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Wang Q, Yu G, Qiu J, Lu W. Application of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion in Clinical Liver Imaging: A Literature Review. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 60:417-440. [PMID: 37908165 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29086] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) modeling is a widely used double-exponential model for describing diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) signal, with a slow component related to pure molecular diffusion and a fast component associated with microcirculatory perfusion, which compensates for the limitations of traditional DWI. IVIM is a noninvasive technique for obtaining liver pathological information and characterizing liver lesions, and has potential applications in the initial diagnosis and treatment monitoring of liver diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that IVIM-derived parameters are useful for evaluating liver lesions, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis and liver tumors. However, the results are not stable. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize the current applications of IVIM in liver disease research, identify existing shortcomings, and point out the future development direction. In this review, we searched for studies related to hepatic IVIM-DWI applications over the past two decades in the PubMed database. We first introduce the fundamental principles and influential factors of IVIM, and then discuss its application in NAFLD, liver fibrosis, and focal hepatic lesions. It has been found that IVIM is still unstable in ensuring the robustness and reproducibility of measurements in the assessment of liver fibrosis grade and liver tumors differentiation, due to inconsistent and substantial overlap in the range of IVIM-derived parameters for different fibrotic stages. In the end, the future direction of IVIM-DWI in the assessment of liver diseases is discussed, emphasizing the need for further research on the stability of IVIM-derived parameters, particularly perfusion-related parameters, in order to promote the clinical practice of IVIM-DWI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Guanghui Yu
- Department of Radiology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Jianfeng Qiu
- Department of Radiology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, China
| | - Weizhao Lu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
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2
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Heumann P, Albert A, Gülow K, Tümen D, Müller M, Kandulski A. Insights in Molecular Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1831. [PMID: 38791911 PMCID: PMC11120383 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a comprehensive review of the current literature of published data and clinical trials (MEDLINE), as well as published congress contributions and active recruiting clinical trials on targeted therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Combinations of different agents and medical therapy along with radiological interventions were analyzed for the setting of advanced HCC. Those settings were also analyzed in combination with adjuvant situations after resection or radiological treatments. We summarized the current knowledge for each therapeutic setting and combination that currently is or has been under clinical evaluation. We further discuss the results in the background of current treatment guidelines. In addition, we review the pathophysiological mechanisms and pathways for each of these investigated targets and drugs to further elucidate the molecular background and underlying mechanisms of action. Established and recommended targeted treatment options that already exist for patients are considered for systemic treatment: atezolizumab/bevacizumab, durvalumab/tremelimumab, sorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, regorafenib, and ramucirumab. Combination treatment for systemic treatment and local ablative treatment or transarterial chemoembolization and adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment strategies are under clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Heumann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany (K.G.); (D.T.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Arne Kandulski
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany (K.G.); (D.T.)
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3
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He J, Wu F, Li J, Deng Q, Chen J, Li P, Jiang X, Yang K, Xu S, Jiang Z, Li X, Jiang Z. Tumor suppressor CLCA1 inhibits angiogenesis via TGFB1/SMAD/VEGF cascade and sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells to Sorafenib. Dig Liver Dis 2024; 56:176-186. [PMID: 37230858 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly vascularized tumor with a poor prognosis. Novel vascular-related therapeutic targets and prognostic markers remain urgently needed. AIMS To investigate the role and mechanism of CLCA1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS Immunofluorescence, Co-immunoprecipitation and rescue experiment were used to determine the specific mechanisms of CLCA1. Chemosensitivity assay was used to measure the impact of CLCA1 on Sorafenib. RESULTS CLCA1 was dramatically downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and tissues. Ectopic expression of CLCA1 induced cell apoptosis and G0/G1 phase arrest while suppressed cell growth, inhibited migration and invasion, reversal of epithelial mesenchymal transition in vitro and reduced xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, CLCA1 could co-localize and interact with TGFB1, thereby suppressing HCC angiogenesis through the TGFB1/SMAD/VEGF signaling cascade in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, CLCA1 also enhanced the sensitivity of HCC cells to the first-line targeted therapy, Sorafenib. CONCLUSION CLCA1 sensitizes HCC cells to Sorafenib and suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma angiogenesis through downregulating TGFB1 signaling cascade. This newly identified CLCA1 signaling pathway may help guide the anti-angiogenesis therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma. We also support the possibility of CLCA1 being a prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Junfeng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Qianxi Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Pengtao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Xianyao Jiang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou 570100, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Shuman Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhongxiang Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Tavakoli Pirzaman A, Alishah A, Babajani B, Ebrahimi P, Sheikhi SA, Moosaei F, Salarfar A, Doostmohamadian S, Kazemi S. The Role of microRNAs in Hepatocellular Cancer: A Narrative Review Focused on Tumor Microenvironment and Drug Resistance. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241239188. [PMID: 38634139 PMCID: PMC11025440 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241239188] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, hepatic cancer ranks fourth in terms of cancer-related mortality and is the sixth most frequent kind of cancer. Around 80% of liver cancers are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), which are the leading cause of cancer death. It is well known that HCC may develop resistance to the available chemotherapy treatments very fast. One of the biggest obstacles in providing cancer patients with appropriate care is drug resistance. According to reports, more than 90% of cancer-specific fatalities are caused by treatment resistance. By binding to the 3'-untranslated region of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), a group of noncoding RNAs which are around 17 to 25 nucleotides long, regulate target gene expression. Moreover, they play role in the control of signaling pathways, cell proliferation, and cell death. As a result, miRNAs play an important role in the microenvironment of HCC by changing immune phenotypes, hypoxic conditions, and acidification, as well as angiogenesis and extracellular matrix components. Moreover, changes in miRNA levels in HCC can effectively resist cancer cells to chemotherapy by affecting various cellular processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, and membrane transporter activity. In the current work, we narratively reviewed the role of miRNAs in HCC, with a special focus on tumor microenvironment and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Alishah
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Bahareh Babajani
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Pouyan Ebrahimi
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Seyyed Ali Sheikhi
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Farhad Moosaei
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | | | | | - Sohrab Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Mohammed OA, Doghish AS, Saleh LA, Alghamdi M, Alamri MMS, Alfaifi J, Adam MIE, Alharthi MH, Alshahrani AM, Alhalafi AH, BinAfif WF, Rezigalla AA, Abdel-Reheim MA, El-Wakeel HS, Attia MA, Elmorsy EA, Al-Noshokaty TM, Nomier Y, Saber S. Itraconazole halts hepatocellular carcinoma progression by modulating sonic hedgehog signaling in rats: A novel therapeutic approach. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155086. [PMID: 38176308 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer stands as the fourth leading global cause of death, and its prognosis remains grim due to the limited effectiveness of current medical interventions. Among the various pathways implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the hedgehog signaling pathway has emerged as a crucial player. Itraconazole, a relatively safe and cost-effective antifungal medication, has gained attention for its potential as an anticancer agent. Its primary mode of action involves inhibiting the hedgehog pathway, yet its impact on HCC has not been elucidated. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of itraconazole on diethylnitrosamine-induced early-stage HCC in rats. Our findings revealed that itraconazole exhibited a multifaceted arsenal against HCC by downregulating the expression of key components of the hedgehog pathway, shh, smoothened (SMO), and GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1), and GLI2. Additionally, itraconazole extended survival and improved liver tissue structure, attributed mainly to its inhibitory effects on hedgehog signaling. Besides, itraconazole demonstrated a regulatory effect on Notch1, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling molecules. Consequently, itraconazole displayed diverse anticancer properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects, as well as the potential to induce autophagy. Moreover, itraconazole exhibited a promise to impede the transformation of epithelial cells into a more mesenchymal-like phenotype. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of targeting the hedgehog pathway with itraconazole as a promising avenue for further exploration in clinical studies related to HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama A Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacology, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11231, Egypt.
| | - Lobna A Saleh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Collage of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mushabab Alghamdi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohannad Mohammad S Alamri
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jaber Alfaifi
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Masoud I E Adam
- Department of Medical Education and Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Muffarah Hamid Alharthi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah M Alshahrani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah Hassan Alhalafi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Waad Fuad BinAfif
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Assad Ali Rezigalla
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mustafa Ahmed Abdel-Reheim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62521, Egypt.
| | - Hend S El-Wakeel
- Physiology Department, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Qalubyia 13518, Egypt; Physiology Department, Al-Baha Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha 65799, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed A Attia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Department of Basic Medical Sciences , College of Medicine Almaarefa University Diriyiah, 13713, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Elsayed A Elmorsy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Pharmacology and Therapeutics Department, Qassim College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Tohada M Al-Noshokaty
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt.
| | - Yousra Nomier
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt.
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6
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Wang Z, Wu C, Liu J, Hu S, Yu J, Yin Q, Tian H, Ding Z, Qi G, Wang L, Hao L. Aptamer-mediated hollow MnO 2 for targeting the delivery of sorafenib. Drug Deliv 2023; 30:28-39. [DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2149897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Wang
- Department of Molecular Imaging, School of Medical Technology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Cuicui Wu
- Department of Molecular Imaging, School of Medical Technology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Jinren Liu
- Department of Molecular Imaging, School of Medical Technology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Shunxin Hu
- Department of Molecular Imaging, School of Medical Technology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Junli Yu
- Department of Molecular Imaging, School of Medical Technology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Qiangqiamg Yin
- Department of Molecular Imaging, School of Medical Technology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Hongda Tian
- Department of Molecular Imaging, School of Medical Technology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Zhipeng Ding
- Department of Molecular Imaging, School of Medical Technology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Guiqiang Qi
- Department of Molecular Imaging, School of Medical Technology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Personnel, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Liguo Hao
- Department of Molecular Imaging, School of Medical Technology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
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7
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Velliou RI, Legaki AI, Nikolakopoulou P, Vlachogiannis NI, Chatzigeorgiou A. Liver endothelial cells in NAFLD and transition to NASH and HCC. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:314. [PMID: 37798474 PMCID: PMC11072568 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04966-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, which is characterised by obesity, insulin resistance, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension. NAFLD is the most frequent liver disease worldwide and more than 10% of NAFLD patients progress to the inflammatory and fibrotic stage of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to end-stage liver disease including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most frequent primary malignant liver tumor. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) are strategically positioned at the interface between blood and hepatic parenchyma. LSECs are highly specialized cells, characterised by the presence of transcellular pores, called fenestrae, and exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic characteristics under physiological conditions. However, during NAFLD development they undergo capillarisation and acquire a phenotype similar to vascular endothelial cells, actively promoting all pathophysiological aspects of NAFLD, including steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. LSEC dysfunction is critical for the progression to NASH and HCC while restoring LSEC homeostasis appears to be a promising approach to prevent NAFLD progression and its complications and even reverse tissue damage. In this review we present current information on the role of LSEC throughout the progressive phases of NAFLD, summarising in vitro and in vivo experimental evidence and data from human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rallia-Iliana Velliou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Aigli-Ioanna Legaki
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Polyxeni Nikolakopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos I Vlachogiannis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios Chatzigeorgiou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 11527, Athens, Greece.
