Clinical features of aflatoxin B1-exposed patients with liver cancer and the molecular mechanism of aflatoxin B1 on liver cancer cells

Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides alleviate aflatoxin B1-induced liver inflammation in ducks involving in remodeling gut microbiota and regulating SCFAs transport via the gut-liver axis

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most widespread contaminants in agricultural commodities. Pleurotus eryngii (PE) is widely used as a feed additive for its anti-inflammatory properties, and its major active substance is believed to be polysaccharides. This study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of dietary PE polysaccharides alleviating AFB1-induced toxicity in ducks. The major monosaccharide components of PE polysaccharides were identified as glucose, mannose, galactose, glucuronic acid, and fucose. The results showed that dietary PE polysaccharides could alleviate liver inflammation, alleviate intestinal barrier dysfunction, and change the imbalanced gut microbiota induced by AFB1 in ducks. However, PE polysaccharides failed to exert protective roles on the liver and intestine injury induced by AFB1 in antibiotic-treated ducks. The PE + AFB1-originated microbiota showed a positive effect on intestinal barrier and inflammation, the SCFAs transport via the gut-liver axis, and liver inflammation compared with the AFB1-originated microbiota in ducks. These findings provided a possible mechanism that PE polysaccharides alleviated AFB1-induced liver inflammation in ducks by remodeling gut microbiota, regulating microbiota-derived SCFAs transport via the gut-liver axis, and inhibiting inflammatory gene expressions in the liver, which may provide new insight for therapeutic methods against AFB1 exposure in animals.

Macrophage AHR-TLR4 cross-talk drives p-STAT3 (Ser727)-mediated mitochondrial oxidative stress and upregulates IDO/ICAM-1 in the steatohepatitis induced by aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a major mycotoxin contaminant showing in the environment and foods. In this study, the molecular initiating events (MIEs) of AFB1-induced steatohepatitis were explored in mice and human cell model. We observed dose-dependent steatohepatitis in the AFB1-treated mice, including triglyceride accumulation, fibrotic collagen secretion, enrichment of CD11b + and F4/80+ macrophages/Kupffer cells, cell death, lymphocytes clusters and remarkable atrophy areas. The gut barrier and gut-microbiota were also severely damaged after the AFB1 treatment and pre-conditioned colitis in the experimental mice aggravated the steatohepatitis phenotypes. We found that macrophages cells can be pro-inflammatorily activated to M1-like phenotype by AFB1 through an AHR/TLR4/p-STAT3 (Ser727)-mediated mitochondrial oxidative stress. The phenotypes can be rescued by AHR inhibitors in the mice model and human cell model. We further showed that this signaling axis is based on the cross-talk interaction between AHR and TLR4. Gene knock-up experiment found that the signaling is dependent on AFB1 ligand-binding with AHR, but not protein expressions of TLR4. The signaling elevated NLRP3 and two immune metabolic enzymes ICAM-1 and IDO that are associated with macrophage polarization. Results from intervention experiments with natural anti-oxidant and AHR inhibitor CH223191 suggest that the macrophage polarization may rely on AHR and ROS. Our study provides novel and critical references to the food safety and public health regulation of AFB1.

Mitigating Aflatoxin B1-Induced Growth Impairment and Hepatic Stress in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Comparative Efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Silicate-Based Detoxifiers

The objective of this study was to detect the effects of acute aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and the effectiveness of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and silicate in reducing these effects. Two hundred and forty Nile tilapia fingerlings (16 ± 0.5 g) were randomly assigned to four experimental groups, each with 60 fish and three replicates. Control basal diet (Diet 1) and three test diets were formulated, where Diet 2 was supplemented with 200 ppb AFB1. Diets 3 and 4 were intoxicated with AFB1 (200 ppb) and supplemented with 0.5% S. cerevisiae or 0.5%, respectively. After 60 days, Diet 1 had considerably greater growth characteristics than the other groups (p < 0.05). Diet 2 revealed a reduced (p < 0.05) survival rate after 1 month of exposure. In addition, Diet 1 showed higher (p < 0.05) total protein and albumin levels than Diets 3 and 4. AFB1 residues were detected in the liver in fish-fed Diet 2, Diet 4, and Diet 3. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and urea levels increased (p < 0.05) in fish-fed Diet 2. The glutathione peroxidase, lysozyme, and catalase activity were decreased (p < 0.05) in the fish-fed Diet 2. The malondialdehyde level was significantly higher in fish given Diet 2 (p < 0.05) than in fish-fed Diets 3 and 4. Histopathological investigation of fish-fed Diet 2 revealed impaired liver and spleen; however, both treatments (Diets 3 and 4) successfully lowered inflammation and preserved liver and spleen integrities. In conclusion, AFB1 impaired growth performance and posed a severe health risk to Nile tilapia. Furthermore, S. cerevisiae alleviated the contamination of AFB1 effects more efficiently than silicate employed for toxin adsorption.

