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Luo B, Zhuang L, Huang J, Shi L, Zhang L, Zhu M, Lu Y, Zhu Q, Sun D, Wang H, Fang H. LncRNA ZFAS1 regulates ATIC transcription and promotes the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:351. [PMID: 39001904 PMCID: PMC11246283 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05877-1] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert a significant influence on various cancer-related processes through their intricate interactions with RNAs. Among these, lncRNA ZFAS1 has been implicated in oncogenic roles in multiple cancer types. Nevertheless, the intricate biological significance and underlying mechanism of ZFAS1 in the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unexplored. METHODS Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) database revealed a notable upregulation of lncRNA ZFAS1 in HCC tissues. To explore its function, we investigated colony formation and performed CCK-8 assays to gauge cellular proliferation and wound healing, Transwell assays to assess cellular migration, and an in vivo study employing a nude mouse model to scrutinize tumor growth and metastasis. Luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the implicated interactions. Rescue experiments were conducted to unravel the plausible mechanism underlying the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway by lncRNAs ZFAS1 and ATIC. RESULTS ZFAS1 and ATIC were significantly upregulated in the HCC tissues and cells. ZFAS1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and migration. We observed a direct interaction between the lncRNA ZFAS1 and ATIC. ATIC knockdown also suppressed cell proliferation and migration. SC79, an activator of AKT, partially restores the effects of lncRNA ZFAS1/ATIC knockdown on cell proliferation and migration. Knockdown of lncRNA ZFAS1/ATIC inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. CONCLUSION Overall, lncRNA ZFAS1 regulates ATIC transcription and contributes to the growth and migration of HCC cells through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyang Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185th Juqian Street, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, 225300, China
| | - Lin Zhuang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185th Juqian Street, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, China
- Department of General Surgery, Wujin Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University and The Wujin Clinical college of Xuzhou Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213000, China
| | - Ju Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Longqing Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185th Juqian Street, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185th Juqian Street, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, China
| | - Maoqun Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185th Juqian Street, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, China
| | - Yunjie Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185th Juqian Street, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, China
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Donglin Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185th Juqian Street, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Haisheng Fang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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Liu C, Lin X, Huang M, Zhang S, Che L, Lai Z, Chen X, Pu W, Yang S, Qiu Y, Yu H. Babaodan inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis and enhances anti-tumor effects of camrelizumab by inhibiting M2 phenotype macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024:118540. [PMID: 38992397 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Babaodan (BBD) is a unique Chinese medication utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. It can eliminate toxins, induce diuresis, and eliminate yellowish hue. In addition to treating acute and chronic viral hepatitis, cholecystitis, cholangitis, and urinary tract infections, BBD has garnered popularity as a substitution treatment for several malignant cancers, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AIM OF THE STUDY To elucidate the efficacy and mechanism of BBD alone and combined with camrelizumab (CLM) for treating HCC. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS We investigated the effects of BBD on the HCC tumor microenvironment in vivo. Furthermore, we evaluated its effects on tumor growth and metastasis induced by M2 macrophages in vitro. RESULTS In a mouse model of orthotopic HCC, BBD decreased tumor growth. Furthermore, it increased the M1/M2 macrophage ratio and CD8+ T-cell abundance in mice. In addition, BBD reversed HCC cell proliferation and metastasis induced by M2 macrophages, increased the anti-HCC effect of low-dose CLM, and attenuated organ damage induced by high-dose CLM. Lastly, BBD enhanced the efficacy of CLM via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. CONCLUSION BBD increases the antitumor effect of CLM by modulating the tumor immune microenvironment and attenuating its the toxic side effects of CLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xiaowei Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P. R. China
| | - Manru Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Li Che
- Xiamen Traditional Chinese Medicine Co., Ltd., Xiamen 361100, China
| | - Zhicheng Lai
- Xiamen Traditional Chinese Medicine Co., Ltd., Xiamen 361100, China
| | - Xiyi Chen
- Xiamen Traditional Chinese Medicine Co., Ltd., Xiamen 361100, China
| | - Weiling Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Shenshen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Yuling Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Haiyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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Wang J, Yang K, Yang X, Jin T, Tian Y, Dai C, Xu F. HHLA2 promotes hepatoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via SPP1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:1275-1287. [PMID: 38578157 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23723] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as one of the most malignant tumors characterized by poor prognosis and high mortality rates. Emerging evidence underscores the crucial role of the B7 protein family in various cancers, including HCC. However, the involvement of the human endogenous retrovirus H long-terminal repeat-associated protein 2 (HHLA2, or B7-H5) in HCC remains unclear. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess the differential expression of HHLA2 between HCC and normal liver tissues. A battery of assays, including CCK8, EdU, tablet clone-forming, Transwell, and wound healing assays, were conducted to elucidate the function and potential mechanisms of HHLA2 in the malignant biological behaviors of HCC. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model was established to evaluate the tumorigenicity of hepatoma cell lines exhibiting different HHLA2 expression levels in vivo. Western blot analysis was used to analyze HHLA2, secretory phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), and PI3K/AKT/mTOR levels. HHLA2 exhibited elevated expression in HCC tissues, correlating with poor tumor differentiation and shortened overall survival in HCC patients. In vitro experiments demonstrated that HHLA2 overexpression (OE) promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells, while in vivo experiments revealed that HHLA2 OE enhanced HCC tumor growth. Conversely, inhibition of HHLA2 expression yielded the opposite effect. Downregulation of SPP1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion induced by HHLA2 OE, and this effect was linked to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that HHLA2 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells via the SPP1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, establishing it as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Department of Tradition Chinese Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Tianqiang Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Chaoliu Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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4
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Yan Z, Li X, Li Z, Liu S, Chang H. Prognostic significance of TNFRSF4 expression and development of a pathomics model to predict expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31882. [PMID: 38841483 PMCID: PMC11152671 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31882] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background TNFRSF4 plays a significant role in cancer progression, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of TNFRSF4 expression in patients with HCC and to develop a predictive pathomics model for its expression. Methods A cohort of patients with HCC retrieved from the TCGA database was analyzed using RNA-seq analysis to determine TNFRSF4 expression and its impact on overall survival (OS). Additionally, hematoxylin-eosin staining analysis was performed to construct a pathomics model for predicting TNFRSF4 expression. Then, pathway enrichment analysis was conducted, immune checkpoint markers were investigated, and immune cell infiltration was examined to explore the underlying biological mechanism of the pathomics score. Results TNFRSF4 expression was significantly higher in tumor tissues than in normal tissues. TNFRSF4 expression also exhibited significant correlations with various clinical variables, including pathologic stage III/IV and R1/R2/RX residual tumor. Furthermore, elevated TNFRSF4 expression was associated with unfavorable OS. Interestingly, in the subgroup analysis, elevated TNFRSF4 expression was identified as a significant risk factor for OS in male patients. The newly developed pathomics model successfully predicted TNFRSF4 expression with good performance and revealed a significant association between high pathomics scores and worse OS. In male patients, high pathomics scores were also associated with a higher risk of mortality. Moreover, pathomics scores were also involved in specific hallmarks, immune-related characteristics, and apoptosis-related genes in HCC, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, Tregs, and BAX expression. Conclusions Our findings suggest that TNFRSF4 expression and the newly devised pathomics scores hold potential as prognostic markers for OS in patients with HCC. Additionally, gender influenced the association between these markers and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyong Yan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Zeyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Sinan Liu
- Department of SICU, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Hulin Chang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
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5
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Du J, Zhang Y, Chen J, Jin L, Pan L, Lei P, Lin S. Phenethyl isothiocyanate inhibits the carcinogenic properties of hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7.5.1 cells by activating MAPK/PI3K-Akt/p53 signaling pathways. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17532. [PMID: 38873643 PMCID: PMC11172670 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited effective treatment options. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a bioactive substance present primarily in the cruciferous vegetables. PEITC has exhibited anti-cancer properties in various cancers, including lung, bile duct, and prostate cancers. It has been demonstrated that PEITC can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of SK-Hep1 cells, while effectively inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. However, knowledge of its anti-carcinogenic effects on Huh7.5.1 cells and its underlying mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, we aim to evaluate the anti-carcinogenic effects of PEITC on human HCC Huh7.5.1 cells. Methods MTT assay and colony formation assay was performed to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of PEITC against Huh7.5.1 cells. The pro-apoptosis effects of PEITC were determined by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay by flow cytometry (FCM), mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MMP) measurement, and Caspase-3 activity detection. A DAPI staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was conducted to estimate the DNA damage in Huh7.5.1 cells induced by PEITC. Cell cycle progression was determined by FCM. Transwell invasion assay and wound healing migration assay were performed to investigate the impact of PEITC on the migration and invasion of Huh7.5.1 cells. In addition, transcriptome sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of PEITC on HCC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to verify the transcriptome data. Results MTT assay showed that treatment of Huh7.5.1 cells with PEITC resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in viability, and colony formation assay further confirmed its anti-proliferative effect. Furthermore, we found that PEITC could induce mitochondrial-related apoptotic responses, including a decrease of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, activation of Caspase-3 activity, and generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. It was also observed that PEITC caused DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in the S-phase in Huh7.5.1 cells. In addition, the inhibitory effect of PEITC on the migration and invasion ability of Huh7.5.1 cells was assessed. Transcriptome sequencing analysis further suggested that PEITC could activate the typical MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and p53 signaling pathways, revealing the potential mechanism of PEITC in inhibiting the carcinogenic properties of Huh7.5.1 cells. Conclusion PEITC exhibits anti-carcinogenic activities against human HCC Huh7.5.1 cells by activating MAPK/PI3K-Akt/p53 signaling pathways. Our results suggest that PEITC may be useful for the anti-HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Du
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liying Pan
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pengyu Lei
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sue Lin
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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6
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Szilveszter RM, Muntean M, Florea A. Molecular Mechanisms in Tumorigenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and in Target Treatments-An Overview. Biomolecules 2024; 14:656. [PMID: 38927059 PMCID: PMC11201617 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060656] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary malignancy of the liver, with hepatocellular differentiation. It is ranked sixth among the most common cancers worldwide and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The most important etiological factors discussed here are viral infection (HBV, HCV), exposure to aflatoxin B1, metabolic syndrome, and obesity (as an independent factor). Directly or indirectly, they induce chromosomal aberrations, mutations, and epigenetic changes in specific genes involved in intracellular signaling pathways, responsible for synthesis of growth factors, cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, the metastasis process (including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the expression of adhesion molecules), and angiogenesis. All these disrupted molecular mechanisms contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, equally important is the interaction between tumor cells and the components of the tumor microenvironment: inflammatory cells and macrophages-predominantly with a pro-tumoral role-hepatic stellate cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, cancer stem cells, extracellular vesicles, and the extracellular matrix. In this paper, we reviewed the molecular biology of hepatocellular carcinoma and the intricate mechanisms involved in hepatocarcinogenesis, and we highlighted how certain signaling pathways can be pharmacologically influenced at various levels with specific molecules. Additionally, we mentioned several examples of recent clinical trials and briefly described the current treatment protocol according to the NCCN guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca-Margit Szilveszter
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400340 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (A.F.)
- Cluj County Emergency Clinical Hospital, 400340 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mara Muntean
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Adrian Florea
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (A.F.)
