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Abstract
Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a devastating multi-system disorder characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia and immunodeficiency. The neurological decline may be caused by multiple factors of which ongoing inflammation and oxidative stress may play a dominant role. The objective of the present investigation was to determine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins and possible low-grade inflammation and its relation to age and neurological deterioration. In the present study, we investigated 15 patients with A-T from 2 to 16 years. Our investigation included blood and CSF tests, clinical neurological examination, A-T score, and MRI findings. The albumin ratio (AR) was analyzed to determine the blood-brain-barrier function. In addition, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 p40, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF-α) were measured by the multiplex cytometric bead array. We compared the results with those from an age-matched control group. Three of the A-T patients were analyzed separately (one after resection of a cerebral meningioma, one after radiation and chemotherapy due to leukemia, one after stem cell transplantation). Patient had significantly more moderate and severe side effects due to CSF puncture (vomiting, headache, need for anti-emetic drugs) compared with healthy controls. Total protein, albumin, and the AR increased with age indicating a disturbed blood barrier function in older children. There were no differences for cytokines in serum and CSF with the exception of IL-2, which was significantly higher in controls in serum. The AR is significantly altered in A-T patients, but low-grade inflammation is not detectable in serum and CSF.
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Kumar D, Behal S, Bhattacharyya R, Banerjee D. Pseudoesterase activity of albumin: A probable determinant of cholesterol biosynthesis. Med Hypotheses 2018; 115:42-45. [PMID: 29685194 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2018.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The association between hypoalbuminemia and coronary artery disease is known from some time. However, the reason as to how such phenomenon is correlated remains unknown. We have observed from published scientific literature that HSA has the potential to control cholesterol biosynthesis due to its pseudoesterase activity. In-silico observations have supported our view since acetyl coA, the precursor molecule of cholesterol biosynthesis is shown to bind with Tyr 411 of HSA. Incidentally, Tyr411 is a critical moiety for pseudoesterase activity of albumin. With this frame of reference in mind we hypothesize that pseudoesterase activity of HSA is an important determinant of lipid metabolism including cholesterol biosynthesis. Therefore, albumin has the potential to influence the atherosclerotic state important for pathogenesis of coronary artery diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Sakshi Behal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Rajasri Bhattacharyya
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Dibyajyoti Banerjee
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
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Yoon JH, Lee HVS, Lee J, Park J, Kim C. Development of a Non-Transformed Human Liver Cell Line with Differentiated-Hepatocyte and Urea-Synthetic Functions: Applicable for Bioartificial Liver. Int J Artif Organs 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/039139889902201111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to develop human hepatocyte cell lines which retain both replicating capacity and highly differentiated functions to facilitate the development of an efficient bioartificial liver. The present study was undertaken to differentiate, using sodium butyrate, the actively replicating immortalized human liver cell line. The effects of butyrate on cell growth and cell cycle were analyzed, and the albumin synthesis, cytochrome P450 and ammonia-detoxifying activity of the butyrate-treated cells were measured. Butyrate treatment resulted in G2/M arrest of the cell cycle and polygonal changes in the cell morphology. Neither the control nor the butyrate-treated cells showed transformed characteristics. Butyrate treatment increased the amount of albumin secretion, cytochrome P450 activity, and the urea production rate of the cells. The present study provides non-transformed human hepatocytes, which can replicate unlimitedly and then restore differentiated hepatocyte-specific functions by butyrate, and therefore, have applications for the development of an efficient bioartiflcial liver
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Affiliation(s)
- J-H. Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul - Korea
| | - H. V-S. Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul - Korea
| | - J.S. Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul - Korea
| | - J.B. Park
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul - Korea
| | - C.Y Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul - Korea
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Wei L, Dai Y, Zhou Y, He Z, Yao J, Zhao L, Guo Q, Yang L. Oroxylin A activates PKM1/HNF4 alpha to induce hepatoma differentiation and block cancer progression. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2944. [PMID: 28726775 PMCID: PMC5550876 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the second cause of death from cancer worldwide, without effective treatment. Traditional chemotherapy for liver cancer has big side effects for patients, whereas targeted drugs, such as sorafenib, commonly have drug resistance. Oroxylin A (OA) is the main bioactive flavonoids of Scutellariae radix, which has strong anti-hepatoma effect but low toxicity to normal tissue. To date, no differentiation-inducing agents have been reported to exert a curative effect on solid tumors. Here our results demonstrated that OA restrained the proliferation and induced differentiation of hepatoma both in vitro and in vivo, via inducing a high PKM1 (pyruvate kinase M1)/PKM2 (pyruvate kinase M2) ratio. In addition, inhibited expression of polypyrimidine tract-binding protein by OA was in charge of the decrease of PKM2 and increase of PKM1. Further studies demonstrated that increased PKM1 translocated into the nucleus and bound with HNF-4α (hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha) directly, promoting the transcription of HNF-4α-targeted genes. This work suggested that OA increased PKM1/PKM2 ratio, resulting in HNF-4α activation and hepatoma differentiation. Especially, OA showed reliable anticancer effect on both human primary hepatocellular carcinoma cells and patient-derived tumor xenograft model for hepatoma, and slowed down the development of primary hepatoma, suggesting that OA could be developed into a novel differentiation inducer agent for hepatoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 24 Tongjiaxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 24 Tongjiaxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 24 Tongjiaxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zihao He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 24 Tongjiaxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingyue Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 24 Tongjiaxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 24 Tongjiaxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qinglong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 24 Tongjiaxiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 24 Tongjiaxiang, People’s Republic of China
