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Lin Z, Assaraf YG, Kwok HF. Peptides for microbe-induced cancers: latest therapeutic strategies and their advanced technologies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10197-4. [PMID: 39008152 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10197-4] [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: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a significant global health concern associated with multiple distinct factors, including microbial and viral infections. Numerous studies have elucidated the role of microorganisms, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), as well as viruses for example human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), in the development of human malignancies. Substantial attention has been focused on the treatment of these microorganism- and virus-associated cancers, with promising outcomes observed in studies employing peptide-based therapies. The current paper provides an overview of microbe- and virus-induced cancers and their underlying molecular mechanisms. We discuss an assortment of peptide-based therapies which are currently being developed, including tumor-targeting peptides and microbial/viral peptide-based vaccines. We describe the major technological advancements that have been made in the design, screening, and delivery of peptides as anticancer agents. The primary focus of the current review is to provide insight into the latest research and development in this field and to provide a realistic glimpse into the future of peptide-based therapies for microbe- and virus-induced neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Lin
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Lab, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Instituteof Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
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Jin H, Li Y, Qin S, Li Q, Mao Y, Zhao L. The comprehensive roles of lncRNA FAM99A/FAM99B in hepatocellular carcinoma: Expressions, regulatory mechanisms and functional pathway analysis. Life Sci 2024; 349:122710. [PMID: 38740325 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122710] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
AIMS The incidence and mortality of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) were increasing year by year. The aim of this study was to investigate the comprehensive roles of lncRNA FAM99A and FAM99B in LIHC. MAIN METHODS According to the data of TCGA and GTEx, the expression levels of FAM99A and FAM99B in LIHC were evaluated, and the overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), immune cell infiltration and tumor stage were analyzed. The subcellular localization of FAM99A and FAM99B in various cancer cell lines was predicted by lncATLAS database. In addition, we also used ENCORI, KEGG, LinkedOmics, Metascape and other databases. It was verified by in vivo and in vitro experiments. KEY FINDINGS Compared with adjacent normal tissues, FAM99A and FAM99B were down-regulated in LIHC tissues, and significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration. With the progression of tumor stage and grade, the expression of FAM99A and FAM99B showed a decreasing trend, and the prognosis of patients were also poor. In addition, the biological functions, signaling pathways and protein interactions of FAM99A and FAM99B in LIHC were enriched to study the potential molecular mechanisms. The overlapping RNA binding proteins (RBP) of FAM99A and FAM99B mainly included CSTF2T, BCCIP, RBFOX2 and SF3B4. Finally, experiments showed that overexpression of FAM99A attenuated the proliferation, invasion, colony formation and tumor growth of LIHC cells. SIGNIFICANCE Taken together, the above studies demonstrated that FAM99A and FAM99B had an inhibitory effect on the progression of LIHC, which might be promising diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for LIHC patients.
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MESH Headings
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Animals
- Mice
- Prognosis
- Male
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Female
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Mice, Nude
- Signal Transduction
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Middle Aged
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoer Jin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Sha Qin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qingling Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yitao Mao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Luqing Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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3
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Meng Y, Shu Z, Wang X, Hong L, Wang B, Jiang J, He K, Cao Q, Shi F, Wang H, Gong L, Diao H. Hepatitis B Virus-Mediated m6A Demethylation Increases Hepatocellular Carcinoma Stemness and Immune Escape. Mol Cancer Res 2024; 22:642-655. [PMID: 38546386 PMCID: PMC11217737 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B viral (HBV) persistent infection plays a significant role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis. Many studies have revealed the pivotal roles of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in multiple cancers, while the regulatory mechanism in stemness maintenance of HBV persistent infection-related HCC remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that the level of m6A modification was downregulated by HBV in HBV-positive HCC, through enhanced stability of ALKBH5 mRNA. More specifically, we also identified that ALKBH5 mRNA was functionally required for the stemness maintenance and self-renewal in the HBV-positive HCC, but dispensable in HBV-negative HCC. Mechanistically, ALKBH5 demethylated the m6A modification in the 3' untranslated region of the oncogenic gene SNAI2 to prevent the recognition of YTHDF2 therewith stabilize SNAI2 transcripts, contributing to cancer stem cell traits in HBV-positive HCC. Moreover, the expression of SNAI2 reversed the suppression of stemness properties by knocking down ALKBH5. In addition, ALKBH5/SNAI2 axis accelerates tumor immune evasion through activated ligand of immune checkpoint CD155. Our study unveiled that the ALKBH5 induces m6A demethylation of the SNAI2 as a key regulator in HBV-related HCC, and identifies the function of ALKBH5/SNAI2/YTHDF2 axis in promoting the stem-like cells phenotype and immune escape during HBV infection. IMPLICATIONS HBV promotes HCC stemness maintenance through elevate m6A modification of SNAI2 in an ALKBH5-YTHDF2-dependent manner and increases the expression of the ligand of immune checkpoint CD155.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Meng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Zheyue Shu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xueyao Wang
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Liang Hong
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Baohua Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Kangxin He
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Qingyi Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Fan Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Hai Wang
- Department of Laboratory, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Lan Gong
- Microbiome Research Centre, St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hongyan Diao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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4
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Yue B, Gao Y, Hu Y, Zhan M, Wu Y, Lu L. Harnessing CD8 + T cell dynamics in hepatitis B virus-associated liver diseases: Insights, therapies and future directions. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1731. [PMID: 38935536 PMCID: PMC11210506 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1731] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection playsa significant role in the etiology and progression of liver-relatedpathologies, encompassing chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventual hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC). Notably, HBV infection stands as the primary etiologicalfactor driving the development of HCC. Given the significant contribution ofHBV infection to liver diseases, a comprehensive understanding of immunedynamics in the liver microenvironment, spanning chronic HBV infection,fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC, is essential. In this review, we focused on thefunctional alterations of CD8+ T cells within the pathogenic livermicroenvironment from HBV infection to HCC. We thoroughly reviewed the roles ofhypoxia, acidic pH, metabolic reprogramming, amino acid deficiency, inhibitory checkpointmolecules, immunosuppressive cytokines, and the gut-liver communication in shapingthe dysfunction of CD8+ T cells in the liver microenvironment. Thesefactors significantly impact the clinical prognosis. Furthermore, we comprehensivelyreviewed CD8+ T cell-based therapy strategies for liver diseases,encompassing HBV infection, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Strategies includeimmune checkpoint blockades, metabolic T-cell targeting therapy, therapeuticT-cell vaccination, and adoptive transfer of genetically engineered CD8+ T cells, along with the combined usage of programmed cell death protein-1/programmeddeath ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors with mitochondria-targeted antioxidants.Given that targeting CD8+ T cells at various stages of hepatitis Bvirus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV + HCC) shows promise, we reviewedthe ongoing need for research to elucidate the complex interplay between CD8+ T cells and the liver microenvironment in the progression of HBV infection toHCC. We also discussed personalized treatment regimens, combining therapeuticstrategies and harnessing gut microbiota modulation, which holds potential forenhanced clinical benefits. In conclusion, this review delves into the immunedynamics of CD8+ T cells, microenvironment changes, and therapeuticstrategies within the liver during chronic HBV infection, HCC progression, andrelated liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yue
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yuxia Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yi Hu
- Microbiology and Immunology DepartmentSchool of MedicineFaculty of Medical ScienceJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yangzhe Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
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Liu M, Zhu M, Huang Y, Wu J, Peng Z, Liang Y. Prognostic model and ceRNA network of m7G- and radiosensitivity-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29925. [PMID: 38707306 PMCID: PMC11068534 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent studies indicated that N7-methylguanosine (m7G)-associated genes are involved in radioresistance and prognosis of HCC. However, the prognostic value and underlying mechanism of m7G-and radiosensitivity-associated genes are still lacking. Methods The related statistics of HCC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). M7G- and radiosensitivity-associated genes were screened and evaluated using correlation, differential, univariate, and multivariate analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to establish a prognostic model. Prognostic efficacy, functional analysis, immune cell infiltration,and drug sensitivity of the prognostic model were assessed. The ceRNA network was predicted and evaluated through the StarBase database, correlation analysis, expression analysis, and survival analysis. Result METTL1, EIF3D, NCBP2, and WDR4 participated in prognosis model construction. The favorable prediction efficiency has been verified in both the training and verification sets. Different risk groups have differences in prognosis outcome, function analysis, immune cell infiltration, and drug sensitivity. NCBP2 can be used to predict the prognosis and has excellent potential in immunotherapy. A prognostic ceRNA network based on the NCBP2/miR-122-5p axis was established. Conclusion The prognosis model of m7G- and radiosensitivity-related genes is constructed, and widely used in clinical prognosis, immunotherapy, and drug therapy. NCBP2, as a hub gene, may be a prognostic biomarker for HCC and is related to immunotherapy. Establishing the NCBP2/miR-122-5p axis helps study the mechanism of ceRNA and provides new ideas for finding a new candidate biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaowen Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Meiyan Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yingxiong Huang
- Department of Emergency, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510080, China
| | - Zhenwei Peng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ying Liang
- Department of Nephrology, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, China
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Wang F, Mai J, Wang H, Xu Y, Zhou X, Xie Z, Yu B, Liu P, Liu W, Cheng Y. Identification of Erzhu Jiedu Recipe and its molecular mechanism underlying inhibited human hepatoma cells by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS and network pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 325:117893. [PMID: 38336184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Erzhu Jiedu Recipe (EZJDR) is a formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC). However, its effective components and the mechanism of action remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To explain how the active compounds of EZJDR suppress the growth of hepatoma cells. METHODS UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS was used to identify the chemical constituents of EZJDR and their distribution in the serum and liver of mice. Together with experimental investigations, network pharmacology unraveled the molecular mechanism of components of EZJDR underlying the inhibited Hep3B cells. RESULTS A total of 138 compounds which can be divided into 18 kinds of components (such as sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, anthraquinones, flavonoids and so on) were found in the aqueous extract of EZJDR. Of these components, the tricyclic-diterpenoids exhibited a highest exposure in the serum (74.5%) and liver (94.7%) of mice. The network pharmacology revealed that multiple components of EZJDR interacted with key node genes involved in apoptosis, proliferation, migration and metabolism through various signaling pathways, including ligand binding and protein phosphorylation. In vitro experiments demonstrated that 6 tricyclic-diterpenoids, 2 anthraquinones and 1 flavonoid inhibited the viability of Hep3B cells, with IC50 values ranging from 3.81 μM to 37.72 μM. Dihydrotanshinone I had the most potent bioactivity, arresting the S phase of cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. This compound changed the expression of proteins, including Bad, Bax, Bcl-2, Bal-x, caspase3 and catalase, which were associated with mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathways. Moreover, dihydrotanshinone I increased the levels of p21 proteins, but decreased the phosphorylated p53, suggesting accumulation of p53 protein prevented cell cycle progression of Hep3B cells with damaged DNA. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that multiple components of EZJDR-diterpenoid, anthraquinone and flavonoid-could be the effective material for the treatment of HBV-HCC. This research provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanism of action underlying the therapeutic effects of EZJDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jingyin Mai
- Emergency Department, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Haoyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xianglu Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhishen Xie
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Bao Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 402760, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Pharmacy, The SATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Xiao R, Tian Y, Zhang J, Li N, Qi M, Liu L, Wang J, Li Z, Zhang J, Zhao F, Wang T, Tan S, Li C, Wu Z, Yu M, Jiang X, Zhan P, Gao L, Han B, Liu X, Liang X, Ma C. Increased Siglec-9/Siglec-9L interactions on NK cells predict poor HCC prognosis and present a targetable checkpoint for immunotherapy. J Hepatol 2024; 80:792-804. [PMID: 38331327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.028] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Natural killer (NK) cell-based anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy is an increasingly attractive approach that warrants further study. Siglec-9 interacts with its ligand (Siglec-9L) and restrains NK cell functions, suggesting it is a potential therapeutic target. However, in situ Siglec-9/Siglec-9L interactions in HCC have not been reported, and a relevant interventional strategy is lacking. Herein, we aim to illustrate Siglec-9/Siglec-9L-mediated cell sociology and identify small-molecule inhibitors targeting Siglec-9 that could improve the efficacy of NK cell-based immunotherapy for HCC. METHODS Multiplexed immunofluorescence staining was performed to analyze the expression pattern of Siglec-7, -9 and their ligands in HCC tissues. Then we conducted docking-based virtual screening combined with bio-layer interferometry assays to identify a potent small-molecule Siglec-9 inhibitor. The therapeutic potential was further evaluated in vitro and in hepatoma-bearing NCG mice. RESULTS Siglec-9 expression, rather than Siglec-7, was markedly upregulated on tumor-infiltrating NK cells, which correlated significantly with reduced survival of patients with HCC. Moreover, the number of Siglec-9L+ cells neighboring Siglec-9+ NK cells was increased in HCC tissues and was also associated with tumor recurrence and reduced survival, further suggesting that Siglec-9/Siglec-9L interactions are a potential therapeutic target in HCC. In addition, we identified a small-molecule Siglec-9 inhibitor MTX-3937 which inhibited phosphorylation of Siglec-9 and downstream SHP1 and SHP2. Accordingly, MTX-3937 led to considerable improvement in NK cell function. Notably, MTX-3937 enhanced cytotoxicity of both human peripheral and tumor-infiltrating NK cells. Furthermore, transfer of MTX-3937-treated NK92 cells greatly suppressed the growth of hepatoma xenografts in NCG mice. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides the rationale for HCC treatment by targeting Siglec-9 on NK cells and identifies a promising small-molecule inhibitor against Siglec-9 that enhances NK cell-mediated HCC surveillance. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Herein, we found that Siglec-9 expression is markedly upregulated on tumor-infiltrating natural killer (TINK) cells and correlates with reduced survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, the number of Siglec-9L+ cells neighboring Siglec-9+ NK cells was increased in HCC tissues and was also associated with tumor recurrence and reduced survival. More importantly, we identified a small-molecule inhibitor targeting Siglec-9 that augments NK cell functions, revealing a novel immunotherapy strategy for liver cancer that warrants further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Xiao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education & Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education & Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jiwei Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Na Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education & Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Mei Qi