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7
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Xue Y, Ruan Y, Wang Y, Xiao P, Xu J. Signaling pathways in liver cancer: pathogenesis and targeted therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:20. [PMID: 38816668 PMCID: PMC11139849 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00184-0] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide with high incidence and mortality rates. Due to its subtle onset, liver cancer is commonly diagnosed at a late stage when surgical interventions are no longer feasible. This situation highlights the critical role of systemic treatments, including targeted therapies, in bettering patient outcomes. Despite numerous studies on the mechanisms underlying liver cancer, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the only widely used clinical inhibitors, represented by sorafenib, whose clinical application is greatly limited by the phenomenon of drug resistance. Here we show an in-depth discussion of the signaling pathways frequently implicated in liver cancer pathogenesis and the inhibitors targeting these pathways under investigation or already in use in the management of advanced liver cancer. We elucidate the oncogenic roles of these pathways in liver cancer especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the current state of research on inhibitors respectively. Given that TKIs represent the sole class of targeted therapeutics for liver cancer employed in clinical practice, we have particularly focused on TKIs and the mechanisms of the commonly encountered phenomena of its resistance during HCC treatment. This necessitates the imperative development of innovative targeted strategies and the urgency of overcoming the existing limitations. This review endeavors to shed light on the utilization of targeted therapy in advanced liver cancer, with a vision to improve the unsatisfactory prognostic outlook for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangtao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yeling Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Junjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
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8
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Nayeem N, Sauma S, Ahad A, Rameau R, Kebadze S, Bazett M, Park BJ, Casaccia P, Prabha S, Hubbard K, Contel M. Insights into Mechanisms and Promising Triple Negative Breast Cancer Therapeutic Potential for a Water-Soluble Ruthenium Compound. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1364-1376. [PMID: 38751641 PMCID: PMC11092013 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a subtype of breast cancer that does not express the three major prognostic receptors of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), progesterone (PR), and estrogen (ER). This limits treatment options and results in a high rate of mortality. We have reported previously on the efficacy of a water-soluble, cationic organometallic compound (Ru-IM) in a TNBC mouse xenograft model with impressive tumor reduction and targeted tumor drug accumulation. Ru-IM inhibits cancer hallmarks such as migration, angiogenesis, and invasion in TNBC cells by a mechanism that generates apoptotic cell death. Ru-IM displays little interaction with DNA and appears to act by a P53-independent pathway. We report here on the mitochondrial alterations caused by Ru-IM treatment and detail the inhibitory properties of Ru-IM in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells. Lastly, we describe the results of an efficacy study of the TNBC xenografted mouse model with Ru-IM and Olaparib monotherapy and combinatory treatments. We find 59% tumor shrinkage with Ru-IM and 65% with the combination. Histopathological analysis confirmed no test-article-related toxicity. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated an inhibition of the angiogenic marker CD31 and increased levels of apoptotic cleaved caspase 3 marker, along with a slight inhibition of p-mTOR. Taken together, the effects of Ru-IM in vitro show similar trends and translation in vivo. Our investigation underscores the therapeutic potential of Ru-IM in addressing the challenges posed by TNBC as evidenced by its robust efficacy in inhibiting key cancer hallmarks, substantial tumor reduction, and minimal systemic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazia Nayeem
- Department
of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City
University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States
- Brooklyn
College Cancer Center, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States
- Biology
PhD Program The Graduate Center, The City
University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Sami Sauma
- Biology
PhD Program The Graduate Center, The City
University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Neuroscience
Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, New York, New York 10065, United States
- Department
of Biology, City College, The City University
of New York, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Afruja Ahad
- Department
of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City
University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States
- Brooklyn
College Cancer Center, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States
- Biology
PhD Program The Graduate Center, The City
University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Rachele Rameau
- Biology
PhD Program The Graduate Center, The City
University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Department
of Biology, City College, The City University
of New York, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Sophia Kebadze
- Department
of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City
University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States
- Brooklyn
College Cancer Center, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States
| | - Mark Bazett
- Bold
Therapeutics Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 1E1, Canada
| | - Brian J. Park
- Bold
Therapeutics Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 1E1, Canada
| | - Patrizia Casaccia
- Neuroscience
Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Swayam Prabha
- Fels
Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine and Department of Cancer
and Cellular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Cancer
Signaling and Tumor Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, United States
| | - Karen Hubbard
- Biology
PhD Program The Graduate Center, The City
University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Department
of Biology, City College, The City University
of New York, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Maria Contel
- Department
of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City
University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States
- Brooklyn
College Cancer Center, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States
- Biology
PhD Program The Graduate Center, The City
University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Chemistry
PhD Program, The Graduate Center, The City
University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Biochemistry
PhD Program, The Graduate Center, The City
University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
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Xu C, Gao X, Ren T, Geng H, Yang K, Huang Y, Zhang W, Hou S, Song A, Zhang Y, Zhao Q. The ADAM17 inhibitor ZLDI-8 sensitized hepatocellular carcinoma cells to sorafenib through Notch1-integrin β-talk. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107142. [PMID: 38522759 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107142] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
ZLDI-8 is an A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 17 (ADAM17) inhibitor that suppresses the shedding of Notch1 to the Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD). In previous studies, we found that ZLDI-8 was able to sensitize HCC to sorafenib, but the mechanism of action remains unclear. The sensitizing effects of ZLDI-8 were tested both in vitro and in vivo. EMT-related factors, sorafenib sensitivity-related proteins and ECM-related gene expression were assessed using immunohistochemistry, RTPCR and Western blotting. Knockdown assays were conducted to determine the relationship between the Notch and Integrin pathways. CoIP assays, nuclear and cytoplasmic fractionation and immunofluorescence colocalization were applied to explore the interaction between the Notch and Integrin pathways. Appropriate statistical analysis methods were used to assess the significance of the experimental results and to ensure the scientific validity and reliability of the experimental design. We found that ECM- and EMT-related proteins were downregulated after ZLDI-8 treatment (P<0.05). ZLDI-8 significantly downregulated Integrinβ1 and Integrinβ3 in HCC in vitro and in vivo (P<0.05), possibly through Foxc2-dependent regulation. Mechanistically, interfering with the expression of both Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and the NICD may downregulate the expression of proteins targeted by sorafenib, thereby sensitizing cells to sorafenib. The retroregulation of Integrinβ by ILK may occur through the interaction between the NICD and ILK and may be the result of the translocation of the complexus. Our study indicates that blocking the Notch pathway may affect Integrinβ through crosstalk between the Notch1 and Integrinβ/ILK signaling pathways, thus providing a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China; Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xudong Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Tianshu Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hefeng Geng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China; Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Kaisi Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China; Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yaoguang Huang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Weige Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Shanbo Hou
- Shandong Luoxin Pharmaceutical Group Stock Co., Ltd., No. 18, Huxi Rd., National New and High-tech Industrial Development Zone, Linyi, Shandong 276017, China
| | - Aigang Song
- Shandong Luoxin Pharmaceutical Group Stock Co., Ltd., No. 18, Huxi Rd., National New and High-tech Industrial Development Zone, Linyi, Shandong 276017, China
| | - Yingshi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China; Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Qingchun Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China; Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China.
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Arefnezhad R, Ashna S, Rezaei-Tazangi F, Arfazadeh SM, Seyedsalehie SS, Yeganeafrouz S, Aghaei M, Sanandaji M, Davoodi R, Abadi SRK, Vosough M. Noncoding RNAs and programmed cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma: Significant role of epigenetic modifications in prognosis, chemoresistance, and tumor recurrence rate. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:556-576. [PMID: 38411312 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12145] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer with a high death rate in the world. The molecular mechanisms related to the pathogenesis of HCC have not been precisely defined so far. Hence, this review aimed to address the potential cross-talk between noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and programmed cell death in HCC. All related papers in the English language up to June 2023 were collected and screened. The searched keywords in scientific databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, were HCC, ncRNAs, Epigenetic, Programmed cell death, Autophagy, Apoptosis, Ferroptosis, Chemoresistance, Tumor recurrence, Prognosis, and Prediction. According to the reports, ncRNAs, comprising long ncRNAs, microRNAs, circular RNAs, and small nucleolar RNAs can affect cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis, as well as cell death-related processes, such as autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and apoptosis in HCC by regulating cancer-associated genes and signaling pathways, for example, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase/MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. It seems that ncRNAs, as epigenetic regulators, can be utilized as biomarkers in diagnosis, prognosis, survival and recurrence rates prediction, chemoresistance, and evaluation of therapeutic response in HCC patients. However, more scientific evidence is suggested to be accomplished to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Arefnezhad
- Coenzyme R Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Ashna
- Student Research Committee, Islamic Azad University Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | | | - Seyede Shabnam Seyedsalehie
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur, University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Yeganeafrouz
- Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Medical branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Melika Aghaei
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mandana Sanandaji
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Experimental Cancer Medicine, Huddinge, Sweden
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11
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Wu Y, Tang H, Cui S, Liao Q, Zeng L, Tu Y. Hsa_circ_0051908 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Regulating the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2024; 2024:8645534. [PMID: 38715919 PMCID: PMC11074858 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8645534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Materials and Methods Hsa_circ_0051908 expression was determined using RT-qPCR. HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration were assessed using CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, and transwell assay. The molecular mechanism was analyzed using western blotting. In addition, the role of hsa_circ_0051908 in tumor growth was evaluated in vivo. Results Hsa_circ_0051908 expression was increased in both HCC tissues and cell lines. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells were significantly decreased after hsa_circ_0051908 knockdown, while cell apoptosis was notably increased. Furthermore, we found that hsa_circ_0051908 silencing downregulated vimentin and Snail and upregulated E-cadherin. In vivo, hsa_circ_0051908 silencing significantly inhibited the growth of the tumor. Conclusions Our data provide evidence that hsa_circ_0051908 promotes HCC progression partially by mediating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, and it may be used for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinbing Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huafei Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuzhong Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanxing Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lisi Zeng
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinuo Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Lu M, Yan Z, Qu Q, Zhu G, Xu L, Liu M, Jiang J, Gu C, Chen Y, Zhang T, Zhang X. Diagnostic Model for Proliferative HCC Using LI-RADS: Assessing Therapeutic Outcomes in Hepatectomy and TKI-ICI Combination. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024. [PMID: 38647041 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proliferative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), aggressive with poor prognosis, and lacks reliable MRI diagnosis. PURPOSE To develop a diagnostic model for proliferative HCC using liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS) and assess its prognostic value. STUDY TYPE Retrospective. POPULATION 241 HCC patients underwent hepatectomy (90 proliferative HCCs: 151 nonproliferative HCCs), divided into the training (N = 167) and validation (N = 74) sets. 57 HCC patients received combination therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3.0 T, T1- and T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted, in- and out-phase, T1 high resolution isotropic volume excitation and dynamic gadoxetic acid-enhanced imaging. ASSESSMENT LI-RADS v2018 and other MRI features (intratumoral artery, substantial hypoenhancing component, hepatobiliary phase peritumoral hypointensity, and irregular tumor margin) were assessed. A diagnostic model for proliferative HCC was established, stratifying patients into high- and low-risk groups. Follow-up occurred every 3-6 months, and recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in different groups were compared. STATISTICAL TESTS Fisher's test or chi-square test, t-test or Mann-Whitney test, logistic regression, Harrell's concordance index (C-index), Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox proportional hazards. Significance level: P < 0.05. RESULTS The diagnostic model, incorporating corona enhancement, rim arterial phase hyperenhancement, infiltrative appearance, intratumoral artery, and substantial hypoenhancing component, achieved a C-index of 0.823 (training set) and 0.804 (validation set). Median follow-up was 32.5 months (interquartile range [IQR], 25.1 months) for postsurgery patients, and 16.8 months (IQR: 13.2 months) for combination-treated patients. 99 patients experienced recurrence, and 30 demonstrated tumor nonresponse. Differences were significant in RFS and OS rates between high-risk and low-risk groups post-surgery (40.3% vs. 65.8%, 62.3% vs. 90.1%, at 5 years). In combination-treated patients, PFS rates differed significantly (80.6% vs. 7.7% at 2 years). DATA CONCLUSION The MR-based model could pre-treatment identify proliferative HCC and assist in prognosis evaluation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengtian Lu
- Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zuyi Yan
- Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Qu
- Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guodong Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Maotong Liu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jifeng Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunyan Gu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xueqin Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Yang D, Hu Y, Yang J, Tao L, Su Y, Wu Y, Yao Y, Wang S, Ye S, Xu T. Research Progress on the Correlation between Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 389:163-173. [PMID: 38453527 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant pathologic type of primary liver cancer. It is a malignant tumor of liver epithelial cells. There are many ways to treat HCC, but the survival rate for HCC patients remains low. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms by which HCC occurs and develops is critical to explore new therapeutic targets. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is an important player in the redox reaction of ethanol with endogenous aldehyde products released by lipid peroxidation. Increasing evidence suggests that ALDH2 is a crucial regulator of human tumor development, including HCC. Therefore, clarifying the relationship between ALDH2 and HCC is helpful for formulating rational treatment strategies. This review highlights the regulatory roles of ALDH2 in the development of HCC, elucidates the multiple potential mechanisms by which ALDH2 regulates the development of HCC, and summarizes the progress of research on ALDH2 gene polymorphisms and HCC susceptibility. Meanwhile, we envision viable strategies for targeting ALDH2 in the treatment of HCC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Numerous studies have aimed to explore novel therapeutic targets for HCC, and ALDH2 has been reported to be a critical regulator of HCC progression. This review discusses the functions, molecular mechanisms, and clinical significance of ALDH2 in the development of HCC and examines the prospects of ALDH2-based therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dashuai Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Ying Hu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Junfa Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Liangsong Tao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Yue Su
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Yincui Wu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Yan Yao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Shuxian Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Sheng Ye
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
| | - Tao Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (D.Y., L.T., Y.W., Y.Y., S.W., T.X.); State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (Y.H.); Department of Pediatric orthopedics, Anhui Children's Hospital, Hefei, China (J.Y.); Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China (Y.S.); and School of Materials and Chemistry and School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.Y.)