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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8
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Wong SWK, Tey SK, Mao X, Fung HL, Xiao Z, Wong DKH, Mak L, Yuen M, Ng IO, Yun JP, Gao Y, Yam JWP. Small Extracellular Vesicle-Derived vWF Induces a Positive Feedback Loop between Tumor and Endothelial Cells to Promote Angiogenesis and Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302677. [PMID: 37387563 PMCID: PMC10502836 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a hypervascular malignancy by which its growth and dissemination are largely driven by the modulation of tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). Proteomic profiling of circulating sEVs of control individuals and HCC patients identifies von Willibrand factor (vWF) to be upregulated progressively along HCC stages. Elevated sEV-vWF levels are found in a larger cohort of HCC-sEV samples and metastatic HCC cell lines compared to their respective normal counterparts. Circulating sEVs of late-stage HCC patients markedly augment angiogenesis, tumor-endothelial adhesion, pulmonary vascular leakiness, and metastasis, which are significantly compromised by anti-vWF antibody. The role of vWF is further corroborated by the enhanced promoting effect of sEVs collected from vWF-overexpressing cells. sEV-vWF modulates endothelial cells through an elevated level of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). Mechanistically, secreted FGF2 elicits a positive feedback response in HCC via the FGFR4/ERK1 signaling pathway. The co-administration of anti-vWF antibody or FGFR inhibitor significantly improves the treatment outcome of sorafenib in a patient-derived xenograft mouse model. This study reveals mutual stimulation between HCC and endothelial cells by tumor-derived sEVs and endothelial angiogenic factors, facilitating angiogenesis and metastasis. It also provides insights into a new therapeutic strategy involving blocking tumor-endothelial intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Wan Ki Wong
- Department of PathologySchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Sze Keong Tey
- Department of PathologySchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
- Department of SurgerySchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Xiaowen Mao
- Department of PathologySchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Hiu Ling Fung
- Department of PathologySchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Zhi‐Jie Xiao
- Research CentreThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University518107ShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Danny Ka Ho Wong
- Department of MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Lung‐Yi Mak
- Department of MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Man‐Fung Yuen
- Department of MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Irene Oi‐Lin Ng
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Jing Ping Yun
- Department of PathologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouGuangdong510060P. R. China
| | - Yi Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery IIZhuJiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510280P. R. China
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of PathologySchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong KongHong Kong
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9
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Pinto E, Pelizzaro F, Farinati F, Russo FP. Angiogenesis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Systemic Therapies. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1115. [PMID: 37374319 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy. The hypervascular nature of the majority of HCCs and the peculiar vascular derangement occurring during liver carcinogenesis underscore the importance of angiogenesis in the development and progression of these tumors. Indeed, several angiogenic molecular pathways have been identified as deregulated in HCC. The hypervascular nature and the peculiar vascularization of HCC, as well as deregulated angiogenic pathways, represent major therapeutic targets. To a large extent, intra-arterial locoregional treatments (transarterial-(chemo)embolization) rely on tumor ischemia caused by embolization of tumor feeding arteries, even though this may represent the "primum movens" of tumor recurrence through the activation of neoangiogenesis. Considering systemic therapies, the currently available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sorafenib, regorafenib, cabozantinib and lenvatinib) and monoclonal antibodies (ramucirumab and bevacizumab, in combination with the anti-PD-L1, atezolizumab) primarily target, among others, angiogenic pathways. Considering the importance of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis and treatment of liver cancer, in this paper, we aim to review the role of angiogenesis in HCC, addressing the molecular mechanisms, available antiangiogenic therapies and prognostic biomarkers in patients receiving these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pinto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Pelizzaro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
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10
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Chen W, Li C, Jiang X. Advanced Biomaterials with Intrinsic Immunomodulation Effects for Cancer Immunotherapy. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2201404. [PMID: 36811240 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202201404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, tumor immunotherapy has achieved significant success in tumor treatment based on immune checkpoint blockers and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. However, about 70-80% of patients with solid tumors do not respond to immunotherapy due to immune evasion. Recent studies found that some biomaterials have intrinsic immunoregulatory effects, except serve as carriers for immunoregulatory drugs. Moreover, these biomaterials have additional advantages such as easy functionalization, modification, and customization. In this review, the recent advances of these immunoregulatory biomaterials in cancer immunotherapy and their interaction with cancer cells, immune cells, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment are summarized. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of immunoregulatory biomaterials used in the clinic and the prospect of their future in cancer immunotherapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhi Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology and Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nanotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology and Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nanotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Xiqun Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology and Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nanotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
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11
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Nikoo M, Hassan ZF, Mardasi M, Rostamnezhad E, Roozbahani F, Rahimi S, Mohammadi J. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) immunotherapy by anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies: A rapidly evolving strategy. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 247:154473. [PMID: 37207558 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers in the world, with a high relapse rate. Delayed symptom onset observed in 70-80% of patients leads to diagnosis in advanced stages commonly associated with chronic liver disease. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade therapy has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic option in the clinical management of several advanced malignancies, including HCC, due to the activation of exhausted tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and improved outcomes of T-cell function. However, many people with HCC do not respond to PD-1 blockade therapy, and the diversity of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) restricts their clinical utility. Therefore, numerous effective combinatory strategies, including combinations with anti-PD-1 antibodies and other therapeutic methods ranging from chemotherapy to targeted therapies, are evolving to improve therapeutic outcomes and evoke synergistic anti-tumor impressions in patients with advanced HCC. Unfortunately, combined therapy may have more side effects than single-agent treatment. Nonetheless, identifying appropriate predictive biomarkers can aid in managing potential immune-related adverse events by distinguishing patients who respond best to PD-1 inhibitors as single agents or in combination strategies. In the present review, we summarize the therapeutic potential of PD-1 blockade therapy for advanced HCC patients. Besides, a glimpse of the pivotal predictive biomarkers influencing a patient's response to anti-PD-1 antibodies will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Nikoo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Mahsa Mardasi
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University G. C., Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elmira Rostamnezhad
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Roozbahani
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sahel Rahimi
- Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology(NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Mohammadi
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Interplay between tumor-derived factors and tumor-associated neutrophils: opportunities for therapeutic interventions in cancer. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2023:10.1007/s12094-023-03100-0. [PMID: 36745341 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03100-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophils have emerged as important players in the tumor microenvironment, largely attributed to their plasticity and heterogeneity. Evidence accumulated thus far indicates that neutrophils signaled by external cues can promote tumor progression via several mechanisms. Hence, in our quest to target tumor-associated neutrophils to improve treatment, understanding the mechanisms by which tumor-derived factors regulate neutrophils to gain pro-tumor functions and the feedback loop by which these neutrophils promote tumor progression is very crucial. Herein, we review the published data on how tumor-derived factors alter neutrophils phenotype to promote tumor progression with particular emphasis on immunosuppression, autophagy, angiogenesis, tumor proliferation, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. These deeper insights could provide a wider view and novel therapeutic approach to neutrophil-targeted therapy in cancer.
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13
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Sabeti S, Ternifi R, Larson NB, Olson MC, Atwell TD, Fatemi M, Alizad A. Morphometric analysis of tumor microvessels for detection of hepatocellular carcinoma using contrast-free ultrasound imaging: A feasibility study. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1121664. [PMID: 37124492 PMCID: PMC10134399 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1121664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction A contrast-free ultrasound microvasculature imaging technique was evaluated in this study to determine whether extracting morphological features of the vascular networks in hepatic lesions can be beneficial in differentiating benign and malignant tumors (hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in particular). Methods A total of 29 lesions from 22 patients were included in this work. A post-processing algorithm consisting of clutter filtering, denoising, and vessel enhancement steps was implemented on ultrasound data to visualize microvessel structures. These structures were then further characterized and quantified through additional image processing. A total of nine morphological metrics were examined to compare different groups of lesions. A two-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for statistical analysis. Results In the malignant versus benign comparison, six of the metrics manifested statistical significance. Comparing only HCC cases with the benign, only three of the metrics were significantly different. No statistically significant distinction was observed between different malignancies (HCC versus cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic adenocarcinoma) for any of the metrics. Discussion Obtained results suggest that designing predictive models based on such morphological characteristics on a larger sample size may prove helpful in differentiating benign from malignant liver masses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroosh Sabeti
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Redouane Ternifi
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Nicholas B. Larson
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Michael C. Olson
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Thomas D. Atwell
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mostafa Fatemi
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Azra Alizad
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Azra Alizad,
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Resistance to Antiangiogenic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Impact. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246245. [PMID: 36551730 PMCID: PMC9776845 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiangiogenic drugs were the only mainstay of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment from 2007 to 2017. However, primary or secondary resistance hampered their efficacy. Primary resistance could be due to different molecular and/or genetic characteristics of HCC and their knowledge would clarify the optimal treatment approach in each patient. Several molecular mechanisms responsible for secondary resistance have been discovered over the last few years; they represent potential targets for new specific drugs. In this light, the advent of checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been a new opportunity; however, their use has highlighted other issues: the vascular normalization compared to a vessel pruning to promote the delivery of an active cancer immunotherapy and the development of resistance to immunotherapy which leads to a better selection of patients as candidates for ICIs. Nevertheless, the combination of antiangiogenic therapy plus ICIs represents an intriguing approach with high potential to improve the survival of these patients. Waiting for results from ongoing clinical trials, this review depicts the current knowledge about the resistance to antiangiogenic drugs in HCC. It could also provide updated information to clinicians focusing on the most effective combinations or sequential approaches in this regard, based on molecular mechanisms.