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Pathology, Dezhou Municipal Hospital, Dezhou 253036, Shandong, China
| | - Jianping Wang
- Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Fabao Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Tixiao Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education & Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Siyu Tan
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education & Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education & Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Mingyan Yu
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Jinan 250101, Shandong, China
| | - Xuemei Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education & Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education & Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education & Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education & Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
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Deng R, Tian R, Li X, Xu Y, Li Y, Wang X, Li H, Wang L, Xu B, Yang D, Tang S, Xue B, Zuo C, Zhu H. ISG12a promotes immunotherapy of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma through blocking TRIM21/AKT/β-catenin/PD-L1 axis. iScience 2024; 27:109533. [PMID: 38591006 PMCID: PMC11000115 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection generally elicits weak type-I interferon (IFN) immune response in hepatocytes, covering the regulatory effect of IFN-stimulated genes. In this study, low level of IFN-stimulated gene 12a (ISG12a) predicted malignant transformation and poor prognosis of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), whereas high level of ISG12a indicated active NK cell phenotypes. ISG12a interacts with TRIM21 to inhibit the phosphorylation activation of protein kinase B (PKB, also known as AKT) and β-catenin, suppressing PD-L1 expression to block PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, thereby enhancing the anticancer effect of NK cells. The suppression of PD-1-deficient NK-92 cells on HBV-associated tumors was independent of ISG12a expression, whereas the anticancer effect of PD-1-expressed NK-92 cells on HBV-associated tumors was enhanced by ISG12a and treatments of atezolizumab and nivolumab. Thus, tumor intrinsic ISG12a promotes the anticancer effect of NK cells by regulating PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, presenting the significant role of innate immunity in defending against HBV-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rilin Deng
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Life Science, Department of Clinical Laboratory of the Second Affiliated Hospital, The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, Hainan, China
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Renyun Tian
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Life Science, Department of Clinical Laboratory of the Second Affiliated Hospital, The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, Hainan, China
| | - Xinran Li
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Yongqi Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130031, Jilin, China
| | - Xintao Wang
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Huiyi Li
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Life Science, Department of Clinical Laboratory of the Second Affiliated Hospital, The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, Hainan, China
| | - Luoling Wang
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Biaoming Xu
- Department of Gastroduodenal and Pancreatic Surgery, Translational Medicine Joint Research Center of Liver Cancer, Laboratory of Digestive Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Clinical Research Center For Tumor of Pancreaticobiliary Duodenal Junction In Hunan Province, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Di Yang
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Songqing Tang
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Binbin Xue
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Life Science, Department of Clinical Laboratory of the Second Affiliated Hospital, The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, Hainan, China
| | - Chaohui Zuo
- Department of Gastroduodenal and Pancreatic Surgery, Translational Medicine Joint Research Center of Liver Cancer, Laboratory of Digestive Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Clinical Research Center For Tumor of Pancreaticobiliary Duodenal Junction In Hunan Province, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Haizhen Zhu
- Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Life Science, Department of Clinical Laboratory of the Second Affiliated Hospital, The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, Hainan, China
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Liang Y, Zhong D, Zhang Z, Su Y, Yan S, Lai C, Yao Y, Shi Y, Huang X, Shang J. Impact of preoperative antiviral therapy on the prognosis of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:291. [PMID: 38438842 PMCID: PMC10913258 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12031-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection patients, increasing evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness of expanding the indications and applicable population for antiviral therapy. However, the expanded indication of antiviral therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be further explored. METHODS 196 HBV-related HCC patients who received radical hepatectomy and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) therapy at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital were enrolled in this study. HCC recurrence, overall survival (OS), early virological (VR) and biochemical responses (BR) of patients were compared between different NAs therapy and the use of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapy. RESULTS NAs therapy at different timing of surgery was a strong independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence and overall mortality of HBV-related HCC patients. Furthermore, in HCC patients who received postoperative anti-PD-1 therapy, patients with HBV DNA < 1000 copy/mL had significantly better recurrence-free survival (RFS) and OS than those with HBV DNA ≥ 1000 copy/mL (HR: 7.783; P = 0.002; HR: 6.699; P < 0.001). However, the differences of RFS and OS rates between entecavir group and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate group were not statistically significant. Similar results were also observed in the rates of early VR, BR and combined VR and BR. CONCLUSION Timely and reasonable preoperative NAs therapy showed clinical benefit in improving the prognosis of patients with HBV-related HCC, even in the case of normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level and negative hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg). Furthermore, a possible synergistic effect between antiviral therapy and anti-PD-1 therapy was founded and need further verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Liang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Deyuan Zhong
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Zilong Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic and Hernia Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Yuhao Su
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Su Yan
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Chunyou Lai
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Yutong Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Xiaolun Huang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Jin Shang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China.
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Xu R, Wu Y, Xiang X, Lv X, He M, Xu C, Lai G, Xiang T. Sulforaphane effectively inhibits HBV by altering Treg/Th17 immune balance and the MIF-macrophages polarizing axis in vitro and in vivo. Virus Res 2024; 341:199316. [PMID: 38215982 PMCID: PMC10825640 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem. After HBV infection, viral antigens shift the immune balance in favor of viral escape. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a traditional Chinese medicine.It regulates multi-biological activities, including anti-inflammation, anticancer, and antiviral. However, few studies reported that SFN can inhibit HBV infection before. METHODS An immunocompetent HBV CBA/CaJ mouse model and a co-culture model were used to explore the effect of SFN on HBV and whether SFN altered the immune balance after HBV infection. RESULTS We found that SFN was able to reduce HBV DNA, cccDNA, HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBcAg levels in serum and liver tissues of HBV-infected mice. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that SFN could significantly increase the expression of Cd86 and iNOS and inhibit the expression of Arg1 on macrophages after HBV infection. After SFN administration, Th17 markers in liver tissue and serum were significantly increased. There was no significant changes in the proportion of Treg cells in peripheral blood, but a significant increase in the proportion of Th17 cells and decrease of the Treg/Th17 ratio. Using a network pharmacology approach, we predicted macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as a potential target of SFN and further validated that MIF expression was significantly increased after HBV infection and SFN significantly inhibited MIF expression both in vitro and in vivo. There was an upward trend in HBV markers (p>0.05) after MIF overexpression. Overexpression of MIF combined with the use of SFN resulted in a significant reversion in the expression of HBV markers and polarization of macrophages towards the M1 phenotype. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that immunocompetent HBV CBA/CaJ mouse model is a good model to evaluate HBV infection. SFN could inhibit the expression of HBV markers, promote polarization of macrophages towards the M1 phenotype after HBV infection, change the proportion of Treg and Th17 cells. Our findings demonstrate that SFN inhibit HBV infection by inhibiting the expression of MIF and promoting the polarization of macrophages towards the M1 phenotype, which illustrates a promising therapeutic approach in HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqing Xu
- Laboratory Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xia Xiang
- Laboratory Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoqin Lv
- Laboratory Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Miao He
- Laboratory Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Laboratory Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoqi Lai
- Laboratory Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Tingxiu Xiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China; Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Rong Y, Tang MZ, Liu SH, Li XF, Cai H. Comprehensive analysis of the potential pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection and liver cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:436-457. [PMID: 38425388 PMCID: PMC10900145 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i2.436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing number of clinical examples suggest that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appears to have an impact on the treatment of patients with liver cancer compared to the normal population, and the prevalence of COVID-19 is significantly higher in patients with liver cancer. However, this mechanism of action has not been clarified. AIM To investigate the disease relevance of COVID-19 in liver cancer. METHODS Gene sets for COVID-19 (GSE180226) and liver cancer (GSE87630) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. After identifying the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of COVID-19 and liver cancer, functional enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction network construction and screening and analysis of hub genes were performed. Subsequently, the validation of the differential expression of hub genes in the disease was performed and the regulatory network of transcription factors and hub genes was constructed. RESULTS Of 518 common DEGs were obtained by screening for functional analysis. Fifteen hub genes including aurora kinase B, cyclin B2, cell division cycle 20, cell division cycle associated 8, nucleolar and spindle associated protein 1, etc., were further identified from DEGs using the "cytoHubba" plugin. Functional enrichment analysis of hub genes showed that these hub genes are associated with P53 signalling pathway regulation, cell cycle and other functions, and they may serve as potential molecular markers for COVID-19 and liver cancer. Finally, we selected 10 of the hub genes for in vitro expression validation in liver cancer cells. CONCLUSION Our study reveals a common pathogenesis of liver cancer and COVID-19. These common pathways and key genes may provide new ideas for further mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Rong
- First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
- General Surgery Clinical Medical Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Ming-Zheng Tang
- First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
- General Surgery Clinical Medical Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Song-Hua Liu
- First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
- General Surgery Clinical Medical Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Hui Cai
- General Surgery Clinical Medical Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
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Li J, Chen H, Bai L, Tang H. Identification of CD8 + T-cell exhaustion signatures for prognosis in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients by integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:53. [PMID: 38200408 PMCID: PMC10777580 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11804-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HBV infection is the leading risk factor for HCC. HBV infection has been confirmed to be associated with the exhaustion status of CD8+ T cells and immunotherapeutic efficacy in HCC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the CD8+ T-cell exhaustion signature and immunotherapy response in patients with HBV-related HCC. METHODS We identified different clusters of HBV-related HCC cells by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and identified CD8+ T-cell exhaustion-related genes (TERGs) by pseudotime analysis. We conducted differential expression analysis and LASSO Cox regression to detect genes and construct a CD8+ T-cell exhaustion index (TEI). We next combined the TEI with other clinicopathological factors to design a prognostic nomogram for HCC patients. We also analysed the difference in the TEI between the non-responder and responder groups during anti-PD-L1 therapy. In addition, we investigated how HBV induces CD8+ T lymphocyte exhaustion through the inhibition of tyrosine metabolism in HCC using gene set enrichment analysis and RT‒qPCR. RESULTS A CD8+ T-cell exhaustion index (TEI) was established with 5 TERGs (EEF1E1, GAGE1, CHORDC1, IKBIP and MAGOH). An AFP level > 500 ng, vascular invasion, histologic grade (G3-G4), advanced TNM stage and poor five-year prognosis were related to a higher TEI score, while HBV infection was related to a lower TEI score. Among those receiving anti-PD-L1 therapy, responders had lower TEIs than non-responders did. The TEI also serves as an independent prognostic factor for HCC, and the nomogram incorporating the TEI, TNM stage, and vascular invasion exhibited excellent predictive value for the prognosis in HCC patients. RT‒qPCR revealed that among the tyrosine metabolism-associated genes, TAT (tyrosine aminotransferase) and HGD (homogentisate 1,2 dioxygenase) were expressed at lower levels in HBV-HCC than in non-HBV HCC. CONCLUSION Generally, we established a novel TEI model by comprehensively analysing the progression of CD8+ T-cell exhaustion, which shows promise for predicting the clinical prognosis and potential immunotherapeutic efficacy in HBV-related HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhao Li
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Han Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lang Bai
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Zhang L, Guo M. Correlation of TGF-β1 and Smad2 expression with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in hepatitis B virus associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2023; 31:1014-1021. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v31.i24.1014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The occurrence and development of liver cancer are affected by many classical signaling pathways, and as a result, the growth of cancer cells is either inhibited or promoted. The transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad2 signaling pathway is often involved in the development of cancer.