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14
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Khorasani ABS, Hafezi N, Sanaei MJ, Jafari-Raddani F, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Bashash D. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in breast cancer: Review of clinical trials and latest advances. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3998. [PMID: 38561964 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3998] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer mortality in women. As the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is involved in a wide range of physiological functions of cells including growth, proliferation, motility, and angiogenesis, any alteration in this axis could induce oncogenic features; therefore, numerous preclinical and clinical studies assessed agents able to inhibit the components of this pathway in BC patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that analyzed all the registered clinical trials investigating safety and efficacy of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis inhibitors in BC. Of note, we found that the trends of PI3K inhibitors in recent years were superior as compared with the inhibitors of either AKT or mTOR. However, most of the trials entering phase III and IV used mTOR inhibitors (majorly Everolimus) followed by PI3K inhibitors (majorly Alpelisib) leading to the FDA approval of these drugs in the BC context. Despite favorable efficacies, our analysis shows that the majority of trials are utilizing PI3K pathway inhibitors in combination with hormone therapy and chemotherapy; implying monotherapy cannot yield huge clinical benefits, at least partly, due to the activation of compensatory mechanisms. To emphasize the beneficial effects of these inhibitors in combined-modal strategies, we also reviewed recent studies which investigated the conjugation of nanocarriers with PI3K inhibitors to reduce harmful toxicities, increase the local concentration, and improve their efficacies in the context of BC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nasim Hafezi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Javad Sanaei
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farideh Jafari-Raddani
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zhang S, Cai X, Khan GJ, Cheng J, He J, Zhai K, Mao Y. Exploring the molecular mechanism of Artemisia rupestris L. for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma via PI3K/AKT pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 322:117572. [PMID: 38097024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117572] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common gastrointestinal malignancy in China. Most tumors develop from chronic inflammation. Artemisia rupestris L. (ARL) has been found to have a significant effect on viral influenza and hepatitis, but the mechanism of action of ARL against liver cancer is unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The study objective was to explore the mechanism of action of ARL for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by ethanol extract and in vitro experimental design. MATERIALS AND METHODS Interactions between ARL and cellular target proteins against HCC were analyzed through network pharmacology and network topology with the utilization of the DAVID database. The rate of HepG2 cells' growth inhibition was assessed using the MTT assay in vitro cellular assay; hoechst33342 detects apoptosis of cells; the ability of HepG2 cells to migrate and invade was assessed using the transwell assay and the cell scratch experiment; and the levels of protein expression in HepG2 cells were assessed using the western blot assay. RESULTS Network pharmacology prediction results demonstrated that 22 active ingredients were tested, 176 possible action targets were discovered, and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was found to be the most pertinent action pathway for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. In vitro results showed that it can effectively restrict HepG2 cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion as well as the regulation of protein expressions. CONCLUSION Conclusively, Quercetin, Linarin, and Kaempferol were found most essential active ingredients from ARL that regulate the antitumor effects against HCC through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The study provides a fundamental basis for further comprehensive evaluation of ARL to treat tumor diseases in general and its therapeutic potential against hepatocellular carcinoma in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirong Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China.
| | - Xiaocui Cai
- Xinjiang Institute of Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Uygur Medicine, Urumqi, 830004, China
| | - Ghulam Jilany Khan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Jiangnan Cheng
- Xinjiang Institute of Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Uygur Medicine, Urumqi, 830004, China
| | - Jinhua He
- Xinjiang Institute of Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Uygur Medicine, Urumqi, 830004, China; Xinjiang Hospital, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, 393 Aletai Road, Urumqi, 830091, China.
| | - Kefeng Zhai
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Development and High Value Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in North Anhui Province, Suzhou University, Suzhou, Anhui, 234000, China.
| | - Yan Mao
- Xinjiang Institute of Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Uygur Medicine, Urumqi, 830004, China.
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Zhang S, Li M, Qiu Y, Wu J, Xu X, Ma Q, Zheng Z, Lu G, Deng Z, Huang H. Enhanced VEGF secretion and blood-brain barrier disruption: Radiation-mediated inhibition of astrocyte autophagy via PI3K-AKT pathway activation. Glia 2024; 72:568-587. [PMID: 38009296 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24491] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Radiation-induced damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the recognized pathological basis of radiation-induced brain injury (RBI), a side effect of head and neck cancer treatments. There is currently a lack of therapeutic approaches for RBI due to the ambiguity of its underlying mechanisms. Therefore, it is essential to identify these mechanisms in order to prevent RBI or provide early interventions. One crucial factor contributing to BBB disruption is the radiation-induced activation of astrocytes and oversecretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Mechanistically, the PI3K-AKT pathway can inhibit cellular autophagy, leading to pathological cell aggregation. Moreover, it acts as an upstream pathway of VEGF. In this study, we observed the upregulation of the PI3K-AKT pathway in irradiated cultured astrocytes through bioinformatics analysis, we then validated these findings in animal brains and in vitro astrocytes following radiation exposure. Additionally, we also found the inhibition of autophagy and the oversecretion of VEGF in irradiated astrocytes. By inhibiting the PI3K-AKT pathway or promoting cellular autophagy, we observed a significant amelioration of the inhibitory effect on autophagy, leading to reductions in VEGF oversecretion and BBB disruption. In conclusion, our study suggests that radiation can inhibit autophagy and promote VEGF oversecretion by upregulating the PI3K-AKT pathway in astrocytes. Blocking the PI3K pathway can alleviate both of these effects, thereby mitigating damage to the BBB in patients undergoing radiation treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifeng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingping Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuemin Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyu Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihui Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gengxin Lu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhezhi Deng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiwei Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Chen Y, Song Z, Hou X, Liu J, Zheng C, Zhao X, Lv G, Li J, Xiu Y, Shi W, Zhao J, Yang H, Wang Y, Zhao J, Zhan X, Niu M, Zou W, Bai Z, Xiao X. Liuweiwuling Tablet relieves the inflammatory transformation of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117406. [PMID: 37952733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117406] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Liuweiwuling Tablet (LWWL) is a patented Chinese medicine approved by the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). Clinically, it is used to treat a range of liver diseases that precede hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including hepatitis, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. LWWL is hypothesized to inhibit the inflammatory transformation of HCC, which may have a positive impact on the prevention and treatment of HCC. However, its exact mechanism of action remains unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate how LWWL is effective in the treatment of HCC and to validate the pathways involved in this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS An in vivo model of HCC induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was established to study the effect of LWWL on the development of HCC. The rat serum was analyzed for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT). The rat liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome for pathological analysis. Rat liver tissue was subjected to transcriptome sequencing. Expression of inflammatory and liver fibrosis-related factors in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and LX-2 cells was detected by QRT-PCR, ELISA and Western blot (WB). The expression of apoptosis and stemness genes in HepG2 and Huh7 cells was assessed through flow cytometry and QRT-PCR. Transcriptomics, network pharmacology, WB, and QRT-PCR were employed to validate the mechanisms associated with the amelioration of HCC development by LWWL. RESULTS LWWL significantly reduced the severity of hepatitis and liver fibrosis, the expression of tumor stemness genes, and the incidence of HCC. In addition, LWWL inhibited the release of inflammatory substances and nuclear accumulation of P65 protein in BMDMs as well as the conversion of LX-2 cells to fibroblasts. LWWL inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and Huh7 cells, including the initiation of apoptosis and the reduction of stemness gene expression. Importantly, LWWL regulates the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, which affects hepatic inflammation and cancer progression. CONCLUSION LWWL inhibited the occurrence and development of HCC by modulating the severity of hepatitis and liver fibrosis, indicating the potential clinical relevance of LWWL in preventing and treating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611100, China; Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zheng Song
- Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaorong Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611100, China; Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jia Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611100, China
| | - Congyang Zheng
- Digestive Department of the Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611100, China; Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Guiji Lv
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Junjie Li
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Ye Xiu
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Huijie Yang
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhan
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China; National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Ming Niu
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Wenjun Zou
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611100, China.
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611100, China; Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China; National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611100, China; Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China; National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100039, China.
