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Xu L, Li J, Hou N, Han F, Sun X, Li Q. 20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing angiogenesis and the GPC3-mediated Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024; 56:688-696. [PMID: 38584523 PMCID: PMC11177114 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 has significant anti-tumor effects in various types of cancers, including human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its molecular targets and mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. Here, we aim to elucidate the potential mechanisms by which Rh2 suppresses HCC growth. We first demonstrate the role of Rh2 in inhibiting angiogenesis. We observe that Rh2 effectively suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in HUVECs. Furthermore, Rh2 significantly inhibits HepG2-stimulated HUVEC proliferation, migration and tube formation, accompanied by the downregulation of VEGF and MMP-2 expressions. We also reveal that Rh2 inhibits HCC growth through the downregulation of glypican-3-mediated activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. We observe a dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cells upon Rh2 treatment, which is mediated by the inhibition of glypican-3/Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Moreover, downregulation of glypican-3 expression enhances the effects of Rh2 on the glypican-3/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, resulting in greater suppression of tumor growth in HepG2 cells. Collectively, our findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms through which Rh2 modulates HCC growth, which involve the regulation of angiogenesis and the glypican-3/Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These insights may pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfei Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
- Research CenterAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
- Research CenterAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
| | - Ningning Hou
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
- Research CenterAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
- Research CenterAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
- Research CenterAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
| | - Qinying Li
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
- Research CenterAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
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2
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Wendong Y, Jiali J, Qiaomei F, Yayun W, Xianze X, Zheng S, Wei H. Biomechanical forces and force-triggered drug delivery in tumor neovascularization. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116117. [PMID: 38171243 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116117] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis is one of the typical hallmarks of tumor occurrence and development, and tumor neovascularization also exhibits distinct characteristics from normal blood vessels. As the number of cells and matrix inside the tumor increases, the biomechanical force is enhanced, specifically manifested as solid stress, fluid stress, stiffness, and topology. This mechanical microenvironment also provides shelter for tumors and intensifies angiogenesis, providing oxygen and nutritional support for tumor progression. During tumor development, the biomechanical microenvironment also emerges, which in turn feeds back to regulate the tumor progression, including tumor angiogenesis, and biochemical and biomechanical signals can regulate tumor angiogenesis. Blood vessels possess inherent sensitivity to mechanical stimuli, but compared to the extensive research on biochemical signal regulation, the study of the regulation of tumor neovascularization by biomechanical signals remains relatively scarce. Biomechanical forces can affect the phenotypic characteristics and mechanical signaling pathways of tumor blood vessels, directly regulating angiogenesis. Meanwhile, they can indirectly regulate tumor angiogenesis by causing an imbalance in angiogenesis signals and affecting stromal cell function. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of biomechanical forces in tumor angiogenesis is beneficial for better identifying and even taming the mechanical forces involved in angiogenesis, providing new therapeutic targets for tumor vascular normalization. Therefore, we summarized the composition of biomechanical forces and their direct or indirect regulation of tumor neovascularization. In addition, this review discussed the use of biomechanical forces in combination with anti-angiogenic therapies for the treatment of tumors, and biomechanical forces triggered delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wendong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310005, China
| | - Jiang Jiali
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310005, China
| | - Fan Qiaomei
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310005, China
| | - Weng Yayun
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310005, China
| | - Xie Xianze
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310005, China
| | - Shi Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310005, China.
| | - Huang Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310005, China.
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Luo H, Wang Q, Yang F, Liu R, Gao Q, Cheng B, Lin X, Huang L, Chen C, Xiang J, Wang K, Qin B, Tang N. Signaling metabolite succinylacetone activates HIF-1α and promotes angiogenesis in GSTZ1-deficient hepatocellular carcinoma. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e164968. [PMID: 37906252 PMCID: PMC10896004 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.164968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with tumor growth, progression, and local or distant metastasis. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that plays a major role in regulating angiogenesis during adaptation of tumor cells to nutrient-deprived microenvironments. Genetic defects in Krebs cycle enzymes, such as succinate dehydrogenase and fumarate hydratase, result in elevation of oncometabolites succinate and fumarate, thereby increasing HIF-1α stability and activating the HIF-1α signaling pathway. However, whether other metabolites regulate HIF-1α stability remains unclear. Here, we reported that deficiency of the enzyme in phenylalanine/tyrosine catabolism, glutathione S-transferase zeta 1 (GSTZ1), led to accumulation of succinylacetone, which was structurally similar to α-ketoglutarate. Succinylacetone competed with α-ketoglutarate for prolyl hydroxylase domain 2 (PHD2) binding and inhibited PHD2 activity, preventing hydroxylation of HIF-1α, thus resulting in its stabilization and consequent expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Our findings suggest that GSTZ1 may serve as an important tumor suppressor owing to its ability to inhibit the HIF-1α/VEGFA axis in HCC. Moreover, we explored the therapeutic potential of HIF-1α inhibitor combined with anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 therapy to effectively prevent HCC angiogenesis and tumorigenesis in Gstz1-knockout mice, suggesting a potentially actionable strategy for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huating Luo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Qiujie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital; and
| | - Qingzhu Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital
| | - Bin Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital
| | - Xue Lin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital
| | - Luyi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital
| | - Chang Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital
| | - Bo Qin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Ni Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital
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Li M, Zhao YY, Cui JF. Matrix stiffness in regulation of tumor angiogenesis. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2022; 30:871-878. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v30.i20.871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is one of the most common malignant features of solid tumors such as liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and gastrointestinal tumors, which is the basis of tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. It is also an important target of anti-tumor therapy. Tumor angiogenesis is usually triggered by biochemical, hypoxic, and biomechanical factors in the microenvironment. The regulation of biochemical signals and hypoxic microenvironment in tumor angiogenesis have been widely documented, but the role of biomechanical signals in tumor angiogenesis has gradually begun to be uncovered in recent years. The vasculature system is naturally sensitive to mechanical stimuli. Recent studies have highlighted the important regulatory effects of biomechanical stimuli, such as matrix stiffness, fluid shear stress, and vascular lumen pressure, on the phenotype and functions of tumor blood vessels. In this paper, we summarize the new progress and internal mechanisms of matrix stiffness-mediated effects on tumor angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Li
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ying-Ying Zhao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jie-Feng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
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Li M, Zhang X, Wang M, Wang Y, Qian J, Xing X, Wang Z, You Y, Guo K, Chen J, Gao D, Zhao Y, Zhang L, Chen R, Cui J, Ren Z. Activation of Piezo1 contributes to matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 42:1162-1184. [PMID: 36181398 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite integrin being highlighted as a stiffness-sensor molecule in matrix stiffness-driven angiogenesis, other stiffness-sensor molecules and their mechanosensory pathways related to angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain obscure. Here, we explored the interplay between Piezo1 and integrin β1 in the mechanosensory pathway and their effects on HCC angiogenesis to better understand matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis. METHODS The role of Piezo1 in matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis was investigated using orthotopic liver cancer SD rat models with high liver stiffness background, and its clinical significance was evaluated in human HCC tissues. Matrix stiffness-mediated Piezo1 upregulation and activation were assayed using an in vitro fibronectin (FN)-coated cell culture system with different stiffness, Western blotting and Ca2+ probe. The effects of shPiezo1-conditioned medium (CM) on angiogenesis were examined by tube formation assay, wound healing assay and angiogenesis array. The underlying mechanism by which Piezo1 participated in matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis was analyzed by microRNA quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), matrix stiffness measurement, dual-luciferase reporter assay, ubiquitination assay and co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS Increased matrix stiffness significantly upregulated Piezo1 expression at both cellular and tissue levels, and high expression of Piezo1 indicated an unfavorable prognosis. High matrix stiffness also noticeably enhanced the activation level of Piezo1, similar to its expression level. Piezo1 knockdown significantly suppressed tumor growth, angiogenesis, and lung metastasis of HCC rat models with high liver stiffness background. shPiezo1-CM from HCC cells attenuated tube formation and migration abilities of vascular endothelial cells remarkably, and analysis of differentially expressed pro-angiogenic factors revealed that Piezo1 promoted the expression and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CXC chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2). Matrix stiffness-caused Piezo1 upregulation/activation restrained hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) ubiquitination, subsequently enhanced the expression of downstream pro-angiogenic factors to accelerate HCC angiogenesis. Besides, collagen 1 (COL1)-reinforced tissue stiffening resulted in more expression of Piezo1 via miR-625-5p. CONCLUSIONS This study unravels a new mechanism by which the integrin β1/Piezo1 activation/Ca2+ influx/HIF-1α ubiquitination/VEGF, CXCL16 and IGFBP2 pathway participates in matrix stiffness-driven HCC angiogenesis. Simultaneously, a positive feedback regulation loop as stiff matrix/integrin β1/miR-625-5p/Piezo1 and COL1/stiffer matrix mediates matrix stiffness-caused Piezo1 upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Li
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Mimi Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jiali Qian
- Department of Endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxia Xing
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Department of Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yang You
- Department of Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Kun Guo
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Dongmei Gao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Rongxin Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jiefeng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Zhenggang Ren
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
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MYBL1 induces transcriptional activation of ANGPT2 to promote tumor angiogenesis and confer sorafenib resistance in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:727. [PMID: 35987690 PMCID: PMC9392790 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05180-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is considered as an important process in tumor growth, metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and associated with cancer progression, suggesting that an important research and development field of clinical molecular targeted drugs for HCC. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor angiogenesis in HCC remains elusive. In the current study, we demonstrate that upregulation of AMYB proto-oncogene-like 1 (MYBL1) was associated with high endothelial vessel (EV) density and contributed to poor prognosis of HCC patient. Functionally, MYBL1 overexpressing enhanced the capacity of HCC cells to induce tube formation, migration of HUVECs, neovascularization in CAMs, finally, enhanced HCC cells metastasis, while silencing MYBL1 had the converse effect. Furthermore, HCC cells with high MYBL1 expression were more resistance to sorafenib treatment. We observed that CD31 staining was significantly increased in tumors formed by MYBL1-overexpressing cells but decreased in MYBL1-silenced tumors. Mechanistically, MYBL1 binds to the ANGPT2 promoter and transcriptionally upregulate ANGPT2 mRNA expression. Strikingly, treatment with monoclonal antibody against ANGPT2 significantly inhibited the growth of MYBL1-overexpressing tumors and efficiently impaired angiogenesis. Furthermore, the histone post-translational factors: protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), MEP50, and WDR5 were required for MYBL1-mediated ANGPT2 upregulation. Importantly, we confirmed the correlation between MYBL1 and ANGPT2 expression in a large cohort of clinical HCC samples and several published datasets in pancreatic cancer, esophageal carcinoma, stomach adenocarcinoma, and colon cancer. Our results demonstrate that MYBL1 upregulated the ANGPT2 expression, then induced angiogenesis and confer sorafenib resistance to HCC cells, and MYBL1 may represent a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with HCC.