AFB1 Triggers Lipid Metabolism Disorders through the PI3K/Akt Pathway and Mediates Apoptosis Leading to Hepatotoxicity

As the most prevalent mycotoxin in agricultural products, aflatoxin B1 not only causes significant economic losses but also poses a substantial threat to human and animal health. AFB1 has been shown to increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but the underlying mechanism is not thoroughly researched. Here, we explored the toxicity mechanism of AFB1 on human hepatocytes following low-dose exposure based on transcriptomics and lipidomics. Apoptosis-related pathways were significantly upregulated after AFB1 exposure in all three hES-Hep, HepaRG, and HepG2 hepatogenic cell lines. By conducting a comparative analysis with the TCGA-LIHC database, four biomarkers (MTCH1, PPM1D, TP53I3, and UBC) shared by AFB1 and HCC were identified (hazard ratio > 1), which can be used to monitor the degree of AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity. Simultaneously, AFB1 induced abnormal metabolism of glycerolipids, sphingolipids, and glycerophospholipids in HepG2 cells (FDR < 0.05, impact > 0.1). Furthermore, combined analysis revealed strong regulatory effects between PIK3R1 and sphingolipids (correlation coefficient > 0.9), suggesting potential mediation by the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) /protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway within mitochondria. This study revealed the dysregulation of lipid metabolism induced by AFB1 and found novel target genes associated with AFB-induced HCC development, providing reliable evidence for elucidating the hepatotoxicity of AFB as well as assessing food safety risks.

Plant-based foods and hepatocellular carcinoma: A review on mechanistic understanding

Regardless of etiology, hepatocarcinogenesis is frequently preceded by a distinctive sequence of chronic necroinflammation, compensatory hepatic regeneration, development of hepatic fibrosis, and ultimately cirrhosis. The liver being central immunomodulators, closely maintains immunotolerance. Any dysregulation in this management of immunotolerance is a hallmark of chronic hepatic disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Apart from other malignancies, hepatocellular carcinoma accounts for 90% of liver cancers. Several emerging evidences have recognized diet as lifestyle associated risk factor in HCC development. However, natural compounds have the potential to fight hepatoma aggressiveness via inhibition of cellular proliferation and modulation of oncogenic pathways. This review aimed to identify the several plant-based foods for their protective role in HCC prevention by understating the molecular mechanisms involved in inhibition of progression and proliferation of cancer. Information from relevant publications in which several plant-based foods demonstrated protective potential against HCC has been integrated as well as evaluated. For data integration, Science direct, Google scholar, and Scopus websites were used. Nutrition-based approaches in the deterrence of several cancers offer a substantial benefit to currently used medical therapies and should be implemented more often as an adjunct to first-line medical therapy. Furthermore, the inclusion of these plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices) may improve general health and decline cancer incidence.

New insights into the combined toxicity of aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1 in HepG2 cells using Seahorse respirometry analysis and RNA transcriptome sequencing

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) are widely (co-)detected in food and known for their hepatotoxicity in humans. Still, their combined toxicity needs to be investigated, especially the impact on mitochondria. In our previous work, we examined the effect of short-term exposure to different doses of AFB1, FB1, and their binary mixture (MIX) on the bioenergetic status of HepG2 cells, a well-recognized in vitro model system for studying liver cell function. In the current work, we further investigated the (combined) effect of AFB1 and FB1 on the mitochondrial and glycolytic activity of HepG2 cells using Seahorse respirometry analysis and RNA transcriptome sequencing. The results showed that the co-exposure, especially at high doses, is more toxic due to a more inhibition of all parameters of mitochondrial respiration. However, FB1 contributes more to the MIX effects than AFB1. RNA transcriptome sequencing showed that the p53 signaling pathway, a major orchestrator of mitochondrial apoptosis, was differentially expressed. Moreover, the co-exposure significantly downregulated the genes encoding for Complexes I, II, III, and IV, representing the onset of the suppressed mitochondrial respiration in HepG2 cells.

Natural Antioxidant By-Product Mixture Counteracts the Effects of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A Exposure of Piglets after Weaning: A Proteomic Survey on Liver Microsomal Fraction

