [PMID: 38130306 PMCID: PMC10731377 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Background Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) is a deubiquitinating enzyme that can affect or regulate a variety of cellular activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate therapeutic and immunologic effects of USP7 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and as well to evaluate potential mechanisms of action. Methods USP7-related gene expression and clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) dataset, and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. Pathways associated with USP7 were determined by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The relationships among USP7, immunity, and drug therapy were also investigated and potential mechanisms of action were explored. Results TCGA database results demonstrated USP7 mRNA expression levels to be upregulated in HCC tissues. Results were validated with UALCAN, ICGC, and GSE10143 datasets, as well as immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiments and were consistent with TCGA database findings (all P<0.05). GSEA analysis demonstrated increased USP7 levels to be associated with CHEMOKINE, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), P53, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and wingless (WNT) signaling pathways. Based on immune correlation analysis, USP7 was dramatically associated with immune cells and immune checkpoint molecules. In terms of drug therapy, USP7 expression levels were significantly related to HCC sensitivity to ciclosporin, talazoparib, dabrafenib, trametinib, paclitaxel, sorafenib, bortezomib, sunitinib, and crizotinib. Based on these results, we mechanistically propose an association between USP7 and these four drug targets: B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine protein kinase (BRAF), mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK), DNA topoisomerase I (TOPOI), and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). Conclusions USP7 plays a therapeutic and immunological role in HCC. The four drug targets BRAF, MEK, TOPOI, and PARP are implicated in the USP7 mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Ying
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xuancheng People’s Hospital, Xuancheng, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Guilian Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yunan Wang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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198
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Zhou N, Mao F, Cheng S. Mechanism Research and Application for Ginsenosides in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:7214037. [PMID: 38027042 PMCID: PMC10667047 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7214037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Ginsenosides, the main active pharmacological ingredients of ginseng, have been widely used for the treatment of numerous carcinomas. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is 3rd leading malignant tumor in terms of mortality worldwide. Accumulating evidence indicates that ginsenosides play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of HCC. Ginsenosides can significantly improve the symptoms of HCC, and their anticancer activity is mainly involved in inhibiting proliferation and migration, inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, promoting caspase-3 and 8-mediated apoptosis, regulating autophagy related to Atg5, Atg7, Atg12, LC3-II, and PI3K/Akt pathways, and lowering invasion and metastasis associated with decreased nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and MMP-2/9, increasing IL-2 and IFN-γ levels to enhance immune function, as well as regulating the gut-liver axis. In addition, ginsenosides can be used as an adjuvant to conventional cancer therapies, enhancing sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs, and improving efficacy and/or reducing adverse reactions through synergistic effects. Therefore, the current manuscript discusses the mechanism and application of ginsenosides in HCC. It is hoped to provide theoretical basis for the treatment of HCC with ginsenosides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Zhou
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Feifei Mao
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Shuqun Cheng
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
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199
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Dharmapuri S, Özbek U, Jethra H, Jun T, Marron TU, Saeed A, Huang YH, Muzaffar M, Pinter M, Balcar L, Fulgenzi C, Amara S, Weinmann A, Personeni N, Scheiner B, Pressiani T, Navaid M, Bengsch B, Paul S, Khan U, Bettinger D, Nishida N, Mohamed YI, Vogel A, Gampa A, Korolewicz J, Cammarota A, Kaseb A, Galle PR, Pillai A, Wang YH, Cortellini A, Kudo M, D’Alessio A, Rimassa L, Pinato DJ, Ang C. Baseline neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio appear predictive of immune treatment related toxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:1900-1912. [PMID: 38077640 PMCID: PMC10701235 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i11.1900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A well-recognized class effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is immune-related adverse events (IrAEs) ranging from low grade toxicities to life-threatening end organ damage requiring permanent discontinuation of ICI. Deaths are reported in < 5% of patients treated with ICI. There are, however, no reliable markers to predict the onset and severity of IrAEs. We tested the association between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) at baseline with development of clinically significant IrAEs (grade ≥ 2) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with ICI. AIM To test the association between NLR and PLR at baseline with development of clinically significant IrAEs (grade ≥ 2) in HCC patients treated with ICI. METHODS Data was extracted from an international database from a consortium of 11 tertiary-care referral centers. NLR = absolute neutrophil count/absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and PLR = platelet count/ALC. Cutoff of 5 was used for NLR and 300 for PLR based on literature. We also tested the association between antibiotic and steroid exposure to IrAEs. RESULTS Data was collected from 361 patients treated between 2016-2020 across the United States (67%), Asia (14%) and Europe (19%). Most patients received Nivolumab (n = 255, 71%). One hundred sixty-seven (46%) patients developed at least one IrAE, highest grade 1 in 80 (48%), grade ≥ 2 in 87 (52%) patients. In a univariable regression model PLR > 300 was significantly associated with a lower incidence of grade ≥ 2 IrAEs (OR = 0.40; P = 0.044). Similarly, a trend was observed between NLR > 5 and lower incidence of grade ≥ 2 IrAEs (OR = 0.58; P = 0.097). Multivariate analyses confirmed PLR > 300 as an independent predictive marker of grade ≥ 2 IrAEs (OR = 0.26; P = 0.011), in addition to treatment with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1)/cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (OR = 2.57; P = 0.037) and PD-1/tyrosine kinase inhibitor (OR = 3.39; P = 0.01) combinations. Antibiotic use was not associated with IrAE incidence (OR = 1.02; P = 0.954). Patients treated with steroids had a > 2-fold higher incidence of grade ≥ 2 IrAEs (OR = 2.74; P < 0.001), although 74% were prescribed steroids for the treatment of IrAEs. CONCLUSION Given that high baseline NLR and PLR are associated with a decreased incidence of IrAEs, lower baseline NLR and PLR may be predictive biomarkers for the appearance of IrAEs in HCC treated with ICI. This finding is in keeping with several studies in solid tumors that have shown that baseline NLR and PLR appear predictive of IrAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirish Dharmapuri
