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Li AH, Park SY, Li P, Zhou C, Kluz T, Li J, Costa M, Sun H. Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Anti-Cancer Effects of Isorhapontigenin (ISO) on Highly Invasive Human T24 Bladder Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1783. [PMID: 38339062 PMCID: PMC10855786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031783] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer, the most common malignancy of the urinary tract, has a poor overall survival rate when the tumor becomes muscle invasive. The discovery and evaluation of new alternative medications targeting high-grade muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) are of tremendous importance in reducing bladder cancer mortality. Isorhapontigenin (ISO), a stilbene derivative from the Chinese herb Gnetum cleistostachyum, exhibits a strong anti-cancer effect on MIBCs. Here, we report the whole transcriptome profiling of ISO-treated human bladder cancer T24 cells. A total of 1047 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 596 downregulated and 451 upregulated genes. Functional annotation and pathway analysis revealed that ISO treatment induced massive changes in gene expression associated with cell movement, migration, invasion, metabolism, proliferation, and angiogenesis. Additionally, ISO treatment-activated genes involved in the inflammatory response but repressed genes involved in hypoxia signaling, glycolysis, the actin cytoskeleton, and the tumor microenvironment. In summary, our whole transcriptome analysis demonstrated a shift in metabolism and altered actin cytoskeleton in ISO-treated T24 cells, which subsequently contribute to tumor microenvironment remodeling that suppresses tumor growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Sun
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 341 East 25th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA; (A.H.L.); (S.Y.P.); (P.L.); (C.Z.); (T.K.); (J.L.); (M.C.)
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El Sayed SM. Al-Hijamah (Prophetic Wet Cupping Therapy) is a Novel Adjuvant Treatment for Viral Hepatitis That Excretes Viral Particles and Excess Ferritin Percutaneously, Synergizes Pharmacotherapy, Enhances Antiviral Immunity and Helps Better HCC Prevention and Treatment: A Novel Evidence-Based Combination with Prophetic Medicine Remedies. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1527-1546. [PMID: 37727876 PMCID: PMC10505647 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s409526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis progresses to liver cirrhosis and HCC. Several challenges are facing Sovaldi treatment to viral C hepatitis, eg, viral resistance, difficulty to treat all genotypes, and inability to access treatments in low-income countries. Also, current treatments to Hepatitis B are still challenging. Ideal treatments to viral hepatitis should decrease the viral load, enhance antiviral immunity and repair the viruses-induced tissue damage. That is still beyond reach. High serum ferritin in viral hepatitis correlates with chronicity, increased necro-inflammation, hepatotoxicity, progression to cirrhosis, progression to HCC, unresponsiveness to treatments and viremia. Previously, Al-hijamah (wet cupping therapy of prophetic medicine) significantly cleared thalassemic children of causative pathological substances (CPS), eg, excess ferritin, free radicals and serum lipids. Moreover, Al-hijamah significantly increased the antioxidant power and potentiated the natural antiviral immunity, eg, increasing CD4 count, CD8 count and CD4/CD8 ratio. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said: "If there is a benenvolence (benefit) in any of your medicines, benefit will be in shrtat mihjam (Al-hijamah), honey drink, and a stinge of fire compatible with disease and I do not like to cauterize". Likewise, the author suggests Al-hijamah as a novel promising adjuvant treatment for viral hepatitis (B and C) for percutaneous excretion of CPS as hepatitis viral particles, excess ferritin, inflammatory mediators, free radicals, and antigen-antibody complexes. Published reports proved that Al-hijamah exerted tissue-protective effects, and cleared blood through the fenestrated skin capillaries in a pressure-dependent and size-dependent manner (a kidney-like manner). That collectively may decrease the viral load for better HCC prevention and supports the evidence-based Taibah theory (Taibah mechanism). Same therapeutic benefits apply to other viral illnesses as AIDS. Even after HCC development, Al-hijamah is quite mandatory for excretion and clearance of CPS that favor malignancy, eg, lactate (Warburg effect), growth factors, metalloproteinases, and others. Al-hijamah-induced immune potentiation benefits HCC patients. Combining Al-hijamah with other natural antioxidant remedies of prophetic medicine, eg, nigella sativa, costus, natural honey, Zamzam water and others will maximize the therapeutic benefits. In conclusion, Al-hijamah and other prophetic medicine remedies are recommended adjuvants to current pharmacological treatments to viral hepatitis and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Mohamed El Sayed
- Al-Hijamah Clinic, Medical University Center, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, Taibah College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Prophetic Medicine Course & Research, Taibah College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