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He H, Li S, Hong Y, Zou H, Chen H, Ding F, Wan Y, Liu Z. Krüppel-like Factor 4 Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Differentiation by Up-regulating Keratin 13 Expression. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:13567-77. [PMID: 25851906 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.629717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell differentiation requires the coordinated activation and repression of genes specific to the differentiation process; disruption of this program accompanies malignant transformation of epithelium. The exploration of genes that control epidermal proliferation and terminal differentiation is vital to better understand esophageal carcinogenesis. KLF4 is a member of the KLF family of transcription factors and is involved in both cellular proliferation and differentiation. This study using immunohistochemistry analysis of KLF4 in clinical specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) demonstrated that decreased KLF4 was substantially associated with poor differentiation. Moreover, we determined that both KLF4 and KRT13 levels were undoubtedly augmented upon sodium butyrate-induced ESCC differentiation and G1 phase arrest. Conversely, silencing of KLF4 and KRT13 abrogated the inhibition of G1-S transition induced by sodium butyrate. Molecular investigation demonstrated that KLF4 transcriptionally regulated KRT13 and the expression of the two molecules appreciably correlated in ESCC tissues and cell lines. Collectively, these results suggest that KLF4 transcriptionally regulates KRT13 and is invovled in ESCC cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan He
- From the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China and
| | - Sheng Li
- From the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China and
| | - Yuan Hong
- From the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China and
| | - Haojing Zou
- From the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China and
| | - Hongyan Chen
- From the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China and
| | - Fang Ding
- From the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China and
| | - Yong Wan
- the Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Zhihua Liu
- From the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China and
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Nakao K, Ichikawa T. Recent topics on α-fetoprotein. Hepatol Res 2013; 43:820-5. [PMID: 23347387 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Revised: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Zinc-fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) and zinc-finger and BTB domain containing 20 (ZBTB20) repress the postnatal expression of α-fetoprotein (AFP) by interacting with the AFP gene promoter regions. ZHX2 inhibits the expression of AFP and cyclins A and E. ZBTB20 is negatively regulated by CUX1, which promotes cell-cycle progression, suggesting that AFP reactivation is closely linked to hepatocyte proliferation. A slight elevation in the serum AFP level often occurs in patients with chronic hepatitis C in the absence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is an independent risk factor for HCC development to complement the fibrosis stage. In addition, the sustained elevation of AFP after interferon therapy is a risk factor of HCC development. AFP levels are clinically useful in predicting the outcomes of liver transplantation and sorafenib therapy for HCC patients. A low preoperative AFP level is a predictor of long-term survival and is associated with a low recurrence rate of HCC after liver transplantation. AFP response (≥20% decrease in AFP during 6-8 weeks of treatment) rather than radiological outcomes is a significant prognostic factor for survival in sorafenib-treated HCC patients. Highly sensitive Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive AFP (AFP-L3) is 5-10 times more sensitive than conventional AFP-L3, and useful for early detection of HCC in patients with total AFP below 20 ng/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Wang HG, Huang XD, Shen P, Li LR, Xue HT, Ji GZ. Anticancer effects of sodium butyrate on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. Int J Mol Med 2013; 31:967-74. [PMID: 23440283 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2013.1285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the anticancer effects of sodium butyrate (NaBu) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro. As a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, NaBu upregulated Ac-H3 and inhibited HDAC4 protein expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. MTT assays showed that treatment with NaBu at high concentrations significantly inhibited the growth of various HCC cells. Exposure to NaBu for 24 h induced cell cycle arrest in the SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells. NaBu also induced the apoptosis of SMMC‑7721 cells. The expression levels of cell cycle- and apoptosis-related proteins were further investigated by western blot analysis using specific antibodies. The results provided a possible mechanism responsible for the inhibitory effects of NaBu on the growth of HCC cells. To further analyze the role of NaBu in cell migration, wound healing and Transwell assays were performed, indicating that NaBu significantly inhibits cell migration/invasion in HCC cells. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been associated with tumor cell migration and invasion. The EMT markers, E-cadherin, vimentin and N-cadherin, were regulated by TGF-β1, while NaBu inhibited this process in which HDAC4 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)7 may be involved. Based on our findings, we propose that NaBu may be useful as an anticancer drug for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Gang Wang
- Institute of Digestive Endoscopy and Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, PR China
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Jiang W, Guo Q, Wu J, Guo B, Wang Y, Zhao S, Lou H, Yu X, Mei X, Wu C, Qiao S, Wu Y. Dual effects of sodium butyrate on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 39:6235-42. [PMID: 22228088 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-1443-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sodium butyrate (NaBu), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, has been shown to inhibit cell growth, induce cell differentiation and apoptosis in multiple cell lines. In present study, we revealed the dual effects of NaBu in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. In two different HCC cell lines, SK-Hep1 and SMMC-7721, low concentrations of NaBu induced a significant increase in cell growth ratio and S-phase cell percentage, accompanied by a reduced p21 Cip1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels, while dissimilarly, high concentrations of NaBu inhibited cell growth and induced G1 arrest through up-regulation of p21 Cip1 and p27 Kip1 protein expression. The reduction of p45 Skp2 expression further indicated that the ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation might play a role in NaBu-induced up-regulation of p21 Cip1 and p27 Kip1. Moreover, the high concentration of NaBu was also able to trigger HCC cell apoptosis. Taken together, these results demonstrate the distinct effects of NaBu at different dosages. This finding may contribute to develop more effective tumor therapeutic protocols of NaBu in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
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Qian NS, Li R, Yu HC, Cao YX, Zhang FQ, Dou KF. Isolation and identification of heterogenic subpopulation from the HepG2 cell line by Rhodamine123 extrusion assay. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2008; 16:941-945. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v16.i9.941] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To establish a method to separate the different subpopulations of HepG2 cell line according to the ability of these cells to extrude the Rho123 dye.
METHODS: Using flow cytometry (FCM) in combination with different binding concentrations of Rho123 to analyze and sort subpopulations according to the ability of these cells to extrude the Rho123 dye. Viable cell count, soft agar cloning method, immunocytochemical staining and tumorigenicity investigation were performed to show the heterogeneity in Rholow and Rhohigh cells.
RESULTS: Rholow cells and Rhohigh cells were separated using FACS analysis according to the ability of these cells to extrude the Rho123 dye. Growth rate, soft agar cloning(50% vs 20%), expression of alpha-fetoproteins (AFP) (31/32 vs 20/26, P < 0.01) and tumorigenicity investigation (7/10 vs 1/10) were significantly increased in Rho123low compared with those in Rho123high subpopulation.
CONCLUSION: Subpopulations with stem cell properties of the HepG2 cell line can be enriched by Rho123/FCM, indicating that hepatocellular carcinoma is heterogeneous.