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Li G, He Y, Liu H, Liu D, Chen L, Luo Y, Chen L, Qi L, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang Y, Zhan L, Zhang N, Zhu X, Song T, Guo H. DNAJC24 is a potential therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma through affecting ammonia metabolism. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:490. [PMID: 35606363 PMCID: PMC9127113 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04953-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionarily conserved heat shock proteins are involved in the heat shock response of cells in response to changes in the external environment. In normal tissues, heat shock proteins can help cells survive in a rapidly changing environment. Likewise, in malignant tumors heat shock proteins may help tumor cells cope with external stresses as well as the stress of treatment. In this way they become accomplices of malignant tumors. Here we demonstrated for the first time that high expression of DNAJC24 (a heat shock protein) shortens survival in patients with HCC by immunohistochemical staining of 167 paired hepatocellular carcinomas and paraneoplastic tissues as well as data from public databases. In vitro experiments demonstrated that stimuli such as hypoxia, starvation and heat could upregulate DNAJC24 expression in HCC cells through transcriptional regulation of HSF2, and high expression of DNAJC24 in HCC cells could promote the proliferation and motility of HCC cells. In addition, we also verified that targeting DNAJC24 under normal culture conditions can affect the proliferation and autophagy of HCC cells by interfering with ammonia metabolism, thereby inhibiting the malignant progression of HCC. Overall, we suggested that DNAJC24 may become a new target for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangtao Li
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Hepatobiliary Cancer, Liver Cancer Research Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Yuchao He
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Hui Liu
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Dongming Liu
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Hepatobiliary Cancer, Liver Cancer Research Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Lu Chen
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Hepatobiliary Cancer, Liver Cancer Research Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Yi Luo
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Liwei Chen
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Lisha Qi
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Yun Wang
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Yingying Wang
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Yu Wang
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Linlin Zhan
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Ning Zhang
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Xiaolin Zhu
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Hepatobiliary Cancer, Liver Cancer Research Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Tianqiang Song
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Hepatobiliary Cancer, Liver Cancer Research Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Hua Guo
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060 China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
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Zhong J, Lu W, Zhang J, Huang M, Lyu W, Ye G, Deng L, Chen M, Yao N, Li Y, Liu G, Liang Y, Fu J, Zhang D, Ye W. Notoginsenoside R1 activates the Ang2/Tie2 pathway to promote angiogenesis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 78:153302. [PMID: 32823242 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic angiogenesis is a novel strategy for the treatment of ischemic diseases that involves promotion of angiogenesis in ischemic tissues via the use of proangiogenic agents. However, effective proangiogenic drugs that activate the Ang2/Tie2 signaling pathway remain scarce. PURPOSE We aimed to investigate the proangiogenic activity of notoginsenoside R1 (NR1) isolated from total saponins of Panax notoginseng with regard to activation of the Ang2/Tie2 signaling pathway. METHODS We examined the proangiogenic effects of NR1 by assessing the effects of NR1 on the proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The aortic ring assay and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor (VRI)-induced vascular regression in the zebrafish model were used to confirm the proangiogenic effects of NR1 ex vivo and in vivo. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism was investigated by Western blot analysis. RESULTS We found that NR1 promoted the proliferation, mobility and tube formation of HUVECs in vitro. NR1 also increased the number of sprouting vessels in rat aortic rings and rescued VRI-induced vascular regression in zebrafish. NR1-induced angiogenesis was dependent on Tie2 receptor activation mediated by increased autocrine Ang2 in HUVECs, and inhibition of the Ang2/Tie2 pathway abrogated the proangiogenic effects of NR1. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that NR1 promotes angiogenesis by activating the Ang2/Tie2 signaling pathway. Thus, NR1-induced activation of the Ang2/Tie2 pathway is an effective proangiogenic approach. NR1 may be useful agent for the treatment of ischemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Zhong
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Weijin Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jiayan Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Maohua Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Wenyu Lyu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Geni Ye
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lijuan Deng
- Formula‑pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Minfeng Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Nan Yao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yong Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guanping Liu
- Guangxi Engineering Research Center of Innovative Preparations for Natural Medicine, Guangxi Wuzhou Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd, Wuzhou 543000, China
| | - Yunfei Liang
- Guangxi Engineering Research Center of Innovative Preparations for Natural Medicine, Guangxi Wuzhou Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd, Wuzhou 543000, China
| | - Jingwen Fu
- The Affiliated High School of South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Wencai Ye
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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9
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Zhu J, Tang B, Li J, Shi Y, Chen M, Lv X, Meng M, Weng Q, Zhang N, Fan K, Xu M, Ji J. Identification and validation of the angiogenic genes for constructing diagnostic, prognostic, and recurrence models for hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:7848-7873. [PMID: 32379058 PMCID: PMC7244068 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Since angiogenesis has an indispensable effect in the development and progression of tumors, in this study we aimed to identify angiogenic genes closely associated with prognosis of HCC to establish diagnostic, prognostic, and recurrence models. We analyzed 132 angiogenic genes and HCC-related RNA sequence data from the TCGA and ICGC databases by Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and identified four angiogenic genes (ENFA3, EGF, MMP3 and AURKB) to establish prognosis, recurrence and diagnostic models and corresponding nomograms. The prognostic and recurrence models were determined to be independent predictors of prognosis and recurrence (P < 0.05). And compared with the low-risk group, patients in the high-risk group had worse overall survival (OS) rates in training cohort (P < 0.001) and validation cohort (P < 0.001), and higher recurrence rates in training cohort (P<0.001) and validation cohort (P=0.01). The diagnostic models have been validated to correctly distinguish HCC from normal samples and proliferative nodule samples. Through pharmacological analysis we identified piperlongumine as a drug for targeting angiogenesis, and it was validated to inhibit HCC cell proliferation and angiogenesis via the EGF/EGFR axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui 323000, China.,Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bufu Tang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui 323000, China.,Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Li
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui 323000, China.,Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yueli Shi
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Minjiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui 323000, China.,Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Xiuling Lv
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Miaomiao Meng
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Qiaoyou Weng
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui 323000, China.,Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Nannan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui 323000, China.,Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kai Fan
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui 323000, China.,Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Min Xu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui 323000, China.,Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Jiansong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui 323000, China.,Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
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10
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Cheng C, Zhang Z, Cheng F, Shao Z. Exosomal lncRNA RAMP2-AS1 Derived from Chondrosarcoma Cells Promotes Angiogenesis Through miR-2355-5p/VEGFR2 Axis. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:3291-3301. [PMID: 32368088 PMCID: PMC7182451 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s244652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Exosomes derived from cancer cells can alter the microenvironment and enhance cancer malignancy through the regulation of peripheral cell functions. The present study focused on the crosstalk between chondrosarcoma cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) mediated by exosomes derived from chondrosarcoma cells and aimed to explore the potential molecular mechanism. Materials and Methods Chondrosarcoma cell-derived exosomes were isolated and characterized. Cell proliferation assay, tube formation assay and transwell migration assay were performed to characterize the effects of exosomes on HUVECs. The lncRNA microarray was used to select differentially expressed lncRNAs in HUVECs treated with or without exosomes. Serum samples of patients with chondrosarcoma were collected to analyze the correlation between the RAMP2-AS1 level and the clinicopathological features. Online databases were used to predict the target microRNA of RAMP2-AS1. Dual luciferase reporter assay, Western blotting and qRT-PCR assays were performed to verify the interactions among RAMP2-AS1, miR-2355-5p and VEGFR2. Rescue experiments were conducted to validate the existence of the RAMP2-AS1/miR-2355-5p/VEGFR2 axis. Results The exosomes secreted by chondrosarcoma cells could enhance HUVECs proliferation, migration and tube formation. LncRNA microarray analysis revealed that exosomes carried lncRNA RAMP2-AS1, and further verification showed that the level of RAMP2-AS1 was increased in the serum of chondrosarcoma patients and was closely related to local invasiveness, distant metastasis and poor prognosis. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that RAMP2-AS1 knockdown could partly abrogate the promoting effects on angiogenesis induced by exosomes derived from chondrosarcoma cells. Moreover, dual luciferase reporter assay and rescue experiments suggested that the RAMP2-AS1/miR-2355-5p/VEGFR2 axis was responsible for exosome-induced angiogenesis of HUVECs. Conclusion Chondrosarcoma cell-derived exosomes carry lncRNA RAMP2-AS1, which acts as a ceRNA of miR-2355-5p to regulate VEGFR2 expression, thereby positively regulating the angiogenic ability of HUVECs. Thus, exosomal RAMP2-AS1 has the potential as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for chondrosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhicai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuli Cheng
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Zhengzhou Orthopaedics Hospital, Henan University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Zengwu Shao
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, People's Republic of China
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11
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CPAP promotes angiogenesis and metastasis by enhancing STAT3 activity. Cell Death Differ 2019; 27:1259-1273. [PMID: 31511651 PMCID: PMC7206147 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0413-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Centrosomal P4.1-associated protein (CPAP) is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and positively correlated with recurrence and vascular invasion. Here, we found that CPAP plays an important role in HCC malignancies. Functional characterization indicated that CPAP overexpression increases tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis ex vivo and in vivo. In addition, overexpressed CPAP contributes to sorafenib resistance. Mechanical investigation showed that the expression level of CPAP is positively correlated with activated STAT3 in HCC. CPAP acts as a transcriptional coactivator of STAT3 by directly binding with STAT3. Interrupting the interaction between CPAP and STAT3 attenuates STAT3-mediated tumor growth and angiogenesis. Overexpression of CPAP upregulates several STAT3 target genes such as IL-8 and CD44 that are involved in angiogenesis, and CPAP mRNA expression is positively correlated with the levels of both mRNAs in HCC. Knocked-down expression of CPAP impairs IL-6-mediated STAT3 activation, target gene expression, cell migration, and invasion abilities. IL-6/STAT3-mediated angiogenesis is significantly increased by CPAP overexpression and can be blocked by decreased expression of IL-8. Our findings not only shed light on the importance of CPAP in HCC malignancies, but also provide potential therapeutic strategies for inhibiting the angiogenesis pathway and treating metastatic HCC.