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Antropova EA, Khlebodarova TM, Demenkov PS, Volianskaia AR, Venzel AS, Ivanisenko NV, Gavrilenko AD, Ivanisenko TV, Adamovskaya AV, Revva PM, Kolchanov NA, Lavrik IN, Ivanisenko VA. Reconstruction of the regulatory hypermethylation network controlling hepatocellular carcinoma development during hepatitis C viral infection. J Integr Bioinform 2023; 20:jib-2023-0013. [PMID: 37978846 PMCID: PMC10757076 DOI: 10.1515/jib-2023-0013] [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: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been associated with hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection as a potential risk factor. Nonetheless, the precise genetic regulatory mechanisms triggered by the virus, leading to virus-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, remain unclear. We hypothesized that HCV proteins might modulate the activity of aberrantly methylated HCC genes through regulatory pathways. Virus-host regulatory pathways, interactions between proteins, gene expression, transport, and stability regulation, were reconstructed using the ANDSystem. Gene expression regulation was statistically significant. Gene network analysis identified four out of 70 HCC marker genes whose expression regulation by viral proteins may be associated with HCC: DNA-binding protein inhibitor ID - 1 (ID1), flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). It suggested the following viral protein effects in HCV/human protein heterocomplexes: HCV NS3(p70) protein activates human STAT3 and NOTC1; NS2-3(p23), NS5B(p68), NS1(E2), and core(p21) activate SETD2; NS5A inhibits SMYD3; and NS3 inhibits CCN2. Interestingly, NS3 and E1(gp32) activate c-Jun when it positively regulates CDKN2A and inhibit it when it represses TERT. The discovered regulatory mechanisms might be key areas of focus for creating medications and preventative therapies to decrease the likelihood of HCC development during HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tamara M. Khlebodarova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Kurchatov Genomic Center of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Pavel S. Demenkov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Kurchatov Genomic Center of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | | | - Artur S. Venzel
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Kurchatov Genomic Center of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nikita V. Ivanisenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Kurchatov Genomic Center of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexandr D. Gavrilenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Timofey V. Ivanisenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Kurchatov Genomic Center of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Anna V. Adamovskaya
- Kurchatov Genomic Center of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Polina M. Revva
- Kurchatov Genomic Center of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nikolay A. Kolchanov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Inna N. Lavrik
- Translational Inflammation Research, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39106Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Vladimir A. Ivanisenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Kurchatov Genomic Center of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Nogales JMS, Parras J, Zazo S. DDQN-based optimal targeted therapy with reversible inhibitors to combat the Warburg effect. Math Biosci 2023; 363:109044. [PMID: 37414271 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2023.109044] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
We cover the Warburg effect with a three-component evolutionary model, where each component represents a different metabolic strategy. In this context, a scenario involving cells expressing three different phenotypes is presented. One tumour phenotype exhibits glycolytic metabolism through glucose uptake and lactate secretion. Lactate is used by a second malignant phenotype to proliferate. The third phenotype represents healthy cells, which performs oxidative phosphorylation. The purpose of this model is to gain a better understanding of the metabolic alterations associated with the Warburg effect. It is suitable to reproduce some of the clinical trials obtained in colorectal cancer and other even more aggressive tumours. It shows that lactate is an indicator of poor prognosis, since it favours the setting of polymorphic tumour equilibria that complicates its treatment. This model is also used to train a reinforcement learning algorithm, known as Double Deep Q-networks, in order to provide the first optimal targeted therapy based on experimental tumour growth inhibitors as genistein and AR-C155858. Our in silico solution includes the optimal therapy for all the tumour state space and also ensures the best possible quality of life for the patients, by considering the duration of treatment, the use of low-dose medications and the existence of possible contraindications. Optimal therapies obtained with Double Deep Q-networks are validated with the solutions of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Sanz Nogales
- Information Processing and Telecommunications Center, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, ETSI Telecomunicación, Av. Complutense 30, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan Parras
- Information Processing and Telecommunications Center, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, ETSI Telecomunicación, Av. Complutense 30, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Zazo