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Tümen D, Heumann P, Gülow K, Demirci CN, Cosma LS, Müller M, Kandulski A. Pathogenesis and Current Treatment Strategies of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2022; 10:3202. [PMID: 36551958 PMCID: PMC9775527 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent liver cancer with high lethality and low five-year survival rates leading to a substantial worldwide burden for healthcare systems. HCC initiation and progression are favored by different etiological risk factors including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, non-/and alcoholic fatty liver disease (N/AFLD), and tobacco smoking. In molecular pathogenesis, endogenous alteration in genetics (TP53, TERT, CTNNB1, etc.), epigenetics (DNA-methylation, miRNA, lncRNA, etc.), and dysregulation of key signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, etc.) strongly contribute to the development of HCC. The multitude and complexity of different pathomechanisms also reflect the difficulties in tailored medical therapy of HCC. Treatment options for HCC are strictly dependent on tumor staging and liver function, which are structured by the updated Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification system. Surgical resection, local ablative techniques, and liver transplantation are valid and curative therapeutic options for early tumor stages. For multifocal and metastatic diseases, systemic therapy is recommended. While Sorafenib had been the standalone HCC first-line therapy for decades, recent developments had led to the approval of new treatment options as first-line as well as second-line treatment. Anti-PD-L1 directed combination therapies either with anti-VEGF directed agents or with anti-CTLA-4 active substances have been implemented as the new treatment standard in the first-line setting. However, data from clinical trials indicate different responses on specific therapeutic regimens depending on the underlying pathogenesis of hepatocellular cancer. Therefore, histopathological examinations have been re-emphasized by current international clinical guidelines in addition to the standardized radiological diagnosis using contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging. In this review, we emphasize the current knowledge on molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. On this occasion, the treatment sequences for early and advanced tumor stages according to the recently updated Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification system and the current algorithm of systemic therapy (first-, second-, and third-line treatment) are summarized. Furthermore, we discuss novel precautional and pre-therapeutic approaches including therapeutic vaccination, adoptive cell transfer, locoregional therapy enhancement, and non-coding RNA-based therapy as promising treatment options. These novel treatments may prolong overall survival rates in regard with quality of life and liver function as mainstay of HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Arne Kandulski
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases University Hospital Regensburg Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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16
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Long Noncoding RNA XIST Promotes Resistance to Lenvatinib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Epigenetic Inhibition of NOD2. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:4537343. [PMID: 36304988 PMCID: PMC9596241 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4537343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a severe global health issue that still lacks of effective treatments. Lenvatinib is a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that has been approved for the treatment of HCC. However, drug resistance is inevitable and limits the clinical application of lenvatinib. Till now, there is still little knowledge about the mechanisms under the resistance to lenvatinib in HCC. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a group of noncoding RNAs that play essential roles in various physiological activities including the chemoresistance. In the present study, through RNA sequencing, we discovered that lncRNA XIST was upregulated in HCC cells that was insensitive to lenvatinib. Mechanically, we found that lncXIST promotes lenvatinib resistance via activation of EZH2-NOD2-ERK axis in HCC cells. Our data suggest that targeting lncXIST/EZH2/NOD2/ERK axis might be a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of lenvatinib against HCC cells.
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17
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m6A-Related Angiogenic Genes to Construct Prognostic Signature, Reveal Immune and Oxidative Stress Landscape, and Screen Drugs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8301888. [PMID: 36246403 PMCID: PMC9554665 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8301888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. m6A modification plays a key role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs) are increasingly being used to define signatures predicting patient prognosis. The correlations between m6A-related ARGs (mARGs), clinical outcomes, and the immune and oxidative stress landscape are unclear. Methods. Univariate Cox regression analysis of 24 mARGs yielded 13 prognostic genes, which were then analyzed for their enriched functions and pathways. After LASSO regression analysis, a prognostic signature was constructed and its reliability validated. Patients were grouped by risk using the signature score, and then the clinical prognosis, the immune landscape, and the oxidative stress landscape between the two groups were analyzed. Drug sensitivity analysis was performed to identify potentially efficient therapeutic agents. Results. Thirteen prognosis-related mARGs consistently clustered patients with HCC into four groups with significantly different prognosis. Four mARGs (EGF, ITGA5, ITGAV, and PLG) were used to construct a prognostic signature and define risk groups. Among them, EGF, ITGA5, and ITGAV, were defined as prognostic risk factors, while PLG was defined as a prognostic protective factor. Compared to low-risk patients, HCC patients in the high-risk group had a poorer prognosis and showed significant differences in clinical characteristics, enriched pathways, tumor stemness, and tumor microenvironment. The drug sensitivity of oxaliplatin and LDK-378 negatively correlated with ITGAV expression. Ten drugs had lower IC50s in the high-risk group, indicating better antitumor efficacy than in the low-risk group, with epothilone B having the lowest IC50 value. Conclusions. A prognostic model consisting of mARGs can be used to predict the prognosis of HCC patients. The risk grouping of our model can be used to reveal differences in the tumor immune microenvironment of patients with HCC. Further in-depth study may provide new targets for future treatment.
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miR-559 Inhibits Proliferation, Autophagy, and Angiogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Targeting PARD3. Mediators Inflamm 2022; 2022:3121492. [PMID: 36105681 PMCID: PMC9467804 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3121492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world and has a high mortality rate. Although prevention and treatment of HCC has improved, it still faces poor prognosis and high mortality. miRNAs play a critical role in the tumorigenesis of HCC, but the underlying mechanism has not been well investigated. Here, the functions and interaction between miR-559 and PARD3 were investigated in HCC cells. Increased PARD3 and decreased miR-559 expression were observed in HCC cells compared with those in normal liver cells, especially in Huh-7 cells. Studies further demonstrated that PARD3 silencing or miR-559 overexpression impaired the proliferation, autophagy, and angiogenesis in Huh-7 cells. Mechanistically, PARD3 represents a target of miR-559. Furthermore, investigations revealed that miR-559 inhibition induced the expression of PARD3, thereby enhancing cell proliferation, autophagy, and angiogenesis in Huh-7 cells. These results reveal the interaction between miR-559 and PARD3 in HCC cells and provide new insights into their potential targets as therapeutic treatment against HCC.
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Sinularin Induces Oxidative Stress-Mediated Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Inhibits Angiogenesis in Glioblastoma Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081433. [PMID: 35892635 PMCID: PMC9394238 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a cancer of largely unknown cause that leads to a 5-year survival rate of approximately 7% in the United States. Current treatment strategies are not effective, indicating a strong need for the development of novel therapies. In this study, the outcomes of sinularin, a marine-derived product, were evaluated against GBM. Our cellular studies using GBM cells revealed that sinularin induces cell death. The measured half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) values ranged from 30 to 6 μM at 24–72 h. Cell death was induced via the generation of ROS leading to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. This was evidenced by annexin V/propidium iodine staining and an upregulation of cleaved forms of the pro-apoptotic proteins caspase 9, 3, and PARP, and supported by CellROXTM Green, MitoSOXTM Red, and CM-H2DCFDA staining methods. In addition, we observed a downregulation of the antioxidant enzymes SOD1/2 and thioredoxin. Upon treatment with sinularin at the ~IC50 concentration, mitochondrial respiration capacities were significantly reduced, as shown by measuring the oxygen consumption rates and enzymatic complexes of oxidative phosphorylation. Intriguingly, sinularin significantly inhibited indicators of angiogenesis such as vessel tube formation, cell migration, and cell mobility in human umbilical vein endothelial cells or the fusion cell line EA.Hy926. Lastly, in a transgenic zebrafish model, intersegmental vessel formation was also significantly inhibited by sinularin treatment. These findings indicate that sinularin exerts anti-brain cancer properties that include apoptosis induction but also antiangiogenesis.
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20
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Dynamics of endothelial progenitor cells in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:911-917. [PMID: 34876355 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.11.010] [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] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) predict tumor vascularization and disease progression, but limited information is available on their dynamics in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing systemic treatment. METHODS We prospectively analyzed different populations of EPC in 16 patients with advanced HCC receiving sorafenib. Patients were studied before therapy (T0, n = 16) and after two (T2, n = 12) and eight weeks (T8, n = 8), using high-performance flow-cytometry. The tumor response at T8 was categorized as progressive disease (PD) or clinical benefit (CB, all other responses). RESULTS At T0, higher levels of CD34+CD133+KDR+ and CD34+KDR+ were observed in patients with alpha-fetoprotein ≥400 ng/ml or non-viral liver disease, whereas CD34+CD133+KDR+ cells were virtually absent in patients with vascular invasion. CD34+KDR+ and CD34+CD133+KDR+ were directly correlated with platelet count. Frequencies of all populations of EPC declined in patients receiving sorafenib. Levels of CD34+CD133+ were higher at T0 in patients with CB compared to patients with PD. In patients belonging to the CB group CD34+KDR+ cells at T0 were directly correlated to platelet count. CONCLUSION In patients with advanced HCC, EPC are directly correlated with platelet count, suggesting a common activation of selected bone marrow pathways. Levels of a CD34+KDR+ are higher at baseline in patients responding to sorafenib.