AIM To investigate the expression of TGF-β1 and Smad2 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and its correlation with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
METHODS Sixty-five patients with hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosed by pathology after surgical resection at our hospital from February 2016 to March 2019 were selected for the study, and they were divided into 37 HBV-infected cases and 28 non-infected cases based on whether HBV infection occurred. Eight cases were lost after 3 years of follow-up, and the remaining patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were divided into two subgroups based on their survival status: 36 cases in survival group and 21 cases in death group. The expression of TGF-β1 and Smad2 in liver cancer tissues and paraneoplastic tissues was detected by protein immunoblotting (Western blot). The correlation of TGF-β1 and Smad2 protein expression with clinicopathological characteristics and survival rate was analyzed. Cox regression analysis of prognostic factors was performed.
RESULTS The expression of TGF-β1 and Smad2 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues of both HBV-infected and non-infected patients was higher than that in paracancerous tissues, and their expression in HBV-infected patients was higher than that of non-infected patients (P < 0.05). The expression of TGF-β1 and Smad2 was associated with the degree of differentiation, satellite lesions, cirrhosis, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). TGF-β1 and Smad2 expression was higher in dead patients than in survivors (P < 0.05). The survival rate within 3 years was lower in patients with high TGF-β1 expression (48.28%) than in those with low expression (78.57%; P = 0.003). The survival rate within 3 years was also lower inpatients with high Smad2 expression (50.00%) than in those with low expression (77.78%; P = 0.012). TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, TGF-β1 expression, and Smad2 expression were identified to be independent risk factors for poor prognosis within 3 years (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION The expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad2 in HBV-infected hepatocellular carcinoma tissues are elevated, and are associated with clinical pathological characteristics and poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ji'an People's Hospital, Huzhou 313300, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ji'an People's Hospital, Huzhou 313300, Zhejiang Province, China
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Jin ZC, Zhong BY, Chen JJ, Zhu HD, Sun JH, Yin GW, Ge NJ, Luo B, Ding WB, Li WH, Chen L, Wang YQ, Zhu XL, Yang WZ, Li HL, Teng GJ. Real-world efficacy and safety of TACE plus camrelizumab and apatinib in patients with HCC (CHANCE2211): a propensity score matching study. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:8669-8681. [PMID: 37368105 PMCID: PMC10667391 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09754-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus camrelizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting programmed death-1, and apatinib for patients with intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a real-world setting. METHODS A total of 586 HCC patients treated with either TACE plus camrelizumab and apatinib (combination group, n = 107) or TACE monotherapy (monotherapy group, n = 479) were included retrospectively. Propensity score matching analysis was used to match patients. The overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and safety in the combination group were described in comparison to monotherapy. RESULTS After propensity score matching (1:2), 84 patients in the combination group were matched to 147 patients in the monotherapy group. The median age was 57 years and 71/84 (84.5%) patients were male in the combination group, while the median age was 57 years with 127/147 (86.4%) male in the monotherapy group. The median OS, PFS, and ORR in the combination group were significantly higher than those in the monotherapy group (median OS, 24.1 vs. 15.7 months, p = 0.008; median PFS, 13.5 vs. 7.7 months, p = 0.003; ORR, 59.5% [50/84] vs. 37.4% [55/147], p = 0.002). On multivariable Cox regression, combination therapy was associated with significantly better OS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26-0.64; p < 0.001) and PFS (adjusted HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.37-0.74; p < 0.001). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 14/84 (16.7%) and 12/147 (8.2%) in the combination and monotherapy groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS TACE plus camrelizumab and apatinib showed significantly better OS, PFS, and ORR versus TACE monotherapy for predominantly advanced HCC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Compared with TACE monotherapy, TACE plus immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy showed better clinical efficacy for predominantly advanced HCC patients, with a higher incidence of adverse events. KEY POINTS • This propensity score-matched study demonstrates that TACE plus immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy have a longer OS, PFS, and ORR compared with TACE monotherapy in HCC. • Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 14/84 (16.7%) patients treated with TACE plus immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy compared with 12/147 (8.2%) patients in the monotherapy group, while no grade 5 adverse events were observed in all cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Cheng Jin
- Center of Interventional Radiology & Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Bin-Yan Zhong
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Jian-Jian Chen
- Center of Interventional Radiology & Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hai-Dong Zhu
- Center of Interventional Radiology & Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jun-Hui Sun
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Guo-Wen Yin
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Nai-Jian Ge
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Eastern Hospital of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Biao Luo
- Center of Interventional Radiology & Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wen-Bin Ding
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Wen-Hui Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224008, China
| | - Li Chen
- Center of Interventional Radiology & Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yu-Qing Wang
- Center of Interventional Radiology & Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiao-Li Zhu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
| | - Wei-Zhu Yang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Hai-Liang Li
- Department of Minimally Invasive Intervention, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, China.
| | - Gao-Jun Teng
- Center of Interventional Radiology & Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Li Y, Wang C, Yin X, Jiang L, Li X, Yang J. Profile and clinical significance of interferon gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and its receptor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14879-14888. [PMID: 37599316 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05265-1] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemokines play a vital role in tumor progression, metastasis and prognosis; however, the profile and clinical significance of gamma interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and its receptor (CXCR3) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been well evaluated. METHODS Liquid-phase chip technology was used to detect the serum IP-10 in 85 patients with HBV-related HCC, 50 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 50 liver cirrhosis subjects (CS); simultaneously, the CXCR3 and Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) were determined. Additionally, their mRNA or protein expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), liver tumor and paracancerous tissues were quantified using qRT-PCR or ELISA. Moreover, the IP-10 and CXCR3 expression was verified by the online data from Gene Expression Omnibus. Furthermore, the relationships of serum IP-10, CXCR3 and AFP levels with their overall survival rate were also analyzed. RESULTS The levels of IP-10 and CXCR3 in HCC group were significantly higher than those in CHB and CS groups, and their mRNA of PBMC is significantly positive correlation with those in their liver tissues or HBV DNA load (P < 0.0001), respectively. The serum IP-10 and CXCR3 in HCC were significantly correlated with tumor differentiation, metastases staging and distant metastasis (P < 0.05), but not related to gender, age and tumor size (P > 0.05, except IP-10 based on age). CONCLUSIONS The serum IP-10 (142.6 pg/mL) and CXCR3 (241.2 pg/mL) could be differential diagnostic surrogates that distinguish HCC from CS, and the lower IP-10 level may be conducive to the postoperative survival of HCC patients. Moreover, the IP-10 and CXCR3 would be related to anti-tumor immunity in HCC patients and be a potential target for treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongtao Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chengfei Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xuying Yin
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xuefen Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Jiezuan Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Wang J, Wang F, Wang N, Zhang MY, Wang HY, Huang GL. Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Protein Post-translational Modifications in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1192-1200. [PMID: 37577238 PMCID: PMC10412711 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00006s] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with high incidence and cancer mortality worldwide. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins have a great impact on protein function. Almost all proteins can undergo PTMs, including phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, and so on. Many studies have shown that PTMs are related to the occurrence and development of cancers. The findings provide novel therapeutic targets for cancers, such as glypican-3 and mucin-1. Other clinical implications are also found in the studies of PTMs. Diagnostic or prognostic value, and response to therapy have been identified. In HCC, it has been shown that glycosylated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has a higher detection rate for early liver cancer than conventional AFP. In this review, we mainly focused on the diagnostic and prognostic value of PTM, in order to provide new insights into the clinical implication of PTM in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
- China-America Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory for Epigenetics of Dongguan City, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Fangfang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
- China-America Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory for Epigenetics of Dongguan City, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
- China-America Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory for Epigenetics of Dongguan City, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Mei-Yin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui-Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guo-Liang Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
- China-America Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory for Epigenetics of Dongguan City, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
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Li Q, Wu K, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Chen Y, Sun S, Duan C. Construction of HBV-HCC prognostic model and immune characteristics based on potential genes mining through protein interaction networks. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:11263-11278. [PMID: 37358667 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04989-4] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To search for human protein-coding genes related to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the context of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and perform prognosis risk assessment. METHODS Genes related to HBV-HCC were selected through literature screening and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network database analysis. Prognosis potential genes (PPGs) were identified using Cox regression analysis. Patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on PPGs, and risk scores were calculated. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to analyze overall survival rates, and the results were predicted based on clinicopathological variables. Association analysis was also conducted with immune infiltration, immune therapy, and drug sensitivity. Experimental verification of the expression of PPGs was done in patient liver cancer tissue and normal liver tissue adjacent to tumors. RESULTS The use of a prognosis potential genes risk assessment model can reliably predict the prognosis risk of patients, demonstrating strong predictive ability. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the overall survival rate of the low-risk group was significantly higher than that of the high-risk group. There were significant differences between the two subgroups in terms of immune infiltration and IC50 association analysis. Experimental verification revealed that CYP2C19, FLNC, and HNRNPC were highly expressed in liver cancer tissue, while UBE3A was expressed at a lower level. CONCLUSION PPGs can be used to predict the prognosis risk of HBV-HCC patients and play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. They also reveal their potential role in the tumor immune microenvironment, clinical-pathological characteristics, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxiu Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Kejia Wu
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yiqi Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yalan Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Hepatobillary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Shuangling Sun
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, No. 82, University Town Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Changzhu Duan