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Abstract
Entamoeba parasites multiply as trophozoites in the layer of mucus that overlies the colonic epithelium. In response to stimuli that are not understood, trophozoites stop multiplying and differentiate into cysts that are released to infect another host. In the colon, Entamoeba trophozoites are exposed to the large variety of biochemicals that are carried into or are produced within this organ. The normal bacterial population of the colon releases large amounts of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These compounds have effects on the growth, differentiation and repair of the colonic epithelium that correlate with de-creased activity of a Class I/II histone deacetylase (HDAC). We found that the formation of cysts, but not the growth of trophozoite-stage Entamoeba invadens parasites, was inhibited by physiologic concentrations of SCFAs. Variable levels of cyst formation did occur if SCFA concentrations were lowered. Specific inhibitors of Class I/II-type HDACs also prevented encystation, and trophozoites exposed to these compounds had increased levels of acetylation of histone H4 and other nuclear proteins. These results suggest that production of the infectious cyst stage of Entamoeba parasites is regulated in part by the levels of SCFAs made by the bacterial population of the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Byers
- Medical and Molecular Parasitology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA
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Ogawa K, Yasumura S, Atarashi Y, Minemura M, Miyazaki T, Iwamoto M, Higuchi K, Watanabe A. Sodium butyrate enhances Fas-mediated apoptosis of human hepatoma cells. J Hepatol 2004; 40:278-84. [PMID: 14739099 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2003.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Human hepatoma cells have been reported to be resistant to Fas-mediated apoptosis. Sodium butyrate (SB) induced apoptosis of several cancer cells. We investigated the effects of SB on Fas-mediated apoptosis of hepatoma cells. METHODS In hepatoma cells (HuH-6, HuH-7, Hep-G2, and PLC/PRF/5), susceptibility to Fas-mediated apoptosis and Fas expression were assessed. Caspase-3 activation and cell cycle progression were evaluated in HuH-6. A cDNA microarray assay was performed to screen the changes in the expression of mRNAs. RESULTS Pretreatment with SB caused an enhancement of the sensitivity to anti-Fas-mediated cytotoxicity, though it did not increase the expression of Fas. The cDNA microarray assay revealed up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bik, Bak, Bid and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase-1, and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bag-1 and cellular Fas-associated death domain-like interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme inhibitor protein. In some molecules, expression of the proteins was confirmed by Western blotting. An increase in truncated-Bid accompanying the reduction in Bid was also observed. CONCLUSIONS SB enhances the susceptibility of hepatoma cells to anti-Fas-mediated cytotoxicity by altering the mRNA and protein expression and/or the activation status of proteins that could be involved in the Fas signaling pathway. SB may have an important role in the elimination of hepatoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Ogawa
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0152, Japan
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Sun D, Gong Y, Kojima H, Wang G, Ravinsky E, Zhang M, Minuk GY. Increasing cell membrane potential and GABAergic activity inhibits malignant hepatocyte growth. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2003; 285:G12-9. [PMID: 12799308 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00513.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Increasing hepatocyte membrane potentials by augmenting GABAergic activity inhibits nonmalignant hepatocyte proliferative activity. The objectives of this study were to document 1) potential differences (PDs) of four malignant hepatocyte cell lines, 2) GABAA receptor mRNA expression in the same cell lines, and 3) effects of restoring malignant hepatocyte PDs to levels approximating those of resting, nonmalignant hepatocytes. Hepatocyte PDs were documented in nonmalignant and malignant (Chang, HepG2, HuH-7, and PLC/PRF/5) hepatocytes with a fluorescent voltage-sensitive dye and GABAA receptor expression by RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Compared with nonmalignant human hepatocytes, all four malignant cell lines were significantly depolarized (P < 0.0001, respectively). Only PLC/PRF/5 cells had detectable GABAA-beta3 receptor mRNA expression and all cell lines were negative for GABAA-beta3 receptor protein by Western blot analysis. Stable transfection of Chang cells with GABAA-beta3 receptor cDNA resulted in significant increases in PD and decreases in proliferative activity as manifest by decreased [3H]thymidine and bromodeoxyurieine incorporation rates, 4-[3-(4-lodophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio]-1,3-benzene disulfonate activity, a lower mitotic index, prolongation of cell-doubling times, and attenuated growth patterns compared with cells transfected with vector alone. Colony formation in soft agar and the number of abnormal mitoses were also significantly decreased in GABAA-beta3 receptor transfected cells. The results of this study indicate 1) relative to healthy hepatocytes, malignant hepatocytes are significantly depolarized, 2) GABAA-beta3 receptor expression is absent in malignant hepatocyte cell lines, and 3) increasing the PD of malignant hepatocytes is associated with less proliferative activity and a loss of malignant features.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sun
- Department of Medicine, Liver Diseases Unit, University of Manitoba Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E 3P4
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Kurita-Ochiai T, Ochiai K, Suzuki N, Otsuka K, Fukushima K. Human gingival fibroblasts rescue butyric acid-induced T-cell apoptosis. Infect Immun 2002; 70:2361-7. [PMID: 11953371 PMCID: PMC127923 DOI: 10.1128/iai.70.5.2361-2367.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that butyric acid, an extracellular metabolite from periodontopathic bacteria, induces cytotoxicity and apoptosis in murine thymocytes, splenic T cells, and human Jurkat T cells. In this study, we used a cell-to-cell interaction system to examine the contribution of gingival fibroblasts to the regulation of T-cell death induced by butyric acid. Butyric acid slightly suppressed fibroblast viability in a concentration-dependent fashion. However, DNA fragmentation assays indicated that butyric acid did not induce apoptosis for up to 21 h in human gingival fibroblasts (Gin 1, F41-G, and H. pulp cells). The culture supernatants were assayed for interleukin 1alpha (IL-1alpha), IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-11, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and transforming growth factor beta, but only the IL-6, IL-8, and IL-11 levels were significantly increased by addition of butyric acid. Butyric acid- or Fas-induced Jurkat-cell apoptosis was attenuated when Jurkat cells were cocultured with either F41-G or Gin 1 cells that had been preincubated for 6 h with butyric acid. IL-8 slightly stimulated butyric acid- or Fas-induced Jurkat-cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, although a low dose of IL-8 had a mildly inhibitory effect on apoptosis. In contrast, IL-6 and IL-11 significantly suppressed butyric acid- or Fas-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion. Furthermore, the addition of monoclonal antibodies against human IL-6 and IL-11 to cocultures of gingival fibroblasts and Jurkat cells partially eliminated T-cell recovery. These results suggest that the proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-11, produced in fibroblasts stimulated with butyric acid, are involved in the attenuation of T-cell apoptosis by gingival fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Kurita-Ochiai
- Department of Microbiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8587, Japan.