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21
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Wang S, Wang X, Yang X, Liu F, Li J, Li W, Bai Z, Wang H, Mao J, Li T, He K, Wang H. Comprehensive kinomic study via a chemical proteomic approach reveals kinome reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. Proteomics 2021; 22:e2100141. [PMID: 34932872 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202100141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Kinases are attractive therapeutic targets since they are commonly altered in cancers. Here, to identify kinases of potential therapeutic interest in HCC, a quantitative kinomic study of tumour and adjacent non-tumour liver tissues was performed using a chemical proteomics approach. In total, 124 kinases were found differentially expressed and they were distributed over all nine kinase groups. Exploration of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data showed that the dysregulation of 45 kinases was correlated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. We then tested 11 inhibitors targeting 12 crucial protein kinases alone or in combination for their ability to inhibit cell growth in Hep3B and PLC/PRF/5 cell lines. Six inhibitors significantly reduced viability in both cell lines. Combination inhibition of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) and casein kinase 1 epsilon (CSNK1E) significantly induced growth arrest in both cell lines synergistically. In summary, our analysis presents the most complete view of kinome reprogramming in HCC and provides novel insight into crucial kinases in HCC and potential therapeutic targets for HCC treatment. Moreover, the identification of hundreds of differentially expressed kinases forms a rich resource for novel drug targets or diagnostic biomarker discovery. Data are available via ProteomeXchange (identifier PXD023806).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufeng Wang
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Xinzheng Wang
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Xin Yang
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Feng Liu
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jin Li
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Weihua Li
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jie Mao
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Tingting Li
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Kun He
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Hongxia Wang
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, 100850, China
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22
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Keller SB, Wang YN, Totten S, Yeung RS, Averkiou MA. Safety of Image-Guided Treatment of the Liver with Ultrasound and Microbubbles in an in Vivo Porcine Model. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:3211-3220. [PMID: 34362584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound and microbubbles are useful for both diagnostic imaging and targeted drug delivery, making them ideal conduits for theranostic interventions. Recent reports have indicated the preclinical success of microbubble cavitation for enhancement of chemotherapy in abdominal tumors; however, there have been limited studies and variable efficacy in clinical implementation of this technique. This is likely because in contrast to the high pressures and long cycle lengths seen in successful preclinical work, current clinical implementation of microbubble cavitation for drug delivery generally involves low acoustic pressures and short cycle lengths to fit within clinical guidelines. To translate the preclinical parameter space to clinical adoption, a relevant safety study in a healthy large animal is required. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to evaluate the safety of ultrasound cavitation treatment (USCTx) in a healthy porcine model using a modified Philips EPIQ with S5-1 as the focused source. We performed USCTx on eight healthy pigs and monitored health over the course of 1 wk. We then performed an acute study of USCTx to evaluate immediate tissue damage. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound exams were performed before and after each treatment to investigate perfusion changes within the treated areas, and blood and urine were evaluated for liver damage biomarkers. We illustrate, through quantitative analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound data, blood and urine analyses and histology, that this technique and the parameter space considered are safe within the time frame evaluated. With its safety confirmed using a clinical-grade ultrasound scanner and contrast agent, USCTx could be easily translated into clinical trials for improvement of chemotherapy delivery. This represents the first safety study assessing the bio-effects of microbubble cavitation from relevant ultrasound parameters in a large animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Keller
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Yak-Nam Wang
- Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stephanie Totten
- Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Raymond S Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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23
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Wang Z, Jiang L, Wang J, Chai Z, Xiong W. Morphine promotes angiogenesis by activating PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α pathway and upregulating VEGF in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:1761-1772. [PMID: 34532126 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-20-394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by the neo-angiogenesis induced by tumor and adjacent cells. It is a leading cancer-related cause of death. Morphine has effects on angiogenesis with pro-angiogenic or anti-angiogenic phonotypes. This study explores the function of morphine on cancer cell growth, angiogenesis and the underlying mechanism in HCC. Methods Morphine was used to treat BEL-7402 or HCC-LM3 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were subsequently incubated in the conditioned media (CM) of HCC cells. The potential effects of cell proliferation, migration and tube formation of CM-treated HUVECs were investigated. Furthermore, the angiogenesis regulated factors of VEGFA, PIGF, ANG-1, ANG-2, FGF-1 and FGF-2 were assessed. siRNA and LY294002 were further used to explore the mechanism mediating the effects of morphine on the angiogenesis pathway. The neovascularization effect by morphine was confirmed through the use of human HCC cancer heterotopic mouse model in vivo. Results A significantly increased cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation effect of HUVECs induced by the CM from HCC cell lines treated with morphine was observed. More VEGFA secretion in CM from LM3 or BEL-7402 cell lines was found than the controls (P=0.03 and P=0.027, respectively). VEGFA knock-down could significantly reverse cell proliferation, migration and tube formation induced by the CM from HCC cell lines with morphine treatment. Further molecular experiments indicated that VEGFA secretion was activated by morphine potentially through the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α pathway. Morphine-induced neovascularization was also observed by the IHC of CD31 and VEGFA. Conclusions Morphine promotes angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma possibly through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α pathway and VEGFA stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyao Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linghui Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zongtao Chai
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VI, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanxia Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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24
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Han JW, Park SH. Advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2021; 21:139-145. [PMID: 37383085 PMCID: PMC10035682 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2021.09.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although recent advances in immune checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy have initiated a new era for advanced HCC treatment, the majority of HCC patients receiving immune checkpoint blockades do not derive clinical benefit. Thus, there remains an urgent need for novel immunotherapeutic strategies with improved therapeutic efficacy. Here we review recent studies of immune checkpoint blockade in HCC, providing the necessary basis for the rational design of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Won Han
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
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Eresen A, Yang J, Scotti A, Cai K, Yaghmai V, Zhang Z. Combination of natural killer cell-based immunotherapy and irreversible electroporation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1089. [PMID: 34423001 PMCID: PMC8339821 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most lethal cancer types despite great advancement in overall survival of the patients over the last decades. Surgical resection or partial hepatectomy has been approved as the curative treatment for early-stage HCC patients however only up to 30% of them are eligible for the procedures. Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes recognized for killing virally infected cells and improving immune functions for defending the body against malignant cells. Although autologous NK cells failed to demonstrate significant clinical benefit, transfer of allogeneic adoptive NK cells arises as a promising approach for the treatment of solid tumors. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and inadequate homing efficiency of NK cells to tumors can inhibit adoptive transfer immunotherapy (ATI) efficacy. However, potential of the NK cells is challenged by the transfection efficiency. The local ablation techniques that employ thermal or chemical energy have been investigated for the destruction of solid tumors for three decades and demonstrated promising benefits for individuals not eligible for surgical resection or partial hepatectomy. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is one of the most recent minimally invasive ablation methods that destruct the cell within the targeted region through non-thermal energy. IRE destroys the tumor cell membrane by delivering high-frequency electrical energy in short pulses and overcomes tumor immunosuppression. The previous studies demonstrated that IRE can induce immune changes which can facilitate activation of specific immune responses and improve transfection efficiency. In this review paper, we have discussed the mechanism of NK cell immunotherapy and IRE ablation methods for the treatment of HCC patients and the combinatorial benefits of NK cell immunotherapy and IRE ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aydin Eresen
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jia Yang
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alessandro Scotti
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kejia Cai
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vahid Yaghmai
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.,Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Zhuoli Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.,Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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26
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Kim M, Kim T, Lee HY, Hong SY, Wang HJ, Kim BW. Risk Factors for Beyond Milan Recurrence After Hepatic Resection for Single Hepatocellular Carcinoma No Larger Than 5 Centimeters. Liver Transpl 2021; 27:1116-1129. [PMID: 33835642 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic resection (HR) is considered a treatment of choice for a single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤5 cm in patients with preserved liver function. However, it is possible for these patients to develop a severe form of recurrence (beyond Milan recurrence [BMR] criteria). This recurrence could have been avoided if liver transplantation (LT) was performed primarily, as LT is believed to yield a more favorable oncological outcome compared with HR. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for BMR after HR and to verify whether primary LT can provide a more favorable outcome in patients with BMR risk factors. Data from 493 patients who underwent HR for HCC ≤5 cm between 1995 and 2016 were analyzed. Among them, 74 patients (15%) experienced BMR. The 10-year survival rate of patients with BMR was significantly low compared with that of patients without BMR (22.6% versus 79.8%; P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, calculated hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥7 mm Hg and microvascular invasion were identified as the risk factors for BMR (P < 0.05). During the same period, 63 eligible patients underwent LT as a primary treatment for HCC ≤5 cm. No significant difference in long-term survival rate was observed when no risk factor for BMR was present in the HR and LT groups (85.5% versus 100%; P = 0.39). However, 10-year survival was poorer in the HR group in the presence of risk factors for BMR (60.6% versus 91.8%; P < 0.001). Among the patients with HCCs ≤5 cm, which are resectable and transplantable, LT is indicated when calculated hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥7 mm Hg and/or microvascular invasion is present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Kim
- Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Taegyu Kim
- Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hyun Young Lee
- Clinical Trial Center, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sung Yeon Hong
- Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hee-Jung Wang
- Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Bong-Wan Kim
- Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
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Hydralazine augmented ultrasound hyperthermia for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15553. [PMID: 34330960 PMCID: PMC8324788 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94323-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the use of hydralazine to enhance ultrasound hyperthermia for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by minimizing flow-mediated heat loss from the tumor. Murine HCC tumors were treated with a continuous mode ultrasound with or without an intravenous administration of hydralazine (5 mg/kg). Tumor blood flow and blood vessels were evaluated by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging and histology, respectively. Hydralazine markedly enhanced ultrasound hyperthermia through the disruption of tumor blood flow in HCC. Ultrasound treatment with hydralazine significantly reduced peak enhancement (PE), perfusion index (PI), and area under the curve (AUC) of the CEUS time-intensity curves by 91.9 ± 0.9%, 95.7 ± 0.7%, and 96.6 ± 0.5%, compared to 71.4 ± 1.9%, 84.7 ± 1.1%, and 85.6 ± 0.7% respectively without hydralazine. Tumor temperature measurements showed that the cumulative thermal dose delivered by ultrasound treatment with hydralazine (170.8 ± 11.8 min) was significantly higher than that without hydralazine (137.7 ± 10.7 min). Histological assessment of the ultrasound-treated tumors showed that hydralazine injection formed larger hemorrhagic pools and increased tumor vessel dilation consistent with CEUS observations illustrating the augmentation of hyperthermic effects by hydralazine. In conclusion, we demonstrated that ultrasound hyperthermia can be enhanced significantly by hydralazine in murine HCC tumors by modulating tumor blood flow. Future studies demonstrating the safety of the combined use of ultrasound and hydralazine would enable the clinical translation of the proposed technique.