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Guo BJ, Ruan Y, Wang YJ, Xiao CL, Zhong ZP, Cheng BB, Du J, Li B, Gu W, Yin ZF. Jiedu Recipe, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, inhibits cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma via Wnt/β-catenin pathway under hypoxia. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 21:474-486. [PMID: 37453868 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Jiedu Recipe (JR), a Chinese herbal remedy, has been shown to prolong overall survival time and decrease recurrence and metastasis rates in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This work investigated the mechanism of JR in HCC treatment. METHODS The chemical constituents of JR were detected using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The potential anti-HCC mechanism of JR was screened using network pharmacology and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) microarray chip assay, followed by experimental validation in human HCC cells (SMMC-7721 and Huh7) in vitro and a nude mouse subcutaneous transplantation model of HCC in vivo. HCC cell characteristics of proliferation, migration and invasion under hypoxic setting were investigated using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Image-iT™ Hypoxia Reagent was added to reveal hypoxic conditions. Stem cell sphere formation assay was used to detect the stemness. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers like E-cadherin, vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin, and pluripotent transcription factors including nanog homeobox, octamer-binding transcription factor 4, and sex-determining region Y box protein 2 were analyzed using Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blot was performed to ascertain the anti-HCC effect of JR under hypoxia involving the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. RESULTS According to network pharmacology and mRNA microarray chip analysis, JR may potentially act on hypoxia and inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that JR significantly decreased hypoxia, and suppressed HCC cell features of proliferation, migration and invasion; furthermore, the hypoxia-induced increases in EMT and stemness marker expression in HCC cells were inhibited by JR. Results based on the co-administration of JR and an agonist (LiCl) or inhibitor (IWR-1-endo) verified that JR suppressed HCC cancer stem-like properties under hypoxia by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. CONCLUSION JR exerts potent anti-HCC effects by inhibiting cancer stemness via abating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway under hypoxic conditions. Please cite this article as: Guo BJ, Ruan Y, Wang YJ, Xiao CL, Zhong ZP, Cheng BB, Du J, Li B, Gu W, Yin ZF. Jiedu Recipe, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, inhibits cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma via Wnt/β-catenin pathway under hypoxia. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(5): 474-486.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Jie Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yi Ruan
- PLA Naval Medical Center, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Ya-Jing Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chu-Lan Xiao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming 650000, Yunan Province, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Zhong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Rehabilitation, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Bin-Bin Cheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Juan Du
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Bai Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wei Gu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Zi-Fei Yin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Chen Z, Ma Y, Dong Y, Chen C, Wang H, Wang T, Yu J, Hong X, Chen M, He X, Ju W. Utilization of hepatitis B surface antigen-positive donors in liver transplantation for recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective and propensity score matching analysis. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15620. [PMID: 37520254 PMCID: PMC10386819 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15620] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The use of extended criteria donor (ECD) grafts such as donor with infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a potential solution for organ shortage. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and long-term survival of utilization of hepatitis B surface antigen-positive (HBsAg+) donor livers in HCC patients using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Methods Forty-eight donors with HBsAg-positive and 279 donors with HBsAg-negative were transplanted and enrolled in this study. PSM analysis were used to eliminate selection bias. Perioperative data and survival were collected and analyzed. Results PSM generated 44 patient pairs. When comparing intra- and post-operative data, no significant difference was found between groups (P > 0.05). Patients with a HBsAg-positive donor had significantly worse progression-free survival (1-year: 65.9% vs. 90.9%; 3-year: 18.1% vs. 70.4%, P = 0.0060) and overall survival (1-year: 84.1% and 95.4%; 3-year: 27.2% vs. 79.5%, P = 0.0039). In multivariate analysis, donor HBsAg-positivity was an independent risk factor for survival and occurrence (P = 0.005 and 0.025, respectively). Conclusion In conclusion, with adequate antiviral prophylaxis and treatment, utilization of HBsAg positive liver grafts did not increase the incidence of early-stage complications. However, patient with an HBsAg-positive graft had poorer progression-free survival and overall survival.
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Lu S, Liu X, Wu C, Zhang J, Stalin A, Huang Z, Tan Y, Wu Z, You L, Ye P, Fu C, Zhang X, Wu J. Identification of an immune-related 6-lncRNA panel with a good performance for prognostic prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma by integrated bioinformatics analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33990. [PMID: 37478241 PMCID: PMC10662904 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033990] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant tumors with a poor prognosis. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been found to have great potential as a prognostic biomarker or therapeutic target for cancer patients. However, the prognostic value and tumor immune infiltration of lncRNAs in HCC has yet to be fully elucidated. To identify prognostic biomarkers of lncRNA in HCC by integrated bioinformatics analysis and explore their functions and relationship with tumor immune infiltration. The prognostic risk assessment model for HCC was constructed by comprehensively using univariate/multivariate Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis. Subsequently, the accuracy, independence, and sensitivity of our model were evaluated, and a nomogram for individual prediction in the clinic was constructed. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), immune checkpoints, and human leukocyte antigen alleles were compared in high- and low-risk patients. Finally, the functions of our lncRNA signature were examined using Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis. A 6-lncRNA panel of HCC consisting of RHPN1-AS1, LINC01224, CTD-2510F5.4, RP1-228H13.5, LINC01011, and RP11-324I22.4 was eventually identified, and show good performance in predicting the survivals of patients with HCC and distinguishing the immunomodulation of TIME of high- and low-risk patients. Functional analysis also suggested that this 6-lncRNA panel may play an essential role in promoting tumor progression and immune regulation of TIME. In this study, 6 potential lncRNAs were identified as the prognostic biomarkers in HCC, and the regulatory mechanisms involved in HCC were initially explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xinkui Liu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Antony Stalin
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhihong Huang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Tan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhishan Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Leiming You
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Peizhi Ye
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Changgeng Fu
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Pan X, Wu SJ, Tang Y, Zhou YF, Luo JW, Fang ZT. Safety and Efficacy of Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single Center Experience. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:883-892. [PMID: 37324411 PMCID: PMC10263012 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s404500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose In China, many patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Several studies have shown that triple therapy [transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)] is beneficial for patient survival. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of triple therapy (TACE + TKIs + ICIs) for unresectable HCC (uHCC) and the conversion rate of surgical resection (SR). The primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) based on the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) and RECIST v1.1 and adverse events (AEs), while the secondary endpoint was the conversion rate of patients with uHCC treated with triple therapy followed by SR. Patients and Methods Forty-nine patients with uHCC who received triple therapy at Fujian Provincial Hospital between January 2020 and June 2022 were retrospectively included. The treatment efficacy, SR conversion rate, and associated AEs were recorded. Results Among the 49 patients enrolled, the ORRs assessed by mRECIST and RECIST v1.1 were 57.1% (24/42) and 14.3% (6/42), respectively, and the DCRs were 92.9% (39/42) and 88.1% (37/42), respectively. Seventeen (34.7%) patients met the criteria for resectable HCC and underwent resection. The median interval between the start of triple therapy and resection was 113.5 days (range 94.75 to 182 d), and the median number of TACE was 2 (range 1 to 2.5). The patients did not achieve median overall survival or median progression-free survival. Treatment-related AEs occurred in 48 (98%) patients, and 18 (36.7%) patients had grade ≥3 AEs. Conclusion Triple combination therapy resulted in a relatively high ORR and conversion resection rate following uHCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Pan
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shao-Jie Wu
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Tang
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Feng Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie-Wei Luo
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhu-Ting Fang
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Zhou S, Zhao Z, Zhong H, Ren Z, Li Y, Wang H, Qiu Y. The role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in liver cancer. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:77. [PMID: 37217620 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00681-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MDSCs are immature myeloid immune cells, which accumulate in models of liver cancer to reduce effector immune cell activity, contribute to immune escape and treatment resistance. The accumulation of MDSCs suppresses the role of CTL and the killing effects of NK cells, induces the accumulation of Treg cells, and blocks the antigen presentation of DCs, thus promoting the progression of liver cancer. Recently, immunotherapy has emerged a valuable approach following chemoradiotherapy in the therapy of advanced liver cancer. A considerable increasing of researches had proved that targeting MDSCs has become one of the therapeutic targets to enhance tumor immunity. In preclinical study models, targeting MDSCs have shown encouraging results in both alone and in combination administration. In this paper, we elaborated immune microenvironment of the liver, function and regulatory mechanisms of MDSCs, and therapeutic approaches to target MDSCs. We also expect these strategies to supply new views for future immunotherapy for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Rd., West Area, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai Dist, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Zixuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Zehao Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yuye Li
- Binhai New Area Hospital of TCM, Tianjin, 300451, China.
| | - Hong Wang
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyanghu Rd., West Area, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai Dist, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Yuling Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
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Wang J, Xia S, Chen Y, Qin X, Liu S, Ren H. Screening and validation of prognostic indicator genes in the progression of HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma. BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2023; 1:10-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmt.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
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Yang Y, Yan Y, Yin J, Tang N, Wang K, Huang L, Hu J, Feng Z, Gao Q, Huang A. O-GlcNAcylation of YTHDF2 promotes HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma progression in an N 6-methyladenosine-dependent manner. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:63. [PMID: 36765030 PMCID: PMC9918532 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01316-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its pathogenic mechanism remains to be explored. The RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader, YTH (YT521-B homology) domain 2 (YTHDF2), plays a critical role in the HCC progression. However, the function and regulatory mechanisms of YTHDF2 in HBV-related HCC remain largely elusive. Here, we discovered that YTHDF2 O-GlcNAcylation was markedly increased upon HBV infection. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT)-mediated O-GlcNAcylation of YTHDF2 on serine 263 enhanced its protein stability and oncogenic activity by inhibiting its ubiquitination. Mechanistically, YTHDF2 stabilized minichromosome maintenance protein 2 (MCM2) and MCM5 transcripts in an m6A-dependent manner, thus promoting cell cycle progression and HBV-related HCC tumorigenesis. Moreover, targeting YTHDF2 O-GlcNAcylation by the OGT inhibitor OSMI-1 significantly suppressed HCC progression. Taken together, our findings reveal a new regulatory mechanism for YTHDF2 and highlight an essential role of YTHDF2 O-GlcNAcylation in RNA m6A methylation and HCC progression. Further description of the molecular pathway has the potential to yield therapeutic targets for suppression of HCC progression due to HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Yan
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaxin Yin
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ni Tang
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Luyi Huang
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Hu
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhongqi Feng
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingzhu Gao
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ailong Huang
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Hepatitis Virus and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Recent Advances. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020533. [PMID: 36672482 PMCID: PMC9856776 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge, causing 600,000 deaths each year. Infectious factors, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV), have long been considered the major risk factors for the development and progression of HCC. These pathogens induce hepatocyte transformation through a variety of mechanisms, including insertional mutations caused by viral gene integration, epigenetic changes, and the induction of long-term immune dysfunction. The discovery of these mechanisms, while advancing our understanding of the disease, also provides targets for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In addition, the discovery and research of chronic HEV infection over the past decade indicate that this common hepatitis virus also seems to have the potential to induce HCC. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies on the link between hepatitis virus and HCC, as well as new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to HCC based on these findings. Finally, we also discuss the potential relationship between HEV and HCC. In conclusion, these associations will further optimize the diagnosis and treatment of infection-associated HCC and call for better management policies.