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12
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Abstract
Ramucirumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody directed selectively at VEGFR-2 - a key player in the VEGF orchestra and angiogenic process. It has demonstrated clinical efficacy and a favorable safety profile in the treatment of a number of malignancies including gastric, lung, urothelial, colorectal and, most recently, advanced liver cancer. This article describes the recent Phase III trial results of ramucirumab in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, including safety data and patient-reported outcomes, with particular emphasis on efficacy data in the patient population with baseline α-fetoprotein levels ≥400 ng/ml, traditionally considered a poor prognostic group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Turkes
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ian Chau
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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13
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Greten TF, Lai CW, Li G, Staveley-O'Carroll KF. Targeted and Immune-Based Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:510-524. [PMID: 30287171 PMCID: PMC6340758 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.09.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Treatment options for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are rapidly changing based on positive results from phase 3 trials of targeted and immune-based therapies. More agents designed to target specific pathways and immune checkpoints are in clinical development. Some agents have already been shown to improve outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, as first- and second-line therapies, and are awaiting approval by the Food and Drug Administration or have been recently approved. We summarize the targeted and immune-based agents in trials of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and discuss the future of these strategies for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim F Greten
- Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; National Cancer Institute CCR Liver Cancer Program, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Chunwei Walter Lai
- Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Liver Disease Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri; Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
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14
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Huang H, Salavaggione O, Rivera L, Mukherjee S, Brekken R, Tennant B, Iyer R, Adjei A. Woodchuck VEGF (wVEGF) characteristics: Model for angiogenesis and human hepatocellular carcinoma directed therapies. Arch Biochem Biophys 2018; 661:97-106. [PMID: 30439360 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulates angiogenesis. Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a VEGF-driven tumor often associated with chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection. The woodchuck is a well-characterized model of hepatitis B virus related HCC and a valuable tool for translational studies of novel VEGF targeted agents. We cloned the cDNA encoding woodchuck VEGF (wVEGF), transiently expressed it in COS cells and functionally characterized the recombinant protein. The open reading frame of wVEGF contained 645 nucleotides encoding a protein of 214 amino acids. Two protein bands (17 and 25 kDa) were detected in conditioned media of wVEGF expressing COS-1 cells and a single band of 25 kDa was identified in cell lysates. Addition of recombinant wVEGF to COS cells enhanced cell proliferation and stimulated VEGFR2, Akt, ERK1/2, and FAK phosphorylation. Sunitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibited wVEGF- induced VEGFR2 phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, development of HCC in woodchucks was accompanied by increased laminin and PECAM1 expressing vessels, VEGFR2 expression, increased ligation of VEGF to VEGFR2, and a decrease in collagen IV-positive blood vessels. Our results suggest that woodchuck model can be used further to study angiogenesis and the effect of VEGF directed therapies in human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayi Huang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Oreste Salavaggione
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Lee Rivera
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sarbajit Mukherjee
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology-Oncology Division, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Rolf Brekken
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Bud Tennant
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Renuka Iyer
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Araba Adjei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
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15
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Sha M, Jeong S, Chen XS, Tong Y, Cao J, Sun HY, Xia L, Xu N, Wang X, Han LZ, Xi ZF, Zhang JJ, Kong XN, Xia Q. Expression of VEGFR-3 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma correlates with unfavorable prognosis through lymphangiogenesis. Int J Biol Sci 2018; 14:1333-1342. [PMID: 30123080 PMCID: PMC6097481 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.26045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & aims: VEGFR-3 has been shown of great significance in lymph node metastasis and some malignancies, however, its expression in tumors and impact on outcome of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the role of VEGFR-3 positive tumors for prognosis of iCCA and tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis. Methods: Clinicopathological features, prognostic factors and survival rate were analyzed to evaluate the influence of VEGFR-3 positive expression on prognosis of iCCA. In addition, tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis quantified as micro-lymphatic vessel density (MLVD) was assessed to explore the correlation between VEGFR-3 expression and lymph node metastasis for iCCA. Results: Patients with VEGFR-3 positive tumors had increased lymph node metastasis (p=0.025) and were more likely to suffer from tumor recurrence compared with VEGFR-3 negative tumors (p<0.001). VEGFR-3 expression in tumors was identified as an independent prognostic factor for both overall and recurrence-free survival in surgical resected patients with iCCA. In addition, higher MLVD was significantly associated with VEGFR-3 positive expression in tumors (p<0.001), which facilitate lymph node metastasis and significantly worse survival rates. Conclusions: Our study reveals that VEGFR-3 positive expression in tumors represents an independent prognostic factor for both overall and recurrence-free survival in hepatic resected patients with iCCA. VEGFR-3 positive tumors favor lymph node metastasis, tumor recurrence and worse outcomes through tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Sha
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Seogsong Jeong
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xiao-Song Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ying Tong
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Han-Yong Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ning Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Long-Zhi Han
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zhi-Feng Xi
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jian-Jun Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xiao-Ni Kong
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
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16
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Herzog J, Ehrlich SM, Pfitzer L, Liebl J, Fröhlich T, Arnold GJ, Mikulits W, Haider C, Vollmar AM, Zahler S. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor-1α: a novel approach for inhibiting angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 7:27108-21. [PMID: 27027353 PMCID: PMC5053636 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently introduced CDK5 as target in HCC, regulating DNA damage response. Based on this and on our previous knowledge about vascular effects of CDK5, we investigated the role of CDK5 in angiogenesis in HCC, one of the most vascularized tumors. We put a special focus on the transcription factor HIF-1α, a master regulator of tumor angiogenesis. The interaction of CDK5 with HIF-1α was tested by Western blot, PCR, reporter gene assay, immunohistochemistry, kinase assay, co-immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and mutation studies. In vivo, different murine HCC models, were either induced by diethylnitrosamine or subcutaneous injection of HUH7 or HepG2 cells. The correlation of vascular density and CDK5 was assessed by immunostaining of a microarray of liver tissues from HCC patients. Inhibition of CDK5 in endothelial or HCC cells reduced HIF-1α levels in vitro and in vivo, and transcription of HIF-1α target genes (VEGFA, VEGFR1, EphrinA1). Mass spectrometry and site directed mutagenesis revealed a stabilizing phosphorylation of HIF-1α at Ser687 by CDK5. Vascular density was decreased in murine HCC models by CDK5 inhibition. In conclusion, inhibiting CDK5 is a multi-modal systemic approach to treat HCC, hitting angiogenesis, as well as the tumor cells themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Herzog
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra M Ehrlich
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Pfitzer
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Liebl
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center Munich, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg J Arnold
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center Munich, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Haider
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelika M Vollmar
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Zahler
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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17
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Ronald J, Nixon AB, Marin D, Gupta RT, Janas G, Chen W, Suhocki PV, Pabon-Ramos W, Sopko DR, Starr MD, Brady JC, Hurwitz HI, Kim CY. Pilot Evaluation of Angiogenesis Signaling Factor Response after Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Radiology 2017; 285:311-318. [PMID: 28787261 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2017162555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To identify changes in a broad panel of circulating angiogenesis factors after bland transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), a purely ischemic treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods This prospective HIPAA-compliant study was approved by the institutional review board. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants prior to entry into the study. Twenty-five patients (21 men; mean age, 61 years; range, 30-81 years) with Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System category 5 or biopsy-proven HCC and who were undergoing TAE were enrolled from October 15, 2014, through December 2, 2015. Nineteen plasma angiogenesis factors (angiopoietin 2; hepatocyte growth factor; platelet-derived growth factor AA and BB; placental growth factor; vascular endothelial growth factor A and D; vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1, 2, and 3; osteopontin; transforming growth factor β1 and β2; thrombospondin 2; intercellular adhesion molecule 1; interleukin 6 [IL-6]; stromal cell-derived factor 1; tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1; and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 [VCAM-1]) were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays at 1 day, 2 weeks, and 5 weeks after TAE and were compared with baseline levels by using paired Wilcoxon tests. Tumor response was assessed according to modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Angiogenesis factor levels were compared between responders and nonresponders by mRECIST criteria by using unpaired Wilcoxon tests. Results All procedures were technically successful with no complications. Fourteen angiogenesis factors showed statistically significant changes following TAE, but most changes were transient. IL-6 was upregulated only 1 day after the procedure, but showed the largest increases of any factor. Osteopontin and VCAM-1 demonstrated sustained upregulation at all time points following TAE. At 3-month follow-up imaging, 11 patients had responses to TAE (complete response, n = 6; partial response, n = 5) and 11 patients were nonresponders (stable disease, n = 9; progressive disease, n = 2). In nonresponders, the percent change in IL-6 on the day after TAE (P = .033) and the mean percent change in osteopontin after TAE (P = .024) were significantly greater compared with those of responders. Conclusion Multiple angiogenesis factors demonstrated significant upregulation after TAE. VCAM-1 and osteopontin demonstrated sustained upregulation, whereas the rest were transient. IL-6 and osteopontin correlated significantly with radiologic response after TAE. © RSNA, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Ronald
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology (J.R., D.M., R.T.G., G.J., W.C., P.V.S., W.P.R., D.R.S., C.Y.K.), and Department of Medicine (A.B.N., M.D.S., J.C.B., H.I.H.), Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808 Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Andrew B Nixon
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology (J.R., D.M., R.T.G., G.J., W.C., P.V.S., W.P.R., D.R.S., C.Y.K.), and Department of Medicine (A.B.N., M.D.S., J.C.B., H.I.H.), Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808 Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Daniele Marin
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology (J.R., D.M., R.T.G., G.J., W.C., P.V.S., W.P.R., D.R.S., C.Y.K.), and Department of Medicine (A.B.N., M.D.S., J.C.B., H.I.H.), Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808 Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Rajan T Gupta