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Zhen Z, Shen Z, Hu Y, Sun P. Screening and identification of angiogenesis-related genes as potential novel prognostic biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma through bioinformatics analysis. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:17707-17733. [PMID: 34252885 PMCID: PMC8312452 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality, which makes the prognostic prediction challenging. Angiogenesis appears to be of critical importance in the progression and metastasis of HCC. Some of the angiogenesis-related genes promote this process, while other anti-angiogenesis genes suppress tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, the comprehensive prognostic value of multiple angiogenesis-related genes in HCC needs to be further clarified. In this study, the mRNA expression profile of HCC patients and the corresponding clinical data were acquired from multiple public databases. Univariate Cox regression analysis was utilized to screen out differentially expressed angiogenesis-related genes with prognostic value. A multigene signature was established with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression in the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort, and validated through an independent cohort. The results suggested that a total of 16 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with overall survival (OS) and a 7-gene signature was constructed. The risk score of each patient was calculated using this signature, the median value of which was used to divide these patients into a high-risk group and a low-risk group. Compared with the low-risk group, the patients in the high-risk group had a poor prognosis. The risk score was an independent predictor for OS through multivariate Cox regression analysis. Then, unsupervised learning was used to verify the validity of this 7-gene signature. A nomogram by further integrating clinical information and the prognostic signature was utilized to predict prognostic risk and individual OS. Functional enrichment analyses demonstrated that these DEGs were enriched in the pathways of cell proliferation and mitosis, and the immune cell infiltration was significantly different between the two risk groups. In summary, a novel angiogenesis-related genes signature could be used to predict the prognosis of HCC and for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Zhen
- Center for Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China.,Department of General Surgery, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China.,Department of Surgery, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhemin Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China.,Department of Surgery, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yanmei Hu
- Department of Paediatrics, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin, China
| | - Peilong Sun
- Center for Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China.,Department of General Surgery, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
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29
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Li YL, Zhu XM, Liang H, Orvig C, Chen ZF. Recent Advances in Asialoglycoprotein Receptor and Glycyrrhetinic Acid Receptor-Mediated and/or pH-Responsive Hepatocellular Carcinoma- Targeted Drug Delivery. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1508-1534. [PMID: 32368967 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200505085756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) seriously affects human health, especially, it easily develops multi-drug resistance (MDR) which results in treatment failure. There is an urgent need to develop highly effective and low-toxicity therapeutic agents to treat HCC and to overcome its MDR. Targeted drug delivery systems (DDS) for cancer therapy, including nanoparticles, lipids, micelles and liposomes, have been studied for decades. Recently, more attention has been paid to multifunctional DDS containing various ligands such as polymer moieties, targeting moieties, and acid-labile linkages. The polymer moieties such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), chitosan (CTS), hyaluronic acid, pullulan, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) protect DDS from degradation. Asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) and glycyrrhetinic acid receptor (GAR) are most often used as the targeting moieties, which are overexpressed on hepatocytes. Acid-labile linkage, catering for the pH difference between tumor cells and normal tissue, has been utilized to release drugs at tumor tissue. OBJECTIVES This review provides a summary of the recent progress in ASGPR and GAR-mediated and/or pH-responsive HCC-targeted drug delivery. CONCLUSION The multifunctional DDS may prolong systemic circulation, continuously release drugs, increase the accumulation of drugs at the targeted site, enhance the anticancer effect, and reduce side effects both in vitro and in vivo. But it is rarely used to investigate MDR of HCC; therefore, it needs to be further studied before going into clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lan Li
- Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Xiao-Min Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Hong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Chris Orvig
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Zhen-Feng Chen
- Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, China
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30
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Farzaneh Z, Vosough M, Agarwal T, Farzaneh M. Critical signaling pathways governing hepatocellular carcinoma behavior; small molecule-based approaches. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:208. [PMID: 33849569 PMCID: PMC8045321 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01924-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of death due to cancer. Although there are different treatment options, these strategies are not efficient in terms of restricting the tumor cell's proliferation and metastasis. The liver tumor microenvironment contains the non-parenchymal cells with supportive or inhibitory effects on the cancerous phenotype of HCC. Several signaling pathways are dis-regulated in HCC and cause uncontrolled cell propagation, metastasis, and recurrence of liver carcinoma cells. Recent studies have established new approaches for the prevention and treatment of HCC using small molecules. Small molecules are compounds with a low molecular weight that usually inhibit the specific targets in signal transduction pathways. These components can induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, block metastasis, and tumor growth. Devising strategies for simultaneously targeting HCC and the non-parenchymal population of the tumor could lead to more relevant research outcomes. These strategies may open new avenues for the treatment of HCC with minimal cytotoxic effects on healthy cells. This study provides the latest findings on critical signaling pathways governing HCC behavior and using small molecules in the control of HCC both in vitro and in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Farzaneh
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tarun Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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31
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Systematic Analysis of the Transcriptome Profiles and Co-Expression Networks of Tumour Endothelial Cells Identifies Several Tumour-Associated Modules and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081768. [PMID: 33917186 PMCID: PMC8067977 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related death, with tumour associated liver endothelial cells being thought to be major drivers in HCC progression. This study aims to compare the gene expression profiles of tumour endothelial cells from the liver with endothelial cells from non-tumour liver tissue, to identify perturbed biologic functions, co-expression modules, and potentially drugable hub genes that could give rise to novel therapeutic targets and strategies. Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) showed that cell growth-related pathways were upregulated, whereas apoptosis induction, immune and inflammatory-related pathways were downregulated in tumour endothelial cells. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified several modules strongly associated to tumour endothelial cells or angiogenic activated endothelial cells with high endoglin (ENG) expression. In tumour cells, upregulated modules were associated with cell growth, cell proliferation, and DNA-replication, whereas downregulated modules were involved in immune functions, particularly complement activation. In ENG+ cells, upregulated modules were associated with cell adhesion and endothelial functions. One downregulated module was associated with immune system-related functions. Querying the STRING database revealed known functional-interaction networks underlying the modules. Several possible hub genes were identified, of which some (for example FEN1, BIRC5, NEK2, CDKN3, and TTK) are potentially druggable as determined by querying the Drug Gene Interaction database. In summary, our study provides a detailed picture of the transcriptomic differences between tumour and non-tumour endothelium in the liver on a co-expression network level, indicates several potential therapeutic targets and presents an analysis workflow that can be easily adapted to other projects.
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32
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Karmacharya MB, Sultan LR, Sehgal CM. Photoacoustic monitoring of oxygenation changes induced by therapeutic ultrasound in murine hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4100. [PMID: 33603035 PMCID: PMC7893035 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83439-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly vascular solid tumor. We have previously shown that ultrasound (US) therapy significantly reduces tumor vascularity. This study monitors US-induced changes in tumor oxygenation on murine HCC by photoacoustic imaging (PAI). Oxygen saturation and total hemoglobin were assessed by PAI before and after US treatments performed at different intensities of continuous wave (CW) bursts and pulsed wave (PW) bursts US. PAI revealed significant reduction both in HCC oxygen saturation and in total hemoglobin, proportional to the US intensity. Both CW bursts US (1.6 W/cm2) and the PW bursts US (0.8 W/cm2) significantly reduced HCC oxygen saturation and total hemoglobin which continued to diminish with time following the US treatment. The effects of US therapy were confirmed by power Doppler and histological examination of the hemorrhage in tumors. By each measure, the changes observed in US-treated HCC were more prevalent than those in sham-treated tumors and were statistically significant. In conclusion, the results show that US is an effective vascular-targeting therapy for HCC. The changes in oxygenation induced by the US treatment can be noninvasively monitored longitudinally by PAI without the use of exogenous image-enhancing agents. The combined use of PAI and the therapeutic US has potential for image-guided vascular therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrigendra B Karmacharya
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3620 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Laith R Sultan
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3620 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Chandra M Sehgal
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3620 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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33
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LncRNA NORAD promotes proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through targeting miR-211-5p/FOXD1/VEGF-A axis. Microvasc Res 2020; 134:104120. [PMID: 33309645 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2020.104120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death around the world. Despite improvement in the prevention and treatment of HCC, the clinical prognosis is still poor with increasing mortality. Non-coding RNAs play pivotal roles in HCC oncogenesis, but the detailed mechanism is poorly known. Therefore, the functions and interaction of lncRNA NORAD and miR-211-5p in HCC was investigated in this study. METHODS Quantitative real-time PCR method was used to analyze the expression of NORAD and miR-211-5p in clinical HCC tissues and cultured cell lines. Knockdown of NORAD and overexpression of miR-211-5p were then carried in HCC cells. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis and luciferase report assays were further employed to analyze the interaction between miR-211-5p and NORAD or FOXD1. RESULTS Increased lncRNA NORAD and decreased miR-211-5p expression were first detected in HCC compared with the peritumorial area. Further studies showed that knockdown of NORAD or overexpression of miR-211-5p impaired the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of HCC cells. Mechanistically, we found that NORAD functions as a sponge for miR-211-5p. Moreover, it was revealed that decreased miR-211-5p induced the expression of FOXD1 as well as its downstream target VEGF-A, thereby contributes to enhanced angiogenesis of HCC. CONCLUSION Elevated NORAD works as a sponge for miR-211-5p in HCC, thus release the inhibition effect of the latter on its downstream target FOXD1 and VEGF-A, which finally promotes angiogenesis. These results provide new insights into the interaction between NORAD and miR-211-5p in HCC and their potential usage as targets for the development of novel therapeutics against HCC.