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Islam B, Yu HY, Duan TQ, Pan J, Li M, Zhang RQ, Masroor M, Huang JF. Cell cycle kinases (AUKA, CDK1, PLK1) are prognostic biomarkers and correlated with tumor-infiltrating leukocytes in HBV related HCC. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:11845-11861. [PMID: 36634158 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2164056] [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: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the high incidence cancers and third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. HBV is the top most risk factor accounting for 50-80% of the HCC cases. Kinases: Aurora kinase A (AURKA), cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK1) and Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), the key regulators of cell mitosis are overexpressed in varieties of cancers including HCC. However, the exact role of these genes in prognosis of HCC is not fully unveiled. In addition, there is no such an accurate prognostic biomarker for HBV-related HCC. To address this issue, we performed a multidimensional analysis of AURKA, CDK1 and PLK1 with a series of publicly available databases in multiple cancers and with experimental validation in HBV-related HCC tissues. Overexpression of AURKA, CDK1 and PLK1 was found in multiple cancers including HCC. Elevated expression of these genes could result from lowered DNA methylation and genomic alterations. Transcriptional overexpression was significantly correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. The expression levels were also significantly positively associated with tumor grades and stages. Furthermore, the expression levels of these genes had a strong correlation with infiltration of immune cells. Our analysis shows that AURKA, CDK1 and PLK1 are correlated with immune infiltration and are the prognostic biomarkers for HBV-induced HCC.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baitul Islam
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hai-Yang Yu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tian-Qi Duan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Pan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ru-Qi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Matiullah Masroor
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ju-Fang Huang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Profiling of Peripheral TRBV and CD4+CD25+ Treg in CHB Patients with HBeAg SC during TDF Treatment. J Immunol Res 2023; 2023:1914036. [PMID: 36660247 PMCID: PMC9845053 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1914036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It is lacking that markers could predict the prognosis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) subjects during antiviral treatment, and the related cellular immune mechanism is not fully evaluated. Aim To explore the comprehensive profile of T cell receptor β-chain (TRBV) and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell (Treg) in peripheral blood of CHB patients with HBeAg seroconverting (SC) during tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) treatment. Methods The frequency of CD4+CD25high+ Treg and number of skewed TRBV in 20 HBeAg positive patients were determined at baseline and following every 12 weeks during 96-week TDF treatment. The relationship among serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, HBV DNA load, Treg frequency, and the number of skewed TRBV, respectively, was analyzed for CHB patients. Receiver operative characteristic curve was applied to analyze their diagnostic value for HBeAg SC. Results The number of skewed TRBV at week 48, Treg frequency at week 72, and ALT level at baseline could predict the HBeAg SC or non-SC in CHB patients during 96-week TDF treatment. Moreover, the positive correlation between ALT or HBV DNA and Treg levels or skewed TRBVs was significant in the SC group, but not in non-SC. Conclusions The predictive cutoff value of ALT for HBeAg SC was 178 U/L at baseline. Moreover, the ALT, Treg, and TRBV families would be associated with the prognosis and pathogenesis of CHB patients during TDF treatment.
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28
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Wang L, Qiu M, Wu L, Li Z, Meng X, He L, Yang B. Construction and validation of prognostic signature for hepatocellular carcinoma basing on hepatitis B virus related specific genes. Infect Agent Cancer 2022; 17:60. [PMID: 36474267 PMCID: PMC9727957 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-022-00470-y] [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: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent primary liver cancer, and it is one of the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a crucial risk factor for HCC. Thus, this study aimed to explore the prognostic role of HBV-positive HCC related specific genes in HCC. METHODS The HCC related data were downloaded from three databases, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO Cox regression analysis were conducted to build the Risk score. Multivariate Cox regression analysis and survival analysis determined the independent prognostic indicators. RESULTS After cross analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we have identified 106 overlapped DEGs, which were probably HBV-positive HCC related specific genes. These 106 DEGs were significantly enriched in 213 GO terms and 8 KEGG pathways. Among that, 11 optimal genes were selected to build a Risk score, and Risk score was an independent prognostic factor for HCC. High risk HCC patients had worse OS. Moreover, five kinds of immune cells were differentially infiltrated between high and low risk HCC patients. CONCLUSION The prognostic signature, based on HMMR, MCM6, TPX2, KIF20A, CCL20, RGS2, NUSAP1, FABP5, FZD6, PBK, and STK39, is conducive to distinguish different prognosis of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Tianjin Second People’s Hospital, Tianjin, 300192 China ,Tianjin Institute of Hepatology, Tianjin, 300192 China
| | - Manman Qiu
- grid.216938.70000 0000 9878 7032College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China
| | - Lili Wu
- grid.440828.2Logistics University of People’s Armed Police Force, Tianjin, 300000 China
| | - Zexing Li
- grid.33763.320000 0004 1761 2484School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China
| | - Xinyi Meng
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Department of Cell Biolopgy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 China
| | - Lu He
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 China
| | - Bing Yang
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Department of Cell Biolopgy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 China
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Novel Insights into MEG3/miR664a-3p/ADH4 Axis and Its Possible Role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma from an in Silico Perspective. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122254. [PMID: 36553522 PMCID: PMC9778073 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122254] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex disease involving altered interactomes of transcripts and proteins. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small-noncoding RNAs that can interact with specific gene transcripts and an array of other vital endogenous non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that can influence gene expression. Maternally Expressed Gene 3 (MEG3) is an imprinted lncRNA that is reported to be downregulated in HCC (in both cell lines and tumors). Alcohol Dehydrogenase 4 (ADH4) is a well-known prognostic protein biomarker for predicting the survival outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma whose expression is regulated by miR-664a-3p, which is upregulated in HCC. In this study, we performed a battery of robust and systematic in silico analyses to predicate the possible lncRNA-miRNA interactions between MEG3, miR-664a-3p, and ADH4. miRNA-mRNA and lncRNA-miRNA hybrid structures were primarily obtained, and the minimum free energies (MFEs) for the 3'UTR (Untranslated Regions) of ADH4-miR-664a-3p and the 3'UTR of MEG3-miR-664a-3p interactions were assessed to predict the stability of the obtained RNA heteroduplex hybrids. The hybrid with the least minimum free energy (MFE) was considered to be the most favorable. The MFEs were around -28.1 kcal/mol and -31.3 kCal/mol for the ADH4-miR-664a-3p and MEG3-miR-66a-3p RNA hybrids, respectively. This demonstrated that lncRNA-MEG3 might be a competitive endogenous RNA that acts as a molecular sponge for miR-664a-3p. In summary, our interaction analyses results predict the significance of the MEG3/miR-664a-3p/ADH4 axis, where MEG3 downregulation results in miR-664a-3p overexpression and the subsequential underexpression of ADH4 in HCC, as a novel axis of interest that demands further validation.
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Liu X, Zhang W, Ji W, Zheng K, Zhao Y, He Y, Cui J, Li W. Effect of Alcohol Intake on Inflammatory Status and Prognosis in Cancer Patients. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:5815-5826. [PMID: 36238771 PMCID: PMC9553310 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s376248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the effect of alcohol on the inflammatory status and prognosis of patients with malignancy. Patients and Methods The clinical data of patients with malignant tumor who were admitted to the First Hospital of Jilin University from November 2011 to December 2018 were collected including basic clinical information, anthropometric indicators, body composition analysis, and serological indicators. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were performed to find predictors of survival. A nomogram was generated to indicate the interrelationships between the variables in the prediction model and the extent to which alcohol consumption affects prognosis. The C-index and calibration curves were used to verify the predictive accuracy of the scoring system. Results A total of 2929 cancer patients were included in this study, of which 552 (18.8%) patients had alcohol consumption habits and 2377 (81.2%) patients had no alcohol history. Patients in the Alcohol group had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) than the Non-Alcohol group, and further sub-analysis indicated alcohol consumption was significantly associated with prognosis of advanced breast cancer (HR = 4.617, 95% CI 1.361–15.664, p=0.014), and early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) without viral hepatitis (HR = 8.933, 95% CI 1.444–55.275, p = 0.019). Multivariate Cox regression models also demonstrated that daily alcohol intake was a risk factor of survival benefits (HR = 1.256, 95% CI 1.016–1.554, p = 0.036). Finally, a nomogram was constructed and the c-index of this scoring system is 0.751. The 3- and 5-year calibration curves of the model show a high agreement between the predicted probability and the actual observed survival rate. Conclusion Alcohol intake was demonstrated associates with patient outcomes. A human component-prognosis scoring system was established to predict the survival benefits of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangliang Liu
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Ji
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kaiwen Zheng
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yixin Zhao
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuwei He
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Jiuwei Cui; Wei Li, Jilin University, Xinmin St No. 126, Changchun, 130021, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8613844095420; +8613206282295, Fax +86 431-85619254, Email ;
| | - Wei Li
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
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Xia Y, Gao B, Zhang X. Targeting mitochondrial quality control of T cells: Regulating the immune response in HCC. Front Oncol 2022; 12:993437. [PMID: 36212470 PMCID: PMC9539266 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.993437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of the primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops from Viral Hepatitis including Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Herein, T cells play crucial roles combined with chronic inflammation and chronic viral infection. However, T cells are gradually exhausted under chronic antigenic stimulation, which leads to T cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment, and the exhaustion is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in T cells. Meanwhile, mitochondria play a crucial role in altering T cells’ metabolism modes to achieve desirable immunological responses, wherein mitochondria maintain quality control (MQC) and promote metabolism regulation in the microenvironment. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have been widely used in clinical practice, there are some limitations in the therapeutic effect, thus combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with targeting mitochondrial biogenesis may enhance cellular metabolic adaptation and reverse the exhausted state. At present, several studies on mitochondrial quality control in HCC have been reported, however, there are gaps in the regulation of immune cell function by mitochondrial metabolism, particularly the modulating of T cell immune function. Hence, this review summarizes and discusses existing studies on the effects of MQC on T cell populations in liver diseases induced by HCC, it would be clued by mitochondrial quality control events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixue Xia
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Human Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Binghong Gao
- School of Elite Sport, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Human Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Binghong Gao, ; Xue Zhang,
| | - Xue Zhang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- School of Elite Sport, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Human Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Binghong Gao, ; Xue Zhang,