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology (J.R., D.M., R.T.G., G.J., W.C., P.V.S., W.P.R., D.R.S., C.Y.K.), and Department of Medicine (A.B.N., M.D.S., J.C.B., H.I.H.), Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808 Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Gemini Janas
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology (J.R., D.M., R.T.G., G.J., W.C., P.V.S., W.P.R., D.R.S., C.Y.K.), and Department of Medicine (A.B.N., M.D.S., J.C.B., H.I.H.), Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808 Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Willa Chen
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology (J.R., D.M., R.T.G., G.J., W.C., P.V.S., W.P.R., D.R.S., C.Y.K.), and Department of Medicine (A.B.N., M.D.S., J.C.B., H.I.H.), Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808 Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Paul V Suhocki
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology (J.R., D.M., R.T.G., G.J., W.C., P.V.S., W.P.R., D.R.S., C.Y.K.), and Department of Medicine (A.B.N., M.D.S., J.C.B., H.I.H.), Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808 Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Waleska Pabon-Ramos
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology (J.R., D.M., R.T.G., G.J., W.C., P.V.S., W.P.R., D.R.S., C.Y.K.), and Department of Medicine (A.B.N., M.D.S., J.C.B., H.I.H.), Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808 Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | - David R Sopko
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology (J.R., D.M., R.T.G., G.J., W.C., P.V.S., W.P.R., D.R.S., C.Y.K.), and Department of Medicine (A.B.N., M.D.S., J.C.B., H.I.H.), Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808 Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Mark D Starr
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology (J.R., D.M., R.T.G., G.J., W.C., P.V.S., W.P.R., D.R.S., C.Y.K.), and Department of Medicine (A.B.N., M.D.S., J.C.B., H.I.H.), Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808 Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | - John C Brady
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology (J.R., D.M., R.T.G., G.J., W.C., P.V.S., W.P.R., D.R.S., C.Y.K.), and Department of Medicine (A.B.N., M.D.S., J.C.B., H.I.H.), Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808 Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Herbert I Hurwitz
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology (J.R., D.M., R.T.G., G.J., W.C., P.V.S., W.P.R., D.R.S., C.Y.K.), and Department of Medicine (A.B.N., M.D.S., J.C.B., H.I.H.), Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808 Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Charles Y Kim
- From the Department of Radiology, Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology (J.R., D.M., R.T.G., G.J., W.C., P.V.S., W.P.R., D.R.S., C.Y.K.), and Department of Medicine (A.B.N., M.D.S., J.C.B., H.I.H.), Duke University Medical Center, Box 3808 Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
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Ou W, Lv J, Zou X, Yao Y, Wu J, Yang J, Wang Z, Ma Y. Propofol inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth and invasion through the HMGA2-mediated Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Exp Ther Med 2017; 13:2501-2506. [PMID: 28565871 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Propofol is a commonly used intravenous anesthetic in tumor surgery. Recently, studies have confirmed that propofol has an antitumor effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the molecular mechanism underlying this effect has not been elucidated until now. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of propofol on HepG2 cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion, focusing on High Mobility Group AT-Hook 2 (HMGA2)-mediated Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The HepG2 cells were treated with various concentrations of propofol for 24 h, the relative protein levels of HMGA2, Wnt3a, β-catenin, Snail Family Zinc Finger 1 and c-myc were determined by western blot analysis. HMGA2-pcDNA3.1 plasmid was transfected into the HepG2 cells to overexpress HMGA2. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion were examined by MTT assays, flow cytometry and Transwell-matrigel invasion assays, respectively. The results showed that propofol suppressed HMGA2 expression and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in a dose-dependent manner. Propofol was able to inhibit cell proliferation and invasion, and induce cell apoptosis of HepG2 cells; however, these effects were attenuated by HMGA2 overexpression. The suppressed Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HepG2 cells by treatment with propofol was also reversed by HMGA2 overexpression. In conclusion, this study provided a novel mechanism underlying the anti-tumor function of propofol on HCC. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate that propofol could downregulate the expression of HMGA2, which inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thus leading to the inhibition of cell proliferation and invasion, as well as the apoptosis of HepG2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, Guiyang 550001, P.R. China
| | - Jie Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, Guiyang 550001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, Guiyang 550001, P.R. China
| | - Yin Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, Guiyang 550001, P.R. China
| | - Jinli Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, Guiyang 550001, P.R. China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, Guiyang 550001, P.R. China
| | - Zhumei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, Guiyang 550001, P.R. China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, Guiyang 550001, P.R. China
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19
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Biziota E, Mavroeidis L, Hatzimichael E, Pappas P. Metronomic chemotherapy: A potent macerator of cancer by inducing angiogenesis suppression and antitumor immune activation. Cancer Lett 2016; 400:243-251. [PMID: 28017892 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Metronomic chemotherapy is a low dosing treatment strategy that attracts growing scientific and clinical interest. It refers to dense and uninterrupted administration of low doses of chemotherapeutic agents (without prolonged drug free intervals) over extended periods of time. Cancer chemotherapy is conventionally given in cycles of maximum tolerated doses (MTD) with the aim of inducing maximum cancer cell apoptosis. In contrast, the primary target of metronomic chemotherapy is the tumor's neovasculature. This is relevant to the emerging concept that tumors exist in a complex microenvironment of cancer cells, stromal cells and supporting vessels. In addition to its anti-angiogenetic properties, metronomic chemotherapy halts tumor growth by activating anti-tumor immunity, thus decreasing the acquired resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Herein, we present a review of the literature that provides a scientific basis for the merits of chemotherapy when administered on a metronomic schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Biziota
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Evros, Alexandroupolis, 68 100, Greece.
| | - Leonidas Mavroeidis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, 451 10, Greece.
| | | | - Periklis Pappas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, 451 10, Greece.
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20
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Cheng AL, Thongprasert S, Lim HY, Sukeepaisarnjaroen W, Yang TS, Wu CC, Chao Y, Chan SL, Kudo M, Ikeda M, Kang YK, Pan H, Numata K, Han G, Balsara B, Zhang Y, Rodriguez AM, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Poon RTP. Randomized, open-label phase 2 study comparing frontline dovitinib versus sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2016; 64:774-84. [PMID: 27082062 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Angiogenesis inhibition by the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) inhibitor sorafenib provides survival benefit in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, angiogenic escape from sorafenib may occur due to angiogenesis-associated fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) pathway activation. In addition to VEGFR and PDGFR, dovitinib inhibits FGFR. Frontline oral dovitinib (500 mg/day, 5 days on, 2 days off; n = 82) versus sorafenib (400 mg twice daily; n = 83) was evaluated in an open-label, randomized phase 2 study of Asian-Pacific patients with advanced HCC. The primary and key secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and time to tumor progression (TTP) as determined by a local investigator, respectively. Patients included in the study were ineligible for surgical and/or locoregional therapies or had disease progression after receiving these therapies. The median OS (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 8.0 (6.6-9.1) months for dovitinib and 8.4 (5.4-11.3) months for sorafenib. The median TTP (95% CI) per investigator assessment was 4.1 (2.8-4.2) months and 4.1 (2.8-4.3) months for dovitinib and sorafenib, respectively. Common any-cause adverse events included diarrhea (62%), decreased appetite (43%), nausea (41%), vomiting (41%), fatigue (35%), rash (34%), and pyrexia (30%) for dovitinib and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (66%) and decreased appetite (31%) for sorafenib. Subgroup analysis revealed a significantly higher median OS for patients in the dovitinib arm who had baseline plasma soluble VEGFR1 (sVEGFR1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) below median levels versus at or above the median levels (median OS [95% CI]: sVEGFR1, 11.2 [9.0-13.8] and 5.7 [4.3-7.0] months, respectively [P = .0002]; HGF, 11.2 [8.9-13.8] and 5.9 [5.0-7.6] months, respectively [P = 0.0002]). CONCLUSION Dovitinib was well tolerated, but activity was not greater than sorafenib as a frontline systemic therapy for HCC. Based on these data, no subsequent phase 3 study has been planned. (Hepatology 2016;64:774-784).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Lii Cheng
- National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yee Chao
- Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Stephen L Chan
- Prince of Wales Hospital and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | | | | | | | - Hongming Pan
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University Medical College, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kazushi Numata
- Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Guohong Han
- Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | | | - Yong Zhang
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ
| | | | - Yi Zhang
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ
| | - Yongyu Wang
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ
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21
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Wang M, Liu J, Xi D, Luo X, Ning Q. Adenovirus-mediated artificial microRNA against human fibrinogen like protein 2 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth. J Gene Med 2016; 18:102-11. [PMID: 27163335 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan China
| | - Junhui Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan China
| | - Dong Xi
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan China
| | - Xiaoping Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan China
| | - Qin Ning
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan China
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22
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Abstract
Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and most patients who are diagnosed with HCC are ineligible for curative local therapy. The targeted agent sorafenib provides modest survival benefits in the setting of advanced disease. Novel systemic treatment options for HCC are sorely needed. In this review, we identify and categorize the drugs and targets that are in various phases of testing for use against HCC. We also focus on the potential for combining these agents with radiotherapy. This would help identify directions for future study that are likely to yield positive findings and improve outcomes for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Ohri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Andreas Kaubisch
- Department of Medical Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Madhur Garg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Chandan Guha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
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Zou Y, Guo CG, Yang ZG, Sun JH, Zhang MM, Fu CY. A small interfering RNA targeting vascular endothelial growth factor efficiently inhibits growth of VX2 cells and VX2 tumor model of hepatocellular carcinoma in rabbit by transarterial embolization-mediated siRNA delivery. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2016; 10:1243-55. [PMID: 27069355 PMCID: PMC4818046 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s94122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma is currently the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with an increasing incidence. Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor small interfering RNA (VEGF-siRNA) on rabbit VX2 carcinoma cell viability in vitro and the effect of transarterial embolization (TAE)-mediated VEGF-siRNA delivery on the growth of rabbit VX2 liver-transplanted model in vivo. Methods Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blot technologies were used to detect the expression level of VEGF. TAE and computed tomography scan were used to deliver the VEGF-siRNA and detect the tumor volume in vivo, respectively. Microvessel density was detected by immunohistochemistry with CD34 antibody. A biochemical autoanalyzer was used to evaluate the hepatic and renal toxicity. Results The designed VEGF-siRNAs could effectively decrease the expression levels of VEGF mRNA and protein in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the viability of rabbit VX2 carcinoma cells was reduced by 38.5%±7.3% (VEGF-siRNA no 1) and 30.0%±5.8% (VEGF-siRNA no 3) at 48 hours after transfection. Moreover, in rabbit VX2 liver-transplanted model, the growth ratios of tumors at 28 days after TAE-mediated siRNA delivery were 155.18%±19.42% in the control group, 79.67%±19.63% in the low-dose group, and 36.09%±15.73% in the high-dose group, with significant differences among these three groups. Microvessel density dropped to 34.22±4.01 and 22.63±4.07 in the low-dose group and high-dose group, respectively, compared with the control group (57.88±5.67), with significant differences among these three groups. Furthermore, inoculation of VX2 tumor into the liver itself at later stage induced significant increase in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, indicating an obvious damage of liver functions, while treatment of VX2 tumor via TAE-mediated VEGF-siRNA had no toxicity to the livers and kidneys of rabbits, and VEGF-siRNA had the ability to protect liver damage induced by tumor growth. Conclusion This is the first study to demonstrate that targeting VEGF via TAE-mediated siRNA delivery may become a powerful new option for effective treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zou
