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Li J, Feng J, Li Z, Ni Y, Liu L, Lei X, Chai Z, Zhuang N, Xu J, He Y, Shan J, Qian C. B cell lymphoma 6 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting tumor infiltrating CD4 +T cell cytotoxicity through ESM1. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:139. [PMID: 38956432 PMCID: PMC11220024 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00625-7] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy exhibited potential effects for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, unfortunately, the clinical benefits are often countered by cancer adaptive immune suppressive response. Uncovering the mechanism how cancer cells evade immune surveillance would help to develop new immunotherapy approaches and combination therapy. In this article, by analyzing the transcriptional factors which modulate the differentially expressed genes between T cell infiltration high group and low group, we identified oncoprotein B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) suppresses the infiltration and activation of tumor infiltrating T lymphocytes, thus correlated with poorer clinical outcome. By using antibody deletion experiment, we further demonstrated that CD4+T cells but not CD8+T cells are the main lymphocyte population suppressed by Bcl6 to promote HCC development. Mechanistically, BCL6 decreases cancer cell expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and T lymphocyte chemokines such as IL6, IL1F6, and CCL5. Moreover, BCL6 upregulates Endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM1) to inhibit T lymphocyte recruitment and activation possibly through ICAM-1/LFA-1 signaling pathway. Our findings uncovered an unappreciated paracrine mechanism how cancer cell-derived BCL6 assists cancer cell immune evasion, and highlighted the role of CD4+T cells in HCC immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatao Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Juan Feng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Ziyong Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
- School of Medicine Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Yuanli Ni
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Limei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Xia Lei
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
- School of Medicine Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Zixuan Chai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Na Zhuang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Jiake Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Yongpeng He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Juanjuan Shan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China.
- School of Medicine Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
| | - Cheng Qian
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China.
- School of Medicine Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
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2
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Guo J, Zhang J, Xiang Y, Zhou S, Yang Y, Zheng J. Long noncoding RNA SNHG3 interacts with microRNA-502-3p to mediate ITGA6 expression in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:2286-2300. [PMID: 38680094 PMCID: PMC11247603 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16190] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
SNHG3, a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), has been linked to poor outcomes in patients with liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). In this study, we found that SNHG3 was overexpressed in LIHC and associated with poor outcomes in patients with LIHC. Functional assays, including colony formation, spheroid formation, and in vivo assays showed that SNHG3 promoted stemness of cancer stem cells (CSC) and tumor growth in vivo by interacting with microRNA-502-3p (miR-502-3p). miR-502-3p inhibitor repressed the tumor-suppressing effects of SNHG3 depletion. Finally, by RNA pull-down, dual-luciferase reporter assay, m6A methylation level detection, and m6A-IP-qPCR assays, we found that miR-502-3p targeted YTHDF3 to regulate the translation of integrin alpha-6 (ITGA6) and targeted HBXIP to inhibit the m6A modification of ITGA6 through methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3). Our study revealed that SNHG3 controls the YTHDF3/ITGA6 and HBXIP/METTL3/ITGA6 pathways by repressing miR-502-3p expression to sustain the self-renewal properties of CSC in LIHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncheng Guo
- Postdoctoral Workstation, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jianquan Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Department of Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Shuai Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yijun Yang
- Department of Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jinfang Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hainan Provincial People's Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Ferreira-Silva GÁ, Rodrigues DA, Pressete CG, Caixeta ES, Gamero AMC, Miyazawa M, Hanemann JAC, Fraga CAM, Aissa AF, Ionta M. Selective inhibition of HDAC6 by N-acylhydrazone derivative reduces the proliferation and induces senescence in carcinoma hepatocellular cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 99:105884. [PMID: 38945376 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant contributor to cancer-related deaths globally. Systemic therapy is the only treatment option for HCC at an advanced stage, with limited therapeutic response. In this study, we evaluated the antitumor potential of four N-acylhydrazone (NAH) derivatives, namely LASSBio-1909, 1911, 1935, and 1936, on HCC cell lines. We have previously demonstrated that the aforementioned NAH derivatives selectively inhibit histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) in lung cancer cells, but their effects on HCC cells have not been explored. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of NAH derivatives on the proliferative behavior of HCC cells. LASSBio-1911 was the most cytotoxic compound against HCC cells, however its effects were minimal on normal cells. Our results showed that LASSBio-1911 inhibited HDAC6 in HCC cells leading to cell cycle arrest and decreased cell proliferation. There was also an increase in the frequency of cells in mitosis onset, which was associated with disturbing mitotic spindle formation. These events were accompanied by elevated levels of CDKN1A mRNA, accumulation of CCNB1 protein, and sustained ERK1 phosphorylation. Furthermore, LASSBio-1911 induced DNA damage, resulting in senescence and/or apoptosis. Our findings indicate that selective inhibition of HDAC6 may provide an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of advanced HCC, including tumor subtypes with integrated viral genome. Further, in vivo studies are required to validate the antitumor effect of LASSBio-1911 on liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Alencar Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Evaluation and Synthesis of Bioactive Substances (LASSBio), Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, CCS, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | - Angel Mauricio Castro Gamero
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Natural Science, Federal University of Alfenas, zip-code 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Marta Miyazawa
- School of Dentistry, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-001 MG, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Alberto Manssour Fraga
- Laboratory of Evaluation and Synthesis of Bioactive Substances (LASSBio), Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, CCS, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Ferro Aissa
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, MG 37130-001, Brazil.
| | - Marisa Ionta
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, MG 37130-001, Brazil.