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Li G, Wang Z, Chen D, Yin J, Mo Z, Sun B, Yang T, Zhang X, Zhai Z, Li Y, Chen P, Dai Y, Wang Z, Ma J. Comprehensive analysis of a TPX2-related TRHDE-AS1/PKIA ceRNA network involving prognostic signatures in Hepatitis B virus-infected hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1025900. [PMID: 36204642 PMCID: PMC9530265 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1025900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a main carcinogenic factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TPX2 microtubule nucleation factor is recently recommended as a novel prognostic biomarker in HBV-infected HCC tissues. This study aimed to explore a TPX2-related ceRNA regulatory network in HBV-infected HCC and the potential impact on HCC prognosis. We comprehensively identified 541 differential expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), 37 DEmiRNAs and 439 DEmRNAs from HBV-related TCGA-HCC cohorts in TPX2low and TPX2high groups. Based on their RNA-RNA interaction and expression analysis, four DElncRNAs (TRHDE-AS1, DLX6-AS1, SNHG14, HOXA11-AS), four DEmiRNAs (miR-23b, miR-320a, miR-589, miR-126) and five DEmRNAs (PKIA, PCDHA2, SHCBP1, PRSS16, KIF18A) in HCC tumor vs normal groups were subjected to the hub regulatory networks analysis and further prognostic value analysis. Importantly, the TRHDE-AS1/miR-23b/PKIA ceRNA network was associated with HCC prognosis. Furthermore, cellular location analysis and base-base interaction analysis indicated that the cytoplasmic lncRNA TRHDE-AS1 was regarded as a ceRNA to sponging miR-23b and then regulating PKIA. Interestingly, correlation analysis suggested the expression correlation between TRHDE-AS1 and PKIA in HCC. Finally, we further performed the methylation and immune infiltration analysis to explore the functional process of PKIA in HCC. We proposed a ceRNA regulatory network may help elucidate the mechanism by which TPX2 contributes to the prognosis of HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jun Ma
- *Correspondence: Jun Ma, ;
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Jia M, Jia JK, Xu J, Xue HZ. Feasibility and Tolerability of Lenvatinib, Plus PD-1 Blockades for Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Exploratory Study. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:2625-2638. [PMID: 36081824 PMCID: PMC9448352 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s372125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Lenvatinib was the standard first-line therapy for patients with unresectable HCC. PD-1 blockades demonstrated promising efficacy for patients with previously-treated HCC. Therefore, this study was to investigate the feasibility and tolerability of lenvatinib plus PD-1 blockades for patients with unresectable HCC retrospectively. Methods A total of 37 patients with unresectable HCC who received lenvatinib plus PD-1 blockades in first-line setting were included in this study retrospectively. Efficacy of the patients was evaluated with the change of target lesion using mRECIST criteria per investigator and all the subjects were followed up regularly. Adverse reactions were collected and documented. Exploratory analysis between prognosis and baseline characteristics was performed using log rank test and multivariate analysis were performed using Cox regression analysis. Results The best overall response of the 37 patients suggested that complete response was observed in one patient, partial response was noted in 11 patients, stable disease was noted in 16 patients and 9 patients had progressive disease, which yielded an objective response rate (ORR) of 32.4% (95%CI: 18.0–49.8) and a disease control rate (DCR) of 75.7% (95%CI: 58.8–88.2). Furthermore, the median progression-free survival (PFS) of the 37 patients with advanced HCC was 8.3 months (95%CI: 3.34–13.26). And the median overall survival (OS) was 17.8 months (95%CI: 7.19–28.41). In addition, the median duration of response (DoR) in 12 patients with response was 9.6 months (95%CI: 3.03–16.17). Furthermore, adverse reactions that were attributed to the combination administration were detected in 36 patients (97.3%), among whom a total of 22 patients (59.5%) were observed of the grade ≥3 adverse reactions. And the most common adverse reactions were hypertension, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and hepatotoxicity. Conclusion Lenvatinib plus PD-1 blockades demonstrated promising anticancer activity and acceptable toxicity for patients with unresectable HCC. And the conclusion should be validated in prospective clinical trials subsequently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Jia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Kun Jia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huan-Zhou Xue
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Huan-Zhou Xue, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, No. 7 Wei-Wu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Kong M, Yu X, Zheng Q, Zhang S, Guo W. Oncogenic roles of LINC01234 in various forms of human cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113570. [PMID: 36030582 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113570] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) plays an essential role in various malignant neoplasia. As a newly identified lncRNA, LINC01234 is abnormally expressed in several types of cancers and promotes the development of cancers. Accumulating evidence indicates that overexpression of LINC01234 is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Moreover, LINC01234 modulates many cellular events as a putative proto-oncogene, including proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and EMT. In terms of molecular mechanism, LINC01234 regulates gene expression by acting as ceRNA, participating in signaling pathways, interacting with proteins and other molecules, and encoding polypeptide. It reveals that LINC01234 may serve as a potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. This review summarizes the expression pattern, biological function, and molecular mechanism of LINC01234 in human cancer and discusses its potential clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyu Kong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Liver Transplantation Centre, China; Henan Organ Transplantation Quality Control Centre, China; Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, China; Henan Innovative Research Group for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Liver Transplantation Centre, China; Henan Organ Transplantation Quality Control Centre, China; Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, China; Henan Innovative Research Group for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation, China
| | - Qingyuan Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Liver Transplantation Centre, China; Henan Organ Transplantation Quality Control Centre, China; Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, China; Henan Innovative Research Group for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Liver Transplantation Centre, China; Henan Organ Transplantation Quality Control Centre, China; Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, China; Henan Innovative Research Group for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Liver Transplantation Centre, China; Henan Organ Transplantation Quality Control Centre, China; Open and Key Laboratory for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, China; Henan Innovative Research Group for Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation, China.
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Study on the Prognostic Values of TTC36 Correlated with Immune Infiltrates and Its Methylation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:7267131. [PMID: 35846428 PMCID: PMC9286891 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7267131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains an incurable disease with a very poor clinical outcome. The purpose of this article was to investigate whether the expression or methylation of tetrapeptide repeat domain 36 (TTC36) could be used as a prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma. TCGA database was used to obtain information on HCC gene expression and the associated clinical features of HCC patients. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between 374 HCC specimens and 50 nontumor specimens. The expression and prognostic value of TTC36 were analyzed. The correlations between TTC36 and cancer immune infiltrates were investigated via TIMER. In this study, HCC specimens and nontumor specimens were compared and 35 DEGs were found between them. Among the 35 DEGs, the expression of TTC36 was significantly reduced in HCC samples compared with nontumor samples. Survival tests revealed that patients with low TTC36 expression had a shorter overall survival than patients with high TTC36 expression. TTC36 was found to be an independent predictive factor for HCC in both univariate and multivariate regression analyses. TTC36 was negatively regulated by TTC36 methylation, leading to its low expression in HCC tissues. Immune analysis revealed that TTC36 expression has significant correlations with B cell, T cell CD4+, neutrophil, macrophage, and myeloid dendritic cell. Finally, TTC36 expression was dramatically reduced in HCC cells, and overexpression greatly suppressed HCC cell proliferation and invasion, according to our experimental results. Overall, our data suggested that TTC36 could be applied as a prognostic marker for predicting outcome and immune infiltration in HCC.
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Hu W, Liu D, Li R, Qian H, Qiu W, Ye Q, Kong F. Comprehensive Analysis of TRIM Family Genes in Hepatitis Virus B-Related Hepatoma Carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:913743. [PMID: 35873464 PMCID: PMC9301387 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.913743] [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: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As significant components of E3 ligases, the tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins participate in various biological processes and facilitate the development of several diseases. Nevertheless, the correlations of TIRMs with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-positive hepatoma carcinoma (HCC) are not well elaborated. Methods: The expression profile of TRIM genes in HBV-associated HCC and related clinical information were extracted from the Cancer Genome Atla (TCGA) database and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. Dependent on the ConsensusPathDB and STRING databases, the gene ontology, Reactome pathways, and protein-protein interaction were assessed. Relied on TIMER 2.0 database, the relationship of the TRIMs with immune infiltration was investigated. Using multivariate analysis and Kaplan Meier analysis, the association between TRIM genes and the prognostic value was examined. Results: A total of 17 TRIM genes, including TRIM16, TRIM17, and TRIM31 with fold change no less than 1.5, were discovered to upregulate in HBV-associated HCC in both TCGA and ICGC cohorts. Relied on gene enrichment analysis, the identified TRIMs were observed to not only be related to the interferon and cytokine signaling but also linked to the adaptive immune system. Particularly, the co-expression patterns of identified TRIMs with other E3 ligase genes and many innate immune genes that are associated with Toll-like receptor signaling, apoptosis, and SUMOylation. Besides, some of identified TRIM expressions were also linked to the infiltration levels of T cells and B cells. Additionally, several TRIM genes were associated with various clinical factors and relevant to the poor survival of HBV-associated HCC. Conclusion: Our findings could deepen our understanding of TRIMs and their correlations with HBV-associated HCC. Furthermore, some of these TRIMs may be utilized as new prognostic markers of HBV-related HCC prognosis, or act as potential molecular targets for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hu
- NanJing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Dongsheng Liu
- NanJing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Renjie Li
- NanJing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Hong Qian
- NanJing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Wei Qiu
- NanJing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Qingwang Ye
- NanJing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Fanyun Kong
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Fanyun Kong,
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Lee CK, Chan SL, Chon HJ. Could We Predict the Response of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133213. [PMID: 35804984 PMCID: PMC9264773 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of anti-programmed cell-death protein (ligand)-1 (PD-[L]1) is an important strategy for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the treatment only benefits 10–20% of patients when used as a monotherapy. Therefore, the selection of patients for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment is crucial for both patients and clinicians. This review aimed to explore the existing literature on tissue or circulating markers for the identification of responders or non-responders to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in HCC. For the clinically available markers, both etiological factors (viral versus non-viral) and disease extent (intra-hepatic vs. extrahepatic) impact the responses to anti-PD-1/PD-L1, warranting further studies. Preliminary data suggested that inflammatory indices (e.g., neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio) may be associated with clinical outcomes of HCC during the anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. Finally, although PD-L1 expression in tumor tissues is a predictive marker for multiple cancer types, its clinical application is less clear in HCC due to the lack of a clear-cut association with responders to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. Although all translational markers are not routinely measured in HCC, recent data suggest their potential roles in selecting patients for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. Such markers, including the immune classification of HCC, selected signaling pathways, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and auto-antibodies, were discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choong-kun Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Stephen L. Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Clinical Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: (S.L.C.); (H.J.C.); Tel.: +85-23-505-2166 (S.L.C.); +82-31-780-7590 (H.J.C.)
| | - Hong Jae Chon
- Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam 13496, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.L.C.); (H.J.C.); Tel.: +85-23-505-2166 (S.L.C.); +82-31-780-7590 (H.J.C.)
