Concomitant NAFLD Facilitates Liver Metastases and PD-1-Refractory by Recruiting MDSCs via CXCL5/CXCR2 in Colorectal Cancer

APM-Related gene signature model to predict prognosis and immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver malignancy with a dismal prognosis. This study established and validated a prognostic model based on antigen-processing and presenting machinery (APM)-related genes through Mendelian randomization and publicly available datasets. Systematic analysis revealed CXCL5, SGPP2, and GLP1R as critical prognostic biomarkers, which were subsequently integrated into a risk model. The model demonstrated significant associations with pathways linked to bile acid, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism, alongside variations in immune cell infiltration and genomic mutations, including TTN, TP53, and MUC16. Patient stratification into high- and low-risk groups indicated that low-risk individuals exhibited reduced immune infiltration, potentially correlating with enhanced immunotherapy sensitivity. These findings offer a robust gene signature for HCC prognosis and a framework for evaluating responses to immunotherapy.

Liver Metastasis in Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Management

Liver metastasis is a leading cause of mortality from malignant tumors and significantly impairs the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. In recent years, both preclinical and clinical research have made significant progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of liver metastasis. Metastatic tumor cells from different primary sites undergo highly similar biological processes, ultimately achieving ectopic colonization and growth in the liver. In this review, we begin by introducing the inherent metastatic-friendly features of the liver. We then explore the panorama of liver metastasis and conclude the three continuous, yet distinct phases based on the liver's response to metastasis. This includes metastatic sensing stage, metastatic stress stage, and metastasis support stage. We discuss the intricate interactions between metastatic tumor cells and various resident and recruited cells. In addition, we emphasize the critical role of spatial remodeling of immune cells in liver metastasis. Finally, we review the recent advancements and the challenges faced in the clinical management of liver metastasis. Future precise antimetastatic treatments should fully consider individual heterogeneity and implement different targeted interventions based on stages of liver metastasis.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Awareness of a Diagnostic Challenge—A Clinician’s Perspective

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the main cause of chronic liver disease globally. NAFLD is a complex pathology, considered to be the hepatic expression of metabolic syndrome (MetS). It is supposed to become the main indication for liver transplantation in the coming years and is estimated to affect 57.5–74.0% of obese people, 22.5% of children and 52.8% of obese children, with 50% of individuals with type 2 diabetes being diagnosed with NAFLD. Recent research has proved that an increase in adipose tissue insulin resistance index is an important marker of liver injury in patients with NAFLD. Despite being the main underlying cause of incidental liver damage and a growing worldwide health problem, NAFLD is mostly under-appreciated. Currently, NAFLD is considered a multifactorial disease, with various factors contributing to its pathogenesis, associated with insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, but also with cardiovascular, kidney and endocrine disorders (polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism, growth hormone deficiency). Hepatitis B and hepatitis C, sleep apnea, inflammatory bowel diseases, cystic fibrosis, viral infections, autoimmune liver diseases and malnutrition are some other conditions in which NAFLD can be found. The aim of this review is to emphasize that, from the clinician’s perspective, NAFLD is an actual and valuable key diagnosis factor for multiple conditions; thus, efforts need to be made in order to increase recognition of the disease and its consequences. Although there is no global consensus, physicians should consider screening people who are at risk of NAFLD. A large dissemination of current concepts on NAFLD and an extensive collaboration between physicians, such as gastroenterologists, internists, cardiologists, diabetologists, nutritionists and endocrinologists, is equally needed to ensure we have the knowledge and resources to address this public health challenge.

EVA1B facilitates esophageal squamous carcinoma progression and recruitment of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the tumor microenvironment

Eva-1 Homolog B (EVA1B) has been preliminarily found to be associated with prognostic outcomes and immune microenvironment in several human cancer types, but the implications of EVA1B in ESCC remain unclear. Human ESCC and paracancerous tissues were gathered in this study, and EVA1B expression was measured via immunoblotting. EC109 and KYSE-180 ESCC cells were stably infected by sh-EVA1B lentivirus, and functional experiments were subsequently implemented. Syngeneic mouse models were built, and the expansion and recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were then evaluated. The results showed that EVA1B presented the notable up-regulation in clinical ESCC tissues versus controls, and was connected to more advanced stages and the abundance of MDSCs. Silencing EVA1B notably attenuated proliferation of ESCC cells and tumor growth in syngeneic mouse models. Moreover, EVA1B suppression resulted in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and impaired ESCC cell aggressiveness. Among ESCC patients, EVA1B was strongly correlated to EMT pathway activity. Targeted suppression of EVA1B mitigated the expression of Wnt3a, β-catenin and LRP6 in ESCC cells and tumor xenografts. Additionally, inhibition of EVA1B attenuated the expansion and recruitment of MDSCs within the immune microenvironment based upon the reduction in the percentage of CD11b+Gr-1+ immunosuppressive MDSCs as well as the expression of MDSC expansion stimulators (S100A8, S100A9, Arg-1, and VEGF). Collectively, our findings unveiled the contribution of high expression of EVA1B to ESCC progression and MDSCs expansion and recruitment, indicating that targeted suppression of EVA1B may be a potential treatment choice for ESCC patients.

Immune dynamics shaping pre-metastatic and metastatic niches in liver metastases: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic strategies

Liver metastases are commonly detected in the advanced stages of various malignant tumors, representing a significant clinical challenge. Throughout the process of liver metastases formation, immune cells play a pivotal role, particularly in the pre-metastatic and metastatic niches within the liver. Immune cells establish extensive and intricate interactions with tumor cells and other components in the liver, collectively promoting and sustaining the growth of liver metastases. Despite the limited efficacy of existing therapeutic modalities against some advanced liver metastases, novel immune-based treatment approaches are continuously being explored and validated. Building on the systematic elucidation of the immunosuppressive characteristics of liver metastases, we explored the potential of novel immunotherapies applicable to patients with liver metastases from multiple dimensions.