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18
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Gao Y, Feng C, Ma J, Yan Q. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs): Orchestrators of cancer pathogenesis, immunotherapy dynamics, and drug resistance. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 221:116048. [PMID: 38346542 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Protein Arginine Methyltransferases (PRMTs) are a family of enzymes regulating protein arginine methylation, which is a post-translational modification crucial for various cellular processes. Recent studies have highlighted the mechanistic role of PRMTs in cancer pathogenesis, immunotherapy, and drug resistance. PRMTs are involved in diverse oncogenic processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. They exert their effects by methylation of histones, transcription factors, and other regulatory proteins, resulting in altered gene expression patterns. PRMT-mediated histone methylation can lead to aberrant chromatin remodeling and epigenetic changes that drive oncogenesis. Additionally, PRMTs can directly interact with key signaling pathways involved in cancer progression, such as the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, thereby modulating cell survival and proliferation. In the context of cancer immunotherapy, PRMTs have emerged as critical regulators of immune responses. They modulate immune checkpoint molecules, including programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), through arginine methylation. Drug resistance is a significant challenge in cancer treatment, and PRMTs have been implicated in this phenomenon. PRMTs can contribute to drug resistance through multiple mechanisms, including the epigenetic regulation of drug efflux pumps, altered DNA damage repair, and modulation of cell survival pathways. In conclusion, PRMTs play critical roles in cancer pathogenesis, immunotherapy, and drug resistance. In this overview, we have endeavored to illuminate the mechanistic intricacies of PRMT-mediated processes. Shedding light on these aspects will offer valuable insights into the fundamental biology of cancer and establish PRMTs as promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihang Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Chongchong Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China.
| | - Jingru Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Qingzhu Yan
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
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19
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Song B, Wei F, Peng J, Wei X, Liu M, Nie Z, Ma Y, Peng T. Icariin Regulates EMT and Stem Cell-Like Character in Breast Cancer through Modulating lncRNA NEAT1/TGFβ/SMAD2 Signaling Pathway. Biol Pharm Bull 2024; 47:399-410. [PMID: 38220208 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00668] [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] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Metastases and drug resistance are the major risk factors associated with breast cancer (BC), which is the most common type of tumor affecting females. Icariin (ICA) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound that possesses significant anticancer properties. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in a wide variety of biological and pathological processes and have been shown to modulate the effectiveness of certain drugs in cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential effect of ICA on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness articulation in BC cells, as well as the possible relationship between its inhibitory action on EMT and stemness with the NEAT1/transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)/SMAD2 pathway. The effect of ICA on the proliferation (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony assays), EMT (Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and wound healing), and stemness (mammosphere formation assays, Western blotting) of BC cells were examined. According to the findings, ICA suppressed the proliferation, EMT, and stem cell-like in MDA-MB-231 cells, and exerted its inhibitory impact by downregulating the TGFβ/SMAD2 signaling pathway. ICA could significantly downregulate the expression of lncRNA NEAT1, and silencing NEAT1 enhanced the effect of ICA in suppressing EMT and expression of different stem cell markers. In addition, silencing NEAT1 was found to attenuate the TGFβ/SMAD2 signaling pathway, thereby improving the inhibitory impact of ICA on stemness and EMT in BC cells. In conclusion, ICA can potentially inhibit the metastasis of BC via affecting the NEAT1/TGFβ/SMAD2 pathway, which provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanisms involved in potential application of ICA for BC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Song
- School of Third Clinical Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Fuxia Wei
- School of Third Clinical Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Jiehao Peng
- School of Third Clinical Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Xiuhong Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Mingran Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Zhongbiao Nie
- Pharmaceutical Department, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University
| | - Yanmiao Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Tao Peng
- Famous Chinese Medicine Studio, Shanxi Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Classical Prescription Strengthening Yang, Shanxi Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
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20
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Liu R, Yu X, Cao X, Wang X, Liang Y, Qi W, Ye Y, Zao X. Downregulation of ST6GAL2 Correlates to Liver Inflammation and Predicts Adverse Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:565-580. [PMID: 38318244 PMCID: PMC10843983 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s437291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose ST6 Beta-Galactoside Alpha-2,6-Sialyltransferase 2 (ST6GAL2), a member of the sialic acid transferase family, is differentially expressed in diverse cancers. However, it remains poorly understood in tumorigenesis and impacts on immune cell infiltration (ICI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and Methods Herein, the expression, diagnosis, prognosis, functional enrichment, genetic alterations, immune characteristics, and targeted drugs of ST6GAL2 in HCC were researched by conducting bioinformatics analysis, in vivo, and in vitro experiments. Results ST6GAL2 was remarkably decreased in HCC compared to non-tumor tissues, portending a poor prognosis associated with high DNA methylation levels. Functional enrichment and GSVA analyses revealed that ST6GAL2 might function through the extracellular matrix, PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, and tumor inflammation signature. We found that ST6GAL2 expression was proportional to ICI, immunostimulator, and immune subtypes. ST6GAL2 expression first increased and then decreased during the progression of liver inflammation to HCC. The dysfunctional experiment indicated that ST6GAL2 might exert immunosuppressive effects during HCC progression through regulating ICI. Several broad-spectrum anticancer drugs were obtained by drug sensitivity prediction analysis of ST6GAL2. Conclusion In conclusion, ST6GAL2 was a reliable prognostic biomarker strongly associated with ICI, and could be a potential immunotherapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijia Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xudong Yu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Cao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuyun Wang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yijun Liang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenying Qi
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong’an Ye
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaobin Zao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
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21
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Zhang M, Zhang Q, Zhao W, Chen X, Zhang Y. The mechanism of blood coagulation induced by sodium dehydroacetate via the regulation of the mTOR/ERK pathway in rats. Toxicol Lett 2024; 392:1-11. [PMID: 38103582 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.12.009] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Sodium dehydroacetate (DHA-S), a potent antifungal and antibacterial agent, is widely used in food, feed and cosmetics. However, recent studies have shown that DHA-S could pose a risk for human and animal health. We had previously reported that DHA-S could cause coagulation disorders in rats and chicken. In the present study, we further confirmed that DHA-S induced blood coagulation via VKORC1 and VKORC1L1 in rats, and elucidated the role played by mTOR/ERK signaling. The in vivo studies demonstrated that PT, APTT, and DHA-S content and relative protein expressions in tissues rebounded after drug withdrawal. In BRL-3A cells, 1.0 mM DHA-S increased the expression levels of mTOR, p-mTOR and p-ERK and decreased the levels of VKORC1, VKORC1L1 and Vitamin K. Rapamycin significantly decreased the expression levels of p-mTOR and p-ERK, while FR180204 (p-ERK Inhibition) lead to a decrease in p-ERK level. Rapamycin and FR180202 attenuated the inhibitory effect of DHA-S on VKORC1, VKORC1L1 and vitamin K levels. In addition, DHA-S increased the expression levels of mTOR, p-mTOR and p-ERK in male and female rat livers and prolonged PT and APTT. In summary, this study indicated that DHA-S induced blood coagulation via the modulation of the mTOR/ERK pathway in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Qingqi Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Weiya Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Yumei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
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22
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Yu H, Li X, Li Y, Wang T, Wang M, Mao P. MiR-4524b-5p-targeting ALDH1A3 attenuates the proliferation and radioresistance of glioblastoma via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14396. [PMID: 37551838 PMCID: PMC10848107 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has revealed a strong connection between the aldehyde dehydrogenase family member ALDH1A3 and tumorigenesis, therapy resistance, and prognosis in diverse types of cancer. However, the specific miRNA involved in the pathways that regulate ALDH1A3-mediated glioblastoma (GBM) radioresistance remains to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated a high expression of ALDH1A3 in GBM cells, which plays a critical role in their proliferation and radioresistance. We also identified miR-4524b-5p, which is downregulated in GBM, as the ALDH1A3 upstream regulator. Overexpression of miR-4524b-5p reduced proliferation and radioresistance in GBM cells. Moreover, silencing ALDH1A3 reduced PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and glycolytic activity in GBM cells, whereas inhibiting mTOR reversed the radioresistance effects of ALDH1A3 on these cells. In vivo experiments have evidenced that ALDH1A3 silencing and miR-4524b-5p overexpression significantly reduced tumor growth and GBM cells radioresistance. In summary, targeting the miR-4524b-5p and ALDH1A3 axis is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Yu
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
- Center of Brain ScienceThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
- Center of Brain ScienceThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Yi Li
- Department of RadiotherapyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Tuo Wang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Maode Wang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Ping Mao
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
- Center of Brain ScienceThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
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Li ZD, Li YL, Lu J, Liang S, Zhang C, Zeng LH. Recent research progress of circular RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1192386. [PMID: 38322286 PMCID: PMC10844539 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1192386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an extremely heterogeneous malignant tumor with a high morbidity and mortality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are noncoding RNAs with high stability, organ/tissue/cell-specific expression and are conserved across species. Accumulating evidence suggested that circRNAs play crucial roles as microRNA sponges, protein sponges, scaffolds, recruiters and could even polypeptide encoders. Many studies have since revealed that circRNAs were aberrantly expressed in HCC and acted as crucial modulators of HCC carcinogenesis and progression. Furthermore, circRNAs have also been identified as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for HCC. In this review, we thoroughly outline and evaluate the function of circRNAs in HCC development, with an emphasis on the specific molecular pathways by which they participated in the formation and progression of HCC, and we address their potential for serving as clinical biomarkers in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-di Li
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang-ling Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shang Liang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ling-hui Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Zhou R, Li S, Wang Q, Bi Y, Li X, Wang Q. Silencing of GDF11 suppresses hepatocyte apoptosis to relieve LPS/D-GalN acute liver failure. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23577. [PMID: 37934488 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23577] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we generated a short hairpin RNA growth differentiation factor-11 (sh-GDF11) and evaluated the effects of sh-GDF11 on the pathogenesis of acute liver failure (ALF) in vitro and in vivo. Through bioinformatics study, the key gene related to ALF was assayed. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D-galactoamine (D-GalN) were applied to establish the mouse model of LPS/D-GalN-induced liver injury, and TNF-α and D-Gal were used to construct an in vitro cell model, followed by treatment of sh-GDF11 for analysis of liver cell proliferation. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the protective effect of sh-GDF11 on ALF may be mediated by phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. The results of in vitro study found that sh-GDF11 could promote cell proliferation and inhibit death by blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In vivo animal experiments further confirmed that sh-GDF11 could suppress hepatocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. sh-GDF11 relieved LPS/D-GalN-induced ALF by blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, emphasizing its critical role in LPS/D-GalN-induced ALF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongsheng Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Bi