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain strains of fungi that can contaminate raw feed materials. Once ingested, even in small doses, they cause multiple health issues for animals and, downstream, for people consuming meat. It was proposed that inclusion of antioxidant-rich plant-derived feed might diminish the harmful effects of mycotoxins, maintaining the farm animals' health and meat quality for human consumption. This work investigates the large scale proteomic effects on piglets' liver of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A mycotoxins and the potential compensatory effects of grapeseed and sea buckthorn meal administration as dietary byproduct antioxidants against mycotoxins' damage. Forty cross-bred TOPIGS-40 hybrid piglets after weaning were assigned to three (n = 10) experimental groups (A, M, AM) and one control group (C) and fed with experimental diets for 30 days. After 4 weeks, liver samples were collected, and the microsomal fraction was isolated. Unbiased label-free, library-free, data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry SWATH methods were able to relatively quantify 1878 proteins from piglets' liver microsomes, confirming previously reported effects on metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, TCA cycle, glutathione synthesis and use, and oxidative phosphorylation. Pathways enrichment revealed that fatty acid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, regulation of gene expression by spliceosomes, membrane trafficking, peroxisome, thermogenesis, retinol, pyruvate, and amino acids metabolism pathways are also affected by the mycotoxins. Antioxidants restored expression level of proteins PRDX3, AGL, PYGL, fatty acids biosynthesis, endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisome, amino acid synthesis pathways, and, partially, OXPHOS mitochondrial subunits. However, excess of antioxidants might cause significant changes in CYP2C301, PPP4R4, COL18A1, UBASH3A, and other proteins expression levels. Future analysis of proteomics data corelated to animals growing performance and meat quality studies are necessary.

Aflatoxin B1 exposure triggers hepatic lipotoxicity via p53 and perilipin 2 interaction-mediated mitochondria-lipid droplet contacts: An in vitro and in vivo assessment

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most toxic mycotoxins widely found in food contaminants, and its target organ is the liver. It poses a major food security and public health threat worldwide. However, the lipotoxicity mechanism of AFB1 exposure-induced liver injury remains unclear and requires further elucidation. Herein, we investigated the potential hepatic lipotoxicity of AFB1 exposure using in vitro and in vivo models to assess the public health hazards of high dietary AFB1 exposure. We demonstrated that low-dose of AFB1 (1.25 μM for 48 h, about one-fifth of the IC50 in HepG2 and HepaRG cells, IC50 are 5.995 μM and 5.266 μM, respectively) exposure significantly induced hepatic lipotoxicity, including abnormal lipid droplets (LDs) growth, mitochondria-LDs contacts increase, lipophagy disruption, and lipid accumulation. Mechanistically, we showed that AFB1 exposure promoted the mitochondrial p53 (mito-p53) and LDs-associated protein perilipin 2 (PLIN2) interaction-mediated mitochondria-LDs contacts, resulting in lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Mito-p53-targeted inhibition, knockdown of PLIN2, and rapamycin application efficiently promoted the lysosome-dependent lipophagy and alleviated the hepatic lipotoxicity and liver injury induced by AFB1 exposure. Overall, our study found that mito-p53 and PLIN2 interaction mediates three organelles-mitochondria, LDs, and lysosomal networks to regulate lipid homeostasis in AFB1 exposure-induced hepatotoxicity, revealing how this unique trio of organelles works together and provides a novel insight into the targeted intervention in inter-organelle lipid sensing and trafficking for alleviating hazardous materials-induced hepatic lipotoxicity.

Massive Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Situs Inversus Totalis Achieved a Complete Response Following Camrelizumab Plus Apatinib and Combined with Two-Stage Hepatectomy: A Case Report

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital condition in which abdominal and thoracic organs are transposed from normal positions. Two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) combined with translational therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with SIT has been rarely reported. We report a 41-year-old man with giant hepatocellular carcinoma (71 mm × 55 mm × 51 mm) whose future residual liver (FLR) and standard liver volume (SLV) ratio at first diagnosis was 37.4%. Preoperative volume assessment of portal vein ligation (PVL) revealed inadequate hypertrophy of FLR. After a multidisciplinary group discussion (MDT), the patient decided to follow conversion therapy. Three months later, ratio of the FLR/SLV increased from 37.4% to 71% after operation, which met the surgical requirements. Second hepatectomy, right lobectomy was successful. There was no recurrence after six months of follow-up. In our case, conversion therapy appears to be effective in maintaining residual liver hyperplasia, reducing tumor load, and preventing tumor progression in patients with large HCC during TSH.

Curcumin attenuates AFB1-induced duck liver injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and lysosomal damage

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), as the most toxic secondary metabolite produced by Aspergillus flavus, is a serious threat to human and animal health. Curcumin, a polyphenol from the plant turmeric, has demonstrated unique anti-damage properties in several studies. But, its ability to alleviate AFB1-induced liver damage in ducks and the underlying mechanisms are not completely elucidated. In this study, we investigated the intervention of curcumin on AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity in ducks. Research data showed that the combination of curcumin and AFB1 alleviated oxidative stress, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and relieved hepatotoxicity after 28 days of treatment, compared with AFB1. Also, curcumin upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, HO-1), which enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the liver. In addition, curcumin inhibited AFB1-induced lysosomal damage in the liver, with the character of reduced lysosomal membrane permeabilization, restored autophagic flux, and promoted lysosomal biogenesis, thereby enhancing the self-protective capacity of the liver. In conclusion, our results suggest that curcumin alleviates AFB1-induced duck hepatotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and lysosomal damage.