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Ito N, Sawa H, Nagane M, Noguchi A, Hara M, Saito I. Inhibitory effects of sodium butyrate on proliferation and invasiveness of human glioma cells. Neurosurgery 2001; 49:430-6; discussion 436-7. [PMID: 11504120 DOI: 10.1097/00006123-200108000-00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sodium butyrate (SB), a differentiation-inducing agent, has been demonstrated to inhibit cellular proliferation in a number of human cell lines. Its precise mechanisms remain to be clarified, however. We investigated molecular mechanisms of SB-induced growth suppression as well as the effects of SB on the invasiveness of human glioma cells. METHODS Human glioma U87MG and U251MG cells were treated with 1 or 2 mmol/L SB for 48 hours, and the inhibition of cell growth was assessed by spectrophotometric analysis. Cell cycle analysis was carried out by the 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation method, and expression of cell cycle-regulatory proteins was determined by immunoblotting. In addition, invasiveness was assessed using a Transwell chamber (Iwaki, Tokyo, Japan) with extracellular matrix substrate fibronectin or laminin (Iwaki). RESULTS SB treatment resulted in significantly suppressed proliferation of both U87MG and U251MG cells in a dose-dependent manner. It inhibited the G1-S transition, which was associated with increased expression of p21 and cyclin D1 and reduced pRb phosphorylation. Treatment with antisense oligonucleotide for Rb abrogated SB-induced G1 arrest. p21 up-regulation was independent of the p53 status of the glioma cells. SB treatment also inhibited invasiveness on fibronectin and laminin. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that SB may suppress the growth of human glioma cells through modulation of cell cycle progression and also may affect their invasiveness on extracellular matrix substrates, which suggests that SB may be a useful therapeutic agent in treating multiple aspects of malignant gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Akiru Municipal General Hospital, Akiruno, Tokyo, Japan.
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Ito N, Sawa H, Nagane M, Noguchi A, Hara M, Saito I. Inhibitory Effects of Sodium Butyrate on Proliferation and Invasiveness of Human Glioma Cells. Neurosurgery 2001. [DOI: 10.1227/00006123-200108000-00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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Ebinuma H, Saito H, Kosuga M, Wakabayashi K, Saito Y, Takagi T, Nakamoto N, Okuyama T, Ishii H. Reduction of c-myc expression by an antisense approach under Cre/loxP switching induces apoptosis in human liver cancer cells. J Cell Physiol 2001; 188:56-66. [PMID: 11382922 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.1195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
c-Myc has been documented to be both a positive and a negative signal for the induction of apoptosis. It is well known that overexpression of the c-myc gene induces apoptosis of normal cells, but the result of a reduction in its expression is not fully understood. We examined whether a reduction in c-myc expression would induce apoptosis in human liver cancer cells. Specifically, antisense and sense oligodeoxynucleotides (oligos) against the human c-myc mRNA were synthesized, mixed with a liposome reagent at various ratios, and were applied to the liver cancer-derived cell lines, HCC-T, HepG2, and PLC/PRF/5. To exclude effects resulting from using oligos, plasmid vectors expressing the full-length c-myc cDNA in both sense and antisense orientations under the control of the Cre/loxP system were generated. Monoclonal cell lines including these plasmid vectors were produced and Cre was supplied by adenovirus infection. Apoptosis was determined morphologically and c-Myc and Bcl-2 expression was examined by Western blotting. The antisense myc significantly inhibited the proliferation of the cells within two days, while neither the liposome reagent alone nor sense myc did so. Most of the cells were rounded up by the antisense-treatment and nuclear fragmentation and DNA ladder formation were detected after two days in antisense c-myc-treated cells. Antisense c-myc largely reduced c-Myc and partially Bcl-2 expression; overexpression of Bcl-2 partially rescued from apoptosis in HCC-T and HepG2 cells. These results suggest that the massive reduction in c-myc mRNA induces apoptosis in liver cancer cell lines and consequent decrease in Bcl-2 enhances the cell death. c-Myc reduction under the Cre/loxP switching system may be a useful tool for the clarification of c-myc-related cellular mechanisms in differentiation and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ebinuma
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160, Japan
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18
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Tanaka K, Kondoh N, Shuda M, Matsubara O, Imazeki N, Ryo A, Wakatsuki T, Hada A, Goseki N, Igari T, Hatsuse K, Aihara T, Horiuchi S, Yamamoto N, Yamamoto M. Enhanced expression of mRNAs of antisecretory factor-1, gp96, DAD1 and CDC34 in human hepatocellular carcinomas. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2001; 1536:1-12. [PMID: 11335099 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4439(01)00026-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To identify differentially expressed genes in hepatocarcinogenesis, we performed differential display analysis using surgically resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues. We identified four cDNA fragments upregulated in HCC samples, encoding antisecretory factor-1 (AF), gp96, DAD1 and CDC34. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that these mRNAs were expressed preferentially in HCCs compared with adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues or normal liver tissues from non-HCC patients. The expression of these mRNAs was increased along with the histological grading of HCC tissues. These mRNA levels were also high in three human HCC cell lines (HuH-7, HepG2 and HLF), irrespective of the growth state. We also demonstrate that sodium butyrate, an inducer of differentiation, downregulated the expression of AF and gp96 mRNAs, supporting in part our pathological observation. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that gp96 and CDC34 proteins were preferentially accumulated in cytoplasm and nuclei of HCC cells, respectively. Overexpression of these genes could be an important manifestation of HCC phenotypes and should provide clues to understand the molecular basis of hepatocellular carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Tanaka
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Virology, School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
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19
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Bras-Gonçalves RA, Pocard M, Formento JL, Poirson-Bichat F, De Pinieux G, Pandrea I, Arvelo F, Ronco G, Villa P, Coquelle A, Milano G, Lesuffleur T, Dutrillaux B, Poupon MF. Synergistic efficacy of 3n-butyrate and 5-fluorouracil in human colorectal cancer xenografts via modulation of DNA synthesis. Gastroenterology 2001; 120:874-88. [PMID: 11231942 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2001.22440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Butyrate, produced in the colon lumen, maintains mucosal cell homeostasis. Poorly diffusible, its access is compromised in growing colon cancers and absent in distant metastases. Butyrate regulates DNA synthesis. We postulated that systemic administration of butyrate should reduce colon cancer growth and enhance 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) efficacy. METHODS A stable derivative of butyrate (3n-But) was used. The antitumoral efficacy of 5-FU and 3n-But, alone or combined, was evaluated in human colorectal cancers (hCRCs) subcutaneously, orthotopically, or intrasplenically grafted into nude mice. Thymidylate synthase (TS) and thymidine kinase (TK) mRNA expression, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle alterations were studied. RESULTS In vivo, 5-FU alone inhibited growth of only 3 of the 12 hCRCs tested and 3n-But alone had no effect; the 5-FU/3n-But combination inhibited growth of all 16 hCRCs tested. The hCRCs differed in their p53 and microsatellite instability status. 5-FU/3n-But decreased TK and TS mRNA expression by 20- and 40-fold, respectively, and TS activity by 75%, stopped cell proliferation without affecting cell differentiation, and significantly enhanced apoptosis. 3n-But potentiated the efficacy of Tomudex and methotrexate, 2 TS inhibitors, but not that of oxaliplatin. In vitro, 5-FU/3n-But inhibited [3H]thymidine but not bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and induced apoptosis in hCRC cell lines. Cells treated with 5-FU/3n-But did not accumulate in G1 nor in S phase of the cell cycle, while 5-FU and 3n-But arrested the cycle in S and in G1 phase, respectively. 3n-But prevented the cell rescue from 5-FU-induced cytotoxicity by uridine or thymidine. CONCLUSIONS 3n-But and TS inhibitors acted synergistically against colorectal cancers, independently of the genetic alterations of the hCRCs. The mechanism of action of 5-FU/3n-But could be enhanced reduction of TS and prevention of thymidine salvage in DNA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Bras-Gonçalves