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Nam DE, Park SJ, Omole S, Um E, Hakami RM, Hahn YS. Activated Gab1 drives hepatocyte proliferation and anti-apoptosis in liver fibrosis via potential involvement of the HGF/c-Met signaling axis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306345. [PMID: 38935609 PMCID: PMC11210754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases are caused by hepatic viral infection, chemicals, and metabolic stress. The protein Grb2-associated binder 1 (Gab1) binds to various growth factor receptors, and triggers cell differentiation/survival signaling pathways. To identify signaling molecules involved in the progression of liver diseases, we performed reverse-phase protein microarray (RPMA)-based screening of hepatocytes isolated from humanized mice after acute HCV infection. Acute viral infection in humanized liver mice significantly decreased the level of hepatocyte p-Gab1. Moreover, hepatoma cells upon HCV infection decreased Gab1 mRNA at later times of infection (D3 to D5) and p-Gab1 level was inversely related to the production of TGF-β. In contrast, the level of p-Gab1 was increased in CCL4-induced fibrotic liver. Hepatoma cells showed elevation of p-Gab1, along with an increase in STAT3 and ERK activation, upon treatment with HGF (ligand of HGF receptor/c-Met) and CCL4. In Gab1 knockdown hepatoma cells, cell proliferative signaling activity was reduced but the level of activated caspase-3 was increased. These findings suggest that hepatocyte Gab1 expression may play a role in promoting liver fibrosis progression by triggering ERK activation and inhibiting apoptosis. It implies that the Gab1-mediated signaling pathway would be a promising therapeutic target to treat chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-eun Nam
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Soo-Jeung Park
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Samson Omole
- School of Systems Biology, and Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Eugene Um
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ramin M. Hakami
- School of Systems Biology, and Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Young S. Hahn
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
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Rao C, Chen J, Xu K, Xue C, Wu L, Huang X, Chen S, Rao S, Li F. Association of magnetic resonance imaging-derived sarcopenia with outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2024:10.1007/s00261-024-04439-w. [PMID: 38900325 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04439-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether sarcopenia, diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol, constitutes a prognosis-associated risk factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy. METHODS One hundred and ninety-three patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC were retrospectively enrolled. The areas of the total skeletal muscle (SM) and psoas muscle (PM) were evaluated at the third lumbar vertebra in the preoperative MR images, and divided by the square of height in order to obtain the skeletal muscle index (SMI) and psoas muscle mass index (PMI). Sarcopenia was diagnosed respectively on the definitions based on the SMI or PMI. The potential of muscle-defined sarcopenia as a prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was investigated in these patients. RESULTS The areas of SM and PM, and SMI and PMI were significantly higher in the men than in the women (all p < 0.05). Notably, SMI-defined sarcopenia displayed a significant sex difference (p = 0.003), while PMI-defined sarcopenia did not (p = 0.370). Through univariate and multivariate analyses, PMI-defined sarcopenia remained an independent predictor for OS and RFS (HR = 3.486, 95% CI: 1.700-7.145, p = 0.001 and HR = 1.993, 95% CI: 1.246-3.186, p = 0.004), even after adjusting for other clinical variables. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significantly poorer OS and RFS for patients with sarcopenia defined by using PMI, but not SMI, compared to those without sarcopenia (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION MRI-derived, sarcopenia defined by using PMI, not SMI, may serve as a significant risk factor for RFS and OS in patients with HCC after hepatectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyi Rao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jiejun Chen
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Kan Xu
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Xue
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoquan Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Shiyao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Shengxiang Rao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
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6
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Karin M, Kim JY. MASH as an emerging cause of hepatocellular carcinoma: current knowledge and future perspectives. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38874196 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13685] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the deadliest and fastest-growing cancers. Among HCC etiologies, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has served as a major HCC driver due to its great potential for increasing cirrhosis. The obesogenic environment fosters a positive energy balance and results in a continuous rise of obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, it is difficult to understand how metabolic complications lead to the poor prognosis of liver diseases and which molecular mechanisms are underpinning MAFLD-driven HCC development. Thus, suitable preclinical models that recapitulate human etiologies are essentially required. Numerous preclinical models have been created but not many mimicked anthropometric measures and the course of disease progression shown in the patients. Here we review the literature on adipose tissues, liver-related HCC etiologies and recently discovered genetic mutation signatures found in MAFLD-driven HCC patients. We also critically review current rodent models suggested for MAFLD-driven HCC study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Karin
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ju Youn Kim
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University ERICA, Ansan, Korea
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7
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Gedekar P, Chavhan A, Hiwale KM, Sagar S. A Case Presentation of Well-Differentiated Hepatocellular Carcinoma With No Sign of Liver Disease. Cureus 2024; 16:e61635. [PMID: 38966460 PMCID: PMC11223716 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61635] [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: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The type of liver cancer that occurs most frequently is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The majority of cases of HCC are secondary to alcoholic cirrhosis or viral hepatitis. The presence of malignant cells with modest nuclear atypia that resemble normal hepatocytes and the lack of bare nuclei in the smears, which shows the neoplastic hepatocytes' capacity, are characteristics of a well-differentiated HCC plasma membrane to tolerate smearing. We present the case of an 83-year-old male patient with a well-differentiated HCC, who had no etiological factors and no signs of alcohol cirrhotic liver, or any symptoms of liver disease which are the main causes of the HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Gedekar
- Medicine, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Atul Chavhan
- Pathology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - K M Hiwale
- Pathology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Shakti Sagar
- Pathology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Li T, Yi J, Wu H, Wang K, Zhou B. SLC7A11 in hepatocellular carcinoma: potential mechanisms, regulation, and clinical significance. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:2326-2342. [PMID: 38859833 PMCID: PMC11162675 DOI: 10.62347/kgcl7357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Exploring novel early detection biomarkers and developing more efficacious treatments remain pressing tasks in the current research landscape for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Morphologically and molecularly separate from apoptosis, cell death, and autophagy, ferroptosis is a recently discovered, unique, controlled form of cell death. SLC7A11 (also known as xCT) represents a subunit of the cystine-glutamate antiporter (also known as system Xc(-)). A growing body of research suggests that induction of ferroptosis through SLC7A11 can effectively eliminate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, particularly those exhibiting resistance to alternative forms of cell death. Thus, targeting ferroptosis via SLC7A11 may become a new direction for the design of therapeutic strategies for HCC. Although many research articles have investigated the possible roles of SLC7A11 in HCC, a study that summarizes the main findings, including the regulators and mechanisms of action of SLC7A11 in HCC is not available. Therefore, we present a comprehensive overview of the functions of ferroptosis, particularly SLC7A11, in the identification, development, and management of HCC in this review. In addition, we discuss how this knowledge can be translated into treatment by providing a systemic therapy in advanced HCC using sorafenib, the first-line drug targeting multiple kinases and SLC7A11. We further dissect the possible barriers as well as the corresponding solutions and provide insights on how to navigate effective treatment using this knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianze Li
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P. R. China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang UniversityNanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Yi
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Huajun Wu
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Kai Wang
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P. R. China
- Jiangxi Province Engineering Research Center of Hepatobiliary DiseaseNanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Binghai Zhou
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P. R. China