Comprehensive Analysis on the Specific Role and Function of Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Protein MPV17 in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is the predominant type of liver cancer, and its treatment still faces great challenges presently. Mitochondrial inner membrane protein MPV17 is reported to be involved in multiple biological activities of cancers. Here, we seek to investigate the specific role and functions of MPV17 in LIHC progression.

Methods

Firstly, MPV17 expressions in various tumors and corresponding normal samples and LIHC groups with various clinical features were analyzed, respectively. Next, the relationship between MPV17 expression and LIHC survival was analyzed and verified by AUC curves. Besides, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for LIHC were screened from TCGA and then analyzed by GO and KEGG. Then, MPV17 was analyzed by prognostic model, Cox analysis, predictive nomogram, pathway correlation, and immunoassay. Finally, the functions of MPV17 were determined by CCK-8 and Tranwell assays.

Results

In most tumors, MPV17 expression was higher than that in the normal group, and it was related to LIHC clinical features. In the LIHC survival analysis, highly expressed MPV17 was associated with a poor prognosis. Besides, 314 upregulated and 193 downregulated DEGs are mainly involved in the TNF signaling pathway and tyrosine metabolism. Through prognostic model, Cox analysis, and predictive nomogram, MPV17 had the prognostic value for LIHC. Gene-pathway correlation analysis showed that MPV17 had the strongest correlation with the G2M_checkpoint pathway. In an immunoassay, MPV17 had a strong correlation with many immune cells. Functional assays showed that MPV17 reduction in LIHC cells could inhibit cell invasion, migration, and proliferation.

Conclusion

MPV17, as a tumor promoter, could be a new biomarker for LIHC diagnosis and prognosis and probably shed new light on the exploration of LIHC therapies.

Integrated Analysis Reveals the Targets and Mechanisms in Immunosuppressive Effect of Mesalazine on Ulcerative Colitis

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Approximately 3 million US adults suffer from this disease. Mesalazine, an anti-inflammatory agent, is commonly used for the treatment of UC. However, some studies have demonstrated side effects of mesalazine, such as acute pancreatitis and hypereosinophilia. Therefore, a better understanding of the anti-inflammatory mechanism of mesalazine in UC could help improve the effectiveness of the drug and reduce its side effects. In this study, we used a dextran sodium sulfate-induced UC mouse model, and applied network pharmacology and omics bioinformatics approaches to uncover the potential pharmaceutical targets and the anti-inflammatory mechanism of mesalazine.

Results

Network pharmacology analysis identified the core targets of mesalazine, biological processes, and cell signaling related to immunity and inflammatory responses mediated by mesalazine. Molecular docking analysis then indicated possible binding motifs on the core targets (including TNF-α, PTGS2, IL-1β, and EGFR). Metabolomics and 16S metagenomic analyses highlighted the correlation between gut microbiota and metabolite changes caused by mesalazine in the UC model.

Conclusions

Collectively, the omics and bioinformatics approaches and the experimental data unveiled the detailed molecular mechanisms of mesalazine in UC treatment, functional regulation of the gut immune system, and reduction of intestinal inflammation. More importantly, the identified core targets could be targeted for the treatment of UC.

Exploring anti-liver cancer targets and mechanisms of oxyresveratrol: in silico and verified findings

The aim of current study was to exhume the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of oxyresveratrol, a structurally re-constructed resveratrol, for treating liver cancer through bioinformatics investigation and experimentative validation. To start with, the network pharmacology approach and molecular docking technology were used to uncover all candidate targets of oxyresveratrol to treat liver cancer, accompanied with identified anti-liver cancer targets including estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In addition, more pharmacological mechanisms of oxyresveratrol against liver cancer were revealed in details. In experimental verification, the clinical samples of liver cancer showed elevated ESR1, EGFR mRNA expressions. The in-vitro data indicated that intracellular contents of ESR1, EGFR mRNAs in oxyresveratrol-treated liver cancer cells were reduced. Taken together, the bioinformatics and validated findings have highlighted detailed pharmacological targets and molecular mechanisms of oxyresveratrol for treating liver cancer. Following with experimental verification, the identified genes of ESR1, EGFR may function as potential screening anti-liver cancer markers.