- Information Processing and Telecommunications Center, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, ETSI Telecomunicación, Av. Complutense 30, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Bu F, Zhao Y, Zhao Y, Yang X, Sun L, Chen Y, Zhu S, Min L. Distinct tumor microenvironment landscapes of rectal cancer for prognosis and prediction of immunotherapy response. Cell Oncol 2022; 45:1363-1381. [PMID: 36251240 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00725-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor microenvironment (TME) affects the progression of rectal cancer (RC), and the clinical relevance of its immune elements was widely reported. Here we aim to delineate the complete TME landscape, including non-immune features, to improve our understanding of RC heterogeneity and provide a better strategy for precision medicine. METHODS Single-cell analysis of GSE161277 using Seurat and Cellcall was performed to identify cell-cell interactions. The ssGSEA was employed to quantify the TME elements in TCGA patients, which were further clustered into subtypes by hclust. WGCNA and LASSO were combined to construct a degenerated signature for prognosis, and its performance was validated in two GEO datasets. RESULTS We proposed a subtyping strategy based on the abundance of both immune and non-immune components, which divided all RC patients into 4 subtypes (Immune-, Canonical-, Dormant- and Stem-like). Different subtypes exhibited distinct mutation landscapes, biological features, immune characteristics, immunotherapy responses and prognoses. Next, WGCNA and LASSO regression were combined to construct a 10-gene signature based on differentially expressed genes among different subtypes. Subgroups divided by this signature also exhibited different clinical parameters and responses to immune checkpoint blockades. Diverse machine learning algorithms were applied to achieve higher accuracy for survival prediction and a nomogram was further established in combination with M stage and age to provide an accurate and visual prediction of prognosis. CONCLUSIONS We identified four TME-based RC subtypes with distinct biological and clinical features. Based on those subtypes, we also proposed a degenerated 10-gene signature to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanqin Bu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Yushan Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Sun
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shengtao Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Min
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang W, Chen K, Tian W, Zhang Q, Sun L, Wang Y, Liu M, Zhang Q. A Novel and Robust Prognostic Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Enhancer RNAs-Regulated Genes. Front Oncol 2022; 12:849242. [PMID: 35646665 PMCID: PMC9133429 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.849242] [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: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence has demonstrated that enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) play a vital role in the progression and prognosis of cancers, but few studies have focused on the prognostic ability of eRNA-regulated genes (eRGs) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using gene expression profiles of HCC patients from the TCGA-LIHC and eRNA expression profiles from the enhancer RNA in cancers (eRic) data portal, we developed a novel and robust prognostic signature composed of 10 eRGs based on Lasso-penalized Cox regression analysis. According to the signature, HCC patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups, which have been shown to have significant differences in tumor immune microenvironment, immune checkpoints, HLA-related genes, DNA damage repair-related genes, Gene-set variation analysis (GSVA), and the lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Sorafenib. The prognostic nomogram combining the signature, age, and TNM stage had good predictive ability in the training set (TCGA-LIHC) with the concordance index (C-index) of 0.73 and the AUCs for 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS of 0.82, 0.77, 0.74, respectively. In external validation set (GSE14520), the nomogram also performed well with the C-index of 0.71 and the AUCs for 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS of 0.74, 0.77, 0.74, respectively. In addition, an important eRG (AKR1C3) was validated using two HCC cell lines (Huh7 and MHCC-LM3) in vitro, and the results demonstrated the overexpression of AKR1C3 is related to cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in HCC. Altogether, our eRGs signature and nomogram can predict prognosis accurately and conveniently, facilitate individualized treatment, and improve prognosis for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Kegong Chen
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Tian
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yupeng Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Meina Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qiuju Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Wang G, Lu Y, Di S, Xie M, Jing F, Dai X. miR‑99a‑5p inhibits glycolysis and induces cell apoptosis in cervical cancer by targeting RRAGD. Oncol Lett 2022; 24:228. [PMID: 35720506 PMCID: PMC9185141 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies that endangers women's health. A negative effect of glycolysis is that it contributes to abnormal tumor growth. MicroRNA (miR)-99a expression has been found to be decreased in CC. The present study aimed to investigate the role of miR-99a-5p in glycolysis in CC. For this purpose, the association between miR-99a and the prognosis of patients with CC from The Cancer Genome Atlas database was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. miR-99a-5p expression and Ras-related GTP binding D (RRAGD) expression were assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined using an MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Glucose uptake, lactate concentration and extracellular acidification rate were measured using a glucose uptake colorimetric assay, a lactate colorimetric assay and a Seahorse XFe96 extracellular flux analyzer, respectively. The association between miR-99a-5p and RRAGD was predicted using TargetScan 7.1, and was confirmed using dual luciferase reporter assay. The results revealed that miR-99a-5p expression was decreased and that of RRAGD was increased in CC tissues and cell lines. RRAGD was negatively regulated by miR-99a-5p. The overexpression of miR-99a-5p induced apoptosis and inhibited glycolysis in CC cells by targeting RRAGD. On the whole, the present study revealed a novel mechanism through which miR-99a-5p regulates cell apoptosis and glycolysis in CC, thus providing a potential therapeutic target for CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Yu Lu