- Department of Radiology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan-Gen Guo
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng-Gang Yang
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Hui Sun
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Min-Ming Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Cai-Yun Fu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Cell-Based Drug and Applied Technology Development in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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24
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Ye ZL, Huang Y, Li LF, Zhu HL, Gao HX, Liu H, Lv SQ, Xu ZH, Zheng LN, Liu T, Zhang JL, Jin HJ, Qian QJ. Argonaute 2 promotes angiogenesis via the PTEN/VEGF signaling pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2015; 36:1237-45. [PMID: 25937637 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2015.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Argonaute2 (AGO2) protein is the active part of RNA-induced silencing complex, cleaving the target mRNA strand complementary to their bound siRNA. An increasing number of miRNAs has been identified as essential to angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study we investigated how AGO2 affected HCC angiogenesis. METHODS Human HCC cell lines HepG2, Hep3B, Huh7, SMMC-7721, Bel-7404, MHCC97-H and LM-3, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were tested. The expression of AGO2 in HCC cells was knocked down with siRNA and restored using recombinant adenovirus expressing Ago2. The levels of relevant mRNAs and proteins were examined using RT-PCR, Western blot and EILSA. Nude mice were implanted with Huh7 or SMMC-7721 cells, and tumor volumes were measured. After the mice were euthanized, the xenograft tumors were used for immunohistological analysis. RESULTS In 6 HCC cell lines, AGO2 protein expression was significantly correlated with VEGF expression (r=+0.79), and with VEGF secretion (r=+0.852). Knockdown of Ago2 in Huh7 cells and SMMC-7721 cells substantially decreased VEGF expression, whereas the restoration of AGO2 reversed both VEGF expression and secretion. Furthermore, knockdown of Ago2 significantly up-regulated the expression of PTEN (a tumor suppressor involved in the inhibition of HCC angiogenesis), and vice versa. Moreover, the specific PTEN inhibitor bisperoxovanadate (7, 14, 28 nmol/L) dose-dependently restored the expression of VEGF and the capacity of HCC cells to induce HUVECs to form capillary tubule structures. In the xenograft nude mice, knockdown of Ago2 markedly suppressed the tumor growth and decreased PTEN expression and CD31-positive microvascular in the xenograft tumors. CONCLUSION A direct relationship exists between the miRNA processing machinery AGO2 and HCC angiogenesis that is mediated by the AGO2/PTEN/VEGF signaling pathway. The results suggest the high value of Ago2 knockdown in anti-angiogenesis therapy for HCC.
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25
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Piguet AC, Medová M, Keogh A, Glück AA, Aebersold DM, Dufour JF, Zimmer Y. Impact of MET targeting on tumor-associated angiogenesis and growth of MET mutations-driven models of liver cancer. Genes Cancer 2015; 6:317-327. [PMID: 26413215 PMCID: PMC4575919 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulated expression of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase has been reported in up to 50% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, the most abundant form of liver cancers, and is associated with decreased survival. Consequently, MET is considered as a molecular target in this malignancy, whose progression is highly dependent on extensive angiogenesis. Here we studied the impact of MET small molecule inhibitors on angiogenesis-associated parameters and growth of xenograft liver models consisting of cells expressing MET-mutated variants M1268T and Y1248H, which exhibit constitutive kinase activity. We demonstrate that MET mutations expression is associated with significantly increased production of vascular endothelial growth factor, which is blocked by MET targeting only in cells expressing the M1268T inhibitor-sensitive but not in the Y1248H inhibitor-resistant variant. Decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor production is also associated with reduction of tyrosine phopshorylation of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expressed on primary liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and with inhibition of vessel formation. Furthermore, MET inhibition demonstrated an efficient anti-tumor activity and considerable reduction in microvessel density only against the M1268T-derived intrahepatic tumors. Collectively, our data support the role of targeting MET-associated angiogenesis as a major biological determinant for liver tumor growth control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Christine Piguet
- Department of Hepatology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Medová
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Keogh
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Astrid A Glück
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel M Aebersold
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jean-François Dufour
- Department of Hepatology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yitzhak Zimmer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
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26
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Gahr S, Mayr C, Kiesslich T, Illig R, Neureiter D, Alinger B, Ganslmayer M, Wissniowski T, Fazio PD, Montalbano R, Ficker JH, Ocker M, Quint K. The pan-deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat affects angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma models via modulation of CTGF expression. Int J Oncol 2015. [PMID: 26202945 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications of chromatin components are significantly involved in the regulation of tumor suppressor gene and oncogene expression. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is an epigenetically regulated growth factor with functions in angiogenesis and cell-matrix interactions and plays a pivotal role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pharmacologic inhibition of histone and protein deacetylases represents a new approach to interfere with pathways of apoptosis and angiogenesis. We investigated the effect of the pan-deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat (LBH589) on human HCC cell lines HepG2 (p53wt) and Hep3B (p53null) and in a subcutaneous xenograft model and explored the influence on angiogenesis. Specimens were characterized by quantitative real-time PCR. Protein was separated for western blotting against CTGF, VEGF, VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1/FLT-1), VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2/KDR), MAPK and phospho-MAPK. In vivo, HepG2 cells were xenografted to NMRI mice and treated with daily i.p. injections of 10 mg/kg panobinostat. After 1, 7 and 28 days, real-time PCR was performed. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were examined after 28 days. An increased significant expression of CTGF was only seen after 24 h treatment with 0.1 µM panobinostat in HepG2 cells and Hep3B cells, whereas after 72 h treatment CTGF expression clearly decreased. In the xenografts, treatment with panobinostat showed a minimal CTGF expression after 1 day and 4 weeks, respectively. In vitro as well as in vivo, VEGF was not affected by panobinostat treatment at any time. In conclusion, panobinostat influences extracellular signaling cascades via CTGF-dependent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Gahr
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Mayr
- Laboratory for Tumour Biology and Experimental Therapies, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Tobias Kiesslich
- Laboratory for Tumour Biology and Experimental Therapies, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Romana Illig
- Institute of Pathology, Salzburger Landeskliniken, Paracelsus Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Daniel Neureiter
- Institute of Pathology, Salzburger Landeskliniken, Paracelsus Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Beate Alinger
- Institute of Pathology, Salzburger Landeskliniken, Paracelsus Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Marion Ganslmayer
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Till Wissniowski
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Pietro Di Fazio
- Institute for Surgical Research, Phillips University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Roberta Montalbano
- Institute for Surgical Research, Phillips University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Joachim H Ficker
- Klinikum Nuernberg, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Sleep Medicine, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Ocker
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Karl Quint
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Abstract
Chronic alcohol abuse is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Alcohol can also function synergistically with other risk factors to cause HCC. Hence, alcohol consumption is a major factor affecting hepatic carcinogenesis in millions and the cause of a substantial public health burden. Chronic alcohol consumption interferes with several host anti-tumor mechanisms, thereby facilitating hepatocyte proliferation and tumorigenesis. This review summarizes the major mechanisms of alcohol-induced HCC. These include pathways of ethanol metabolism, alcohol-induced oxidative stress and hypomethylation of DNA, and interplay of alcohol with iron elevation, retinoid metabolism, the immune system, inflammatory pathways, and neoangiogenesis. The relevance of each pathway in affecting HCC transformation is a topic of intense investigation. Ongoing research will enhance our insight into the alcohol-induced occurrence of HCC and offer hope in developing better therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreetha Sidharthan
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Department of Health and Human Services, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shyam Kottilil
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bldg10, Rm.11N204, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Kao JT, Feng CL, Yu CJ, Tsai SM, Hsu PN, Chen YL, Wu YY. IL-6, through p-STAT3 rather than p-STAT1, activates hepatocarcinogenesis and affects survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients: a cohort study. BMC Gastroenterol 2015; 15:50. [PMID: 25908103 PMCID: PMC4424593 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-015-0283-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Biologic activities of functional mediators activate downstream transducers regulating inflammation and carcinogenesis. Correlation among mediators (IL-6, IL-27, TNF-α, and VEGF) with STAT proteins at diverse clinical-pathologic stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains limited. Methods Serum mediators assayed from 147 untreated HCC cases (HCC-total group) included 70 HBV-infected (HCC-HBV group), 64 HCV-infected (HCC-HCV group), and 13 without HBV-/HCV-infection (HCC-NBNC group). Another 156 non-HCC individuals comprised 54 healthy individuals (HG) and 102 chronic hepatitis patients (CH-total group) as control group. To correlate with serum mediators, 86-paired liver tissues (CH: 52 and HCC: 34 cases) served for p-STATs proteins immunostain. Results Although four mediators (IL-6, IL-27, TNF-α, and VEGF) significantly over-expressed, IL-6 presented the strongest correlation in HCC-total versus CH-total or HG groups (HCC-total versus CH-total: P < 0.001; HCC-total versus HG: P < 0.001). Over-expressed IL-6 concentration linked with poor liver function (Albumin: r = −0.383, P < 0.001; Bilirubin: r = 0.280, P = 0.001; INR: r = 0.299, P < 0.001; AST: 0.212, P = 0.016), tumor progression (TNM system: r = 0.370; P < 0.001), clinical condition severity (BCLC system: r = 0.471; P < 0.001; terminal- versus early-stage HCC, P = 0.001; advanced- versus early-stage HCC, P = 0.007; terminal- versus intermediate- stage HCC P = 0.003; advanced- versus intermediate-stage HCC P = 0.019), and 6-month mortality (P = 0.024). Likewise, serum IL-6 (r = 0.501, P = 0.003) as compared to IL-27 (r = 0.052, P = 0.770), TNF-α (r = 0.019, P = 0.917), and VEGF (r = 0.096, P = 0.595) expression reflected positive correlation with activation of tissues p-STAT3 rather than p-STAT1. Conclusions Serum IL-6, through p-STAT3 rather than p-STAT1 signal pathway, affected hepatic function, tumor progression, and determine HCC patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Ta Kao
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Lung Feng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Ju Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Shu-Mei Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.