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Bevacizumab Augments the Antitumor Efficacy of Infigratinib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249405. [PMID: 33321903 PMCID: PMC7764786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249405] [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: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling cascade is one of the key signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). FGF has been shown to augment vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated HCC development and angiogenesis, as well as to potentially lead to resistance to VEGF/VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-targeted agents. Thus, novel agents targeting FGF/FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling may enhance and/or overcome de novo or acquired resistance to VEGF-targeted agents in HCC. Mice bearing high- and low-FGFR tumors were treated with Infigratinib (i.e., a pan-FGFR kinase inhibitor) and/or Bevacizumab (i.e., an angiogenesis inhibitor). The antitumor activity of both agents was assessed individually or in combination. Tumor vasculature, intratumoral hypoxia, and downstream targets of FGFR signaling pathways were also investigated. Infigratinib, when combined with Bevacizumab, exerted a synergistic inhibitory effect on tumor growth, invasion, and lung metastasis, and it significantly improved the overall survival of mice bearing FGFR-dependent HCC. Infigratinib/Bevacizumab promoted apoptosis, inhibited cell proliferation concomitant with upregulation of p27, and reduction in the expression of FGFR2-4, p-FRS-2, p-ERK1/2, p-p70S6K/4EBP1, Cdc25C, survivin, p-Cdc2, and p-Rb. Combining Infigratinib/Bevacizumab may provide therapeutic benefits for a subpopulation of HCC patients with FGFR-dependent tumors. A high level of FGFR-2/3 may serve as a potential biomarker for patient selection to Infigratinib/Bevacizumab.
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35
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Shigeta K, Matsui A, Kikuchi H, Klein S, Mamessier E, Chen IX, Aoki S, Kitahara S, Inoue K, Shigeta A, Hato T, Ramjiawan RR, Staiculescu D, Zopf D, Fiebig L, Hobbs GS, Quaas A, Dima S, Popescu I, Huang P, Munn LL, Cobbold M, Goyal L, Zhu AX, Jain RK, Duda DG. Regorafenib combined with PD1 blockade increases CD8 T-cell infiltration by inducing CXCL10 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-001435. [PMID: 33234602 PMCID: PMC7689089 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Combining inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor and the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) pathway has shown efficacy in multiple cancers, but the disease-specific and agent-specific mechanisms of benefit remain unclear. We examined the efficacy and defined the mechanisms of benefit when combining regorafenib (a multikinase antivascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor) with PD1 blockade in murine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models. BASIC PROCEDURES We used orthotopic models of HCC in mice with liver damage to test the effects of regorafenib-dosed orally at 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg daily-combined with anti-PD1 antibodies (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally thrice weekly). We evaluated the effects of therapy on tumor vasculature and immune microenvironment using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing, ELISA and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies in mice and in tissue and blood samples from patients with cancer. MAIN FINDINGS Regorafenib/anti-PD1 combination therapy increased survival compared with regofarenib or anti-PD1 alone in a regorafenib dose-dependent manner. Combination therapy increased regorafenib uptake into the tumor tissues by normalizing the HCC vasculature and increasing CD8 T-cell infiltration and activation at an intermediate regorafenib dose. The efficacy of regorafenib/anti-PD1 therapy was compromised in mice lacking functional T cells (Rag1-deficient mice). Regorafenib treatment increased the transcription and protein expression of CXCL10-a ligand for CXCR3 expressed on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes-in murine HCC and in blood of patients with HCC. Using Cxcr3-deficient mice, we demonstrate that CXCR3 mediated the increased intratumoral CD8 T-cell infiltration and the added survival benefit when regorafenib was combined with anti-PD1 therapy. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS Judicious regorafenib/anti-PD1 combination therapy can inhibit tumor growth and increase survival by normalizing tumor vasculature and increasing intratumoral CXCR3+CD8 T-cell infiltration through elevated CXCL10 expression in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Shigeta
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aya Matsui
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hiroto Kikuchi
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sebastian Klein
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Emilie Mamessier
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ivy X Chen
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shuichi Aoki
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shuji Kitahara
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Koetsu Inoue
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ayako Shigeta
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tai Hato
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rakesh R Ramjiawan
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Staiculescu
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dieter Zopf
- Drug Discovery, Bayer Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lukas Fiebig
- Drug Discovery, Bayer Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela S Hobbs
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simona Dima
- Center for General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Clinical Institute Fundeni, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irinel Popescu
- Center for General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Clinical Institute Fundeni, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Peigen Huang
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lance L Munn
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark Cobbold
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lipika Goyal
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew X Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dan G Duda
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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36
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Hayward KL, Kouthouridis S, Zhang B. Organ-on-a-Chip Systems for Modeling Pathological Tissue Morphogenesis Associated with Fibrosis and Cancer. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 7:2900-2925. [PMID: 34275294 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tissue building does not occur exclusively during development. Even after a whole body is built from a single cell, tissue building can occur to repair and regenerate tissues of the adult body. This confers resilience and enhanced survival to multicellular organisms. However, this resiliency comes at a cost, as the potential for misdirected tissue building creates vulnerability to organ deformation and dysfunction-the hallmarks of disease. Pathological tissue morphogenesis is associated with fibrosis and cancer, which are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite being the priority of research for decades, scientific understanding of these diseases is limited and existing therapies underdeliver the desired benefits to patient outcomes. This can largely be attributed to the use of two-dimensional cell culture and animal models that insufficiently recapitulate human disease. Through the synergistic union of biological principles and engineering technology, organ-on-a-chip systems represent a powerful new approach to modeling pathological tissue morphogenesis, one with the potential to yield better insights into disease mechanisms and improved therapies that offer better patient outcomes. This Review will discuss organ-on-a-chip systems that model pathological tissue morphogenesis associated with (1) fibrosis in the context of injury-induced tissue repair and aging and (2) cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L Hayward
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Sonya Kouthouridis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada.,School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
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37
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Amaro CP, Tam VC. Management of hepatocellular carcinoma after progression on first-line systemic treatment: defining the optimal sequencing strategy in second line and beyond. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:S173-S180. [PMID: 33343211 DOI: 10.3747/co.27.7103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (hcc) is one of the most common cancers in the world. It has a high mortality rate, especially when localized treatments fail. For about a decade, the only systemic treatment shown to improve survival was sorafenib. Recently, lenvatinib was found to be noninferior to sorafenib for overall survival, and combination atezolizumab-bevacizumab improved survival compared with sorafenib. Similarly, in the post-sorafenib setting, a number of recent positive clinical trials have been reported, and they indicate that regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab are effective and safe in the second-line setting. With so many new options available, including immunotherapy, it is challenging to define the best sequence of systemic treatment for patients with hcc. In the present review, we introduce the current data for second-line systemic treatment and beyond in hcc. A treatment algorithm is also suggested, based on the best available evidence and expert opinion.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Amaro
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
| | - V C Tam
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
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38
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Słomka A, Mocan T, Wang B, Nenu I, Urban SK, Gonzalez-Carmona MA, Schmidt-Wolf IGH, Lukacs-Kornek V, Strassburg CP, Spârchez Z, Kornek M. EVs as Potential New Therapeutic Tool/Target in Gastrointestinal Cancer and HCC. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3019. [PMID: 33080904 PMCID: PMC7603109 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For more than a decade, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been in focus of science. Once thought to be an efficient way to eliminate undesirable cell content, EVs are now well-accepted as being an important alternative to cytokines and chemokines in cell-to-cell communication route. With their cargos, mainly consisting of functional proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, they can activate signalling cascades and thus change the phenotype of recipient cells at local and systemic levels. Their substantial role as modulators of various physiological and pathological processes is acknowledged. Importantly, more and more evidence arises that EVs play a pivotal role in many stages of carcinogenesis. Via EV-mediated communication, tumour cells can manipulate cells from host immune system or from the tumour microenvironment, and, ultimately, they promote tumour progression and modulate host immunity towards tumour's favour. Additionally, the role of EVs in modulating resistance to pharmacological and radiological therapy of many cancer types has become evident lately. Our understanding of EV biology and their role in cancer promotion and drug resistance has evolved considerably in recent years. In this review, we specifically discuss the current knowledge on the association between EVs and gastrointestinal (GI) and liver cancers, including their potential for diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Słomka
- Department of Pathophysiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-067 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Tudor Mocan
- Octavian Fodor Institute for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Iuliu Haţieganu, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (T.M.); (I.N.); (Z.S.)
| | - Bingduo Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (B.W.); (S.K.U.); (M.G.-C.); (C.P.S.)
| | - Iuliana Nenu
- Octavian Fodor Institute for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Iuliu Haţieganu, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (T.M.); (I.N.); (Z.S.)
| | - Sabine K. Urban
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (B.W.); (S.K.U.); (M.G.-C.); (C.P.S.)
| | - Maria A. Gonzalez-Carmona
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (B.W.); (S.K.U.); (M.G.-C.); (C.P.S.)
| | - Ingo G. H. Schmidt-Wolf
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), University Hospital of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Veronika Lukacs-Kornek
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University Hospital of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Christian P. Strassburg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (B.W.); (S.K.U.); (M.G.-C.); (C.P.S.)
| | - Zeno Spârchez
- Octavian Fodor Institute for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Iuliu Haţieganu, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (T.M.); (I.N.); (Z.S.)
| | - Miroslaw Kornek
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (B.W.); (S.K.U.); (M.G.-C.); (C.P.S.)