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Guo C, Zhou N, Lu Y, Mu M, Li Z, Zhang X, Tu L, Du J, Li X, Huang D, Xu Q, Zheng X. FGF19/FGFR4 signaling contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma survival and immune escape by regulating IGF2BP1-mediated expression of PD-L1. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115955. [PMID: 38048735 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115955] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have been widely used in clinical treatment of cancer patients, but only 20-30% of patients benefit from immunotherapy. Therefore, it is important to decipher the molecular mechanism of resistance to ICB and develop new combined treatment strategies. PD-L1 up-regulation in tumor cells contributes to the occurrence of immune escape. Increasing evidence shows that its transcription level is affected by multiple factors, which limits the objective response rate of ICB. Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), a member of the fibroblast growth factor family, is widely involved in the malignant progression of many tumors by binding to fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4). In this study, we confirmed that FGF19 acts as a driver gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression by binding to FGFR4. The up-regulation of FGF19 and FGFR4 in HCC is associated with poor prognosis. We found that FGF19/FGFR4 promoted the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells by driving IGF2BP1 to promote PD-L1 expression. Knockdown of FGFR4 significantly reduced the expression of IGF2BP1/PD-L1 and inhibited the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. These biological effects are achieved by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway. The combination of FGFR4 knockdown and anti-PD-1 antibody greatly suppressed tumor growth and enhanced the sensitivity of immunotherapy, highlighting the clinical significance of FGF19/FGFR4 activation in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqin Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Nana Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yisong Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Mingshan Mu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zilin Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Linglan Tu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jingyang Du
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiangyu Li
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Qiuran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Xiaoliang Zheng
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China; Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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Peng Z, Xu S, Zhang Q, Yang X, Yuan W, Wang Y, Li Y, Zhu P, Wu X, Jiang Z, Li F, Fan X. FAXDC2 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of human liver cancer HepG2 cells. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:27. [PMID: 38125362 PMCID: PMC10728893 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12315] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The reprogramming of lipid metabolism serves an important role in occurrence and development of liver cancer. Fatty acid hydroxylase domain containing 2 (FAXDC2) is a hydroxylase involved in the synthesis of cholesterol and sphingomyelin and downregulated in various types of cancer. There are no reports on the relationship between FAXDC2 and liver carcinogenesis. The present study used multiple portals and publicly available tools to explore its correlation with liver cancer. The results showed that the expression of FAXDC2 decreased in liver cancer and the methylation level near the promoter increased. Patients with liver cancer and with low expression of FAXDC2 had a poor prognosis. Gain of function and loss of function strategies were performed to evaluate its roles in liver cancer cells. CCK-8 assay showed that overexpression of FAXDC2 inhibited the viability of liver cancer cells (HepG2). Flow cytometry analysis indicated that HepG2 cells with overexpressing FAXDC2 showed an S phase arrest, associated with cyclin-dependent kinase 2 decreased. Transwell experiments showed that increasing FAXDC2 inhibited HepG2 cell invasion ability, accompanied by the upregulation of E-cadherin. Notably, knockdown of FAXDC2 had no significant effect on cell cycle and invasion functions. Based on the cBioPortal platform, FAXDC2 was predicted to closely correlate to the ERK signal in tumorigenesis. Western blotting results showed that overexpression of FAXDC2 decreased the phosphorylation level of ERK in liver cancer cells. The present study first identified FAXDC2 as a liver cancer suppressor, which might inhibit the proliferation and invasion of liver cancer cells through the mechanism associated with ERK signaling. The present study provided a possible new target for the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilin Peng
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Siting Xu
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhang
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Xueting Yang
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Wuzhou Yuan
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Yuequn Wang
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Yongqing Li
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Targeted Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510100, P.R. China
| | - Xiushan Wu
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Targeted Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510100, P.R. China
| | - Zhigang Jiang
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Fang Li
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
| | - Xiongwei Fan
- The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, P.R. China
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Wu Y, Yang Y, Yi X, Song L. The circSNX14 functions as a tumor suppressor via the miR-562/ LATS2 pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. J Mol Histol 2023; 54:593-607. [PMID: 37861952 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-023-10157-2] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in the initiation and progression of various cancers. However, the potential functional roles of circSNX14 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. CircSNX14 expression pattern was analyzed in HCC tissues and cell lines via qRT-PCR. The effects of circSNX14 on cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were investigated by overexpression experiments. The role of circSNX14 in the tumorigenesis of HCC cells was examined using in vivo xenograft mouse model. The interaction between circSNX14, miR-562, and Large Tumor Suppressor Kinase 2 (LATS2) mRNA was confirmed by Luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis. CircSNX14 was significantly down-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and its down-regulation was correlated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients. In the following functional experiments, circSNX14 overexpression remarkably suppressed the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells, and attenuated the mesenchymall status. circSNX14 overexpression also suppressed the tumorigenesis of HCC cells in the mouse model. We further revealed the interaction of circSNX14 and miR-562, and miR-562 could suppress the expression of LATS2 by interacting with its mRNA. The negative correlation of circSNX14 and miR-562, negative correlation of miR-562 and LATS2, and positive correlation of circSNX14 and LATS2 have been confirmed by Pearson correlation in the HCC samples. Collectively, these results reveal a novel role of circSNX14/miR-562/LATS2 axis in regulating the malignant progression of HCC cancer progression, indicating the tumor suppressor role of circSNX14 and its potential as a prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.55 University Town Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Yaowei Yang
- Department of General Surgery, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.55 University Town Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Xin Yi
- Department of General Surgery, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.55 University Town Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Liwen Song
- Department of General Surgery, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.55 University Town Middle Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China.
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Xu B, Jia W, Feng Y, Wang J, Wang J, Zhu D, Xu C, Liang L, Ding W, Zhou Y, Kong L. Exosome-transported circHDAC1_004 Promotes Proliferation, Migration, and Angiogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by the miR-361-3p/NACC1 Axis. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1079-1093. [PMID: 37577235 PMCID: PMC10412708 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00097] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most common malignant tumors globally. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), as a type of noncoding RNAs, reportedly participate in various tumor biological processes. However, the role of circHDAC1_004 in HCC remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to explore the role and the underlying mechanisms of circHDAC1_004 in the development and progression of HCC. Methods Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect circHDAC1_004 expression (circ_0005339) in HCC. Sanger sequencing and agarose gel electrophoresis were used to determine the structure of circHDAC1_004. In vitro and in vivo experiments were used to determine the biological function of circHDAC1_004 in HCC. Herein, qRT-PCR, RNA immunoprecipitation, western blotting, and a luciferase reporter assay were used to explore the relationships among circHDAC1_004, miR-361-3p, and NACC1. Results circHDAC1_004 was upregulated in HCC and significantly associated with poor overall survival. circHDAC1_004 promoted HCC cell proliferation, stemness, migration, and invasion. In addition, circHDAC1_004 upregulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and promoted angiogenesis through exosomes. circHDAC1_004 promoted NACC1 expression and stimulated the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway by sponging miR-361-3p. Conclusions We found that circHDAC1_004 overexpression enhanced the proliferation, stemness, and metastasis of HCC via the miR-361-3p/NACC1 axis and promoted HCC angiogenesis through exosomes. Our findings may help develop a possible therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenbo Jia
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanzhi Feng
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinyi Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of health, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Deming Zhu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Xu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Litao Liang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenzhou Ding
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongping Zhou
- Jiangnan University Medical Center, JUMC, Department of Hepatobiliary, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lianbao Kong
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Ouyang JY, Lin WJ, Dong JM, Yang Y, Yang HK, Zhou ZL, Wang RQ. Exploring the pharmacological mechanism of Wuzhuyu decoction on hepatocellular carcinoma using network pharmacology. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:6327-6343. [PMID: 37900230 PMCID: PMC10601014 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i27.6327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wuzhuyu decoction, a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, is effective in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AIM To explore the potential mechanism of action of Wuzhuyu decoction against HCC. METHODS The active components of each Chinese herbal medicinal ingredient in Wuzhuyu decoction and their targets were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform. HCC was used as a search query in GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, Malacards, DisGeNET, Therapeutic Target Database, and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. The overlapping targets of the Wuzhuyu decoction and HCC were defined, and then protein-protein interaction, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed. CytoHubba was used to select hub genes, and their binding activities and key active components were verified using molecular docking. RESULTS A total of 764 compounds, 77 active compounds, and 204 potential target genes were identified in Wuzhuyu decoction. For HCC, 9468 potential therapeutic target genes were identified by combining the results from the six databases and removing duplicates. A total of 179 overlapping targets of Wuzhuyu decoction and HCC were defined, including 10 hub genes (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6, AKT1, TP53, caspase-3, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, epidermal growth factor receptor, MYC, mitogen-activated protein kinase 8, and JUN). There were six main active components (quercetin, kaempferol, ginsenoside Rh2, rutaecarpine, β-carotene, and β-sitosterol) that may act on hub genes to treat HCC in Wuzhuyu decoction. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis mainly involved the mitogen-activated protein kinase, p53, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase-Akt, Janus kinase-signal transducer of activators of transcription, and Hippo signaling pathways. Further verification based on molecular docking results showed that the small molecule compounds (quercetin, kaempferol, ginsenoside Rh2, rutaecarpine, β-carotene, and β-sitosterol) contained in Wuzhuyu decoction generally have excellent binding affinity to the macromolecular target proteins encoded by the top 10 genes. CONCLUSION This study revealed that Wuzhuyu decoction may be a latent multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway treatment for HCC. It provided novel insights for verifying the mechanism of Wuzhuyu decoction in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ying Ouyang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wei-Jie Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jia-Mei Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hai-Kui Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Rui-Qi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
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Wang G, Qiao Y, Zhao Y, Song Y, Li M, Jin M, Yang D, Yin J, Li J, Liu W. Beauvericin exerts an anti-tumor effect on hepatocellular carcinoma by inducing PI3K/AKT-mediated apoptosis. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 745:109720. [PMID: 37611353 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109720] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Beauvericin is a world-spread mycotoxin isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine, Bombyx batryticatus (BB), which has been widely used to treat various neoplastic diseases. This study investigated the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) activity of beauvericin and its potential mechanism. In this study, H22-bearing mice were intraperitoneally injected with 3, 5, 7 mg/kg of beauvericin once per-week over a three-week period. TUNEL staining determined the extent of tumor apoptosis induced by beauvericin. ELISA kits detected the level of IL-2, Perforin, and TNF-α, IFN-γ level in the serum. H22 hepatoma cells were exposed to beauvericin (5, 10, and 20 μmol/L) to investigate the underlying pathway. CCK-8 assay was used to observe the influence of beauvericin on the growth of H22 cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptosis and ROS level. Western blotting was performed to detect apoptotic and PI3K/AKT pathway protein production. The results showed that beauvericin could remarkably inhibit the growth of HCC in mice, combined with elevated TNF-α and IL-2. In vitro, beauvericin significantly promoted the generation of ROS, up-regulated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3 levels, down-regulated p-PI3K/PI3K ratio, p-AKT/AKT ratio, promoted the apoptosis of H22 cells, and inhibited the growth of H22 cells. Remarkably, treatment with PI3K/AKT activator (740Y-P and SC79) could prevent beauvericin-induced H22 cell apoptosis. These findings collectively indicate that beauvericin inhibits HCC growth by inducing apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Yamei Qiao
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Yunyan Zhao
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Song
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Mengyang Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Min Jin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Dong Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Jing Yin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Junwen Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China.
| | - Weili Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China.