| | - Ping-Ning Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Immunology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yao-Li Chen
- School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Department of General Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Ying Wu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, No. 91, Hsueh-Shih Rd., Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
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Fornaro L, Vivaldi C, Caparello C, Sacco R, Rotella V, Musettini G, Luchi S, Baldini EE, Falcone A, Masi G. Dissecting signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma: new perspectives in medical therapy. Future Oncol 2014; 10:285-304. [PMID: 24490614 DOI: 10.2217/fon.13.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poor and is largely influenced by associated liver comorbidities. Moreover, effective treatment alternatives are limited; with the exception of the multitargeted inhibitor sorafenib, established options in the treatment of advanced HCC no longer amenable with ablative or locoregional procedures are lacking. In light of the limited efficacy of chemotherapy in this setting, great efforts have been made in the definition of targetable molecular pathways with a central role in the progression of HCC. Targeting angiogenesis, growth factor receptors, intracellular transduction pathways, or mechanisms of gene-expression regulation represents the main way to improve patient outcome. At the same time, identifying clinical and biological factors, which may help selecting patients with higher chances of benefit, is essential in order to hasten drug development and maximize treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Fornaro
- Division of Medical Oncology, Ospedale Campo di Marte, Azienda USL2 Lucca, Lucca, Italy
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Abdel Mohsen MA, Hussein NA, Ghazal AA, El-Ghandour MK, Farouk M, Abd El-Wahab AE, Yousef AI. Angiogenic output in viral hepatitis, C and B, and HCV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. ALEXANDRIA JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajme.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. Abdel Mohsen
- Applied Medical Chemistry Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165 El-Horria Ave., P.O. 21561, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Neveen A. Hussein
- Applied Medical Chemistry Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165 El-Horria Ave., P.O. 21561, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Abeer A. Ghazal
- Microbiology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165 El-Horria Ave., P.O. 21561, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Marwa K. El-Ghandour
- Chemical Pathology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165 El-Horria Ave., P.O. 21561, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Farouk
- Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Abeer E. Abd El-Wahab
- Medical Biotechnology Department, City for Scientific Research & Technology Application, Egypt
| | - Amany I. Yousef
- Applied Medical Chemistry Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165 El-Horria Ave., P.O. 21561, Alexandria, Egypt
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Abstract
BACKGROUND With over 600,000 newly diagnosed hepatocellular cancer (HCC) patients worldwide every year and ongoing clinical research, it is surprising that many of the new molecular entities have not yet resulted in significant prolongation of progression-free or overall survival. Nevertheless, there are a number of promising agents currently under investigation. Given the unique tumor biology and heterogeneous clinical manifestations of HCC, the application of molecular and cellular markers could also benefit patient selection, disease prognosis and trial design. SUMMARY This paper provides an overview of the current therapeutic strategies for HCC in the curative and palliative settings. Furthermore, we introduce some of the promising small molecules and antibodies that may find their way into clinical practice, with a focus on substances that are currently in phase III testing. Finally, we summarize the role of promising biomarkers, such as circulating tumor or cancer stem cells. KEY MESSAGE Despite the rising prevalence of HCC and active clinical research, few therapeutic options besides sorafenib have been established. This review discusses the new therapeutic agents in the pipeline. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Although many promising preclinical studies have resulted in phase I-II trials on HCC, so far only the tyrosine and Raf kinase inhibitor sorafenib has made its way into the hands of physicians. This multikinase inhibitor is the only approved option for systemic treatment of advanced HCC. Currently, the development of promising approaches for disease management is guided by biomarkers such as molecular markers or cellular characteristics. The use of biomarkers may facilitate early diagnosis in high-risk groups and therefore enhance outcomes by detecting patients whose disease is still curable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas-Claudiu Hoffmann
- Department of Medical Oncology, Molecular Oncology Risk-Profile Evaluation, West German Cancer Center, Germany
| | - Guido G H Gerken
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Dong Y, Xie X, Wang Z, Hu C, Zheng Q, Wang Y, Chen R, Xue T, Chen J, Gao D, Wu W, Ren Z, Cui J. Increasing matrix stiffness upregulates vascular endothelial growth factor expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells mediated by integrin β1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 444:427-32. [PMID: 24472554 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.01.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Matrix stiffness as a novel regulation factor involves in modulating the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invasion or metastasis. However, the mechanism by which matrix stiffness modulates HCC angiogenesis remains unknown. Here, using buffalo rat HCC models with different liver matrix stiffness backgrounds and an in vitro cell culture system of mechanically tunable Collagen1 (COL1)-coated polyacrylamide gel, we investigated the effects of different matrix stiffness levels on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in HCC cells and explored its regulatory mechanism for controlling HCC angiogenesis. Tissue microarray analysis showed that the expression levels of VEGF and CD31 were gradually upregulated in tumor tissues with increasing COL1 and lysyl oxidase (LOX) expression, indicating a positive correlation between tumor angiogenesis and matrix rigidity. The expression of VEGF and the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt were all upregulated in HCC cells on high-stiffness gel than on low-stiffness gel. Meanwhile, alteration of intergrin β1 expression was found to be the most distinctive, implying that it might mediate the response of HCC cells to matrix stiffness simulation. After integrin β1 was blocked in HCC cells using specific monoclonal antibody, the expression of VEGF and the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt at different culture times were accordingly suppressed and downregulated in the treatment group as compared with those in the control group. All data suggested that the extracellular matrix stiffness stimulation signal was transduced into HCC cells via integrin β1, and this signal activated the PI3K/Akt pathway and upregulated VEGF expression. This study unveils a new paradigm in which matrix stiffness as initiators to modulate HCC angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinying Dong
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 136 Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Xiaoying Xie
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 136 Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Department of Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital Subdivision, Fudan University, Shanghai 200052, PR China
| | - Chao Hu
- Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200001, PR China
| | - Qiongdan Zheng
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 136 Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Rongxin Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 136 Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Tongchun Xue
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 136 Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Jie Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 136 Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Dongmei Gao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 136 Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Weizhong Wu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 136 Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Zhenggang Ren
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 136 Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Jiefeng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 136 Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
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Yue PYK, Wong YY, Wong KYK, Tsoi YK, Leung KSY. Current evidence for the hepatoprotective activities of the medicinal mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea. Chin Med 2013; 8:21. [PMID: 24180549 PMCID: PMC3819176 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-8-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antrodia cinnamomea (AC) is an endemic mushroom species of Taiwan, and has been demonstrated to possess diverse biological and pharmacological activities, such as anti-hypertension, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, and immunomodulation. This review focuses on the inhibitory effects of AC on hepatitis, hepatocarcinoma, and alcohol-induced liver diseases (e.g., fatty liver, fibrosis). The relevant biochemical and molecular mechanisms are addressed. Overall, this review summarizes the hepatoprotective activities in vitro and in vivo. However, there is no doubt that human and clinical trials are still limited, and further studies are required for the development of AC-related products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Ying-Kit Yue
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Yi-Yi Wong
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Kay Yuen-Ki Wong
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Yeuk-Ki Tsoi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kelvin Sze-Yin Leung
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Zhang J, Zhang D, Wu GQ, Feng ZY, Zhu SM. Propofol inhibits the adhesion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by upregulating microRNA-199a and downregulating MMP-9 expression. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2013; 12:305-9. [PMID: 23742776 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(13)60048-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Propofol is one of the extensively and commonly used intravenous anesthetics and has the ability to influence the proliferation, motility, and invasiveness of many cancer cells. In this study, the effects of propofol on hepatocellular carcinoma cells invasion ability were examined. METHODS We assessed the invasion ability of HepG2 cells in vitro by determining enzyme activity and protein expression of MMP-9 using gelatin zymography assay and Western blot. The real-time PCR was used to evaluate the effect of propofol on microRNA-199a (miR-199a) expression, and miR-199a-2 precursor to evaluate whether over-expression of miR-199a can affect MMP-9 expression. Finally, the effect of miR-199a on propofol-induced anti-tumor activity using anti-miR-199a was assessed. RESULTS Propofol significantly elevated the expression of miR-199a and inhibited the invasiveness of HepG2 cells. Propofol also efficiently decreased enzyme activity and protein expression of MMP-9. Moreover, the over-expression of miR-199a decreased MMP-9 protein level. Interestingly, the neutralization of miR-199a by anti-miR-199a antibody reversed the effect of propofol on alleviation of tumor invasiveness and inhibition of MMP-9 activity in HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION Propofol decreases hepatocellular carcinoma cell invasiveness, which is partly due to the down-regulation of MMP-9 expression by miR-199a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
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Medicinal Fungus Antrodia cinnamomea Inhibits Growth and Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:569737. [PMID: 23533499 PMCID: PMC3606723 DOI: 10.1155/2013/569737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background. Antrodia cinnamomea is an edible fungus commonly used in Asia as a well-known medicinal herb capable of treating drug intoxication and liver cancer. Methods. This study evaluated the anticancer activity of its biotechnological product, mycelial fermentation broth (AC-MFB) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay in vitro and syngeneic Balb/c 1MEA.7R.1 tumor implantation model in vivo. Given that cancer stem cell characteristics, such as angiogenesis, invasiveness, and migration, are known to cause recurrence, we further evaluated the effect of AC-MFB on cellular viability inhibition of HCC cells, angiogenic activity and migration of endothelial cells, and the release of proangiogenic factors from HCC cells. Results. We found that AC-MFB markedly inhibited the growth of HCC without hepatic enzyme abnormality. This anti-HCC activity was validated by growth-inhibitory effects on both cultured murine 1MEA.7R.1 and human HA22T/VGH HCC cells. For cancer stem cell characteristics, AC-MFB inhibited the cellular viability, migration, and tube formation activity of EA. hy926 and SVEC4-10 endothelial cells. Production of extracellular vascular endothelial growth factor and intracellular hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha from HCC cells was suppressed by AC-MFB. Conclusion. Antrodia cinnamomea could inhibit the growth and cancer stem cell characteristics of HCC cells.