- Laboratoire de Cytogénétique Moléculaire et Oncologie, UMR 147 CNRS-Institut Curie, Paris, France
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20
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Kurita-Ochiai T, Ochiai K, Fukushima K. Butyric-acid-induced apoptosis in murine thymocytes and splenic T- and B-cells occurs in the absence of p53. J Dent Res 2000; 79:1948-54. [PMID: 11201044 DOI: 10.1177/00220345000790120501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Butyric acid, an extracellular metabolite from periodontopathic bacteria, induces apoptosis in murine thymocytes, splenic T-cells, and human Jurkat T-cells. The present study examines the contributions of apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Bax, and p21WAF1/CIP1) in the regulation of T-cell death induced by butyric acid, using p53 knock-out (p53-/-) and wild-type (p53+/+) mice. The results of a DNA fragmentation assay indicated that thymocytes, splenic T-cells, and B-cells from p53-/- mice were susceptible to butyric-acid-induced apoptosis to a degree similar to those from p53+/+ mice. Moreover, butyric acid significantly induced apoptosis in lymphocytes from both p53+/+ and p53-/- mice in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. Experiments with fractionated subpopulations of splenic T-cells revealed that DNA fragmentation was equally observed in CD4+ and CD8+ splenic T-cells from both p53+/+ and p53-/- lymphocytes. Activation of caspase-3, caspase-6, and caspase-8, but not of caspase-1, in butyric-acid-induced T-cell apoptosis occurred regardless of the presence of p53. Western blotting analysis of splenic T-cells showed that butyric acid treatment decreased Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL expressions in p53+/+ and p53-/- cells. Splenic T-cells had barely detectable Bax and p21WAF1/CIP1, regardless of whether butyric acid and/or p53 was present. These results suggest that butyric-acid-mediated apoptosis of murine T-cells takes place via a pathway that is independent of p53, and is followed by the p53-regulated proteins Bax and p21WAF1/CIP1, which lower the levels of the apoptosis antagonists Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kurita-Ochiai
- Department of Microbiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Matsudo-shi, Chiba, Japan.
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21
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Abstract
Data derived from models of hepatic regeneration indicate that transient, reciprocal changes in polyamines, potent growth promoters, and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), an amino acid neurotransmitter with growth inhibitory properties, play important roles in enhancing and inhibiting respectively regulated hepatocyte proliferation. Based on these findings and supportive data derived from studies of human carcinoma tissues and malignant cell lines we propose that permanent increases in polyamine and decreases in GABAergic activity act in concert to contribute to the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Y Minuk
- Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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22
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Zhang M, Gong Y, Assy N, Minuk GY. Increased GABAergic activity inhibits alpha-fetoprotein mRNA expression and the proliferative activity of the HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. J Hepatol 2000; 32:85-91. [PMID: 10673071 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(00)80193-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a potent inhibitory neurotransmitter with growth regulatory properties. Recent data indicate that increased GABAergic activity inhibits hepatocyte proliferation in regenerating livers. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether GABA inhibits the growth of malignant hepatocytes. METHODS Increasing concentrations of muscimol (0.05-50 microM), a specific GABA(A) receptor agonist, were added to HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and albumin mRNA expression were determined for varying periods of time (maximum 24 h) thereafter. Cell proliferation was also documented after 48 h of exposure to muscimol. RESULTS Muscimol significantly (p<0.0001) decreased AFP mRNA expression (maximum decrease: 65% below baseline values) without affecting albumin mRNA expression. However, the effect on AFP mRNA was transient (maximum duration: 3-6 h) and not associated with changes in cell proliferation. Because preliminary data indicate that GABA(A) receptor activity is markedly downregulated in malignant hepatocytes, transfection studies were performed wherein HepG2 cells were cotransfected with GABA(A) receptor beta2 and beta2 subunit genes in a pCDM8 expression vector or vector alone followed by re-exposure to either muscimol (5 betaM) or saline. In this series of experiments, in addition to AFP mRNA inhibition being as extensive and more prolonged (maximum duration: 6-12 h) in muscimol-treated, GABA(A) receptor-transfected cells, proliferative activity was also significantly inhibited when compared to saline-treated GABA(A) receptor-transfected controls (p<0.01) and muscimol-treated cells transfected with vector alone (p<0.005). CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that increased GABAergic activity inhibits AFP mRNA expression and cell proliferation in this malignant hepatocyte cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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23
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Nakao K, Nakata K, Yamashita M, Tamada Y, Hamasaki K, Ishikawa H, Kato Y, Eguchi K, Ishii N. p48 (ISGF-3gamma) is involved in interferon-alpha-induced suppression of hepatitis B virus enhancer-1 activity. J Biol Chem 1999; 274:28075-8. [PMID: 10497156 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.40.28075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) suppresses hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene expression by reducing its enhancer-1 activity. IFN-alpha induces transcription factors, interferon-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3), and interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1), which activate interferon-inducible gene expression through binding to the interferon-stimulated regulatory element (ISRE) "AGTTTCNNTTTCNC" in the gene promoters. We found the ISRE-like sequence "AGGCTTTCACTTTCTC" in the HBV enhancer-1 region and elucidated the role of this sequence. Gel mobility shift assay showed binding of in vitro translated IRF-1 and in vitro translated p48 (ISGF3-gamma), which is a component of ISGF3 to this sequence. However, nuclear extracts binding to this sequence from human hepatoma cells (HuH-7) treated with IFN-alpha contained only the protein consisted of p48. In transfection experiments, IFN-alpha suppressed the HBV enhancer-1 activity, and overexpression of p48 enhanced this inhibitory effect. Both mutation and deletion of the ISRE-like sequence in the HBV enhancer-1 region reduced the suppressive effect of IFN-alpha. Our results suggest that the ISRE-like sequence in the HBV enhancer-1 can interact with the protein containing p48 and mediate the IFN-alpha-induced suppression of the enhancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Nakao
- Health Research Center, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan.