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Hashemi M, Taheriazam A, Daneii P, Hassanpour A, Kakavand A, Rezaei S, Hejazi ES, Aboutalebi M, Gholamrezaie H, Saebfar H, Salimimoghadam S, Mirzaei S, Entezari M, Samarghandian S. Targeting PI3K/Akt signaling in prostate cancer therapy. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:423-443. [PMID: 36367667 PMCID: PMC10409967 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00702-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Urological cancers have obtained much attention in recent years due to their mortality and morbidity. The most common and malignant tumor of urological cancers is prostate cancer that imposes high socioeconomic costs on public life and androgen-deprivation therapy, surgery, and combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy are employed in its treatment. PI3K/Akt signaling is an oncogenic pathway responsible for migration, proliferation and drug resistance in various cancers. In the present review, the role of PI3K/Akt signaling in prostate cancer progression is highlighted. The activation of PI3K/Akt signaling occurs in prostate cancer, while PTEN as inhibitor of PI3K/Akt shows down-regulation. Stimulation of PI3K/Akt signaling promotes survival of prostate tumor cells and prevents apoptosis. The cell cycle progression and proliferation rate of prostate tumor cells increase by PI3K/Akt signaling induction. PI3K/Akt signaling stimulates EMT and enhances metastasis of prostate tumor cells. Silencing PI3K/Akt signaling impairs growth and metastasis of prostate tumor cells. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling mediates drug resistance and reduces radio-sensitivity of prostate tumor cells. Anti-tumor compounds suppress PI3K/Akt signaling in impairing prostate tumor progression. Furthermore, upstream regulators such as miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs regulate PI3K/Akt signaling and it has clinical implications for prostate cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouria Daneii
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aria Hassanpour
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirabbas Kakavand
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shamin Rezaei
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Sadat Hejazi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Aboutalebi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Gholamrezaie
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Saebfar
- League of European Research Universities, European University Association, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Healthy Ageing Research Centre, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
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Wu Y, Deng X, Wu Z, Liu D, Fu X, Tang L, He S, Lv J, Wang J, Li Q, Zhan T, Tang Z. Multilayer omics reveals the molecular mechanism of early infection of Clonorchis sinensis juvenile. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:285. [PMID: 37587524 PMCID: PMC10428567 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05891-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clonorchiasis remains a non-negligible global zoonosis, causing serious socioeconomic burdens in endemic areas. Clonorchis sinensis infection typically elicits Th1/Th2 mixed immune responses during the course of biliary injury and periductal fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanism by which C. sinensis juvenile initially infects the host remains poorly understood. METHODS The BALB/c mouse model was established to study early infection (within 7 days) with C. sinensis juveniles. Liver pathology staining and observation as well as determination of biochemical enzymes, blood routine and cytokines in blood were conducted. Furthermore, analysis of liver transcriptome, proteome and metabolome changes was performed using multi-omics techniques. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-test. RESULTS Histopathological analysis revealed that liver injury, characterized by collagen deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration, occurred as early as 24 h of infection. Blood indicators including ALT, AST, WBC, CRP and IL-6 indicated that both liver injury and systemic inflammation worsened as the infection progressed. Proteomic data showed that apoptosis and junction-related pathways were enriched within 3 days of infection, indicating the occurrence of liver injury. Furthermore, proteomic and transcriptomic analysis jointly verified that the detoxification and antioxidant defense system was activated by enrichment of glutathione metabolism and cytochrome P450-related pathways in response to acute liver injury. Proteomic-based GO analysis demonstrated that biological processes such as cell deformation, proliferation, migration and wound healing occurred in the liver during the early infection. Correspondingly, transcriptomic results showed significant enrichment of cell cycle pathway on day 3 and 7. In addition, the KEGG analysis of multi-omics data demonstrated that numerous pathways related to immunity, inflammation, tumorigenesis and metabolism were enriched in the liver. Besides, metabolomic screening identified several metabolites that could promote inflammation and hepatobiliary periductal fibrosis, such as CA7S. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that acute inflammatory injury was rapidly triggered by initial infection by C. sinensis juveniles in the host, accompanied by the enrichment of detoxification, inflammation, fibrosis, tumor and metabolism-related pathways in the liver, which provides a new perspective for the early intervention and therapy of clonorchiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Wu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xueling Deng
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Zhanshuai Wu
- Department of Immunology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Treating High-Incidence Infectious Diseases With Integrative Medicine, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Dengyu Liu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiaoyin Fu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Lili Tang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Shanshan He
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jiahui Lv
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jilong Wang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Tingzheng Zhan
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Zeli Tang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China.
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Meng J, Ruan X, Wei F, Xue Q. High expression of ENPP2 is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in liver cancer. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34480. [PMID: 37543832 PMCID: PMC10402965 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 2 (ENPP2) has been identified as a potential biomarker in lung and prostate cancers; however, its expression and clinical relevance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain incompletely understood. This study comprehensively assessed ENPP2 expression in pan-cancer using bioinformatics. We analyzed the expression of ENPP2 mRNA in primary liver cancer and adjacent tissues of patients with HCC using data from the TCGA database. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier methods were used to identify clinicopathological factors associated with survival, and the diagnostic value of ENPP2 expression was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. We also validated our findings by performing real-time PCR on clinical liver cancer samples. Furthermore, we conducted gene set enrichment analysis using the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset to gain additional insights into the biological significance of ENPP2 in HCC. High ENPP2 expression in HCC patients is associated with gender and clinical stage, and is a significant prognostic factor for worse outcomes. ENPP2 expression is an independent risk factor for progression-free and disease-specific survival in both cohorts, suggesting its potential as an HCC biomarker. ENPP2's diagnostic value in HCC patients was confirmed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, which was 0.806. real-time PCR analysis validated the higher expression of ENPP2 in clinical liver cancer tissues. Gene set enrichment analysis identified pathways enriched in HCC patients with high ENPP2 expression, including those related to the cell cycle, MTOR and T cell receptor signaling, and phosphatidylinositol signaling systems. We have demonstrated that ENPP2 is highly expressed in HCC and is a potential independent molecular marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyu Meng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
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Bi S, Zhang Y, Zhou J, Yao Y, Wang J, Fang M, Li B, Wu C, Ren C. miR-210 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by modulating macrophage autophagy through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 662:47-57. [PMID: 37099810 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.04.055] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in tumor development. Increasing research suggests that miR-210 may promote the progression of tumor virulence, but whether its pro-carcinogenic effect in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is via an action on M2 macrophages has not been examined. METHODS Differentiation of THP-1 monocytes into M2-polarized macrophages was induced with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and IL-4, IL-13. M2 macrophages were transfected with miR-210 mimics or miR-210 inhibitors. Flow cytometry was used to identify macrophage-related markers and apoptosis levels. The autophagy level of M2 macrophages, expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway-related mRNAs and protein were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. HepG2 and MHCC-97H HCC cell lines were cultured with M2 macrophages conditioned medium to explore the effects of M2 macrophage-derived miR-210 on the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of HCC cells. RESULTS qRT-PCR showed increased expression of miR-210 in M2 macrophages. Autophagy-related gene and protein expression was enhanced in M2 macrophages transfected with miR-210 mimics, while apoptosis-related proteins were decreased. MDC staining and transmission electron microscopy observed the accumulation of MDC-labeled vesicles and autophagosomes in M2 macrophages in the miR-210 mimic group. The expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in M2 macrophages was reduced in miR-210 mimic group. HCC cells co-cultured with M2 macrophages transfected with miR-210 mimics exhibited enhanced proliferation and invasive ability as compared to the control group, while apoptosis levels were reduced. Moreover, promoting or inhibiting autophagy could enhance or abolish the above observed biological effects, respectively. CONCLUSIONS miR-210 can promote autophagy of M2 macrophages via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. M2 macrophage-derived miR-210 promotes the malignant progression of HCC via autophagy, suggesting that macrophage autophagy may serve as a new therapeutic target for HCC, and targeting miR-210 may reset the effect of M2 macrophages on HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Bi
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Yidan Zhang
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Jia Zhou
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Yao
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Jiadong Wang
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Miaomiao Fang
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Baozhu Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Changhao Wu
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
| | - Chunxia Ren
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, PR China.
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Verma S, Sahu BD, Mugale MN. Role of lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma. Life Sci 2023; 325:121751. [PMID: 37169145 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the deadliest cancer in human malignancies. It is the most common and severe type of primary liver cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a new kind of RNA and epigenetic factors, play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and the progression of HCC. LncRNAs are capable of promoting the autophagy, proliferation, and migration of tumor cells by targeting and modulating the expression of downstream genes in signaling pathways related to cancer; these transcripts modify the activity and expression of various tumor suppressors and oncogenes. LncRNAs could act as biomarkers for treatment approaches such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery to effectively treat HCC patients. Improved knowledge regarding the aetiology of HCC may result from an advanced understanding of lncRNAs. Enhanced oxidative stress in the mitochondrial and Endoplasmic reticulum leads to the activation of unfolded protein response pathway that plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of hepatocellular carcinoma. The mutual regulation between LncRNAs and Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in cancer and simultaneous activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway determines the fate of tumor cells in HCC. Mitochondria-associated lncRNAs work as essential components of several gene regulatory networks; abnormal regulation of mitochondria-associated lncRNAs may lead to oncogenesis, which provides further insight into the understanding of tumorigenesis and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Verma
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Bidhya Dhar Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, 781101, Assam, India
| | - Madhav Nilakanth Mugale
- Division of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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Gu L, Jin X, Liang H, Yang C, Zhang Y. Upregulation of CSNK1A1 induced by ITGB5 confers to hepatocellular carcinoma resistance to sorafenib in vivo by disrupting the EPS15/EGFR complex. Pharmacol Res 2023; 192:106789. [PMID: 37149115 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106789] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Oral multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as sorafenib, which suppress tumor cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis, have been approved to treat patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Of note, only approximately 30% of patients can benefit from TKIs, and this population usually acquires drug resistance within 6 months. In this study, we intended to explore the mechanism associated with regulating the sensitivity of HCC to TKIs. We revealed that integrin subunit β 5 (ITGB5) is abnormally expressed in HCC and contributes to decreased the sensitivity of HCC to sorafenib. Mechanistically, unbiased mass spectrometry analysis using ITGB5 antibodies revealed that ITGB5 interacts with EPS15 to prevent the degradation of EGFR in HCC cells, which activates AKT-mTOR signaling and the MAPK pathway to reduce the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib. In addition, mass spectrometry analysis showed that CSNK1A1 binds to ITGB5 in HCC cells. Further study indicated that ITGB5 increased the protein level of CSNK1A1 through the EGFR-AKT-mTOR pathway in HCC. Upregulated CSNK1A1 phosphorylates ITGB5 to enhance the interaction between ITGB5 and EPS15 and activate EGFR in HCC cells. Thus, we identified a positive feedback loop between ITGB5-EPS15-EGFR-CSNK1A1 in HCC cells. This finding provides a theoretical basis for the future development of therapeutic strategies to improve the anti-HCC efficacy of sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Uro-Oncology Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Huaiyuan Liang
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Uro-Oncology Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Chong Yang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Department, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China.