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Sun D, Li W, Ding D, Tan K, Ding W, Wang Z, Fu S, Hou G, Zhou WP, Gu F. IL-17a promotes hepatocellular carcinoma by increasing FAP expression in hepatic stellate cells via activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:230. [PMID: 38740736 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01995-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and interleukin-17a (IL-17a) play important roles in liver tumorigenesis. In addition, fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) has been shown to be a key regulator of hepatic stellate cell activation. In this study, in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to verify the promoting effects of IL-17a administration, IL-17a overexpression, and FAP upregulation in HSCs on liver fibrosis and liver tumorigenesis. The cleavage under targets & release using nuclease (CUT&RUN) technique was used to verify the binding status of STAT3 to the FAP promoter. The in vitro studies showed that IL-17a activated HSCs and promoted HCC development and progression. FAP and IL-17a overexpression also activated HSCs, promoted HCC cell proliferation and migration, and inhibited HCC cell apoptosis. The in vivo studies suggested that IL-17a and FAP overexpression in HSCs facilitated liver tumor development and progression. The CUT&RUN results indicated that FAP expression was regulated by STAT3, which could bind to the FAP promoter region and regulate its transcription status. We concluded that IL-17a promoted HCC by increasing FAP expression in HSCs via activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Sun
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wen Li
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Dongyang Ding
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Kunjiang Tan
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wenbin Ding
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zongyan Wang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Siyuan Fu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Guojun Hou
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wei-Ping Zhou
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Fangming Gu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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10
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Liang C, Long K, Zheng W, Zhong R, Li Z, Zhu S, Gu S, Zhu C, Yang Y. Exploring the role of CDCA4 in liver hepatocellular carcinoma using bioinformatics analysis and experiments. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38028. [PMID: 38701314 PMCID: PMC11062718 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038028] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) encompasses diverse therapeutic approaches, among which targeted therapy has gained significant prominence in recent years. The identification of numerous targets and the increasing clinical application of targeted drugs have greatly improved LIHC treatment. However, the precise role of CDCA4 (Cell Division Cycle Associated 4), as well as its underlying mechanisms and prognostic implications in LIHC, remains unclear. CDCA4 expression levels in LIHC were analyzed using multiple databases including the cancer genome atlas (TCGA), gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA), and ULCAN, as well as the datasets E_TABM_36, GSE144269, GSE14520, and GSE54236. The prognostic value of CDCA4 was then evaluated. Subsequently, the association between CDCA4 and immune cells was investigated. Enrichment analysis (GSEA) was utilized to investigate the functional roles and pathways linked to CDCA4. Additionally, the methylation patterns and drug sensitivity of CDCA4 were examined. A predictive model incorporating immune genes related to CDCA4 was developed. The TISCH dataset was used to investigate the single-cell expression patterns of CDCA4. Finally, validation of CDCA4 expression levels was conducted through RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. CDCA4 exhibited significant overexpression in LIHC and demonstrated significant correlations with clinical features. High expression of CDCA4 is associated with a poorer prognosis. Analysis of immune infiltration and enrichment revealed its association with the immune microenvironment. Furthermore, its expression is correlated with methylation and mutation patterns. CDCA4 is associated with 19 drugs. Prognostic models utilizing CDCA4 demonstrate favorable effectiveness. T cell subtypes were found to be associated with CDCA4 through single-cell analysis. The conclusive experiment provided evidence of significant upregulation of CDCA4 in LIHC. The high expression of CDCA4 in LIHC is associated with prognostic significance and is highly expressed in T cell subtypes, providing a new therapeutic target and potential therapeutic strategy for LIHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changfu Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Kaijun Long
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Wenhao Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Riqiang Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Zhangrui Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Shengwei Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Shijing Gu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Chuangshi Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
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Cao F, Hao W, Liang W, Zeng H, Zheng J. MiR-339-5p Inhibits Ferroptosis by Promoting Autophagic Degradation of FTH1 Through Targeting ATG7 in Liver Cancer Cells. Clin Med Insights Oncol 2024; 18:11795549241244783. [PMID: 38628842 PMCID: PMC11020741 DOI: 10.1177/11795549241244783] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Liver cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide, and there is an urgent need to identify new therapeutic strategies and predictive targets to improve the clinical outcomes of advanced liver cancer. Ferroptosis holds promise as a novel strategy for cancer therapy. Epigenetic dysregulation is a hallmark of cancer, and noncoding RNAs are tightly involved in cell fate determination. Therefore, we aimed to identify a novel ferroptosis regulator from aberrantly expressed microRNAs that may serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for liver cancer. Methods The expression signature and prognostic value of miR-339 was assessed using TCGA data set. The role of miR-339/ATG7/FTH1 axis in liver cancer cells were evaluated through growth curve, colony formation, 7-AAD staining. The role of miR-339 in regulation of ferroptosis was determined by immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, and Elisa kits. Results Here, we showed that miR-339 is aberrantly overexpressed in patients with liver cancer. In addition, miR-339 inhibition dramatically suppresses liver cancer progression. Furthermore, miR-339 silencing drives cell death and inhibits liver cancer progression, indicating that miR-339 may serve as a novel ferroptosis suppressor. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that miR-339 targets ATG7 to facilitate the autophagic degradation of FTH1 and prevent ferroptosis in liver cancer cells. Conclusions We provide important evidence that the miR-339 inhibition activates of the autophagy pathway to promote ferroptosis by degrading FTH1 in liver cancer cells. We found that miR-339 regulates the balance between ferroptosis and autophagy in liver cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Cao
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiyuan Hao
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiren Liang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Zeng
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaping Zheng
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Tian Y, Han W, Lv K, Fu L, Zhou X. CircSNX6 promotes proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma via miR-383-5p/VEGFA signaling pathway. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8243. [PMID: 38589413 PMCID: PMC11001896 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58708-1] [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] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of circular RNA (circRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been extensively studied. Previous research has highlighted the regulatory role of circSNX6 in HCC cells and tissues. However, the precise mechanism underlying HCC progression still requires comprehensive investigation. The study initially utilized quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to assess circSNX6 expression levels in HCC cell lines and tissues. Subsequently, the stability of circRNA was evaluated through Ribonuclease R and actinomycin D treatment assays. The impact of circSNX6 knockdown on proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis abilities was determined using various assays including colony formation, Transwell culture system, tube formation assay, and cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assays. Additionally, RNA immunoprecipitation chip and dual-luciferase reporter assays were employed to investigate the interactions between circSNX6 and miR-383-5p. Finally, an HCC xenograft tumor model in mice was established to assess the in vivo expression of circSNX6 and its functional role in HCC. Our findings revealed an elevated circSNX6 expression in HCC tissues, which was correlated with poor patient prognosis. Knockdown of circSNX6 suppressed HCC cell growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. The downregulation of miR-383-5p, a target of circSNX6, significantly attenuated the tumor-suppressive effects induced by circSNX6 knockdown. Moreover, circSNX6 was found to modulate VEGFA expression by targeting miR-383-5p. The inhibition of HCC cell proliferation by miR-383-5p could be partially reversed by overexpressing VEGFA. Silencing circSNX6 also suppressed tumor formation and the metastasis of HCC cells in a mouse model. In summary, our findings suggest that circSNX6 promotes cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis in HCC by regulating the miR-383-5p/VEGFA pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenwen Han
- Department of Emergency, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaiji Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Long Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinhua Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315100, Zhejiang, China.