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39
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Keller SB, Suo D, Wang YN, Kenerson H, Yeung RS, Averkiou MA. Image-Guided Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer in Mice Leads to Vascular Disruption and Increased Drug Penetration. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:584344. [PMID: 33101038 PMCID: PMC7554611 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.584344] [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: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in interventional procedures and chemotherapeutic drug development, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with a <30% 5-year survival rate. This poor prognosis can be attributed to the fact that HCC most commonly occurs in patients with pre-existing liver conditions, rendering many treatment options too aggressive. Patient survival rates could be improved by a more targeted approach. Ultrasound-induced cavitation can provide a means for overcoming traditional barriers defining drug uptake. The goal of this work was to evaluate preclinical efficacy of image-guided, cavitation-enabled drug delivery with a clinical ultrasound scanner. To this end, ultrasound conditions (unique from those used in imaging) were designed and implemented on a Philips EPIQ and S5-1 phased array probe to produced focused ultrasound for cavitation treatment. Sonovue® microbubbles which are clinically approved as an ultrasound contrast agent were used for both imaging and cavitation treatment. A genetically engineered mouse model was bred and used as a physiologically relevant preclinical analog to human HCC. It was observed that image-guided and targeted microbubble cavitation resulted in selective disruption of the tumor blood flow and enhanced doxorubicin uptake and penetration. Histology results indicate that no gross morphological damage occurred as a result of this process. The combination of these effects may be exploited to treat HCC and other challenging malignancies and could be implemented with currently available ultrasound scanners and reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Keller
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Dingjie Suo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Yak-Nam Wang
- Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Heidi Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Raymond S Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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40
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Wilkinson AL, Qurashi M, Shetty S. The Role of Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells in the Axis of Inflammation and Cancer Within the Liver. Front Physiol 2020; 11:990. [PMID: 32982772 PMCID: PMC7485256 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) form a unique barrier between the liver sinusoids and the underlying parenchyma, and thus play a crucial role in maintaining metabolic and immune homeostasis, as well as actively contributing to disease pathophysiology. Whilst their endocytic and scavenging function is integral for nutrient exchange and clearance of waste products, their capillarisation and dysfunction precedes fibrogenesis. Furthermore, their ability to promote immune tolerance and recruit distinct immunosuppressive leukocyte subsets can allow persistence of chronic viral infections and facilitate tumour development. In this review, we present the immunological and barrier functions of LSEC, along with their role in orchestrating fibrotic processes which precede tumourigenesis. We also summarise the role of LSEC in modulating the tumour microenvironment, and promoting development of a pre-metastatic niche, which can drive formation of secondary liver tumours. Finally, we summarise closely inter-linked disease pathways which collectively perpetuate pathogenesis, highlighting LSEC as novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shishir Shetty
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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41
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Heterogeneity and chimerism of endothelial cells revealed by single-cell transcriptome in orthotopic liver tumors. Angiogenesis 2020; 23:581-597. [PMID: 32440964 PMCID: PMC7525283 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-020-09727-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The liver is a common host organ for cancer, either through lesions that arise in liver epithelial cells [e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)] or as a site of metastasis by tumors arising in other organs (e.g., colorectal cancer). However, the changes that occur in liver stromal cells in response to cancer have not been fully characterized, nor has it been determined whether the different sources of liver cancer induce distinct stromal changes. Here, we performed single-cell profiling of liver stromal cells from mouse models of induced spontaneous liver cancer or implanted colorectal liver metastases, with a focus on tumor endothelial cells (ECs). While ECs in liver tissue adjacent to cancerous lesions (so-called adjacent normal) corresponded to liver zonation phenotypes, their transcriptomes were also clearly altered by the presence of a tumor. In comparison, tumor EC transcriptomes show stronger similarities to venous than sinusoidal ECs. Further, tumor ECs, independent of tumor origin, formed distinct clusters displaying conserved “tip-like” or “stalk-like” characteristics, similar to ECs from subcutaneous tumors. However, they also carried liver-specific signatures found in normal liver ECs, suggesting an influence of the host organ on tumor ECs. Our results document gene expression signatures in ECs in liver cancer and show that the host organ, and not the site of tumor origin (liver versus colorectal), is a primary determinant of EC phenotype. In addition, primarily in tumors, we further defined a cluster of chimeric cells that expressed both myeloid and endothelial cell markers and might play a role in tumor angiogenesis.
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42
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Luo Q, Yang G, Gao H, Wang Y, Luo C, Ma X, Gao Y, Li X, Zhao H, Jia B, Shi J, Wang F. An Integrin Alpha 6-Targeted Radiotracer with Improved Receptor Binding Affinity and Tumor Uptake. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:1510-1521. [PMID: 32347718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we reported a 99mTc-labeled integrin α6-targeted peptide as the molecular imaging probe for tumor imaging by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). We found that replacing Cys-Cys cyclized RWY peptide (sequence: cCRWYDENAC) with lactam-bridged cyclic cKiE peptide (sequence: cKRWYDENAisoE) did not sacrifice the integrin α6-binding affinity and specificity of cKiE radiotracer. To further improve the radiotracer's tumor targeting capability, the dimerized cKiE peptide (termed cKiE2) was designed, and the corresponding radiotracer 99mTc-cKiE2 was evaluated for tumor uptake and in vivo pharmacokinetics properties in tumor models. We found that cKiE2 showed higher binding affinity to integrin α6 than did monomeric RWY or cKiE peptide. The biodistribution results showed that the tumor uptake of 99mTc-cKiE2 was twice higher than that of 99mTc-RWY (3.20 ± 0.12 vs 1.26 ± 0.06 %ID/g, P < 0.001) at 0.5 h postinjection. The tumor to nontargeting tissue ratios were also enhanced in most normal organs. Specificity of 99mTc-cKiE2 for integrin α6 was demonstrated by competitive blocking of tumor uptake with excess cold peptide (3.20 ± 0.24 to 1.38 ± 0.23 %ID/g, P < 0.001). The integrin α6-positive tumors were clearly visualized by 99mTc-cKiE2/SPECT with low background except with a relatively high kidney uptake. The tumor uptake of 99mTc-cKiE2 correlates well with the tumor integrin α6 expression levels in a linear fashion (R2 = 0.9623). We also compared 99mTc-cKiE2 with an integrin αvβ3-targeted radiotracer 99mTc-3PRGD2 in the orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma tumor models. We found that the orthotopic tumor was clearly visualized with 99mTc-cKiE2. 99mTc-3PRGD2 imaging did not show tumor contours in situ as clearly as 99mTc-cKiE2. The tumor-to-liver ratios of 99mTc-cKiE2 and 99mTc-3PRGD2 were 2.20 ± 0.17 and 0.85 ± 0.20. In conclusion, 99mTc-cKiE2 is an improved SPECT radiotracer for imaging integrin α6-positive tumors and has great potential for further clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Luo
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangjie Yang
- Medical Isotopes Research Center and Department of Radiation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Hannan Gao
- Medical Isotopes Research Center and Department of Radiation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanpu Wang
- Medical Isotopes Research Center and Department of Radiation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuangwei Luo
- Medical Isotopes Research Center and Department of Radiation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaotu Ma
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Gao
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoda Li
- Medical and Healthy Analytical Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiyun Zhao
- Medical and Healthy Analytical Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Jia
- Medical Isotopes Research Center and Department of Radiation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiyun Shi
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China.,Medical Isotopes Research Center and Department of Radiation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
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43
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Dash S, Aydin Y, Widmer KE, Nayak L. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Mechanisms Associated with Chronic HCV Infection and the Impact of Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2020; 7:45-76. [PMID: 32346535 PMCID: PMC7167284 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s221187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the major risk factor for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mechanisms of HCC initiation, growth, and metastasis appear to be highly complex due to the decade-long interactions between the virus, immune system, and overlapping bystander effects of host metabolic liver disease. The lack of a readily accessible animal model system for HCV is a significant obstacle to understand the mechanisms of viral carcinogenesis. Traditionally, the primary prevention strategy of HCC has been to eliminate infection by antiviral therapy. The success of virus elimination by antiviral treatment is determined by the SVR when the HCV is no longer detectable in serum. Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) and its analogs, pegylated IFN-α (PEG-IFN-α) alone with ribavirin (RBV), have been the primary antiviral treatment of HCV for many years with a low cure rate. The cloning and sequencing of HCV have allowed the development of cell culture models, which accelerated antiviral drug discovery. It resulted in the selection of highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-based combination therapy that now offers incredible success in curing HCV infection in more than 95% of all patients, including those with cirrhosis. However, several emerging recent publications claim that patients who have liver cirrhosis at the time of DAAs treatment face the risk of HCC occurrence and recurrence after viral cure. This remains a substantial challenge while addressing the long-term benefit of antiviral medicine. The host-related mechanisms that drive the risk of HCC in the absence of the virus are unknown. This review describes the multifaceted mechanisms that create a tumorigenic environment during chronic HCV infection. In addition to the potential oncogenic programming that drives HCC after viral clearance by DAAs, the current status of a biomarker development for early prediction of cirrhosis regression and HCC detection post viral treatment is discussed. Since DAAs treatment does not provide full protection against reinfection or viral transmission to other individuals, the recent studies for a vaccine development are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanta Dash
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA70119, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA
| | - Yucel Aydin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA
| | - Kyle E Widmer
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA70119, USA
| | - Leela Nayak
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA70119, USA
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44
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Shigeta K, Datta M, Hato T, Kitahara S, Chen IX, Matsui A, Kikuchi H, Mamessier E, Aoki S, Ramjiawan RR, Ochiai H, Bardeesy N, Huang P, Cobbold M, Zhu AX, Jain RK, Duda DG. Dual Programmed Death Receptor-1 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 Blockade Promotes Vascular Normalization and Enhances Antitumor Immune Responses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatology 2020; 71:1247-1261. [PMID: 31378984 PMCID: PMC7000304 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Activation of the antitumor immune response using programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blockade showed benefit only in a fraction of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Combining PD-1 blockade with antiangiogenesis has shown promise in substantially increasing the fraction of patients with HCC who respond to treatment, but the mechanism of this interaction is unknown. APPROACH AND RESULTS We recapitulated these clinical outcomes using orthotopic-grafted or induced-murine models of HCC. Specific blockade of vascular endothelial receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) using a murine antibody significantly delayed primary tumor growth but failed to prolong survival, while anti-PD-1 antibody treatment alone conferred a minor survival advantage in one model. However, dual anti-PD-1/VEGFR-2 therapy significantly inhibited primary tumor growth and doubled survival in both models. Combination therapy reprogrammed the immune microenvironment by increasing cluster of differentiation 8-positive (CD8+ ) cytotoxic T cell infiltration and activation, shifting the M1/M2 ratio of tumor-associated macrophages and reducing T regulatory cell (Treg) and chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2-positive monocyte infiltration in HCC tissue. In these models, VEGFR-2 was selectively expressed in tumor endothelial cells. Using spheroid cultures of HCC tissue, we found that PD-ligand 1 expression in HCC cells was induced in a paracrine manner upon anti-VEGFR-2 blockade in endothelial cells in part through interferon-gamma expression. Moreover, we found that VEGFR-2 blockade increased PD-1 expression in tumor-infiltrating CD4+ cells. We also found that under anti-PD-1 therapy, CD4+ cells promote normalized vessel formation in the face of antiangiogenic therapy with anti-VEGFR-2 antibody. CONCLUSIONS We show that dual anti-PD-1/VEGFR-2 therapy has a durable vessel fortification effect in HCC and can overcome treatment resistance to either treatment alone and increase overall survival in both anti-PD-1 therapy-resistant and anti-PD-1 therapy-responsive HCC models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Shigeta