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24
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Mazume H, Nakata K, Hida D, Hamasaki K, Tsuruta S, Nakao K, Kato Y, Eguchi K. Effect of simvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, on alpha-fetoprotein gene expression through interaction with the ras-mediated pathway. J Hepatol 1999; 30:904-10. [PMID: 10365819 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(99)80146-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The ras proto-oncogene encodes a small GTP-binding protein (Ras) which regulates cell growth and differentiation by relaying signals from the cell surface to the nucleus. In the present study, the role of Ras signal transduction pathway in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene expression was evaluated in HuH-7 human hepatoma cells using simvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, which blocks Ras function through inhibition of farnesylation, and the ras(val-12) expression vector. METHODS The HuH-7 cells were treated with simvastatin (10 micromol/l), or both simvastatin and mevalonate (300 micromol/l), and numbers of viable cells were counted after treatment. To elucidate the effects of simvastatin on AFP gene expression and the interactive effect of simvastatin on Ras signal transduction pathway, Northern blotting and transient chloramphenicol acetyltransferase plasmid transfection assays were performed. RESULTS Cell growth was inhibited by simvastatin, and this growth inhibition was restored by addition of mevalonate. Levels of AFP mRNA but not albumin mRNA were elevated by simvastatin in a dose-dependent manner (1-10 micromol/l). AFP promoter and enhancer activities were stimulated by simvastatin. In contrast, both activities were repressed by transfection with the ras(val-12) expression vector. The ras(val-12)-mediated repression was restored by simvastatin and returned to the repressed level by simvastatin plus mevalonate. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the Ras signal transduction pathway functions to down-regulate the AFP gene transcription in human hepatoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Mazume
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Japan
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25
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Abstract
The cellular basis of AFP synthesis in normal development, liver regeneration, hepatocarcinogenesis and in tumors is discussed in the review. The attempt is made to interpret the production of AFP by germ cell and liver tumors as a consequence of their origin from the cell types producing AFP in normal conditions. Thus, AFP in germ cell tumors is explained by the development of the yolk sac visceral endoderm (YSVE) in teratocarcinomas, since YSVE is the first site of AFP synthesis in the embryo. The next site of AFP production is embryonal hepatoblast and just hepatoblastomas are the maximal producers of AFP among liver cancers. The reason for AFP resumption in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) is not yet clear. This problem is discussed in the light of possible role of oval cells in the HCC origin and the concept of the two states of the mature hepatocyte, associated and non-associated with AFP production. The crucial role of extracellular matrix in the control of AFP-producing state of hepatocyte is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- G I Abelev
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry, N.N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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26
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Ishikawa H, Nakata K, Mawatari F, Ueki T, Tsuruta S, Ido A, Nakao K, Kato Y, Ishii N, Eguchi K. Utilization of variant-type of human alpha-fetoprotein promoter in gene therapy targeting for hepatocellular carcinoma. Gene Ther 1999; 6:465-70. [PMID: 10476206 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3300870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that the retroviral vector (LNAFW0.3TK) expressing the herpes simplex thymidine kinase (HSVtk) gene under the control of the 0.3 kb human alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter provided the ganciclovir (GCV)-mediated cytotoxicity in the high AFP-producing (HuH-7) but not in the low AFP-producing (huH-1/cl.2) human hepatoma cells. In the present study, we constructed the retroviral vector (LNAFM0.3TK) in which the HSVtk gene expression is regulated by the variant-type of the 0.3 kb human AFP promoter with a G-to-A substitution at nucleotide -119, a point mutation responsible for hereditary persistence of human AFP and the vector was applied to three human hepatoma cell lines HuH-7, huH-1/cl.2 and intermediate AFP-producing cells (PLC/PRF/5). By the reporter gene transfection assay, the activity of the variant-type of the promoter was much higher than that of the wild-type of the promoter in both HuH-7 and huH-1/cl.2 cells. Consistent with this, LNAFM0.3TK infection could sensitize huH-1/cl.2 cells, as well as HuH-7 and PLC/PRF/5 cells to GCV, but did not affect cell growth of nonhepatoma cells (HeLa). In addition, the bystander effect was achieved more efficiently by LNAFM0.3TK infection than LNAFW0.3TK infection in HuH-7 cells. These results suggest that the variant-type of the human AFP promoter ensures the therapeutic gene expression in gene therapy particularly for the low AFP-producing hepatoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ishikawa
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Japan
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27
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Lallemand F, Courilleau D, Buquet-Fagot C, Atfi A, Montagne MN, Mester J. Sodium butyrate induces G2 arrest in the human breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and renders them competent for DNA rereplication. Exp Cell Res 1999; 247:432-40. [PMID: 10066371 DOI: 10.1006/excr.1998.4370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