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Dai Q, Ain Q, Rooney M, Song F, Zipprich A. Role of IQ Motif-Containing GTPase-Activating Proteins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:920652. [PMID: 35785216 PMCID: PMC9243542 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.920652] [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: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating proteins (IQGAPs) are a class of scaffolding proteins, including IQGAP1, IQGAP2, and IQGAP3, which govern multiple cellular activities by facilitating cytoskeletal remodeling and cellular signal transduction. The role of IQGAPs in cancer initiation and progression has received increasing attention in recent years, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where the aberrant expression of IQGAPs is closely related to patient prognosis. IQGAP1 and 3 are upregulated and are considered oncogenes in HCC, while IQGAP2 is downregulated and functions as a tumor suppressor. This review details the three IQGAP isoforms and their respective structures. The expression and role of each protein in different liver diseases and mainly in HCC, as well as the underlying mechanisms, are also presented. This review also provides a reference for further studies on IQGAPs in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Dai
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Else Kröner Graduate School for Medical Students “Jena School for Ageing Medicine (JSAM)”, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Quratul Ain
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Rooney
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Fei Song
- Department of Urology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Zipprich
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Alexander Zipprich,
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Zhao L, Chang N, Shi L, Li F, Meng F, Xie X, Xu Z, Wang F. Lenvatinib plus sintilimab versus lenvatinib monotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective, real-world study. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09538. [PMID: 35706954 PMCID: PMC9189019 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The most common type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC accounts for many HCC cases and has a high mortality rate. The goal of our study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus sintilimab therapy in real-world practice and identify factors affecting long-term prognosis. Methods A retrospective study was conducted with 139 consecutive patients with unresectable HCC treated with lenvatinib or lenvatinib plus sintilimab at the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from June 2018 to June 2021. The 139 patients were divided into the control group (85 patients) and the combined treatment group (54 patients) according to the antitumour drugs used for treatment. Efficacy was determined using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 and the HCC-specific modified RECIST (mRECIST) for 139 patients who completed the 1st and second tumour assessments. Safety was evaluated in 60 patients in the combined treatment group and 90 patients in the control group using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Results A total of 139 male Chinese patients (49.6% ≥ 55 years old) were included in the efficacy analysis. The median overall survival in the combined treatment group was 21.7 months, and the median progression-free survival was 11.3 months. According to the mRECIST criteria, the objective response rate was 38.9%, and the disease control rate was 92.6%. The median overall survival (mOS), median progression-free survival (mPFS), overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) in the lenvatinib monotherapy group were 12.8 months, 6.6 months, 24.7%, and 74.1%, respectively. Hypertension was the most common adverse event in both groups. Some immune-related adverse events, such as hypothyroidism (n = 5), elevated blood creatinine (n = 3), elevated cardiac enzymes (n = 1), elevated amylase (n = 1) and increased fasting glucose (n = 1), occurred only in the combined therapy group. Five patients in the lenvatinib monotherapy group and six patients in the lenvatinib plus sintilimab group discontinued therapy due to severe adverse events (AEs) (grade 3). No ≥ 4-grade AEs occurred in any patients. Conclusion The TKI lenvatinib combined with PD-1-targeted immunotherapy sintilimab is efficacious and safe in real-world practice and may lead to better long-term outcomes than lenvatinib alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Medical school of Chinese PLA, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.,Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Niajia Chang
- The Second Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Fengyi Li
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Fanglin Meng
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Xiaohui Xie
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Fusheng Wang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
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Li J, Zhang X, Yao L, Hu K. The bioinformatics and experimental analysis of the novel roles of virus infection-associated gene CDC20 for prognosis and immune infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:4513-4529. [PMID: 35622386 PMCID: PMC9186757 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Infection virus including HBV and HCV has been well recognized as a major cause inducing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, molecular investigations into the HTLV-1 (Human T-lymphotropic virus type-1) and HCC have been rare. In this study, we integrated several public datasets of HCC patients and filtered seven genes including CDC20 as the HTLV-1 infection-related genes which were differentially expressed in HCC. CDC20 was chosen for further investigation based on its promising prognostic power. The expression profiles, prognostic assessment, association with clinicopathologic characteristics, prediction of correlated signal pathways, and the immune-modulating function of CDC20 were assessed. We found that CDC20 expression was significantly increased in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cell lines, and was correlated with histologic grade, pathologic stage, tumor status, and patient age. CDC20 exhibited prognostic value on overall survival and disease specific survival and was an independent prognostic factor. It was primarily involved in several signal pathways, especially the omega-hydroxylase P450 and epoxygenase P450 signal pathways. Moreover, CDC20 expression showed significant positive associations with the levels of several immune cells such as T helper 2 cells and follicular helper T cells, immunostimulators including TNFRSF18 and MICB, immunoinhibitors including KDR and PDCD1LG2, chemokines including XCL1 and CCL26, and chemokine receptors including CCR10 and CXCR3. This study for the first time delineated the correlation of CDC20 with HTLV-1 infection-associated HCC. The disorder of expression and function of CDC20 makes it a probable biomarker for better etiological classification, prognostic prediction, and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanni Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaofang Zhang
- Departments of Burn and Plastic, Ningxiang People's Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410600, Hunan, China
| | - Lei Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Kuan Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
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Song Y, Shou S, Guo H, Gao Z, Liu N, Yang Y, Wang F, Deng Q, Liu J, Xie Y. Establishment and Characterization of a New Cell Culture System for Hepatitis B Virus Replication and Infection. Virol Sin 2022; 37:558-568. [PMID: 35568375 PMCID: PMC9437612 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a primary cause of chronic liver diseases in humans. HBV infection exhibits strict host and tissue tropism. HBV core promoter (Cp) drives transcription of pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) and plays a key role in the viral life cycle. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) acts as a major transcriptional factor that stimulates Cp. In this work, we reported that BEL7404 cell line displayed a high efficiency of DNA transfection and high levels of HBV antigen expression after transfection of HBV replicons without prominent viral replication. The introduction of exogenous HNF4α and human sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (hNTCP) expression into BEL7404 made it permissive for HBV replication and susceptible to HBV infection. BEL7404-derived cell lines with induced HBV permissiveness and susceptibility were constructed by stable co-transfection of hNTCP and Tet-inducible HNF4α followed by limiting dilution cloning. HBV replication in such cells was sensitive to inhibition by nucleotide analog tenofovir, while the infection was inhibited by HBV entry inhibitors. This cell culture system provides a new and additional tool for the study of HBV replication and infection as well as the characterization of antiviral agents. BEL7404 cells are characterized by a high transfection efficiency, but do not support canonical HBV replication. BEL7404 cells lack endogenous HNF4α expression, and exogenous HNF4α rescues canonical HBV replication. BEL7404 cells with stable hNTCP and inducible HNF4α expression support HBV infection and inducible replication. BEL7404-derived cell lines supporting HBV infection retain high transfection efficiencies and allow testing of antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Song
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) and Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shuyu Shou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) and Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Huimin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) and Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518112, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, China
| | - Zixiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) and Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Nannan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) and Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) and Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) and Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) and Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) and Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Youhua Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS) and Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.
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Darwish NM, Elshaer MMA, Almutairi SM, Chen TW, Mohamed MO, Ghaly WBA, Rasheed RA. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Provoke Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Knocking Down the STAT3 Activated Signaling Pathway: In Vivo and In Vitro Study. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27093032. [PMID: 35566382 PMCID: PMC9103886 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27093032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of liver cancer and is a leading cause of death worldwide. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is involved in HCC progression, migration, and suppression of apoptosis. This study investigates the apoptotic effect of the dietary antioxidant (n-3 PUFAs) on HepG2 cells and analyzes the underlying molecular mechanisms of this effect both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo study: Seventy-five adult male albino rats were divided into three groups (n = 25): Group I (control): 0.9% normal saline, intraperitoneal. Group II: N-Nitrosodiethylamine (200 mg/kg b.wt) intraperitoneal, followed by phenobarbital 0.05% in drinking water. Group III: as group II followed by n-3 PUFAs intubation (400 mg/kg/day). In vivo study: liver specimens for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examination. In vitro study: MTT assay, cell morphology, PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. n-3 PUFAs significantly improved the histopathologic features of HCC and decreased the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins. Further, HepG2 cells proliferation was suppressed through inhibition of the STAT3 signaling pathway, cyclin D1, and Bcl-2 activity. Here we report that n-3 PUFAs may be an ideal cancer chemo-preventive candidate by targeting STAT3 signaling, which is involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura M. Darwish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
- Ministry of Health Laboratories, Tanta 16335, Egypt
- Correspondence: (N.M.D.); (R.A.R.); Tel.: +20-1096264335 (N.M.D.); +20-1001022257 (R.A.R.)
| | - Mohamed M. A. Elshaer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai 46511, Egypt
| | - Saeedah Musaed Almutairi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Tse-Wei Chen
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - Mohamed Othman Mohamed
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai 46511, Egypt;
| | - Wael B. A. Ghaly
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum 63511, Egypt;
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai 46511, Egypt
| | - Rabab Ahmed Rasheed
- Histology & Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai 46511, Egypt
- Correspondence: (N.M.D.); (R.A.R.); Tel.: +20-1096264335 (N.M.D.); +20-1001022257 (R.A.R.)
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Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Viruses 2022; 14:v14050986. [PMID: 35632728 PMCID: PMC9146458 DOI: 10.3390/v14050986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is DNA-based virus, member of the Hepadnaviridae family, which can cause liver disease and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in infected individuals, replicating within the hepatocytes and interacting with several cellular proteins. Chronic hepatitis B can progressively lead to liver cirrhosis, which is an independent risk factor for HCC. Complications as liver decompensation or HCC impact the survival of HBV patients and concurrent HDV infection worsens the disease. The available data provide evidence that HBV infection is associated with the risk of developing HCC with or without an underlying liver cirrhosis, due to various direct and indirect mechanisms promoting hepatocarcinogenesis. The molecular profile of HBV-HCC is extensively and continuously under study, and it is the result of altered molecular pathways, which modify the microenvironment and lead to DNA damage. HBV produces the protein HBx, which has a central role in the oncogenetic process. Furthermore, the molecular profile of HBV-HCC was recently discerned from that of HDV-HCC, despite the obligatory dependence of HDV on HBV. Proper management of the underlying HBV-related liver disease is fundamental, including HCC surveillance, viral suppression, and application of adequate predictive models. When HBV-HCC occurs, liver function and HCC characteristics guide the physician among treatment strategies but always considering the viral etiology in the treatment choice.