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13
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Vaziri F, Setayesh T, Hu Y, Ravindran R, Wei D, Wan YJY. BCG as an Innovative Option for HCC Treatment: Repurposing and Mechanistic Insights. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308242. [PMID: 38308164 PMCID: PMC11005731 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) as a potential treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a condition often associated with unfavorable treatment outcomes. Exploiting BCG's recognized immune-boosting properties, preclinical trials are conducted using HCC mice, with a single subcutaneous dose of BCG administered post-tumor formation. Results indicate that BCG treatment effectively diminishes tumor burden and extends survival in both male and female HCC mice. Positive influences on hepatic fibrosis and metabolism are observed, leading to a reduction in lipid levels. Spatial analysis underscores BCG's tumor-specific effects, inducing the enrichment of metabolic pathways and inhibiting various cancer-related pathways. Furthermore, BCG promotes immune cell infiltration, including CD4+, CD8+ T cells, and M1 macrophages, in both v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1(AKT)/neutoblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (RAS) and β-catenin positive HCC models. Interestingly, blocking T cells, trained immunity, and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) function reverses BCG's anti-HCC effects. In conclusion, BCG emerges as a promising treatment option for HCC, characterized by a favorable safety profile and efficacy in inhibiting fibrosis, improving metabolism, and engaging both trained immunity and T cells in therapeutic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzam Vaziri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Tahereh Setayesh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Ying Hu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Resmi Ravindran
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Dongguang Wei
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
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14
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Liu F, Peng Y, Qian H, Xiao MC, Ding CH, Zhang X, Xie WF. Abrogating K458 acetylation enhances hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)-induced differentiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Dig Dis 2024; 25:255-265. [PMID: 38837552 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study we aimed to assess the impact of acetylation of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) on lysine 458 on the differentiation therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Dil-acetylated low-density lipoprotein (Dil-Ac-LDL) uptake, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity analysis were performed to assess the differentiation of HCC cells. HNF4α protein was detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The effects of HNF4α-K458 acetylation on HCC malignancy were evaluated in HCC cell lines, a Huh-7 xenograft mouse model, and an orthotopic model. The differential expression genes in Huh-7 xenograft tumors were screened by RNA-sequencing analysis. RESULTS K458R significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of HNF4α on the malignancy of HCC cells, whereas K458Q reduced the inhibitory effects of HNF4α. Moreover, K458R promoted, while K458Q decreased, HNF4α-induced HCC cell differentiation. K458R stabilized HNF4α, while K458Q accelerated the degradation of HNF4α via the ubiquitin proteasome system. K458R also enhanced the ability of HNF4α to inhibit cell growth of HCC in the Huh-7 xenograft mouse model and the orthotopic model. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that inhibiting K458 acetylation enhanced the transcriptional activity of HNF4α without altering the transcriptome induced by HNF4α in HCC. CONCLUSION Our data revealed that inhibiting K458 acetylation of HNF4α might provide a more promising candidate for differential therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Chao Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Hong Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Fen Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Fayazzadeh S, Ghorbaninejad M, Rabbani A, Zahiri J, Meyfour A. Predictive three-biomarker panel in peripheral blood mononuclear cells for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7527. [PMID: 38553531 PMCID: PMC10980807 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58158-9] [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: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks among the most prevalent cancers and accounts for a significant proportion of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. This disease, marked by multifaceted etiology, often poses diagnostic challenges. Finding a reliable and non-invasive diagnostic method seems to be necessary. In this study, we analyzed the gene expression profiles of 20 HCC patients, 12 individuals with chronic hepatitis, and 15 healthy controls. Enrichment analysis revealed that platelet aggregation, secretory granule lumen, and G-protein-coupled purinergic nucleotide receptor activity were common biological processes, cellular components, and molecular function in HCC and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) compared to healthy controls, respectively. Furthermore, pathway analysis demonstrated that "estrogen response" was involved in the pathogenesis of HCC and CHB conditions, while, "apoptosis" and "coagulation" pathways were specific for HCC. Employing computational feature selection and logistic regression classification, we identified candidate genes pivotal for diagnostic panel development and evaluated the performance of these panels. Subsequent machine learning evaluations assessed these panels' performance in an independent cohort. Remarkably, a 3-marker panel, comprising RANSE2, TNF-α, and MAP3K7, demonstrated the best performance in qRT-PCR-validated experimental data, achieving 98.4% accuracy and an area under the curve of 1. Our findings highlight this panel's promising potential as a non-invasive approach not only for detecting HCC but also for distinguishing HCC from CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fayazzadeh
- Bioinformatics and Computational Omics Lab (BioCOOL), Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Ghorbaninejad
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhassan Rabbani
- Department of Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Zahiri
- Bioinformatics and Computational Omics Lab (BioCOOL), Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Anna Meyfour
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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16
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Yi J, Luo X, Huang W, Yang W, Qi Y, He J, Xie H. PGK1 is a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:109. [PMID: 38304170 PMCID: PMC10831403 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common type of liver cancer, is increasing in incidence worldwide. An early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still challenging: Currently, few biomarkers are available to diagnose the early stage of HCC, therefore, additional prognostic biomarkers are required to identify potential risk factors. The present study analyzed gene expression levels of HCC tissue samples and the protein expression levels obtained from the GSE46408 HCC dataset using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. The metabolically associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including DEGs involved in the glucose metabolism pathway, were selected for further analysis. Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), a glycolytic enzyme, was determined as a potential prognostic biomarker through Kaplan-Meier curve and clinical association variable analyses. This was also verified based on the expression levels of PGK1 in tumor tissue and protein expression levels in several liver cancer cell lines. PGK1 mRNA demonstrated a high level of expression in HCC tissue and was significantly associated with a poor prognosis, showing a negative association with survival time. In addition, as an independent risk factor, PGK1 may potentially be a valuable prognostic biomarker for patients with HCC. Furthermore, expression of PGK1 was associated with the early stages (stage I and T1) of HCC. Moreover, PGK1 mRNA expression levels demonstrated a positive association with progression of liver cancer. The results suggested that PGK1 mRNA may be involved in the degree of HCC malignancy and may be a future potential prognostic biomarker for HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Yi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Xuehua Luo