When exposed to sodium butyrate (NaBut), exponentially growing cells accumulate in G1 and G2 phases of the cell cycle. In the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, an arrest in G2 phase was observed when the cells were released from hydroxyurea block (G1/S interface) in the presence of NaBut. The inhibition of G2 progression was correlated with increased contents both of total p21(Waf1) and of p21(Waf1) associated with cyclin A and with an inhibition of cyclin A- and B1-associated histone H1 kinase activities measured in cell lysates, as well as with dephosphorylation of the RB protein. A decrease in the cell contents of cyclins A and B1 was also observed but this decrease was preceded by p21(Waf1) accumulation. When NaBut was removed from the culture medium of cells blocked in G2 phase, p21(Waf1) level decreased and, instead of proceeding to mitosis, these cells resumed a progression toward DNA rereplication. These results suggest that the induction of p21(Waf1) by NaBut leads to the inhibition of the sequential activation of cyclin A- and B1-dependent kinases in this cell line, resulting in the inhibition of G2 progression and rendering the cells competent for a new cell division cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Lallemand
- Hôpital Saint-Antoine, 184, rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, Paris Cedex 12, 75571, France
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28
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Niki T, Rombouts K, De Bleser P, De Smet K, Rogiers V, Schuppan D, Yoshida M, Gabbiani G, Geerts A. A histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A, suppresses myofibroblastic differentiation of rat hepatic stellate cells in primary culture. Hepatology 1999; 29:858-67. [PMID: 10051490 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510290328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells are the major cellular sources of extracellular matrix in chronic liver diseases leading to fibrosis. We explored the antifibrogenic effect of two histone deacetylase inhibitors, sodium butyrate and trichostatin A (TSA), on this cell type in vitro. Primary hepatic stellate cells as well as culture activated cells were exposed to butyrate (0.01-1 mmol/L) or TSA (1-100 nmol/L); their effect on collagen types I and III and smooth muscle alpha-actin was examined by quantitative immunoprecipitation and by Northern analysis. Their antiproliferative effect was examined by 3H-thymidine incorporation and cell counting. Hyperacetylation of histones was demonstrated by acid urea/Triton-X-100 (AUT) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Possible cytotoxic effects were judged on stellate cells by evaluating de novo total protein synthesis, and on hepatocytes by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, albumin secretion, and epoxide hydrolase and ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activity. TSA at 100 nmol/L and butyrate at 1 mmol/L retarded the morphological changes characteristic for activation of primary stellate cells. TSA at 100 nmol/L inhibited synthesis of collagen types I and III and smooth muscle alpha-actin by 62%, 70%, and 88%. Butyrate at 1 mmol/L showed a modest inhibitory effect on collagen type III and smooth muscle alpha-actin, but had no effect on collagen type I. Northern analysis suggested that these inhibitory effects on collagen type III and smooth muscle alpha-actin were transcriptional, while the effect on collagen type I was largely posttranscriptional. At 100 nmol/L, TSA strongly suppressed proliferation of primary hepatic stellate cells. Inhibition of activation of stellate cells was preceded by hyperacetylation of histone H4. When tested on cells at day 14 in culture, butyrate had no inhibitory effects on the synthesis of collagens or smooth muscle alpha-actin. One hundred or 10 nmol/L TSA modestly inhibited the synthesis of collagens type I (-24%,-22%) and III (-34%,-22%), and smooth muscle alpha-actin (-27%,-12%). We conclude that TSA inhibits transdifferentiation of stellate cells into myofibroblasts by interfering with the level of acetylation of histone H4.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Niki
- Laboratory for Cell Biology and Histology, Phytochemistry, and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Belgium
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29
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Khan KN, Tsutsumi T, Nakata K, Kato Y. Sodium butyrate induces alkaline phosphatase gene expression in human hepatoma cells. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1999; 14:156-62. [PMID: 10029297 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.1999.01818.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Butyrate, a natural product of colonic bacterial flora, has been reported to increase the activities of a number of enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase, (ALP) in several cancer cell lines. However, butyrate-induced ALP gene expression in human hepatoma cells has not been previously demonstrated. In the present study, the effects of sodium butyrate on cell growth and proliferation, cellular activity and expression of ALP gene in human hepatoblastoma-derived HepG2 cells were investigated. METHODS The HepG2 cells were treated with sodium butyrate (0-1 mmol/L) and the number of viable cells were counted at 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment. A [3H]-thymidine incorporation study was performed at different concentrations of sodium butyrate for 48 h. The cellular activity of ALP in HepG2 cells by sodium butyrate was measured by a substrate-specific enzymatic assay. To elucidate the effects of sodium butyrate on ALP gene expression, a northern blotting experiment employing hybridization with mouse placental ALP cDNA was performed. RESULTS Cell growth and proliferation were dose-dependently inhibited by sodium butyrate. Cellular ALP activity was significantly increased in HepG2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent fashion by treatment with sodium butyrate and a maximum activity was observed at 48 h. These effects were reversible when sodium butyrate was removed from the culture medium. By northern blot analysis, the level of ALP messenger RNA was dose-dependently elevated by sodium butyrate. CONCLUSION Butyrate, at a concentration relevant to the normal physiology of the liver, causes augmented expression of ALP mRNA in HepG2 cells. We assume that increased ALP synthesis in HepG2 cells by sodium butyrate results from an enhanced rate of transcription rather than translation of mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- K N Khan
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Japan.