- Edwin. L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department
of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Saitama Medical Center,
Saitama, Japan
| | - Meenal Datta
- Edwin. L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department
of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
| | - Tai Hato
- Edwin. L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department
of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine,
Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuji Kitahara
- Edwin. L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department
of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Tokyo
Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ivy X. Chen
- Edwin. L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department
of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
| | - Aya Matsui
- Edwin. L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department
of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
| | - Hiroto Kikuchi
- Edwin. L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department
of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
| | - Emilie Mamessier
- Edwin. L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department
of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Center,
Marseille, France
| | - Shuichi Aoki
- Edwin. L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department
of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of
Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Rakesh R. Ramjiawan
- Edwin. L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department
of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam,
Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands
| | - Hiroki Ochiai
- Edwin. L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department
of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, National Cancer Institute Central
Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nabeel Bardeesy
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA,
USA
| | - Peigen Huang
- Edwin. L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department
of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
| | - Mark Cobbold
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA,
USA
| | - Andrew X. Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA,
USA
| | - Rakesh K. Jain
- Edwin. L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department
of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
| | - Dan G. Duda
- Edwin. L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department
of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
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45
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Gatti M, Calandri M, Bergamasco L, Darvizeh F, Grazioli L, Inchingolo R, Ippolito D, Rousset S, Veltri A, Fonio P, Faletti R. Characterization of the arterial enhancement pattern of focal liver lesions by multiple arterial phase magnetic resonance imaging: comparison between hepatocellular carcinoma and focal nodular hyperplasia. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2020; 125:348-355. [PMID: 31916102 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-019-01127-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the features of arterial enhancement pattern of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by triple-phase arterial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS Data were retrospectively collected from 52 consecutive patients who underwent triple-phase arterial MRI using hepatocyte-specific contrast agents (Gd-EOB-DTPA) from January 2017 to October 2017, with a MR imaging diagnosis of HCC or FNH. The images were independently assessed by two blinded readers. Contrast enhancement ratio (CER) and liver-to-lesion contrast ratio (LLCR) were calculated. The lesions were classified visually and also based on the peak of LLCR into the following groups: (1) early arterial, (2) middle arterial and (3) late arterial. Data were eventually analysed using nonparametric tests. RESULTS The CER analysis showed no significant difference between HCC and FNH patients (p > 0.05). LLCRFNH were significantly higher than LLCRHCC in the early arterial (p = 0.01), but not in the middle and late arterial phases (p = 0.20 and p = 0.82, respectively). LLCRHCC presented a meaningful increase from early to middle arterial phase (p = 0.009), whereas LLCRFNH showed a decrease from middle to late arterial phase (p = 0.004). Based on the peak of LLCR, 17 (55%) FNHs were classified into early, 11 (35%) in middle and only 3 (10%) in late arterial phase groups. Similarly, 14 (34%) HCCs were categorized into early, 13 (32%) in middle and 14 (33%) in late arterial phase groups. There was a good agreement between qualitative analysis and LLCR in 85% of cases. CONCLUSION The optimal visualization of FNH has been detected in early and middle arterial phases while HCC has been best observed during middle and late arterial phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gatti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology Unit, University of Turin, Via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Marco Calandri
- Department of Oncology, Radiology Unit, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Bergamasco
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology Unit, University of Turin, Via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Fatemeh Darvizeh
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology Unit, University of Turin, Via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Luigi Grazioli
- Department of Radiology, University of Brescia "Spedali Civili", P.le Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Inchingolo
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Madonna delle Grazie Hospital, 75100, Matera, Italy
| | - Davide Ippolito
- School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, H. S. Gerardo Monza, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, MB, Italy
| | - Stefano Rousset
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology Unit, University of Turin, Via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Veltri
- Department of Oncology, Radiology Unit, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Fonio
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology Unit, University of Turin, Via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Riccardo Faletti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology Unit, University of Turin, Via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy
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Li Z, Ye L, Liu J, Lian D, Li X. Sorafenib-Loaded Nanoparticles Based on Biodegradable Dendritic Polymers for Enhanced Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:1469-1480. [PMID: 32184599 PMCID: PMC7062400 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s237335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In spite of its enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects in clinical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy, the therapeutic efficacy of antitumor angiogenesis inhibitor sorafenib (SFB) is still restricted due to short in vivo half-life and drug resistance. Here, a novel SFB-loaded dendritic polymeric nanoparticle (NP-TPGS-SFB) was developed for enhanced therapy of HCC. METHODS NP-TPGS-SFB was fabricated by encapsulating SFB with biodegradable dendritic polymers poly(amidoamine)-poly(γ-benzyl-L-Glutamate)-b-D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (PAM-PBLG-b-TPGS). RESULTS NP-TPGS-SFB exhibited excellent stability and achieved acid-responsive release of SFB. It also exhibited much higher cellular uptake efficiency in HepG2 human liver cells than PEG-conjugated NP (NP-PEG-SFB). Furthermore, MTT assay confirmed that NP-TPGS-SFB induced higher cytotoxicity than NP-PEG-SFB and free SFB, respectively. Lastly, NP-TPGS-SFB significantly inhibited tumor growth in mice bearing HepG2 xenografts, with negligible side effects. CONCLUSION Our result suggests that NP-TPGS-SFB may be a novel approach for enhanced therapy of HCC with promising potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihuang Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen Municipal People’s Hospital, Shenzhen518020, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Ye
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou510632, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen Municipal People’s Hospital, Shenzhen518020, People’s Republic of China
| | - Daizheng Lian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen Municipal People’s Hospital, Shenzhen518020, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianming Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen Municipal People’s Hospital, Shenzhen518020, People’s Republic of China
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Dimri M, Satyanarayana A. Molecular Signaling Pathways and Therapeutic Targets in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020491. [PMID: 32093152 PMCID: PMC7072513 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex biological process and is often diagnosed at advanced stages with no effective treatment options. With advances in tumor biology and molecular genetic profiling, several different signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms have been identified as responsible for initiating and promoting HCC. Targeting these critical pathways, which include the receptor tyrosine kinase pathways, the Ras mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras/Raf/MAPK), the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the ubiquitin/proteasome degradation and the hedgehog signaling pathway has led to the identification of novel therapeutics for HCC treatment. In this review, we elaborated on our current understanding of the signaling pathways involved in the development and initiation of HCC and anticipate the potential targets for therapeutic drug development.
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48
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Wang H, Rao B, Lou J, Li J, Liu Z, Li A, Cui G, Ren Z, Yu Z. The Function of the HGF/c-Met Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:55. [PMID: 32117981 PMCID: PMC7018668 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, leading to a large global cancer burden. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its high-affinity receptor, mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met), are closely related to the onset, progression, and metastasis of multiple tumors. The HGF/c-Met axis is involved in cell proliferation, movement, differentiation, invasion, angiogenesis, and apoptosis by activating multiple downstream signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on the function of the HGF/c-Met axis in HCC. The HGF/c-Met axis promotes the onset, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. Moreover, it can serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a therapeutic target for HCC. In addition, it is closely related to drug resistance during HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Benchen Rao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Lou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianhao Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guangying Cui
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zujiang Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Chakraborty S, Njah K, Hong W. Agrin Mediates Angiogenesis in the Tumor Microenvironment. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:81-85. [PMID: 32061308 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis represents a hallmark of cancer. Several proteoglycans associate with cell surface receptors and regulate angiogenesis within the tumor microenvironment (TME). We highlight the recent discovery that the proteoglycan Agrin cross talks between the tumor and the endothelium to promote an angiogenesis privileged niche during cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayan Chakraborty
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore.
| | - Kizito Njah
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore; School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Wanjin Hong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
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50
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Ai L, Xu Z, Yang B, He Q, Luo P. Sorafenib-associated hand-foot skin reaction: practical advice on diagnosis, mechanism, prevention, and management. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2019; 12:1121-1127. [PMID: 31679411 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2019.1689122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Sorafenib is a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which has been mainly used in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and renal cancer. However, hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR), as one of the most common adverse reactions, have hindered its long-term clinical application. At present, the mechanism of its occurrence has not been clearly studied and it leads to the lack of effective means of intervention. This article reviews known mechanism and management methods of HFSR caused by sorafenib.Areas covered: The author reviews HFSR caused by the treatment of sorafenib including the mechanism and management. English language reports located through PubMed are reviewed.Expert opinion: There are some conjectures about the mechanism of HFSR. However, the mechanism of HFSR induced by sorafenib is still unclear at present. In the absence of understanding the mechanism of HFSR, the most common method for clinical treatment of sorafenib-induced HFSR is dose down-regulation or discontinuation of treatment, which affects efficacy and even survival. Future research should focus on the mechanism of HFSR to find out new ways for prevention. Precautionary measures before the occurrence of HFSR can also be studied in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Ai
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziheng Xu
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peihua Luo
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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