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Qu L, Liu Y, Deng J, Ma X, Fan D. Ginsenoside Rk3 is a novel PI3K/AKT-targeting therapeutics agent that regulates autophagy and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Pharm Anal 2023; 13:463-482. [PMID: 37305788 PMCID: PMC10257150 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Ginsenoside Rk3, an important and rare saponin in heat-treated ginseng, is generated from Rg1 and has a smaller molecular weight. However, the anti-HCC efficacy and mechanisms of ginsenoside Rk3 have not yet been characterized. Here, we investigated the mechanism by which ginsenoside Rk3, a tetracyclic triterpenoid rare ginsenoside, inhibits the growth of HCC. We first explored the possible potential targets of Rk3 through network pharmacology. Both in vitro (HepG2 and HCC-LM3 cells) and in vivo (primary liver cancer mice and HCC-LM3 subcutaneous tumor-bearing mice) studies revealed that Rk3 significantly inhibits the proliferation of HCC. Meanwhile, Rk3 blocked the cell cycle in HCC at the G1 phase and induced autophagy and apoptosis in HCC. Further proteomics and siRNA experiments showed that Rk3 regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway to inhibit HCC growth, which was validated by molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance. In conclusion, we report the discovery that ginsenoside Rk3 binds to PI3K/AKT and promotes autophagy and apoptosis in HCC. Our data strongly support the translation of ginsenoside Rk3 into novel PI3K/AKT-targeting therapeutics for HCC treatment with low toxic side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Qu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Xi'an Giant Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710076, China
| | - Yannan Liu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Jianjun Deng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Ma
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Daidi Fan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
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Kouroumalis E, Tsomidis I, Voumvouraki A. Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Interplay of Apoptosis and Autophagy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041166. [PMID: 37189787 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multifactorial process that has not yet been fully investigated. Autophagy and apoptosis are two important cellular pathways that are critical for cell survival or death. The balance between apoptosis and autophagy regulates liver cell turnover and maintains intracellular homeostasis. However, the balance is often dysregulated in many cancers, including HCC. Autophagy and apoptosis pathways may be either independent or parallel or one may influence the other. Autophagy may either inhibit or promote apoptosis, thus regulating the fate of the liver cancer cells. In this review, a concise overview of the pathogenesis of HCC is presented, with emphasis on new developments, including the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress, the implication of microRNAs and the role of gut microbiota. The characteristics of HCC associated with a specific liver disease are also described and a brief description of autophagy and apoptosis is provided. The role of autophagy and apoptosis in the initiation, progress and metastatic potential is reviewed and the experimental evidence indicating an interplay between the two is extensively analyzed. The role of ferroptosis, a recently described specific pathway of regulated cell death, is presented. Finally, the potential therapeutic implications of autophagy and apoptosis in drug resistance are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Kouroumalis
- Department of Gastroenterology, PAGNI University Hospital, University of Crete School of Medicine, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Crete Medical School, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsomidis
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Crete Medical School, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece
| | - Argyro Voumvouraki
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece
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Leowattana W, Leowattana T, Leowattana P. Systemic treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:1407-1424. [DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i10.1407] [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] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is most commonly found in the context of liver cirrhosis and, in rare cases, in a healthy liver. Its prevalence has risen in recent years, particularly in Western nations, due to the increasing frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Advanced HCC has a poor prognosis. For many years, the only proven therapy for unresectable HCC (uHCC) was sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Recently, the synergistic effect of an immune checkpoint inhibitor, atezolizumab, and bevacizumab outperformed sorafenib alone in terms of survival, making it the recommended first-line therapy. Other multikinase inhibitors, lenvatinib and regorafenib, were also recommended as first and second-line drugs, respectively. Intermediate-stage HCC patients with retained liver function, particularly uHCC without extrahepatic metastasis, may benefit from trans-arterial chemoembolization. The current problem in uHCC is selecting a patient for the best treatment while considering the preexisting liver condition and liver function. Indeed, all study patients had a Child-Pugh class A, and the best therapy for other individuals is unknown. Additionally, in the absence of a medical contraindication, atezolizumab could be combined with bevacizumab for uHCC systemic therapy. Several studies are now underway to evaluate immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with anti-angiogenic drugs, and the first findings are encouraging. The paradigm of uHCC therapy is changing dramatically, and many obstacles remain for optimum patient management in the near future. The purpose of this commentary review was to give an insight into current systemic treatment options for patients with uHCC who are not candidates for surgery to cure the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wattana Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Tawithep Leowattana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - PathompThep Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Leowattana W, Leowattana T, Leowattana P. Systemic treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:1551-1568. [PMID: 36970588 PMCID: PMC10037251 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i10.1551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is most commonly found in the context of liver cirrhosis and, in rare cases, in a healthy liver. Its prevalence has risen in recent years, particularly in Western nations, due to the increasing frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Advanced HCC has a poor prognosis. For many years, the only proven therapy for unresectable HCC (uHCC) was sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Recently, the synergistic effect of an immune checkpoint inhibitor, atezolizumab, and bevacizumab outperformed sorafenib alone in terms of survival, making it the recommended first-line therapy. Other multikinase inhibitors, lenvatinib and regorafenib, were also recommended as first and second-line drugs, respectively. Intermediate-stage HCC patients with retained liver function, particularly uHCC without extrahepatic metastasis, may benefit from trans-arterial chemoembolization. The current problem in uHCC is selecting a patient for the best treatment while considering the preexisting liver condition and liver function. Indeed, all study patients had a Child-Pugh class A, and the best therapy for other individuals is unknown. Additionally, in the absence of a medical contraindication, atezolizumab could be combined with bevacizumab for uHCC systemic therapy. Several studies are now underway to evaluate immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with anti-angiogenic drugs, and the first findings are encouraging. The paradigm of uHCC therapy is changing dramatically, and many obstacles remain for optimum patient management in the near future. The purpose of this commentary review was to give an insight into current systemic treatment options for patients with uHCC who are not candidates for surgery to cure the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wattana Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Tawithep Leowattana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - PathompThep Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in elderly patients with primary liver cancer: a retrospective, multicenter, real-world cohort study. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023:10.1007/s00262-023-03417-3. [PMID: 36884079 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03417-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is still no specific real-world data regarding the clinical activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the elderly with liver cancer. Our study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors between patients aged ≥ 65 years and the younger group, while exploring their differences in genomic background and tumor microenvironment. METHODS This retrospective study was conducted at two hospitals in China and included 540 patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors for primary liver cancer between January 2018 and December 2021. Patients' medical records were reviewed for clinical and radiological data and oncologic outcomes. The genomic and clinical data of patients with primary liver cancer were extracted and analyzed from TCGA-LIHC, GSE14520, and GSE140901 datasets. RESULTS Ninety-two patients were classified as elderly and showed better progression-free survival (P = 0.027) and disease control rate (P = 0.014). No difference was observed in overall survival (P = 0.69) or objective response rate (P = 0.423) between the two age groups. No significant difference was reported concerning the number (P = 0.824) and severity (P = 0.421) of adverse events. The enrichment analyses indicated that the elderly group was linked to lower expression of oncogenic pathways, such as PI3K-Akt, Wnt, and IL-17. The elderly had a higher tumor mutation burden than younger patients. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that immune checkpoint inhibitors might exhibit better efficacy in the elderly with primary liver cancer, with no increased adverse events. Differences in genomic characteristics and tumor mutation burden may partially explain these results.
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Xu W, Yang M, Du X, Peng H, Yang Y, Wang J, Zhang Y. Multifunctional Nanoplatform Based on Sunitinib for Synergistic Phototherapy and Molecular Targeted Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:613. [PMID: 36985021 PMCID: PMC10059596 DOI: 10.3390/mi14030613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a tumor that poses a serious threat to human health, with an extremely low five-year survival rate due to its difficulty in early diagnosis and insensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. To improve the therapeutic efficiency of HCC, we developed a novel multifunctional nanoplatform (SCF NPs) with an amphiphilic polymer (Ce6-PEG2000-FA) and a multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib. SCF NPs showed superior therapeutical efficiency for HCC due to the synergetic effect of molecular targeted therapy and phototherapy. The Ce6-PEG2000-FA not only serves as a nanocarrier with excellent biocompatibility but also can act as a therapeutic reagent for photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Furthermore, the folic acid group of Ce6-PEG2000-FA enhanced the active targeting performance of SCF NPs. As a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sunitinib in SCF NPs can play a role in molecular targeted therapies, including tumor growth inhibition and anti-angiogenesis. In vivo experiments, SCF NPs showed multimode imaging capabilities, which can be used for tumorous diagnosis and intraoperative navigation. Meanwhile, SCF NPs showed outstanding synergetic tumor inhibition ability. Tumors of SCF NPs group with laser radiation were eradicated without any recrudescence after 14 days of treatment. Such theranostic nanoparticles offer a novel therapeutic tactic for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Xu
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xuanlong Du
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hao Peng
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yue Yang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jitao Wang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yewei Zhang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
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Chen M, Chao B, Xu J, Liu Z, Tao Y, He J, Wang J, Yang H, Luo X, Qi H. CPT1A modulates PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to promote preeclampsia. Placenta 2023; 133:23-31. [PMID: 36702079 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.01.007] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia (PE) refers to a syndrome of new-onset hypertension with multisystem involvement and damage after 20 weeks of gestation. Defective placentation due to dysregulated behaviors of trophoblast cells is considered a predominant cause of PE. METHODS Immunofluorescence (if) and Western blot were used to detect the expression and localization of Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) in placenta. CPT1A protein was overexpressed/knocked down in HTR8/SVneo cells by lentiviral/siRNA interference method. CCK-8 Assay, Western blot, flow cytometry, Wound healing and Transwell assay were used to detect the functional impact of CPT1A on HTR8/SVneo cells. Transcriptomics and bioinformatics analysis were used to predict the possible pathway of CPT1A participating in PE. RESULTS CPT1A was upregulated in preeclamptic placentas when compared with normal controls. The abnormal expression of CPT1A in HTR8/SVneo cells is associated with the invasion and migration of HTR8/SVneo cells but is not related to the proliferation, cycle, and apoptosis of HTR8/SVneo cells. The results of Transcriptomic and Western blots suggest that phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway are activated in the si-CPT1A-1796 group. Compared with the si-NC group, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of HTR8/SVneo cells in the si-CPT1A- 1796 group was significantly enhanced. DISCUSSION CPT1A may participate in the pathogenesis of PE by inhibiting the EMT process of HTR8/SVneo cells through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis. Thus, the newly unveiled novel function of CPT1A in PE via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway provides a novel insight into the pathogenesis of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; Department of Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Affiliated Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China; China-Canada-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Bingdi Chao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; China-Canada-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jiacheng Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; China-Canada-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; China-Canada-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuelan Tao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; China-Canada-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; China-Canada-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; China-Canada-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; China-Canada-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; China-Canada-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Hongbo Qi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; China-Canada-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China; Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401147, China.