Gene expression network related to DNA methylation and miRNA regulation during the process of aflatoxin B1-induced malignant transformation of L02 cells

Aflatoxin is a secondary metabolite secreted by Aspergillus flavus, parasitic Aspergillus, and other fungi through the polyketone pathway, and it can be detected in many foods. Aflatoxin has strong toxicity and carcinogenicity, and many studies have shown that aflatoxin is highly associated with liver cancer. In the present study, malignant transformation of L02 cells was induced by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and the gene expression, miRNA expression, and methylation level were detected by high-throughput sequencing. The gene and miRNA expression results showed that 2547 genes and 315 miRNAs were changed in the AFB1-treated group compared with the DMSO group. Among them, RSAD2 and SCIN were significantly upregulated, whereas TRAPPC3L and UBE2L6 were significantly downregulated. Has-miR-33b-3p was significantly upregulated, whereas Has-miR-3613-5p was significantly downregulated. The methylation results showed that 2832 CpG sites were methylated on the promoter or coding DNA sequence (CDS) of the gene, whereas the expression of DNMT3a and DNMT3b was significantly upregulated. Moreover, hypermethylation occurred in TRAPPC3L, CDH13, and SPINK13. The results of GO and KEGG pathway analyses showed that significantly changed genes and miRNAs were mainly involved in tumor formation, proliferation, invasion, and migration. The results of network map analysis showed that Hsa-miR-3613-5p, Hsa-miR-615-5p, Hsa-miR-615-3p, and Hsa-miR-3158-3p were the key miRNAs for malignant transformation of L02 cells induced by AFB1. In addition, the expression of ONECUT2, RAP1GAP2, and FSTL4 was regulated by DNA methylation and miRNAs. These results suggested that the gene expression network regulated by DNA methylation and miRNAs may play a vital role in AFB1-induced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Regulation Network and Prognostic Significance of Aldo-Keto Reductase (AKR) Superfamily Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

The aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily members have been proposed with multiple roles in various tumors. Here, a comprehensive analysis on the integral role of AKR genes was conducted to evaluate the expression profile, regulation network, and prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and Methods

Transcriptome datasets of HCC were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to build a novel risk score model, and then were further used to identify independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) of HCC. A prognostic nomogram was developed and validated. The expression of these critical AKR members was also evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry in HCC specimens.

Results

Eight differentially expressed AKR genes were identified in HCC. The dysregulation of most AKR genes was negatively correlated with DNA methylation, and a regulation network with transcription factors (TFs) was also established. Then, three critical AKR genes (AKR1B10, AKR1D1, and AKR7A3) were screened out to build a novel risk score model. Worse OS was observed in high-risk patients. Besides, a prognostic nomogram based on the model was further established and validated in both the TCGA and GSE14520 cohorts, which showed superior performance in predicting the OS of HCC patients. Notably, close correlations were identified between the risk score and tumor immune microenvironment, somatic mutation profiles, and drug susceptibilities of HCC. Finally, the upregulated AKR1B10 and downregulated AKR1D1 and AKR7A3 were further verified in HCC tumor and adjacent tissues from our institution.

Conclusion

The dysregulated AKR genes could be mediated by DNA methylation and TFs in HCC. The risk model established with superior prognostic performance further suggested the significant role of AKR genes involved in the progression of HCC.

AHR mediates the aflatoxin B1 toxicity associated with hepatocellular carcinoma

Aflatoxin exposure is a crucial factor in promoting the development of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in individuals infected with the hepatitis virus. However, the molecular pathways leading to its bioactivation and subsequent toxicity in hepatocytes have not been well-defined. Here, we carried out a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 genetic screen to identify aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) targets. Among the most significant hits was the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand-binding transcription factor regulating cell metabolism, differentiation, and immunity. AHR-deficient cells tolerated high concentrations of AFB1, in which AFB1 adduct formation was significantly decreased. AFB1 triggered AHR nuclear translocation by directly binding to its N-terminus. Furthermore, AHR mediated the expression of P450 induced by AFB1. AHR expression was also elevated in primary tumor sections obtained from AFB1-HCC patients, which paralleled the upregulation of PD-L1, a clinically relevant immune regulator. Finally, anti-PD-L1 therapy exhibited greater efficacy in HCC xenografts derived from cells with ectopic expression of AHR. These results demonstrated that AHR was required for the AFB1 toxicity associated with HCC, and implicate the immunosuppressive regimen of anti-PD-L1 as a therapeutic option for the treatment of AFB1-associated HCCs.

Hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocarcinogenesis: A virological and oncological perspective

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a partially double-stranded DNA virus associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The viral integration into the hepatocyte genome, the viral protein-induced oncogenesis, the increased hepatocyte turnover and the chronic inflammatory response towards HBV are all hypothesized mechanisms for the development of HCC. The fact that HBV infection and HCC prevalence show different correlations in various regions of the world indicates that there may be virus-independent phenomena for cancer development in these regions. From this point of view, it is important to review our knowledge and to examine the relationship between HBV and HCC in the light of current data. In this article, we investigate the relationship between HBV and HCC by presenting epidemiological and microbiological data, accompanied by the principles of viral oncogenesis.

TSP50 promotes hepatocyte proliferation and tumour formation by activating glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)

Background & Aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumour with high morbidity and mortality. Metabolic regulation by oncogenes is necessary for tumour growth. Testes‐specific protease 50 (TSP50) has been found to promote cell proliferation in multiple tumour types. However, the mechanism that TSP50 promotes HCC progression are not known.