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Xu K, Lee F, Gao SJ, Chung JE, Yano H, Kurisawa M. Injectable hyaluronic acid-tyramine hydrogels incorporating interferon-α2a for liver cancer therapy. J Control Release 2013; 166:203-10. [PMID: 23328125 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
We report an injectable hydrogel system that incorporates interferon-α2a (IFN-α2a) for liver cancer therapy. IFN-α2a was incorporated in hydrogels composed of hyaluronic acid-tyramine (HA-Tyr) conjugates through the oxidative coupling of Tyr moieties with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). IFN-α2a-incorporated HA-Tyr hydrogels of varying stiffness were formed by changing the H2O2 concentration. The incorporation of IFN-α2a did not affect the rheological properties of the hydrogels. The activity of IFN-α2a was furthermore well-maintained in the hydrogels with lower stiffness. Through the caspase-3/7 pathway in vitro, IFN-α2a released from HA-Tyr hydrogels inhibited the proliferation of liver cancer cells and induced apoptosis. In the study of the pharmacokinetics, a higher concentration of IFN-α2a was shown in the plasma of mice treated with IFN-α2a-incorporated hydrogels after 4h post injection, with a much higher amount of IFN-α2a delivered at the tumor tissue comparing to that of injecting an IFN-α2a solution. The tumor regression study revealed that IFN-α2a-incorporated HA-Tyr hydrogels effectively inhibited tumor growth, while the injection of an IFN-α2a solution did not demonstrate antitumor efficacy. Histological studies confirmed that tumor tissues in mice treated with IFN-α2a-incorporated HA-Tyr hydrogels showed lower cell density, with more apoptotic and less proliferating cells compared with tissues treated with an IFN-α2a solution. In addition, the IFN-α2a-incorporated hydrogel treatment greatly inhibited the angiogenesis of tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keming Xu
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, 138669, Singapore
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Transforming growth factor-beta1 induces microvascular abnormalities through a down-modulation of neural cell adhesion molecule in human hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2012; 92:1297-309. [PMID: 22732936 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2012.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very angiogenic and malignant cancer. Conventional chemotherapy is poorly effective because of the abnormal structural organization of HCC-infiltrating vessels. In previous work, we demonstrated that HCC angiogenesis is driven by transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-β1)/CD105 axis, stimulating liver-derived microvascular endothelial cells (Ld-MECs) migration. As TGF-β1 also affects mural cells (MCs) recruitment and maturation, we asked whether it may contribute to HCC-induced vascular abnormalities. HCC and adjacent non-neoplastic liver (nNL) biopsies obtained from 12 patients were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for angiogenic markers CD105, TGF-β1, CD44 and vascular endothelial growth factor-a (VEGFa) and for MC markers NG2, α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). The same markers were also investigated by immunocytochemistry on cultured HCC-derived stromal cells (HCC-StCs) and nNL-derived StCs (nNL-StCs) isolated from the same liver biopsies. Angiogenic factors released by StCs were analyzed by ELISA and the interaction between StCs and Ld-MECs by adhesion assay. Compared with nNL, HCC biopsies showed increased angiogenic markers and αSMA that was localized in vessels. By contrast, NG2 and NCAM were substantially localized in tumor cells but absent in vessels and stroma. Cultured HCC-StCs showed less expression of NG2, αSMA and NCAM. They also demonstrated a lower capacity to release angiogenic factors and adhered on Ld-MECs. HCC-StCs and nNL-StCs treated with TGF-β1 or with of HepG2 (a human hepatoma cell line) derived conditioned medium (CM), down-modulated NCAM expression, whereas anti-NCAM antibodies significantly reduced the adhesion of StCs to Ld-MECs. By further blocking TGF-β1 with anti-TGF-β1 antibodies or with Ly-364947 (a specific inhibitor TGF-β1-receptor) adhesion to Ld-MECs and NCAM expression respectively was partially restored. TGF-β1 contributes to HCC-induced vascular alterations by affecting the interaction between HCC-StCs and Ld-MECs through a down-modulation of NCAM expression.
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Translational medicine in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Med 2012; 6:122-33. [PMID: 22573220 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-012-0193-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly complex disease that is generally resistant to commonly used chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Consequently, there is an urgent need for the development of new treatment strategies for this devastating disease. In the past decade, tremendous progress has been achieved in the molecular stratification of HCCs for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic decision-making. To date, the molecular classification of HCCs has been carried out through transcriptomic, genetic and epigenetic profiling of tumors. Such research has led to identification of several potential molecular targets in HCC, and subsequently, development of novel systemic agents for the treatment of HCC has begun in earnest. In this article, we review the current knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of HCC and outline potential areas for application of this knowledge in a clinical setting. As a typical virus and inflammation-associated cancer, both host immune response and tumor microenvironment have crucial roles in HCC pathogenesis. In addition, we examine the potential of immunotherapy and strategies targeting various components of the tumor microenvironment, as well as novel molecular and cellular targets in HCC such as cancer stem cells.
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Wang L, Park H, Chhim S, Ding Y, Jiang W, Queen C, Kim KJ. A novel monoclonal antibody to fibroblast growth factor 2 effectively inhibits growth of hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts. Mol Cancer Ther 2012; 11:864-72. [PMID: 22351746 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is believed to be a contributing factor to the growth of a number of tumor types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the potential of monoclonal antibodies that neutralize FGF2 for treatment of patients with cancer has not yet been explored in clinical trials. We therefore generated a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb), GAL-F2, specific for FGF2 and characterized its properties in vitro and in vivo. GAL-F2 binds to a different epitope than several previous anti-FGF2 mAbs tested. This novel epitope was defined using chimeric FGF1/FGF2 proteins and alanine scanning mutagenesis and was shown to comprise amino acids in both the amino and carboxy regions of FGF2. GAL-F2 blocked binding of FGF2 to each of its four cellular receptors, strongly inhibited FGF2-induced proliferation and downstream signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and inhibited proliferation and downstream signaling in two HCC cell lines. Moreover, GAL-F2, administered at 5 mg/kg i.p. twice weekly, potently inhibited growth of xenografts of the SMMC-7721, HEP-G2, and SK-HEP-1 human HCC cell lines in nude mice, and in some models, had a strong additive effect with an anti-VEGF mAb or sorafenib. Treatment with GAL-F2 also blocked angiogenesis and inhibited downstream cellular signaling in xenografts, indicating its antitumor mechanism of action. Our report supports clinical testing of a humanized form of the GAL-F2 mAb for treatment of HCC and potentially other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Wang
- Galaxy Biotech, LLC, Sunnyvale, California 94089, USA
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Frenette C, Gish R. Targeted systemic therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma: Clinical perspectives, challenges and implications. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:498-506. [PMID: 22363115 PMCID: PMC3280394 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i6.498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Revised: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal disease in most patients, due to its aggressive course and a lack of effective systemic therapies for advanced disease. Surgical resection and liver transplantation remain the only curative options for a small subset of patients. Few patients with HCC are diagnosed early enough to be eligible for curative treatment. Angiogenesis inhibition is a natural therapeutic target for all solid tumors, but particularly for the highly vascularized HCC tumors. With the approval of the targeted agent sorafenib, there are now additional options for patients with HCC. Although sorafenib does produce some improvement in survival in HCC patients, the responses are not durable. In addition, there are significant dermatologic, gastrointestinal, and metabolic toxicities, and, as importantly, there is still limited knowledge of its usefulness in special subpopulations with HCC. Other angiogenesis inhibitors are in development to treat HCC both in the first-line setting and for use following sorafenib failure; the furthest in development is brivanib, a dual fibroblast growth factor pathway and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor. Additional agents with antiangiogenic properties also in phase II and III development for the treatment of patients with HCC include bevacizumab, ramucirumab, ABT-869, everolimus and ARQ 197.