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He FY, Chen G, He RQ, Huang ZG, Li JD, Wu WZ, Chen JT, Tang YL, Li DM, Pan SL, Feng ZB, Dang YW. Expression of IER3 in hepatocellular carcinoma: clinicopathology, prognosis, and potential regulatory pathways. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12944. [PMID: 35291486 PMCID: PMC8918148 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immediate early response 3 (IER3) is correlated to the prognosis of several cancers, but the precise mechanisms underlying the regulation by IER3 of the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. Methods The expression level of IER3 was examined by using in-house immunohistochemistry (IHC), public gene chip, and public RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). The standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated to compare the expression levels of IER3 between HCC patients and controls. The summary receiver operating characteristics (sROC) was plotted to comprehensively understand the discriminatory capability of IER3 between HCC and non-HCC group. The Kaplan-Meier curves and the combined hazard ratios (HRs) were used to determine the prognostic value of IER3 in HCC. Moreover, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and co-expression genes (CEGs) were used to explored the molecular mechanisms of IER3 underlying HCC. hTFtarget was used to predict the transcription factors (TFs) of IER3. The binding site of TFs and the IER3 promoter region was forecasted using the JASPAR website. The relevant ChIP-seq data were used to determine whether TF peaks were present in the IER3 transcription initiation. Results A significantly increased expression of IER3 protein was found in HCC tissue relative to non-HCC tissue as detected by IHC (p < 0.001). Compared to 1,263 cases of non-HCC tissues, IER3 in 1483 cases of HCC tissues was upregulated (SMD = 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.09-0.76]). The sROC showed that IER3 had a certain ability at differentiating HCC tissues (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.65, 95% CI [0.61-0.69]). Comprehensive analysis of the effect of IER3 on the prognosis of patients with HCC demonstrated that higher IER3 expression was associated with poor prognosis in HCC (HRs = 1.30, 95% CI [1.03-1.64]). Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that IER3-related genes were mostly enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, cancer-related signaling pathways, the p53 signaling pathway, and other signaling pathways. Regulatory factor X5 (RFX5) was identified as a possible regulator of IER3-related TF. Conclusion IER3 may be a potential prognostic marker for HCC. The molecular mechanisms of IER3 in HCC warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Yan He
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Rong-quan He
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Guang Huang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Di Li
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Zi Wu
- Department of Pathology, People’s Hospital of Ling Shan, Ling Shan, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Tian Chen
- Department of Pathology, People’s Hospital of Ling Shan, Ling Shan, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Lu Tang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Ming Li
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Shang-Ling Pan
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Pre-clinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Zhen-Bo Feng
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Yi-wu Dang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
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Zheng C, Liu M, Ge Y, Qian Y, Fan H. HBx increases chromatin accessibility and ETV4 expression to regulate dishevelled-2 and promote HCC progression. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:116. [PMID: 35121725 PMCID: PMC8816937 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04563-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the predominant causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV X protein (HBx), as the most frequently integrated viral gene sequence following HBV infection, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of HCC. H3K27ac is a characteristic marker for identifying active enhancers and even indicates chromatin accessibility associated with super-enhancers (SEs). In this study, H3K27ac ChIP-seq was applied for high-quality SE annotation of HBx-induced SEs and chromatin accessibility evaluation. The results indicated that HBx preferentially affects enrichment of H3K27ac in transcription factor signaling pathway genes, including ETV4. RNA-seq indicated that ETV4 is upregulated by HBx and that upregulated ETV4 promotes HCC progression. Interestingly, ETV4 was also included in the 568 cancer driver gene pool obtained by the Integrative OncoGenomics pipeline. However, the biological function and mechanism of ETV4 remain incompletely understood. In vivo and in vitro, we found that increased ETV4 expression promotes HCC cell migration and invasion by upregulating DVL2 and activating Wnt/β-catenin. The mRNA and protein levels of ETV4 are higher in tumor tissues compared with adjacent tissues, and high expression of ETV4 is associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. In summary, we first confirm that ETV4 is significantly upregulated by HBx and involved in SE-associated chromatin accessibility. Increased expression of ETV4 promotes HCC cell invasion and metastasis by upregulating DVL2. The present study provides insight into the ETV4-DVL2-β-catenin axis in HBV-related HCC, which will be helpful for treating patients with aggressive HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuqian Zheng
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanping Ge
- School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanyan Qian
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Fan
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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Liu S, Wen Y, Quan B, Lin J, Zhu Z, Tang J, Han S. [High expression of miR-3682-3p is an unfavorable prognostic factor of hepatocellular carcinoma]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021; 41:1885-1891. [PMID: 35012923 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.12.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of miR-3682-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its correlation with clinical parameters and prognosis of HCC. METHODS We conducted a bioinformatics analysis of the expression of miR-3682-3p in HCC and its correlation with the patients' survival, and examined its expression in 18 pairs of fresh and 90 pairs of paraffin-embedded HCC and adjacent tissues using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and in situ hybridization, respectively. The correlation of miR-3682-3p expression in HCC with the clinical parameters and prognosis of the patients was analyzed. Multivariate regression analysis was used to explore the possibility of miR-3682-3p expression as an independent prognostic factor of HCC. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-3682-3p was highly expressed in HCC and significantly correlated with the survival time of HCC patients (χ2=8.793, P < 0.001). The expression of miR-3682-3p was significantly up-regulated in fresh HCC tissues as compared with the adjacent liver tissues (t=3.073, P=0.007). In paraffin-embedded samples, in situ hybridization revealed positive miR-3682-3p expression in the cytoplasm of HCC and adjacent tissues, and its expression was signifcantly up-regulated in HCC tissues (t=2.659, P=0.009). The expression level of miR-3682-3p was significantly correlated with American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC; 8th edition) stage (χ2=4.272, P= 0.039), HBV surface antigen status (χ2=5.143, P=0.023), recurrence (χ2=4.593, P=0.032), tumor size (χ2=4.580, P=0.032) and Edmondson Steiner grade (χ2=4.068, P=0.044). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that a higher expression of miR-3682-3p was associated with a shorter overall survival time (χ2=4.169, P=0.041) and disease-free survival time (χ2=4.078, P=0.043) of the patients. Multivariate analysis suggested that miR-3682-3p expression was an independent predictor of the prognosis of HCC patients. CONCLUSION MiR-3682-3p is up-regulated in HCC to serve as a significant factor that contributes to the occurrence and a poor prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang 337000, China
| | - Y Wen
- Department of Oncology, Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang 337000, China.,Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510220, China
| | - B Quan
- Department of Oncology, Songshanhu Central Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan 523000, China
| | - J Lin
- Intensive Care Unit, Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang 337000, China
| | - Z Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang 337000, China
| | - J Tang
- Department of Oncology, Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang 337000, China
| | - S Han
- Department of Oncology, Songshanhu Central Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan 523000, China
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Klöhn M, Schrader JA, Brüggemann Y, Todt D, Steinmann E. Beyond the Usual Suspects: Hepatitis E Virus and Its Implications in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5867. [PMID: 34831021 PMCID: PMC8616277 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus infections are the leading cause of viral hepatitis in humans, contributing to an estimated 3.3 million symptomatic cases and almost 44,000 deaths annually. Recently, HEV infections have been found to result in chronic liver infection and cirrhosis in severely immunocompromised patients, suggesting the possibility of HEV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. While HEV-associated formation of HCC has rarely been reported, the expansion of HEV's clinical spectrum and the increasing evidence of chronic HEV infections raise questions about the connection between HEV and HCC. The present review summarizes current clinical evidence of the relationship between HEV and HCC and discusses mechanisms of virus-induced HCC development with regard to HEV pathogenesis. We further elucidate why the development of HEV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma has so rarely been observed and provide an outlook on possible experimental set-ups to study the relationship between HEV and HCC formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (M.K.); (J.A.S.); (Y.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Jil Alexandra Schrader
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (M.K.); (J.A.S.); (Y.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Yannick Brüggemann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (M.K.); (J.A.S.); (Y.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (M.K.); (J.A.S.); (Y.B.); (D.T.)
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (M.K.); (J.A.S.); (Y.B.); (D.T.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, 44801 Bochum, Germany
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Liu H, Yang XL, Yang XY, Dong ZR, Chen ZQ, Hong JG, Li T. The Prediction Potential of the Pretreatment Lung Immune Prognostic Index for the Therapeutic Outcomes of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With Solid Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:691002. [PMID: 34631525 PMCID: PMC8496897 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.691002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The lung immune prognostic index (LIPI) is recently developed to predict immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment outcomes for non-small cell lung cancer. However, its predictive value for other types of cancer remained unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between pretreatment LIPI score and therapeutic outcomes in cancer patients treated with ICIs. Methods We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library literature databases and EMBASE for abstracts and full-text articles published from the inception of the database until 16th, Nov 2020. Meta-analyses were performed separately for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) by using the random-effects model. Results A total of 12 studies involving 4883 patients receiving ICIs treatment were identified for the primary analysis. The pooled results implied that compared with good LIPI score groups, patients with poor or intermediate LIPI score were significantly associated with worse OS (HR=3.33, 95%CI 2.64-4.21, P < 0.001, I2 = 64.2%; HR=1.71, 95%CI 1.43-2.04, P < 0.001, I2 = 43.6%, respectively) and PFS (HR=2.73,95%CI 2.00-3.73, P < 0.001, I2 = 78.2%; HR=1.43, 95%CI 1.28-1.61, P < 0.001, I2 = 16.3%, respectively). Also, for 1873 patients receiving chemotherapy, a poor LIPI score was significantly associated with worse OS (HR=2.30, 95%CI 1.73-3.07, P < 0.001; I2 = 56.2%) and PFS (HR=1.92,95%CI 1.69-2.17; P < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%) compared with good LIPI score groups. Conclusions A good LIPI score was significantly correlated with improved OS and PFS in cancer patients receiving ICIs or chemotherapy, regardless of the types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao-Li Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhao-Ru Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian-Guo Hong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Jafarzadeh A, Naseri A, Shojaie L, Nemati M, Jafarzadeh S, Bannazadeh Baghi H, Hamblin MR, Akhlagh SA, Mirzaei H. MicroRNA-155 and antiviral immune responses. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108188. [PMID: 34626873 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The microRNA, miR-155 regulates both adaptive and innate immune responses. In viral infections, miR-155 can affect both innate immunity (interferon response, natural killer cell activity, and macrophage polarization) and adaptive immunity (including generation of anti-viral antibodies, CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, Th17, Th2, Th1, Tfh and Treg cells). In many viral infections, the proper and timely regulation of miR-155 expression is critical for the induction of an effective anti-virus immune response and viral clearance without any harmful immunopathologic consequences. MiR-155 may also exert pro-viral effects, mainly through the inhibition of the anti-viral interferon response. Thus, dysregulated expression of miR-155 can result in virus persistence and disruption of the normal response to viral infections. This review provides a thorough discussion of the role of miR-155 in immune responses and immunopathologic reactions during viral infections, and highlights its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
| | - Alma Naseri
- Department of Immunology, Islamic Azadi university of Zahedan, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Layla Shojaie
- Research Center for Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maryam Nemati
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Department of Hematology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Para-Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sara Jafarzadeh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
| | | | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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50
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Lv X, Xiang X, Wu Y, Liu Y, Xu R, Xiang Q, Lai G. GATA binding protein 4 promotes the expression and transcription of hepatitis B virus by facilitating hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha in vitro. Virol J 2021; 18:196. [PMID: 34583732 PMCID: PMC8479913 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-021-01668-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) has been reported as a potential target of gene therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is well known that the main cause of HCC is the chronic infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, whether the effect of GATA4 on HBV has not yet been reported. Methods In this study, the regulation of GATA4 on HBV was analyzed in vitro. In turn, the effect of HBV on GATA4 was also observed in vitro, in vivo, and clinical HCC patients. Subsequently, we analyzed whether the effect of GATA4 on HBV was related to hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) in vitro. Results The results showed that GATA4 significantly promoted the secretion of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV e antigen in the cell culture medium, improved the replication of HBV genomic DNA, and increased the level of HBV 3.5 kb pre-genomic RNA and HBV total RNA (P < 0.05). Moreover, it was showed that HBV had no significant effect on GATA4 in vitro and in vivo (P > 0.05). At the same time, GATA4 expression was decreased in 78.9% (15/19) of HCC patients regardless of the HBV and HBsAg status. Among them, there were 76.9% (10/13) in HBV-associated patients with HCC (HBV-HCC), and 83.3% (5/6) in non-HBV-HCC patients. In addition, the expression of HNF4α was also up-regulated or down-regulated accordingly when stimulating or interfering with the expression of GATA4. Furthermore, stimulating the expression of HNF4α could only alleviate the HBsAg level and HBV transcription levels, but had no significant effect on GATA4. Conclusions In summary, this study found that GATA4 has a positive effect on HBV, and the potential pathway may be related to another transcription factor HNF4α that regulates HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Lv
- Laboratory Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xia Xiang
- Laboratory Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yue Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 40010, China
| | - Yang Liu
- LuXian No. 2 High School, Sichuan, 646100, China
| | - Ruqing Xu
- Laboratory Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qin Xiang
- Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Guoqi Lai
- Laboratory Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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