Methods

Hepatocyte proliferation was analysed by MTT and BrdU incorporation after TSP50 transfection. Furthermore, LC‐MS/MS, co‐immunoprecipitation and GST pull‐down assays were performed to analyse protein(s) binding to TSP50. Moreover, the site‐specific mutation of G6PD was used to reveal the key site critical for G6PD acetylation mediated by TSP50. Finally, the role of G6PD K171 acetylation regulated by TSP50 in cell proliferation and tumour formation was investigated.

Results

Our data suggest that the overexpression of TSP50 accelerates hepatocyte proliferation. In addition, G6PD is an important protein that binds to TSP50 in the cytoplasm. TSP50 activates G6PD activity by inhibiting the acetylation of G6PD at the K171 site. In addition, TSP50 promotes the binding of G6PD to SIRT2. Furthermore, the K171ac of G6PD regulated by TSP50 is required for TSP50‐induced cell proliferation in vitro and tumour formation in vivo. Additionally, according to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) programme, TSP50 and G6PD are negatively correlated with the survival of HCC patients.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings demonstrate that TSP50‐induced cell proliferation and tumour formation are mediated by G6PD K171 acetylation.

Aflatoxin reduction in nuts by roasting, irradiation and fumigation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The present study aimed to investigate the reduction of aflatoxins as a potent hazard for human health in nuts during roasting, irradiation, and fumigation processes. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science on 6 April 2020 to find interventional studies assessing the effects of roasting, fumigation, and irradiation methods on total and individual aflatoxins concentration in nuts. Study-specific results were pooled by using a random-effects model. A total of 19 trials were included in the analyses. In most studies, the influence of method on aflatoxin reduction was assessed on peanuts. The results showed that the roasting method significantly reduced aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 concentrations by 46.91%, 30.66%, 40.88%, and 26.19%, respectively. Such results for the fumigation method were 20.88% and 22.56% for aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin total, respectively. There was a 58.60% reduction in aflatoxin B1 and a 74.97% reduction in aflatoxin total concentrations in nuts following the irradiation method. The findings indicated that the evaluated processes could be influential for reducing aflatoxin levels in nuts.

Systematic and experimental investigations of the anti-colorectal cancer mediated by genistein

Recent evidences have suggested that genistein, a beneficial isoflavonoid, exerts marked anti-proliferative action on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. However, the exact molecular mechanisms behind anti-CRC effect of genistein have not been elucidated. In current report, a systemic pharmacology analysis was used to disclose the anti-CRC mechanism of genistein prior to performing experimentative certification. As shown in network pharmacology findings, a total of 189 common targets and 9 hard-core targets of genistein-anti-CRC were collected and identified. And the detailed anti-CRC functions and pathways mediated by genistein were uncovered. In further certification, human CRC samples resulted in elevated protein and mRNA expressions of myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein (MCL1), beta amyloid A4 protein (APP), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (KDR). In animal experiment, genistein-treated tumor-transplanted nude mice exhibited reduced tumor growth, accompanied with dose-dependent down-regulations of MCL1, APP, and KDR proteins and mRNAs. Taken together, the integrated bioinformatic and experimental findings uncover the anti-CRC mechanisms and targets mediated by genistein. Significantly, parts of hard-core biotargets were experimentally verified before clinical application, including MCL1, APP, and KDR.

Diet containing grape seed meal by-product counteracts AFB1 toxicity in liver of pig after weaning

Liver is the earliest target for AFB1 toxicity in both human and animals. In the last decade, plant derived by-products have been used in animal feed to reduce AFB1 induced toxicity. In the present study we investigated whether the presence of 8% grape seed meal by-product is able to counteract the hepatotoxic effects produced by AFB1 in liver of pig after weaning exposed to the toxin through the contaminated feed for 28 days. Twenty four weaned cross-bred TOPIGS-40 piglets with an average body weight of 9.13±0.03 were allocated to the following experimentally treatments: control diet without AFB1 (normal compound feed for weaned pigs); contaminated diet with 320 mg kg^-1 AFB1; GSM diet (compound feed plus 8% grape seed meal) and AFB1+GSM diet (320 mg kg^-1 AFB1 contaminated feed plus 8% grape seed meal). Pigs fed AFB1 diet had altered performance, body weight decreasing with 25.1% (b.w.: 17.17 kg for AFB1 vs 22.92 kg for control). Exposure of piglets to AFB1 contaminated diet caused liver oxidative stress as well as liver histological damage, manly characterized by inflammatory infiltrate, fibrosis and parenchyma cells vacuolation when compared to control and GSM meal group. 94.12% of the total analysed genes (34) related to inflammation and immune response was up-regulated. The addition of GSM into the AFB1 diet diminished the gene overexpression and ameliorate histological liver injuries and oxidative stress. The protective effect of GSM diet in diminishing the AFB1 harmful effect was mediated through the decreasing of gene and protein expression of MAPKs and NF-κB signalling overexpressed by AFB1 diet. The inclusion of grape seed by-products in the diet of pigs after weaning might be used as a novel nutritional intervention to reduce aflatoxin toxicity.