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Weijian Huang
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Weijun Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Yan Qi
- Department of Market Research and Development, China Animal Husbandry Group, Beijing 100000, P.R. China
| | - Jun He
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Huijun Xie
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
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17
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Mou JY, Ma ZW, Zhang MY, Yuan Q, Wang ZY, Liu QH, Li F, Liu Z, Wang L. Structural abnormality of hepatic glycogen in rat liver with diethylnitrosamine-induced carcinogenic injury. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129432. [PMID: 38228208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129432] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Growing evidence confirms associations between glycogen metabolic re-wiring and the development of liver cancer. Previous studies showed that glycogen structure changes abnormally in liver diseases such as cystic fibrosis, diabetes, etc. However, few studies focus on glycogen molecular structural characteristics during liver cancer development, which is worthy of further exploration. In this study, a rat model with carcinogenic liver injury induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was successfully constructed, and hepatic glycogen structure was characterized. Compared with glycogen structure in the healthy rat liver, glycogen chain length distribution (CLD) shifts towards a short region. In contrast, glycogen particles were mainly present in small-sized β particles in DEN-damaged carcinogenic rat liver. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed significant expression changes of genes and pathways involved in carcinogenic liver injury. A combination of transcriptomic analysis, RT-qPCR, and western blot showed that the two genes, Gsy1 encoding glycogen synthase and Gbe1 encoding glycogen branching enzyme, were significantly altered and might be responsible for the structural abnormality of hepatic glycogen in carcinogenic liver injury. Taken together, this study confirmed that carcinogenic liver injury led to structural abnormality of hepatic glycogen, which provided clues to the future development of novel drug targets for potential therapeutics of carcinogenic liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yi Mou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of 1(st) Clinical Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhang-Wen Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Meng-Ying Zhang
- School of Medical Informatics and Engineering, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- School of Medical Informatics and Engineering, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zi-Yi Wang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Qing-Hua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Fen Li
- Laboratory Medicine, The Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an, Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of 1(st) Clinical Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Liang Wang
- School of Medical Informatics and Engineering, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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18
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Zheng J, Chen J, Wang S, Yang D, Zhou P. Genomic and immune landscape in hepatocellular carcinoma: Implications for personalized therapeutics. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:1601-1616. [PMID: 38009667 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a globally prevalent malignancy, marked by genetic heterogeneity and intricate tumor microenvironment interactions. In this study, we undertook a detailed single-cell analysis of six active HCC patients, highlighting strong correlations between gene expression levels and cellular characteristics. UMAP clustering revealed seven distinct cell categories with associated gene expressions. A divergence was observed in tumor cells into high and low cuproptosis groups, each associated with distinct pathways: oxidative stress for the high cuproptosis group and inflammatory and angiogenesis pathways for the low group. CellChat analysis on the TCGA-LIHC cohort displayed unique intercellular interactions among hepatocytes, T cells, and other cells, with pathways like COLLAGEN and VEGF being pivotal. Functional enrichment analyses exposed pathways enriched between cuproptosis groups, with KEGG emphasizing diseases like Parkinson's. COX survival analysis identified key prognostic genes, revealing distinct survival rates between risk groups in TCGA and GSE14520 cohorts. Mutation data highlighted missense mutations, with TTN, TP53, and CTNNB1 being the most mutated in HCC. Immune infiltration analysis via CIBERSORTx indicated differences between risk groups in NK cells, neutrophils, and other cells. Our drug sensitivity investigation showed significant correlations between model genes and drug responsiveness, emphasizing the importance of patient risk stratification for therapeutic approaches. Further, ATP6V1G1 was recognized in its role in apoptosis and migration in HCC cells. In conclusion, our findings illuminate the complexities of HCC progression, potential predictive genetic markers for drug response, and the pivotal role of ATP6V1G1, suggesting avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyun Zheng
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Clinical Medical Research Center for Cancer Pathogenic Genes Testing and Diagnosis, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Junyan Chen
- The Third Clinical Department, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuchao Wang
- Center for Medical Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dun Yang
- Department of Pathology, Taoyuan People's Hospital, Changde, Hunan, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Clinical Medical Research Center for Cancer Pathogenic Genes Testing and Diagnosis, Hunan, Changsha, China
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19
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Wang Z, Zhang Y, Shen Y, Zhou H, Gao Y, Zhu C, Qin X. Unlocking hepatocellular carcinoma aggression: STAMBPL1-mediated TRAF2 deubiquitination activates WNT/PI3K/NF-kb signaling pathway. Biol Direct 2024; 19:18. [PMID: 38419066 PMCID: PMC10903047 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-024-00460-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
STAM Binding Protein Like 1 (STAMBPL1), functions as a deubiquitinase (DUB) and plays a significant role in various types of cancers. However, its effect as a DUB participating in the HCC tumorigenesis and progression still unknown. In the study, the upregulation and strong prognosis value of STAMBPL1 were identified in HCC patients. Functionally, STAMBPL1 significantly promoted HCC cells proliferation and metastasis, and it interacts with TRAF2 and stabilize it via the deubiquitination at the K63 residue. The TRAF2 upregulation stabilized by STAMBPL1 overexpression transfers of P65 protein into the nucleus and activates the WNT/PI3K/ NF-kb signaling pathway. The 251-436 sites of STAMBPL1 particularly interact with the 294-496 sites of TRAF2, thereby exerting the function of DUB and removing the ubiquitin molecules attached to TRAF2. Our research unveiled a new function of STAMBPL1 in mediating TRAF2 deubiquitination and stabilization, thereby activating the WNT/PI3K/NF-kb signaling pathway, suggesting its potential as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihuai Wang
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Yinjie Zhang
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Yuhang Shen
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Haiyang Zhou
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Chunfu Zhu
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China.
| | - Xihu Qin
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China.