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El-Daly SM, El-Bana MA, Abd El-Rahman SS, Latif YA, Medhat D. Dynamic expression of H19 and MALAT1 and their correlation with tumor progression biomarkers in a multistage hepatocarcinogenesis model. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:331-343. [PMID: 36861261 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progresses sequentially in a stepwise pattern. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) can regulate the complex cascade of hepatocarcinogenesis. Our study aimed to elucidate the expression profile of H19 and MALAT1 during the different stages of hepatocarcinogenesis and the correlation between H19 and MALAT1 with the genes implicated in the carcinogenesis cascade. We employed a chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis murine model to mimic the successive stages of human HCC development. Using real-time PCR, we analyzed the expression patterns of H19 and MALAT1, as well as the expression of biomarkers implicated in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT). The protein expression of the mesenchymal marker vimentin was also evaluated using immunohistochemistry in the stepwise induced stages. The histopathological evaluation of the liver tissue sections revealed significant changes during the experiment, with HCC developing at the final stage. Throughout the stages, there was a dynamic significant increase in the expression of H19 and MALAT1 compared to the normal control. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference between each stage and the preceding one. The tumor progression biomarkers (Matrix Metalloproteinases, vimentin, and β-catenin) exhibited the same trend of steadily increasing levels. However, in the case of Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 and 2 (ZEB1 and ZEB2), the significant elevation was only detected at the last stage of induction. The correlation between lncRNAs and the tumor progression biomarkers revealed a strong positive correlation between the expression pattern of H19 and MALAT1 with Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and vimentin. Our findings imply that genetic and epigenetic alterations influence HCC development in a stepwise progressive pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherien M El-Daly
- Medical Biochemistry Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.,Cancer Biology and Genetics Laboratory, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona A El-Bana
- Medical Biochemistry Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sahar S Abd El-Rahman
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yasmin Abdel Latif
- Medical Biochemistry Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.,Faculty of Biotechnology, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, 6th October, Giza, Egypt
| | - Dalia Medhat
- Medical Biochemistry Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
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Yao H, Yu S, Luo Y, Wang M, Wang X, Xu S, Chen Y, Xie Z. Effects of plasma-derived exosomes from the normal and thin Bactrian camels on hepatocellular carcinoma and their differences at transcriptome and proteomics levels. Front Oncol 2023; 13:994340. [PMID: 36816960 PMCID: PMC9933125 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.994340] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant primary tumor. Bactrian camels have high economic and social values, but their potential medical value has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Bactrian camel plasma-derived exosomes on HCC. Methods Plasma was obtained from thin and normal Bactrian camels, and used to isolate exosomes by ultracentrifugation. The exosomes were then characterized by transmission electron microscopy and Nano particle tracking analyzer. In vivo imaging of nude mice and hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining of liver tissues were used to explore the effects of the exosomes on tumor growth. Finally, the differences of the two exosomes were further analyzed using small RNA sequencing and proteomics. Results In vivo imaging and HE staining showed that no significant differences were found in fluorescence value and liver tissue morphology between the control mice and the mice treated with the exosomes from thin Bactrian camels; while the fluorescence value and the live histology changes were alleviated in the mice with the exosomes from normal Bactrian camels. After sequencing and proteomic analysis, 40 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs, 15 down-regulated and 25 up-regulated) and 172 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs, 77 up-regulated and 95 down-regulated) were identified in the plasma-derived exosomes from normal Bactrian camels. These identified DE-miRNAs and DEPs were significantly enriched in many signaling pathways. Conclusions Normal Bactrian camel plasma-derived exosomes may inhibit the growth of HCC cells through regulating pathways of Ras, Ras-Association Proximate 1 (Rap1), phosphoinositide 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and canonical Wnt signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongqiang Yao
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Siriguleng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China,*Correspondence: Siriguleng Yu,
| | - Yuchen Luo
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xiuying Wang
- Department of Public Health, Inner Mongolia Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Siriguleng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yufei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Zhifeng Xie
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
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Song R, Ma S, Xu J, Ren X, Guo P, Liu H, Li P, Yin F, Liu M, Wang Q, Yu L, Liu J, Duan B, Rahman NA, Wołczyński S, Li G, Li X. A novel polypeptide encoded by the circular RNA ZKSCAN1 suppresses HCC via degradation of mTOR. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:16. [PMID: 36691031 PMCID: PMC9869513 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01719-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND hsa_circ_0001727 (circZKSCAN1) has been reported to be a tumor-associated circRNA by sponging microRNAs. Intriguingly, we found that circZKSCAN1 encoded a secretory peptide (circZKSaa) in the liver. The present study aims to elucidate the potential role and molecular mechanism of circZKSaa in the regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. METHODS The circRNA profiling datasets (RNA-seq data GSE143233 and GSE140202) were reanalyzed and circZKSCAN1 was selected for further study. Mass spectrometry, polysome fractionation assay, dual-luciferase reporter, and a series of experiments showed that circZKSCAN1 encodes circZKSaa. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis in nude mice were examined to investigate the functions of circZKSaa. Mechanistically, the relationship between the circZKSaa and mTOR in HCC was verified by immunoprecipitation analyses, mass spectrometry, and immunofluorescence staining analyses. RESULTS Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that the secretory peptide circZKSaa encoded by circZKSCAN1 might be the potential biomarker for HCC tissues. Through a series of experiments, we found that circZKSaa inhibited HCC progression and sensitize HCC cells to sorafenib. Mechanistically, we found that the sponge function of circZKSCAN1 to microRNA is weak in HCC, while overexpression of circZKSaa promoted the interaction of FBXW7 with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) to promote the ubiquitination of mTOR, thereby inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Furthermore, we found that the high expression of cicZKSCAN1 in sorafenib-treated HCC cells was regulated by QKI-5. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal that a novel circZKSCAN1-encoded peptide acts as a tumor suppressor on PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and sensitizes HCC cells to sorafenib via ubiquitination of mTOR. These findings demonstrated that circZKSaa has the potential to serve as a therapeutic target and biomarker for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runjie Song
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuoqian Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jiajia Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xin Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Peilan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Huijiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fan Yin
- Department of Oncology, The Second Medical Centre & National Clinical Research Center of Geriatric Disease, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Pathology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Binwei Duan
- Department of General Surgery CenterBeijing You An Hospital, Clinical Center for Liver Cancer, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Nafis A Rahman
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Sławomir Wołczyński
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Guangming Li
- Department of General Surgery CenterBeijing You An Hospital, Clinical Center for Liver Cancer, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangdong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
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Scutellaria baicalensis in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 2023:4572660. [PMID: 36874613 PMCID: PMC9981289 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4572660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study was to use a network pharmacological method and experimental validation to examine the mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) and GeneCards were used for screening of targets of SB for the treatment of HCC. Cytoscape (3.7.2) software was used to construct the "drug-compound-intersection target interaction" interaction network. The STING database was used to analyze the interactions of the previous intersecting targets. The results were visualized and processed by performing GO (Gene Ontology) enrichment analysis and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) signaling pathway enrichment analysis at the target sites. The core targets were docked with the active components by AutoDockTools-1.5.6 software. We used cellular experiments to validate the bioinformatics predictions. Results A total of 92 chemical components and 3258 disease targets including 53 intersecting targets were discovered. The results showed that wogonin and baicalein, the main chemical components of SB, could inhibit the viability and proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, promote apoptosis through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and effectively act on AKT1, RELA, and JUN targets. Conclusion SB has multiple components and targets in the treatment of HCC, providing possible potential targets for the treatment of HCC and providing a basis for further research.
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Hu Z, Li L, Li M, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Ran J, Li L. miR-21-5p Inhibits Ferroptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Regulating the AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway through MELK. J Immunol Res 2023; 2023:8929525. [PMID: 37008632 PMCID: PMC10065862 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8929525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers, and its incidence rate is increasing worldwide. At present, there is no ideal treatment for HCC. In recent years, molecular-targeted therapy has shown significant therapeutic benefits for patients. Ferroptosis is a modality of regulated cell death, and previous studies have found that inducing ferroptosis in liver cancer cells can inhibit the progression of liver cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the regulatory mechanism of miR-21-5p in regulating ferroptosis in HCC cells. Methods CCK-8 was used to measure cell viability, EdU and colony formation were used to measure cell proliferation, and Transwell assays were used to measure cell migration and invasion. RT-qPCR was used to detect the level of miR-21-5p, Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression level, a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine the targeting relationship between miR-21-5p and MELK, and coimmunoprecipitation was used to determine the interaction between MELK and AKT. Results Overexpression of miR-21-5p and MELK facilitated the viability, proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells. Downregulation of miR-21-5p suppressed the level of MELK and the progression of HCC. MELK regulated the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, causing changes in the levels of GPX4, GSH, FTH1, xCT, heme oxygenase 1(HO-1), reactive oxygen species, and Fe2+ to regulate the ferroptosis of hepatoma cells. Erastin, an inducer of ferroptosis, attenuated the repressive influence of miR-21-5p on ferroptosis in HCC cells. Conclusion In summary, this study demonstrates that miR-21-5p inhibits the ferroptosis of HCC cells by regulating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway through MELK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongqiang Hu
- First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Laibang Li
- First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Ma Li
- First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Xibing Zhang
- First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Jianghua Ran
- First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Li Li
- First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
- The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
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Roshani M, Baniebrahimi G, Mousavi M, Zare N, Sadeghi R, Salarinia R, Sheida A, Molavizadeh D, Sadeghi S, Moammer F, Zolfaghari MR, Mirzaei H. Exosomal long non-coding RNAs: novel molecules in gastrointestinal cancers' progression and diagnosis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1014949. [PMID: 36591473 PMCID: PMC9795196 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1014949] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers arise in the GI tract and accessory organs, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, biliary tract, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. GI cancers are a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Exosomes act as mediators of cell-to-cell communication, with pleiotropic activity in the regulation of homeostasis, and can be markers for diseases. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), can be transported by exosomes derived from tumor cells or non-tumor cells. They can be taken by recipient cells to alter their function or remodel the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, due to their uniquely low immunogenicity and excellent stability, exosomes can be used as natural carriers for therapeutic ncRNAs in vivo. Exosomal lncRNAs have a crucial role in regulating several cancer processes, including angiogenesis, proliferation, drug resistance, metastasis, and immunomodulation. Exosomal lncRNA levels frequently alter according to the onset and progression of cancer. Exosomal lncRNAs can therefore be employed as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. Exosomal lncRNAs can also monitor the patient's response to chemotherapy while also serving as potential targets for cancer treatment. Here, we discuss the role of exosomal lncRNAs in the biology and possible future treatment of GI cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Roshani
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Baniebrahimi
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Mousavi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Noushid Zare
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Sadeghi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Salarinia
- Department of Advanced Technologies, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sheida
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran,Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Danial Molavizadeh
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran,Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Sara Sadeghi
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran,Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Moammer
- Research Committee, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran,*Correspondence: Farzaneh Moammer, ; Mohammad Reza Zolfaghari, ; Hamed Mirzaei, ;
| | - Mohammad Reza Zolfaghari
- Department of Microbiology, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran,*Correspondence: Farzaneh Moammer, ; Mohammad Reza Zolfaghari, ; Hamed Mirzaei, ;
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran,*Correspondence: Farzaneh Moammer, ; Mohammad Reza Zolfaghari, ; Hamed Mirzaei, ;
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Tümen D, Heumann P, Gülow K, Demirci CN, Cosma LS, Müller M, Kandulski A. Pathogenesis and Current Treatment Strategies of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2022; 10:3202. [PMID: 36551958 PMCID: PMC9775527 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent liver cancer with high lethality and low five-year survival rates leading to a substantial worldwide burden for healthcare systems. HCC initiation and progression are favored by different etiological risk factors including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, non-/and alcoholic fatty liver disease (N/AFLD), and tobacco smoking. In molecular pathogenesis, endogenous alteration in genetics (TP53, TERT, CTNNB1, etc.), epigenetics (DNA-methylation, miRNA, lncRNA, etc.), and dysregulation of key signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, etc.) strongly contribute to the development of HCC. The multitude and complexity of different pathomechanisms also reflect the difficulties in tailored medical therapy of HCC. Treatment options for HCC are strictly dependent on tumor staging and liver function, which are structured by the updated Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification system. Surgical resection, local ablative techniques, and liver transplantation are valid and curative therapeutic options for early tumor stages. For multifocal and metastatic diseases, systemic therapy is recommended. While Sorafenib had been the standalone HCC first-line therapy for decades, recent developments had led to the approval of new treatment options as first-line as well as second-line treatment. Anti-PD-L1 directed combination therapies either with anti-VEGF directed agents or with anti-CTLA-4 active substances have been implemented as the new treatment standard in the first-line setting. However, data from clinical trials indicate different responses on specific therapeutic regimens depending on the underlying pathogenesis of hepatocellular cancer. Therefore, histopathological examinations have been re-emphasized by current international clinical guidelines in addition to the standardized radiological diagnosis using contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging. In this review, we emphasize the current knowledge on molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. On this occasion, the treatment sequences for early and advanced tumor stages according to the recently updated Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification system and the current algorithm of systemic therapy (first-, second-, and third-line treatment) are summarized. Furthermore, we discuss novel precautional and pre-therapeutic approaches including therapeutic vaccination, adoptive cell transfer, locoregional therapy enhancement, and non-coding RNA-based therapy as promising treatment options. These novel treatments may prolong overall survival rates in regard with quality of life and liver function as mainstay of HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Arne Kandulski
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases University Hospital Regensburg Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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