The clinical value and potential molecular mechanism of the downregulation of MAOA in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most common cancers worldwide and tends to be detected at an advanced stage. More effective biomarkers for HCC screening and prognosis assessment are needed and the mechanisms of HCC require further exploration. The role of MAOA in HCC has not been intensively investigated.

Methods

In‐house tissue microarrays, genechips, and RNAsequencing datasets were integrated to explore the expression status and the clinical value of MAOA in HCC. Immunohistochemical staining was utilized to determine MAOA protein expression. Intersection genes of MAOA related co‐expressed genes and differentially expressed genes were obtained to perform functional enrichment analyses. In vivo experiment was conducted to study the impact of traditional Chinese medicine nitidine chloride (NC) on MAOA in HCC.

Results

MAOA was downregulated and possessed an excellent discriminatory capability in HCC patients. Decreased MAOA correlated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Downregulated MAOA protein was relevant to an advanced TNM stage in HCC patients. Co‐expressed genes that positively related to MAOA were clustered in chemical carcinogenesis, where CYP2E1 was identified as the hub gene. In vivo experiment showed that nitidine chloride significantly upregulated MAOA in a nude mouse HCC model.

Conclusions

A decreased MAOA level is not only correlated with aggressive behaviors in males but also serves as a promising biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC patients. Moreover, MAOA may play a role in AFB1 toxic transformation through its synergistic action with co‐expressed genes, especially CYP3A4. MAOA also serves as a potential therapy target of NC in HCC patients.

Anti-invasive effect and pharmacological mechanism of genistein against colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) refers to a deadly carcinoma following potent invasiveness and metastasis in advanced stage. Unfortunately, existing anti-CRC medicine is insufficient for chemotherapy in addition to adverse effects. Consequently, the candidate natural ingredient for treating CRC needs to be further developed. Our previous experiments report that genistein exerts beneficial effects to inhibit CRC cells via an antiproliferative mechanism. Based on the metastatic characteristics of staging CRC, anti-invasive and antimetastatic pharmacological activities using genistein remain uninvestigated. The scientific purpose of this study was to disclose the antimetastatic mechanism by using human and cell culture/nude mice samples, followed by biochemical tests and immunoassays. In human study, these CRC cases resulted in increased transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) levels, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) TTTY18 expressions, followed with up-regulated Ki-67, serum and glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (SGK1), Akt^Ser473 expressions. In a study in vitro, genistein-dosed CRC cells showed suppressed cell viability, promoted cell apoptosis, reduced Ki-67 positive cells, reduced cellular migration, down-regulated expressions of TTTY18, SGK1, Akt^Ser473 , p38 MAPK^Tyr323 . In a further study in vivo, genistein-dosed tumor-bearing nude mice exhibited visibly reduced body mass, lowered tumorous TGF-β1 and TTTY18 contents. In addition, intracellular numbers of SGK1, Akt^Ser473 , p38 MAPK^Tyr323 positive cells were reduced dose-dependently. Collectively, these human and experimentative findings reveal that genistein pharmacologically exerts the potential antimetastatic CRC effects, possibly through a molecular mechanism of inhibiting TTTY18/Akt pathway in CRC cells.

Anticancer targets and mechanisms of calycosin to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Calycosin is a naturally occurring phytoestrogen, and it has the anti-nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) action played by calycosin. However, the elaborate mechanisms of calycosin treating NPC remain to be unrevealed. In current report, a promising tool of network pharmacology method was used to uncover the anti-NPC targets and therapeutic mechanisms played by calycosin. Furthermore, were conducted to validate the bioinformatic findings in human and preclinical studies. As results, the bioinformatic findings showed the core anti-NPC targets played by calycosin included tumor protein p53 (TP53), mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), caspase 8 (CASP8), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), caspase 3 (CASP3), receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), proto-oncogene c (JUN), and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1). Concurrently, the top 20 biological processes and top 20 pharmacological pathways of calycosin treating NPC were identified and illustrated. In clinical data, NPC samples showed up-regulated expression of MAPK14, reduced TP53, and CASP8 expressions in comparison with those in non-NPC controls. As revealed in experimental data, calycosin-treated NPC cells resulted in reduced cell survival rate, increased cell apoptosis. In apoptosis-specific staining, calycosin-treated NPC cells exhibited elevated apoptotic cell number. Following the immunostaining assays, the results indicated increased TP53-, CASP8-positive cells, and reduced MAPK14-positive cells in calycosin-treated NPC cells and xenograft tumor sections. Altogether, the bioinformatic findings from network pharmacology reveal all core targets and mechanisms of calycosin treating NPC, and some of bioinformatic findings are identified using human and preclinical experiments. Notably, the screened biotargets may be potentially used to clinically treat NPC.