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20
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Zhu S, Cao S, Che J, Zhao L, Su Z, Li D, Pei R, Xu L, Ding Y, Zhou W. SCARB1-encoded circ _0029343 induces p73 splicing to promote growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via miR-486-5p/SRSF3 axis. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23646. [PMID: 38345168 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23646] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) exhibit essential regulation in the malignant development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to investigate the physiological mechanisms of circ_0029343 encoded by scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SCARB1) involved in the growth and metastasis of HCC. Differentially expressed mRNAs in HCC were obtained, followed by the prediction of target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs and gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis on the differentially expressed mRNAs. Moreover, the regulatory relationship between circRNAs encoded by SCARB1 and differentially expressed miRNAs was predicted. In vitro cell experiments were performed to verify the effects of circ_0029343, miR-486-5p, and SRSF3 on the malignant features of HCC cells using the gain- or loss-of-function experiments. Finally, the effects of circ_0029343 on the growth and metastasis of HCC cells in xenograft mouse models were also explored. It was found that miR-486-5p might interact with seven circRNAs encoded by SCARB1, and its possible downstream target gene was SRSF3. Moreover, SRSF3 was associated with the splicing of various RNA. circ_0029343 could sponge miR-486-5p to up-regulate SRSF3 and activate PDGF-PDGFRB (platelet-derived growth factor and its receptor, receptor beta) signaling pathway by inducing p73 splicing, thus promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibiting apoptosis of HCC cells. In vivo, animal experiments further confirmed that overexpression of circ_0029343 could promote the growth and metastasis of HCC cells in nude mice. circ_0029343 encoded by SCARB1 may induce p73 splicing and activate the PDGF-PDGFRB signaling pathway through the miR-486-5p/SRSF3 axis, thus promoting the growth and metastasis of HCC cells.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Animals
- Mice
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- RNA, Circular/genetics
- RNA, Circular/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Mice, Nude
- Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta/genetics
- Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Scavenger Receptors, Class B/genetics
- Scavenger Receptors, Class B/metabolism
- Serine-Arginine Splicing Factors/genetics
- Serine-Arginine Splicing Factors/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Xuzhou City Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shengya Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xuzhou City Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jinhui Che
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Xuzhou City Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Le Zhao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Xuzhou City Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhan Su
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Xuzhou City Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Deqiang Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Xuzhou City Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ruifeng Pei
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Xuzhou City Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Xuzhou City Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yiren Ding
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Xuzhou City Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wuyuan Zhou
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Xuzhou City Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, China
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Wu S, Zhang X, Bao J, Sun N, Guo W, Wang B, Yang X. Hepatocellular carcinoma‑cavernous hemangioma collision tumor: A case report. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:74. [PMID: 38192672 PMCID: PMC10773184 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14207] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Collision tumors consisting of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cavernous hemangioma (CH) are rare and the clinicopathological characteristics or cause of the tumors remain unclear. The present study reports the case of a 71-year-old male patient who was admitted to Sunshine Union Hospital (Weifang, China) due to a liver mass found during a routine physical examination. computed tomography scans showed a main lesion of ~4.0×4.2×3.5 cm in segment IV of the patient's liver and a nodule of ~2.4×2.2×1.3 cm in the lower-left part of the lesion, which was clearly demarcated from the main lesion. The capsule of the lesion was found to be intact during the operation performed to remove the tumor. The final patient diagnosis was of a HCC-CH collision tumor based on pathology. The patient underwent follow-up for 6 months after surgery and no recurrence was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiheng Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fuyang People's Hospital, Fuyang, Anhui 236000, P.R. China
| | - Xinxing Zhang
- Department of Imaging Center, Sunshine Union Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Jin Bao
- Department of Pathology, Fangzi People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 261200, P.R. China
| | - Naiying Sun
- Department of Pathology, Sunshine Union Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Wenjun Guo
- Department of Pathology, Sunshine Union Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Baogui Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fuyang People's Hospital, Fuyang, Anhui 236000, P.R. China
| | - Xingjie Yang
- Department of Pathology, Sunshine Union Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
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22
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Franco-Juárez EX, González-Villasana V, Camacho-Moll ME, Rendón-Garlant L, Ramírez-Flores PN, Silva-Ramírez B, Peñuelas-Urquides K, Cabello-Ruiz ED, Castorena-Torres F, Bermúdez de León M. Mechanistic Insights about Sorafenib-, Valproic Acid- and Metformin-Induced Cell Death in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1760. [PMID: 38339037 PMCID: PMC10855535 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031760] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the main causes of death by cancer worldwide, representing about 80-90% of all liver cancers. Treatments available for advanced HCC include atezolizumab, bevacizumab, sorafenib, among others. Atezolizumab and bevacizumab are immunological options recently incorporated into first-line treatments, along with sorafenib, for which great treatment achievements have been reached. However, sorafenib resistance is developed in most patients, and therapeutical combinations targeting cancer hallmark mechanisms and intracellular signaling have been proposed. In this review, we compiled evidence of the mechanisms of cell death caused by sorafenib administered alone or in combination with valproic acid and metformin and discussed them from a molecular perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Xchel Franco-Juárez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (V.G.-V.); (L.R.-G.); (E.D.C.-R.)
| | - Vianey González-Villasana
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (V.G.-V.); (L.R.-G.); (E.D.C.-R.)
| | - María Elena Camacho-Moll
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
| | - Luisa Rendón-Garlant
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (V.G.-V.); (L.R.-G.); (E.D.C.-R.)
| | - Patricia Nefertari Ramírez-Flores
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64710, Nuevo Leon, Mexico;
| | - Beatriz Silva-Ramírez
- Departamento de Inmunogenética, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico;
| | - Katia Peñuelas-Urquides
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
| | - Ethel Daniela Cabello-Ruiz
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (V.G.-V.); (L.R.-G.); (E.D.C.-R.)