- Department of Vasculocardiology, Wuhan Wuchang Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Shi Di
- Department of Gynecology, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Maohua Xie
- Department of Obstetrics, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Fang Jing
- Department of Gynecology, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Dai
- Department of Gynecology, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, Hubei 430061, P.R. China
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Zou XZ, Hao JF, Zhou XH. Inhibition of SREBP-1 Activation by a Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitor Enhances the Sensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tissue to Radiofrequency Ablation. Front Oncol 2021; 11:796152. [PMID: 34900747 PMCID: PMC8660695 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.796152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an important strategy for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the prognostic indicators of RFA therapy are not known, and there are few strategies for RFA sensitization. The transcription factor sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP)-1 regulates fatty-acid synthesis but also promotes the proliferation or metastasis of HCC cells. Here, the clinical importance of SREBP-1 and potential application of knockdown of SREBP-1 expression in RFA of advanced HCC was elucidated. In patients with advanced HCC receiving RFA, a high level of endogenous SREBP-1 expression correlated to poor survival. Inhibition of SREBP-1 activation using a novel small-molecule inhibitor, SI-1, not only inhibited the aerobic glycolysis of HCC cells, it also enhanced the antitumor effects of RFA on xenograft tumors. Overall, our results: (i) revealed the correlation between SREBP-1 and HCC severity; (ii) indicated that inhibition of SREBP-1 activation could be a promising approach for treatment of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Zheng Zou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, China
| | - Jun-Feng Hao
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University/Institute of Nephrology and Zhanjiang Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang City, China
| | - Xiu-Hua Zhou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, China
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Why may citrate sodium significantly increase the effectiveness of transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma? Drug Resist Updat 2021; 59:100790. [PMID: 34924279 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the third cause of cancer death in men worldwide, and its increasing incidence can be explained by the increasing occurrence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). HCC prognosis is poor, as its 5-year overall survival is approximately 18 % and most cases are diagnosed at an inoperable advanced stage. Moreover, tumor sensitivity to conventional chemotherapeutics (particularly to cisplatin-based regimen), trans-arterial chemoembolization (cTACE), tyrosine kinase inhibitors, anti-angiogenic molecules and immune checkpoint inhibitors is limited. Oncogenic signaling pathways, such as HIF-1α and RAS/PI3K/AKT, may provoke drug resistance by enhancing the aerobic glycolysis ("Warburg effect") in cancer cells. Indeed, this metabolism, which promotes cancer cell development and aggressiveness, also induces extracellular acidity. In turn, this acidity promotes the protonation of drugs, hence abrogating their internalization, since they are most often weakly basic molecules. Consequently, targeting the Warburg effect in these cancer cells (which in turn would reduce the extracellular acidification) could be an effective strategy to increase the delivery of drugs into the tumor. Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK1) and its activator PFK2 are the main regulators of glycolysis, and they also couple the enhancement of glycolysis to the activation of key signaling cascades and cell cycle progression. Therefore, targeting this "Gordian Knot" in HCC cells would be of crucial importance. Here, we suggest that this could be achieved by citrate administration at high concentration, because citrate is a physiologic inhibitor of PFK1 and PFK2. As shown in various in vitro studies, including HCC cell lines, administration of high concentrations of citrate inhibits PFK1 and PFK2 (and consequently glycolysis), decreases ATP production, counteracts HIF-1α and PI3K/AKT signaling, induces apoptosis, and sensitizes cells to cisplatin treatment. Administration of high concentrations of citrate in animal models (including Ras-driven tumours) has been shown to effectively inhibit cancer growth, reverse cell dedifferentiation, and neutralize intratumor acidity, without apparent toxicity in animal studies. Citrate may also induce a rapid secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by macrophages, and it could favour the destruction of cancer stem cells (CSCs) sustaining tumor recurrence. Consequently, this "citrate strategy" could improve the tumor sensitivity to current treatments of HCC by reducing the extracellular acidity, thus enhancing the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs into the tumor. Therefore, we propose that this strategy should be explored in clinical trials, in particular to enhance cTACE effectiveness.
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