Integrative findings indicate anti-tumor biotargets and molecular mechanisms of calycosin against osteosarcoma

Calycosin is reportedly evidenced with pharmacologically treating bone cells. However, the comprehensive anti-osteosarcoma (OS) mechanisms of calycosin have not been uncovered. By using a systemic method of network pharmacology, the present study aimed to reveal potential anti-OS biotargets and molecular mechanisms played by calycosin. Moreover, human and animal experiments were conducted to verify the core biotargets of calycosin against OS. As results, all primary and core biotargets, biological processes, molecular pathways of calycosin against OS were revealed. Additionally, top 20 biological processes and pathways of calycosin against OS were identified. In human study, the OS sections resulted in reduced expressions of tumor protein p53 (TP53), Caspase-3 (CASP3), and elevated X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) expression in comparison with OS-free controls. As shown in cell culture study, calycosin-treated OS cells showed reduced cell proliferation, and promoted cell apoptosis. In TUNEL stains, calycosin resulted in elevated apoptotic cells. As showed in immunostaining, calycosin-treated OS cells exhibited intracellular up-regulation of TP53, CASP3 expressions, and decreased XIAP expressions. Taken together, the biological informational findings manifest the candidate and core biotargets, molecular functions and pathways of calycosin against OS. Attractively, these core biotargets may be used for effectively detecting and treating human OS.

Clinical characteristics of colorectal cancer patients and anti-neoplasm activity of genistein

BACKGROUND

Epidemiologically, the disease incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks the third among all malignant tumors, and its mortality is the second following lung cancer. If unmanaged, CRC will develop fatal invasiveness and metastasis. However, existing chemotherapy is limitedly effective to treat metastatic CRC. Genistein, a functional phytoestrogen, is found with potent pharmacological activity against cancer cells. Therefore, this study was designed to characterize the clinical signatures of human CRC and to conduct anti-CRC experiments using genistein.

METHODS

Briefly, the plasma, tumor, non-tumor samples of CRC patients were harvested for biological experiments, followed by analysis of clinical data. A pharmacological study in vitro of genistein for treating CRC cells was conducted accordingly.

RESULTS

In diagnostic data, molecular tumor biomarkers in CRC patients were detected in plasma samples, consistent with pathological and imaging diagnoses of CRC. Notably, carcinomatous expressions of miR-95, serum glucocorticoid kinase 1 (SGK1), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), extracellular regulated protein kinase 1 (Erk1) in human CRC were notably elevated when compared to those in non-tumor controls. In pharmacological experiments using cell culture model, genistein-treated CRC cells resulted in reduced cellular viability, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content, increased apoptotic cells and TdT mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells following a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, down-regulated expressions of endogenous miR-95, SGK1, Bcl-2, Erk1 were observed after genistein treatments in a dose-dependent way.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, the current clinical data indicate pathological markers of miR-95, SGK1, Erk1 in human CRC cases, and further experimental findings reveal that anti-CRC pharmacological mechanism using genistein was implicated in suppression of cellular miR-95, SGK1, Erk1 expressions. Together, genistein may be a promising bioactive compound for treating CRC.

Network analysis, and human and animal studies disclose the anticystitis glandularis effects of vitamin C

BACKGROUND

Our present study aimed to unravel the therapeutic biotargets of vitamin C (VC) against cystitis glandularis (CG), and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms for VC treating CG.

METHODS

Network pharmacology was used to predict therapeutic targets of VC against CG, and to identify molecular mechanisms. In addition, further human and animal studies were designed to validate the bioinformatic findings through biochemical tests, computerized tomography scans, and immunostaining assays.

RESULTS

In bioinformatic analyses, pathogenic targets of CG and putative targets of VC were identified, respectively. An interaction network between biological target and functional protein was produced before screening and collecting the key therapeutic targets of VC against CG, biological processes, and signaling pathways. In addition, ingenuity pathway analysis with cloud platform indicated that anti-CG mechanisms of VC were achieved through modulating a cluster of molecular pathways, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) pathway. Meanwhile, 18 core targets of VC against CG were identified, and the most important TNF, interleukin-6 (IL6), and Jun biotargets were obtained, respectively. In further validation in human study, cellular TNF-α, IL6, and c-Jun expressions in patient's CG samples were elevated significantly, accompanied with detectable urinary tract infection. Beneficially, VC-dosed CG mice resulted in downregulated expressions of endogenous TNF-α, IL6, and c-Jun in blood and bladder samples.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these bioinformatic findings and experimentative data uncover the therapeutic targets and biological mechanisms of VC for treating CG, in which the key biomarkers of TNF-α, IL6, and c-Jun may be the potential molecules for treating CG in clinical application.