| | - Fabiola Castorena-Torres
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64710, Nuevo Leon, Mexico;
| | - Mario Bermúdez de León
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
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23
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Mohamed Azar KAH, Ezhilarasan D, Shree Harini K. Coleus vettiveroides ethanolic root extract induces cytotoxicity by intrinsic apoptosis in HepG2 cells. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:245-259. [PMID: 37661188 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4536] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) contributes to more than 80% of all primary cancers globally and ranks fourth in cancer-related deaths, due to the lack of an effective, definite therapeutic drug. Coleus vettiveroides (CV) has been used in Indian traditional medicine to treat diabetes, liver ailments, skin diseases, leukoderma, and leprosy. This study investigates the anticancer effect of CV ethanolic root extract in HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells were treated with CV extract, and its cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT assay. AO/EB staining, propidium iodide staining, DCFH-DA assay, phalloidine staining, flow cytometry, and qPCR studies were performed for ROS expression, apoptosis and cell cycle analysis. The phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of quercetin and galangin in CV root extract. The results showed that CV inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells, with altered cellular and nuclear morphology. CV was also found to increase intracellular ROS levels and oxidative stress markers in HepG2 cells. CV significantly altered the actin microfilament distribution in HepG2 cells and caused cell cycle arrest at the sub G0 -G1 phase. CV also induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, as evidenced by increased expression of p53, Bax, cytochrome C, Apaf-1, PARP, caspase-3 and caspase-9, and downregulated Bcl-2 expression. Therefore, CV exerts its anticancer effect by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, cytoskeletal disorganization, cell cycle arrest, and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, and it could be a potent therapeutic option for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadmad Abdul Hameed Mohamed Azar
- Department of Pharmacology, Koppal Institute of Medical Sciences, Koppal, India
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, India
| | - Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, India
| | - Karthik Shree Harini
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, India
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24
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Li Q, Niu JQ, Jia JH, Xu W, Bai M, Yao GD, Song SJ. A highly oxidized germacranolide from elephantopus tomentosus inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting EGFR in vitro and in vivo. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:107007. [PMID: 38039928 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, with high mortality and poor prognosis. WBDC-1 is a novel highly oxidized germacranolide from the Elephantopus tomentosus in our previous work, which has excellent anti-HCC activity, but the detailed mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we found that WBDC-1 was able to inhibit the proliferation and colony formation of Hep3B and HepG2 cells, as well as the cell migration ability and EMT. In addition, WBDC-1 showed no obvious toxicity to normal liver epithelial cells L-02. The potential targets of WBDC-1 were predicted by network pharmacology, and the following verified experiments showed that WBDC-1 exerted anti-HCC effect by targeting EGFR. Mechanismly, subsequent biological analysis showed that WBDC-1 can inhibit EGFR and its downstream RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Overexpression of EGFR reversed the anticancer properties of WBDC-1. Consistent with in vitro experiments, WBDC-1 was able to inhibit tumor growth and was non-toxic in xenograft tumor models. In summary, this study revealed a potential tumor suppressive mechanism of WBDC-1 and provided a novel strategy for HCC treatment. It also laid a foundation for further research on the anti-tumor effect of highly oxidized germacranolides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine Active Molecule Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Compounds Discovery & Modification, Shenyang, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Jia-Qi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine Active Molecule Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Compounds Discovery & Modification, Shenyang, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Jian-Huan Jia
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine Active Molecule Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Compounds Discovery & Modification, Shenyang, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine Active Molecule Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Compounds Discovery & Modification, Shenyang, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Ming Bai
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine Active Molecule Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Compounds Discovery & Modification, Shenyang, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Guo-Dong Yao
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine Active Molecule Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Compounds Discovery & Modification, Shenyang, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China.
| | - Shao-Jiang Song
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine Active Molecule Research & Development, Liaoning Province, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Bioactive Compounds Discovery & Modification, Shenyang, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
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25
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Wu Y, Chen J, Zhu R, Huang G, Zeng J, Yu H, He Z, Han C. Integrating TCGA and Single-Cell Sequencing Data for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Novel Glycosylation (GLY)/Tumor Microenvironment (TME) Classifier to Predict Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response. Metabolites 2024; 14:51. [PMID: 38248854 PMCID: PMC10818448 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010051] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The major liver cancer subtype is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Studies have indicated that a better prognosis is related to the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in HCC. However, the molecular pathways that drive immune cell variation in the tumor microenvironment (TME) remain poorly understood. Glycosylation (GLY)-related genes have a vital function in the pathogenesis of numerous tumors, including HCC. This study aimed to develop a GLY/TME classifier based on glycosylation-related gene scores and tumor microenvironment scores to provide a novel prognostic model to improve the prediction of clinical outcomes. The reliability of the signatures was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and survival analyses and was verified with external datasets. Furthermore, the correlation between glycosylation-related genes and other cells in the immune environment, the immune signature of the GLY/TME classifier, and the efficacy of immunotherapy were also investigated. The GLY score low/TME score high subgroup showed a favorable prognosis and therapeutic response based on significant differences in immune-related molecules and cancer cell signaling mechanisms. We evaluated the prognostic role of the GLY/TME classifier that demonstrated overall prognostic significance for prognosis and therapeutic response before treatment, which may provide new options for creating the best possible therapeutic approaches for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; (Y.W.); (J.C.); (R.Z.); (G.H.); (J.Z.); (H.Y.)
| | - Jiaru Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; (Y.W.); (J.C.); (R.Z.); (G.H.); (J.Z.); (H.Y.)
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Riting Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; (Y.W.); (J.C.); (R.Z.); (G.H.); (J.Z.); (H.Y.)
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Guoliang Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; (Y.W.); (J.C.); (R.Z.); (G.H.); (J.Z.); (H.Y.)
| | - Jincheng Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; (Y.W.); (J.C.); (R.Z.); (G.H.); (J.Z.); (H.Y.)
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Hongbing Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; (Y.W.); (J.C.); (R.Z.); (G.H.); (J.Z.); (H.Y.)
| | - Zhiwei He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; (Y.W.); (J.C.); (R.Z.); (G.H.); (J.Z.); (H.Y.)
| | - Cuifang Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; (Y.W.); (J.C.); (R.Z.); (G.H.); (J.Z.); (H.Y.)
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26
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Fang W, Liu J, Zhang F, Pang C, Li X. A novel cholesterol metabolism-related ferroptosis pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:7. [PMID: 38191842 PMCID: PMC10774324 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00822-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging studies have reported the contribution of cholesterol to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the specific role and mechanism of cholesterol metabolism on spontaneous and progressive HCC development from the point of view of ferroptosis are still worth exploring. The present study aimed to reveal a novel mechanism of cholesterol metabolism-related ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. METHODS Two microarray datasets (GSE25097, GSE22058) related to HCC were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Metabolomics analysis was performed by ultra performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). The cholesterol-related proteins were downloaded from HMBD. Ferroptosis-related genes were extracted from FerrDb database. Data sets were separated into two groups. GSE25097 was used to identify ferroptosis-related genes, and GSE22058 was used to verify results. During these processes, chemical-protein interaction (CPI), protein-protein interaction (PPI), the Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test the associated pathway. RESULTS We identified 8 differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (HAMP, PTGS2, IL1B, ALOX15B, CDKN2A, RRM2, NQO1 and KIF20A) and 4 differentially expressed cholesterol-related genes (LCAT, CH25H, CEL and CYP7A1). Furthermore, based on the predicted results with STITCH, we identified indomethacin and IL1B as the essential node for cholesterol-mediated ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cell. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the activities of plasma IL1B in liver cancer patients enrolled have been significantly affected by the level of plasma cholesterol (P < 0.001) and the test result of IL1B is a predictor variable causing the changes of serum Fe levels (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings shed new light on the association between cholesterol metabolism and ferroptosis in HCC, and suggest that IL1B is the necessary node for cholesterol to lead to ferroptosis process in HCC. Also, we identified the potential role of indomethacin in adjuvant therapy of HCC with complications of abnormal cholesterol metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Fang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Institute/University, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.17, Nanli Road, Pan Jia Yuan, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jianyong Liu
- Department of Urology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Institute/University/Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1, Dahua Road, Dong Dan, 100730, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Fanguo Zhang
- Excellence Future International Consulting Co, Ltd, Beijing, 101100, China
| | - Cheng Pang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Institute/University/Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1, Dahua Road, Dong Dan, 100730, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiying Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Institute/University, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.17, Nanli Road, Pan Jia Yuan, Beijing, 100021, China.