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30
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Saito H, Ebinuma H, Takahashi M, Kaneko F, Wakabayashi K, Nakamura M, Ishii H. Loss of butyrate-induced apoptosis in human hepatoma cell lines HCC-M and HCC-T having substantial Bcl-2 expression. Hepatology 1998; 27:1233-40. [PMID: 9581676 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510270508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
We have demonstrated that sodium butyrate induces differentiation in human hepatoma cells; however, recent studies have shown that this agent causes apoptosis in some types of cancer cells. In this study, we examined whether sodium butyrate causes apoptosis in the human hepatoma cell lines, HCC-M and HCC-T. The growth of human hepatoma cells was dose-dependently reduced by sodium butyrate. Flow cytometric analysis showed cell-cycle arrest at the G1 phase in the sodium butyrate-treated cells. Apoptotic change was never found in treated cells at concentration levels of less than 5 mmol/L. Sodium butyrate decreased p53 expression and increased p21WAF-1 expression in HCC-T and HCC-M cells having the wild-type p53 gene. Western blot analysis showed that Bcl-2 was expressed in the HCC-T and HCC-M cells, and its expression was increased after exposure to sodium butyrate. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide against bcl-2 easily caused apoptosis. These results indicate that sodium butyrate hardly induces apoptotic change in the human hepatoma cell lines, HCC-T and HCC-M, with the increase of Bcl-2 expression. Cell-cycle arrest in the G1 phase caused by sodium butyrate was suggested to be induced by the increase in p21WAF-1 expression, but this change did not link with the p53 increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Saito
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
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31
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Weaver GA, Tangel CT, Krause JA, Parfitt MM, Jenkins PL, Rader JM, Lewis BA, Miller TL, Wolin MJ. Acarbose enhances human colonic butyrate production. J Nutr 1997; 127:717-23. [PMID: 9164992 DOI: 10.1093/jn/127.5.717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Earlier studies suggest that butyrate has colonic differentiating and nutritional effects and that acarbose increases butyrate production. To determine the effects of acarbose on colonic fermentation, subjects were given 50-200 mg acarbose or placebo (cornstarch), three times per day, with meals in a double-blind crossover study. Fecal concentrations of starch and starch-fermenting bacteria were measured and fecal fermentation products determined after incubation of fecal suspensions with and without added substrate for 6 and 24 h. Substrate additions were cornstarch, cornstarch plus acarbose and potato starch. Dietary starch consumption was similar during acarbose and placebo treatment periods, but fecal starch concentrations were found to be significantly greater with acarbose treatment. Ratios of starch-fermenting to total anaerobic bacteria were also significantly greater with acarbose treatment. Butyrate in feces, measured either as concentration or as percentage of total short-chain fatty acids, was significantly greater with acarbose treatment than with placebo treatment. Butyrate ranged from 22.3 to 27.5 mol/100 mol for the 50-200 mg, three times per day doses of acarbose compared with 18.3-19.3 mol/100 mol for the comparable placebo periods. The propionate in fecal total short-chain fatty acids was significantly less with acarbose treatment (10.7-12.1 mol/100 mol) than with placebo treatment (13.7-14.2 mol/100 mol). Butyrate production was significantly greater in fermentations in samples collected during acarbose treatment, whereas production of acetate and propionate was significantly less. Fermentation decreased when acarbose was added directly to cornstarch fermentations. Acarbose effectively augmented colonic butyrate production by several mechanisms; it reduced starch absorption, expanded concentrations of starch-fermenting and butyrate-producing bacteria and inhibited starch use by acetate- and propionate-producing bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Weaver
- Department of Medicine, The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
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Jasinskas A, Kersulyte D, Langmore J, Steponaviciute D, Jasinskiene N, Gineitis A. Turnover of histone acetyl groups during sea urchin early development is not required for histone, heat shock and actin gene transcription. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1997; 1351:168-80. [PMID: 9116030 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4781(96)00193-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Histone acetylation is an extremely complex, reversible and specific process. In order to evaluate the importance of this modification for gene expression during sea urchin development, acetyl group turnover of histone lysine residues was blocked by sodium butyrate. The continuous presence of 15 Mm sodium butyrate in the incubation medium from the onset of development blocked gastrulation and resulted in chromatin containing hyperacetylated histone molecules in amounts usually not found in nature. At the mesenchyme blastula stage, the expression of the early histone genes was shut off and the expression of the late genes was switched on both in control and sodium butyrate-treated embryos. Investigation of the early histone gene chromatin structure in butyrate-treated embryos revealed a random distribution of nucleosomes when the genes were transcriptionally active as compared to regular nucleosomal packaging when genes were inactive. These changes in chromatin structure during development mimicked the chromatin structural transition of the early histone genes in control embryos. In addition, the ability of heat shock genes to be induced at elevated temperature and repressed at normal temperature was unaffected in butyrate treatment of embryos. Finally, the developmental profiles of the cytoskeletal CyIIIa actin gene expression in control and butyrate-treated embryos were very similar. The data presented suggest that turnover of histone acetyl groups and the overall level of histone acetylation are not determining factors in the up and down regulation of a number of genes during early development of sea urchin.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jasinskas
- Department of Developmental Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Dusetti NJ, Montalto G, Ortiz EM, Masciotra L, Dagorn JC, Iovanna JL. Mechanism of PAP I gene induction during hepatocarcinogenesis: clinical implications. Br J Cancer 1996; 74:1767-75. [PMID: 8956791 PMCID: PMC2077207 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.1996.628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatitis-associated protein I (PAP I) is a secretory protein first described as an acute phase reactant during acute pancreatitis. Recently, induction of the PAP I gene was also described in liver during hepatocarcinogenesis. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of this induction, we used constructs carrying progressive deletions of the PAP I promoter fused to the CAT gene. We showed that the silencer conferring tissue specificity on the PAP I gene was inactive in hepatoma cells. Then, in an vitro transcription system, we compared the transcription capacity of nuclear extracts from normal liver and HepG2 cells on constructs containing the silencer. The results confirmed that a trans-acting factor interacting with the PAP I silencer was present in liver cells and absent from hepatoma cells. On the other hand, immunohistochemistry showed that PAP I was expressed in a limited number of transformed hepatocytes. It was concluded that expression of PAP I in hepatocarcinoma occurred through inactivation of its silencer element and was not concomitant in all malignant cells. On that basis, we assayed PAP I in serum from patients with chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis or hepatocarcinoma. PAP I levels were normal in chronic active or persistent hepatitis, significantly higher in cirrhosis and strongly elevated in hepatocarcinoma. Because those clinical entities often develop in that sequence, serum PAP I appeared as a potential marker of hepatocarcinoma development.
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MESH Headings
- Acute-Phase Proteins/genetics
- Acute-Phase Proteins/metabolism
- Adult
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood
- Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase/genetics
- Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase/metabolism
- DNA Footprinting
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genes, Reporter
- Hepatitis, Chronic/blood
- Humans
- Lectins, C-Type
- Liver/metabolism
- Liver Cirrhosis/blood
- Liver Neoplasms/blood
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pancreatitis-Associated Proteins
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/physiology
- Rats
- Sequence Deletion
- Transcription, Genetic
- Transcriptional Activation
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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