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Umut Özbek
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Hiren Jethra
- Department of Data Analytics Harrisburg, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Harrisburd, PA 17101, United States
| | - Tomi Jun
- SEMA4, Stamford, CT 06902, United States
| | - Thomas U Marron
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Anwaar Saeed
- Division of Medical Oncology Kansas, University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas, MO 66160, United States
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Mahvish Muzaffar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, United States
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Lorenz Balcar
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Claudia Fulgenzi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital London, London W12 0HS, United Kingdom
| | - Suneetha Amara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, United States
| | - Arndt Weinmann
- Department of Hepatology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Medical Centre, Niedersachsen 30625, Germany
| | - Nicola Personeni
- Medical Oncology Unit, ASST Garda, Via Lungomella Valsecchi, Brescia, Manerbio 25025, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano 20089, Italy
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Tiziana Pressiani
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano 20089, Italy
| | - Musharraf Navaid
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, United States
| | - Bertram Bengsch
- Department of Medicine II, Univ Med Ctr Freiburg, Hugstetter Str 55, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg D-79106, Germany
| | - Sonal Paul
- Department of Oncology Baltimore, LifeBridge Health, Baltimore, MD 21215, United States
| | - Uqba Khan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, NY 10065, United States
| | - Dominik Bettinger
- Department of Medicine II, Univ Med Ctr Freiburg, Hugstetter Str 55, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg D-79106, Germany
| | - Naoshi Nishida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Yehia Ibrahim Mohamed
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Endocrinology, HannoverArndt Vogel, Medical School Hannover, Carl-Neubergstr., Hannover 30659, Germany
| | - Anuhya Gampa
- Department of Hepatology, Rush University Medical Group 1725 W Harrison St Ste 158, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - James Korolewicz
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital London, London W12 0HS, United Kingdom
| | - Antonella Cammarota
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano 20089, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Milan, Pieve Emanuele 20072, Italy
| | - Ahmed Kaseb
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Peter R Galle
- Department of Internal Medicine I and Cirrhosis Center Mainz, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg Univ Mainz, Med Klin and Poliklin, Mainz D-55131, Germany
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Ying-Hong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Alessio Cortellini
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital London, London W12 0HS, United Kingdom
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Antonio D’Alessio
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital London, London W12 0HS, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano 20089, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Milan, Pieve Emanuele 20072, Italy
| | - David James Pinato
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital London, London W12 0HS, United Kingdom
| | - Celina Ang
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
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200
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Ye J, Tian W, Zheng B, Zeng T. Identification of cancer-associated fibroblasts signature for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35938. [PMID: 37960718 PMCID: PMC10637486 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies globally with poor prognosis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play multiple functions in the regulation of tumorigenesis, metastasis and therapeutic resistance of cancer. The current study aimed to explore the role of CAFs-related genes in the prognosis and immunotherapy response in HCC. CAFs-related genes were identified by using single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis was conducted to develop a CAFs-related prognostic signature (FRPS) in TCGA dataset and verified in ICGC, GSE14520 and GSE76427 cohorts. Several tools, including Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) score, immunophenoscore, and Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB) score were used to evaluate the value of FRPS in predicting immunotherapy benefits. The FRPS constructed based on 10 genes (RGS5, CNN3, PALLD, FLNA, KLHL23, MYC, NDRG2, SERPINE1, CD151 CALU) served as an independent risk factor and showed stable and powerful performance in predicting the overall survival rate of HCC patients with an AUCs of 0. 734, 0.727, and 0.717 in 2-, 3-, and 4-year ROC curve in TCGA cohort. Low risk score indicated a higher abundance of CD8+ T cells and NK, and lower abundance of Treg. Moreover, HCC patients with low risk score had a higher PD1&CTLA4 immunophenoscore, higher TMB score, and lower TIDE score. Moreover, high risk score indicated a lower IC50 value of 5-fluorouracil, camptothecin, cisplatin, docetaxel, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, afatinib, crizotinib, dasatinib, erlotinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, lapatinib, and osimertinib in HCC. Our study develops a novel FRPS HCC. The FRPS acts as a risk factor for the prognosis of HCC patients and it can predict the immunotherapy benefits of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Ye
- College of Medicine, Jingchu University of Technology, Jingmen, China
| | - Wen Tian
- College of Computer Engineering, Jingchu University of Technology, Jingmen, China
| | - Bigeng Zheng
- College of Electronic Information Engineering, Jingchu University of Technology, Jingmen, China
| | - Tao Zeng
- College of Medicine, Jingchu University of Technology, Jingmen, China
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