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Chan SF, Wang HT, Huang KW, Torng PL, Lee HI, Hwang LH. Anti-angiogenic therapy renders large tumors vulnerable to immunotherapy via reducing immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Lett 2012; 320:23-30. [PMID: 22266191 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Revised: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
We have recently demonstrated that a 4-in-1 gene therapy strategy that contains two anti-angiogenic genes [endostatin and pigment epithelium-derived factor] and two cytokine genes [granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin 12] has a considerable antitumor effect on large tumors in a woodchuck hepatoma model. The current study further investigates the underlying mechanisms for the antitumor effect observed by using small rodent models. We found that immunotherapy alone increased immunosuppressive cells in large tumors over time, whereas the anti-angiogenic therapy contained in the 4-in-1 strategy alleviated immunosuppression and made tumors vulnerable to immunotherapy, thus resulting in a synergistic antitumor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suit-Fong Chan
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
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Guo Y, Jin N, Klein R, Nicolai J, Yang GY, Omary RA, Larson AC. Gas challenge-blood oxygen level-dependent (GC-BOLD) MRI in the rat Novikoff hepatoma model. Magn Reson Imaging 2011; 30:133-8. [PMID: 22055749 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2011.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Revised: 07/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between gas challenge-blood oxygen level-dependent (GC-BOLD) response angiogenesis and tumor size in rat Novikoff hepatoma model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (weighting 301-325 g) were used for our Animal Care and Use Committee-approved experiments. N1-S1 Novikoff hepatomas were grown in 14 rats with sizes ranging from 0.42 to 2.81 cm. All experiments were performed at 3.0 T using a custom-built rodent receiver coil. A multiple gradient-echo sequence was used for R2* measurements, first during room air (78% N(2)/20% O(2)) breathing and then after 10 min of carbogen (95% O(2)/5% CO(2)) breathing. After image acquisition, rats were euthanized, and the tumors were harvested for histological evaluation. RESULTS The R2* change between air and carbogen breathing for small hepatomas was positive; R2* changes changed to negative values for larger hepatomas. We found a significant positive correlation between tumor R2* change and tumor microvessel density (MVD) (r=0.798, P=.001) and a significant inverse correlation between tumor R2* change and tumor size (r=-0.840, P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS GC-BOLD magnetic resonance imaging measurements are well correlated to MVD levels and tumor size in the N1-S1 Novikoff hepatoma model; GC-BOLD measurements may serve as noninvasive biomarkers for evaluating angiogenesis and disease progression and/or therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Guo
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Braren R, Altomonte J, Settles M, Neff F, Esposito I, Ebert O, Schwaiger M, Rummeny E, Steingoetter A. Validation of preclinical multiparametric imaging for prediction of necrosis in hepatocellular carcinoma after embolization. J Hepatol 2011; 55:1034-40. [PMID: 21354233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2011.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 01/30/2011] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits varying degrees of vascularization with more poorly differentiated carcinoma commonly exhibiting high amounts of vascularization. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of HCC tumor nodules results in varying amounts of tumor necrosis. Reliable quantification of necrosis after TAE, would aid in treatment planning and testing of novel combinatorial treatment regimen. The aim of this work was to validate different imaging parameters as individual or combined predictors of tumor necrosis after TAE in an orthotopic rat HCC tumor model. METHODS Unifocal rat HCC was imaged by T(2)-weighted MRI, quantitative dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI, diffusion weighted MRI (DWI) and [(18)F]-FDG PET imaging before (day-1) and after (days 1 and 3) TAE. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were carried out to analyze the ability of each imaging parameter to predict the percent residual vital tumor (vtu) and vital tissue (vti) as determined by quantitative histopathology. RESULTS TAE induced a wide range of tumor necrosis. Tumor volume was the only parameter showing a correlation with vti (r(2) = 0.63) before TAE. After TAE, moderate correlations were found for FDG tracer uptake (r(2) = 0.56) and plasma tissue transfer constant (r(2) = 0.55). Correlations were higher for the extravascular extracellular volume fraction (v(e), r(2) = 0.68) and highest for the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC, r(2) = 0.86). Multivariate analyses confirmed highest correlation of ADC and v(e) with vtu and vti. CONCLUSIONS DWI and DCE-MRI with the respective parameters ADC (day 3) and v(e) (day 1) were identified as the most promising imaging techniques for the prediction of necrosis. This study validates a preclinical platform allowing for the improved tumor stratification after TAE and thus the testing of novel combinatorial therapy approaches in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rickmer Braren
- Institute of Radiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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Rosuvastatin counteracts vessel arterialisation and sinusoid capillarisation, reduces tumour growth, and prolongs survival in murine hepatocellular carcinoma. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2011; 2010:640797. [PMID: 21528105 PMCID: PMC3082163 DOI: 10.1155/2010/640797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 12/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims. An arterial blood supply and phenotypic changes of the sinusoids characterise the liver vasculature in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the effects of rosuvastatin on liver vessel anomalies, tumour growth and survival in HCC. Methods. We treated transgenic mice developing HCC, characterized by vessel anomalies similar to those of human HCC, with rosuvastatin. Results. In the rosuvastatin group, the survival time was longer (P < .001), and liver weight (P < .01) and nodule surface (P < .01) were reduced. Rosuvastatin decreased the number of smooth muscle actin-positive arteries (P < .05) and prevented the sinusoid anomalies, with decreased laminin expression (P < .001), activated hepatic stellate cells (P < .001), and active Notch4 expression. Furthermore, rosuvastatin inhibited endothelial cell but not tumour hepatocyte functions. Conclusions. Rosuvastatin reduced the vessel anomalies and tumour growth and prolonged survival in HCC. These results represent new mechanisms of the effects of statin on tumour angiogenesis and a potential target therapy in HCC.
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Rahbarizadeh F, Ahmadvand D, Sharifzadeh Z. Nanobody; an old concept and new vehicle for immunotargeting. Immunol Invest 2011; 40:299-338. [PMID: 21244216 DOI: 10.3109/08820139.2010.542228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The use of antibodies in cancer therapy has come a long way since the day Paul Ehrlich described the concept and Kohler and Milstein devised the hybridoma technology to bring this theory to reality. The synthesis of murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was the first success in this field, leading to the invention of chimerization, the production of variable fragments (Fv) with the progression to domain antibodies (dAb) and later humanization technologies to maximize the clinical utility of murine mAbs. It was just by chance that dAbs were found to exist in ?heavy chain? immunoglobulins from Camelidae family and cartilaginous fish. These unique antibody fragments interact with antigen by virtue of only one single variable domain, referred to as VHH or nanobody. Several characteristics make nanobody use superior to the abovementioned antibodies. They are non-immunogenic and show high thermal and chemical stability. There are several reports of raising specific nanobodies against enzymes, haptens, pathogens, toxins and tumor markers, which are outlined in this paper. All these characteristics make them strong candidates as targeting agents for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Rahbarizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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Murakami M, Kobayashi S, Marubashi S, Tomimaru Y, Noda T, Wada H, Eguchi H, Takeda Y, Tanemura M, Umeshita K, Doki Y, Mori M, Nagano H. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor PTK/ZK enhances the antitumor effects of interferon-α/5-fluorouracil therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Ann Surg Oncol 2010; 18:589-96. [PMID: 20811948 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-010-1310-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is no standardized treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus. We previously reported the efficacy of interferon-alpha and 5-fluorouracil combination (IFN/5-FU) therapy for these patients and the potential mechanism via the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In this study, we showed the VEGF-related effects of IFN/5-FU therapy using VEGF-receptor (VEGFR) selective inhibitor, PTK787/ZK222584 (PTK/ZK), in HCC cells. METHODS Using two VEGF secreting and VEGFR expressing human HCC cell lines, PLC/PRF/5 and HuH7, we performed growth inhibitory assays in vitro and in vivo, apoptosis assay, cell cycle analysis, and Western blot analysis for the mechanism, with or without PTK/ZK in IFN/5-FU therapy. RESULTS The combination of PTK/ZK and IFN/5-FU significantly inhibited cell growth in vitro and tended to reduce tumor growth in vivo in a HuH7 xenograft model in nude mice-in both cases without affecting VEGF secretion. PTK/ZK enhanced the IFN/5-FU induced apoptosis, based on increased proteins levels of Bax and reduced Bcl-xL and Bcl-2. Cell cycle analysis showed different results between the HCC cell lines following the combination therapy, possibly due to differences in p21 protein. CONCLUSIONS VEGF signaling inhibition would support an antitumor effect of IFN/5-FU therapy against HCC cell lines via induction of apoptosis and cell cycle delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Murakami
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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Heindryckx F, Mertens K, Charette N, Vandeghinste B, Casteleyn C, Van Steenkiste C, Slaets D, Libbrecht L, Staelens S, Starkel P, Geerts A, Colle I, Van Vlierberghe H. Kinetics of angiogenic changes in a new mouse model for hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:219. [PMID: 20727157 PMCID: PMC2936339 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2009] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in Western countries has led to an expanding interest of scientific research in this field. Therefore, a vast need of experimental models that mimic the natural pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a short time period is present. The goal of our study was (1) to develop an efficient mouse model for HCC research, in which tumours develop in a natural background of fibrosis and (2) to assess the time-dependent angiogenic changes in the pathogenesis of HCC. METHODS Weekly intraperitoneal injections with the hepatocarcinogenic compound N-nitrosodiethylamine was applied as induction method and samples were taken at several time points to assess the angiogenic changes during the progression of HCC. RESULTS The N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced mouse model provides well vascularised orthotopic tumours after 25 weeks. It is a representative model for human HCC and can serve as an excellent platform for the development of new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke Heindryckx
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a highly complex disease resistant to commonly used chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As the sixth most common cancer worldwide with the third highest mortality rate and very poorly understood molecular pathways driving hepatocarcinogenesis, new treatment strategies are urgently needed for this devastating disease. The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib was the first molecular targeted drug in HCC that led to significant survival benefit in patients with advanced tumors. It is the first drug to be considered standard of care for advanced HCC and supports the importance of molecular therapies in the treatment of this cancer. Analyses of genetic and epigenetic alterations as well as different molecular pathways involved in the development of HCC help to identify potential new druggable targets. A variety of novel compounds are already under preclinical or clinical investigation, and accumulating evidence suggests that combination therapy targeting different pathways will potentiate anti-tumoral effects and will become the future therapeutic approach. In addition the establishment of a robust molecular classification will pave the way for a more personalized treatment scheme in HCC. In this article we review the current knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of HCC and provide an overview of molecular targeted therapies in the management of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Lachenmayer
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA
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Tumor-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis correlate with progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Am J Gastroenterol 2010; 105:1123-32. [PMID: 19997097 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2009.674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about the function of tumor-associated neovascularization in the progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC). This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of tumor-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis on progression of IHC. METHODS We analyzed tissue specimens of IHC (N=114) by immunohistochemistry using the endothelial-specific antibody CD31 and the lymphendothelial-specific antibody D2-40 and subsequently quantified microvessel density (MVD) and lymphatic microvessel density (LVD). To analyze the influence of tumor-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis on tumor progression, tumors were allocated according to mean MVD and LVD, respectively, into groups of "high" and "low" MVD and LVD, respectively, and various clinicopathological characteristics as well as recurrence and survival data were analyzed. RESULTS IHC revealed an induction of tumor-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Tumors of "high" MVD displayed more frequently advanced primary tumor stages and multiple tumor nodes. Furthermore, patients with tumors of "high" MVD had an inferior curative resection rate and suffered more frequently from recurrence. A "high" LVD was correlated with increased nodal spread, and patients with "high" LVD tumors more frequently developed recurrence. In the univariate analysis, MVD and LVD revealed significant influence on survival, and MVD was identified as an independent prognostic factor for survival in the multivariate analysis. The 5-year survival of patients with "low" MVD tumors was 42.1%, compared with 2.2% in patients with "high" MVD tumors (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a critical function of tumor-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis for progression of IHC. Therefore, antiangiogenic and antilymphangiogenic approaches may have therapeutic potency in this tumor entity.
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Bouattour M, Marijon H, Dreyer C, Faivre S, Raymond E. [Targeted therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma]. Presse Med 2010; 39:753-64. [PMID: 20378303 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2009.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2009] [Revised: 10/21/2009] [Accepted: 11/03/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as a major health problem worldwide. The management of advanced HCC, limited for a longtime by the disappointing results of conventional cytotoxic chemotherapies, has recently changed with the publication of the results of the Sorafenib Hepatocellular Carcinoma Assessment Randomized Protocol (SHARP) trial, which demonstrated an overall survival benefit over placebo in patients with advanced HCC. This study was further confirmed by the Asian-Pacific trial using sorafenib in Eastern patients. Those trials demonstrated that therapeutic benefits may derive from improving our knowledge of deregulated signaling pathways involved in HCC carcinogenesis. This review summarizes the results of clinical trials in which targeted therapies are currently evaluated aiming to enlarge the therapeutic armamentarium for HCC in a near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Bouattour
- Service inter-hospitalier de cancérologie Bichat-Beaujon, hôpital Beaujon, 92110 Clichy, France
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