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27
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Shu F, Shi Y, Shan X, Zha W, Fan R, Xue W. SIAH2-Mediated Degradation of ACSL4 Inhibits the Anti-Tumor Activity of CD8+ T Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr 2024; 34:1-13. [PMID: 38842200 DOI: 10.1615/critreveukaryotgeneexpr.2024051981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
SIAH2 function as an oncogene in various cancer. However, the roles of SIAH2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the roles of SIAH2 in HCC. Immunohistochemistry was used determine SIAH2 and ACSL4 expression in clinical samples. RT-qPCR was used to determine mRNA expression. Western blot assay was applied for determining protein expression. Ubiquitination assay was conducted for determining ubiquitination of ACSL4. Xenograft experiment was applied for determining tumor growth. Flow cytometry was applied to determine the functions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. SIAH2 expression was overexpressed in HCC tumors. High levels of SIAH2 predicted poor outcomes. However, SIAH2 knockdown promoted the proliferation of CD8+ T cells as well as promoted the ferroptosis of tumor cells, inhibiting tumor growth in HCC. ACSL4 is required for CD8+ T cell-mediated ferroptosis of HCC cells. However, SIAH2 induced ubiquitination of ACSL4 and inhibited its expression. SIAH2 specific inhibitor menadione promoted the immune checkpoint blockade. Taken together, SIAH2-mediated inactivation of CD8+ T cells inhibits the ferroptosis of HCC via mediating ubiquitination of ACSL4. Therefore, targeting SIAH2 may be a promising strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzheng Shu
- Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, 226007, Jiangsu, China; Department of General Surgery, Dafeng People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuhua Shi
- Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, No. 75, Juchang Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangxiang Shan
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, No. 166, Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenzhang Zha
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, No. 166, Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rengen Fan
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, No. 166, Yulong West Road, Yancheng, 224000, Jiangsu, China
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28
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Georgescu D, Lighezan DF, Rosca CI, Nistor D, Ancusa OE, Suceava I, Iancu MA, Kundnani NR. NASH/NAFLD-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Added Burden. Life (Basel) 2023; 14:25. [PMID: 38255641 PMCID: PMC10817629 DOI: 10.3390/life14010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequently found primary malignancy of the liver, showing an accelerated upward trend over the past few years and exhibiting an increasing relationship with metabolic syndrome, obesity, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The connection between these risk factors and the occurrence of HCC is represented by the occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which later, based on genetic predisposition and various triggers (including the presence of chronic inflammation and changes in the intestinal microbiome), may evolve into HCC. HCC in many cases is diagnosed at an advanced stage and can be an incidental finding. We present such a scenario in the case of a 41-year-old male patient who had mild obesity and mixed dyslipidemia, no family or personal records of digestive pathologies and who recently developed a history of progressive fatigue, dyspepsia and mild upper abdominal discomfort initially thought to be linked to post-COVID syndrome, as the patient had COVID-19 pneumonia a month prior. The abdominal ultrasound revealed a mild hepatomegaly with bright liver aspect of the right lobe (diffuse steatosis), a large zone of focal steatosis (segments IV, III and II) and a left lobe tumoral mass, highly suggestive of malignancy. Point shear wave elastography at the right lobe ruled out an end-stage chronic liver disease. Additional laboratory investigations, imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging) and histopathological examination of liver fragments confirmed a highly aggressive HCC, with poorly differentiation-G3, (T4, N 1M 0) and stage IVA, associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A sorafenib course of treatment was attempted, but the patient discontinued it due to severe side effects. The subsequent evolution was extremely unfavorable, with rapid degradation, a few episodes of upper digestive bleeding, hepatic insufficiency and mortality in a couple of months. Conclusions: Diagnosis of NASH-related HCC is either an accidental finding or is diagnosed at an advanced stage. In order to earn time for a proper treatment, it becomes important to diagnose it at an early stage, for which regular check-ups should be performed in groups having the risk factors related to it. Patients suffering from obesity and mixed dyslipidemia should undergo periodic abdominal ultrasound examinations. This should be emphasized even more in the cases showing NASH. Complaints of any kind post-COVID-19 should be dealt with keenly as little is yet known about its virulence and its long-term side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doina Georgescu
- Department of Internal Medicine I—Medical Semiotics I, Centre for Advanced Research in Cardiovascular Diseases and Hemostaseology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Daniel Florin Lighezan
- Department of Internal Medicine I—Medical Semiotics I, Centre for Advanced Research in Cardiovascular Diseases and Hemostaseology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Ciprian Ilie Rosca
- Department of Internal Medicine I—Medical Semiotics I, Centre for Advanced Research in Cardiovascular Diseases and Hemostaseology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Daciana Nistor
- Department of Functional Sciences, Physiology, Centre of Imuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies (CIFBIOTEH), “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Centre for Gene and Cellular Therapies in Cancer, 3000723 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Oana Elena Ancusa
- Department of Internal Medicine I—Medical Semiotics I, Centre for Advanced Research in Cardiovascular Diseases and Hemostaseology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Ioana Suceava
- Department of Internal Medicine I—Medical Semiotics I, Centre for Advanced Research in Cardiovascular Diseases and Hemostaseology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Mihaela Adela Iancu
- Department 5, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dionisie Lupu Street, No. 37, Sector 2, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nilima Rajpal Kundnani
- Department of Cardiology—Discipline of Internal Medicine and Ambulatory Care, Prevention and Cardiovascular Recovery, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Research Centre of Timisoara Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
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Liu T, Guo Y, Liao Y, Liu J. Mechanism-guided fine-tuned microbiome potentiates anti-tumor immunity in HCC. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1333864. [PMID: 38169837 PMCID: PMC10758498 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1333864] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbiome, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, plays a crucial role in shaping distal and proximal anti-tumor immunity. Mounting evidence showed that commensal microbiome critically modulates immunophenotyping of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a leading cause of cancer-related death. However, their role in anti-tumor surveillance of HCC is still poorly understood. Herein, we spotlighted growing interests in how the microbiome influences the progression and immunotherapeutic responses of HCC via changing local tumor microenvironment (TME) upon translocating to the sites of HCC through different "cell-type niches". Moreover, we summarized not only the associations but also the deep insight into the mechanisms of how the extrinsic microbiomes interplay with hosts to shape immune surveillance and regulate TME and immunotherapeutic responses. Collectively, we provided a rationale for a mechanism-guided fine-tuned microbiome to be neoadjuvant immunotherapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanxia Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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Jia X, Wang Y, Yang Y, Fu Y, Liu Y. Constructed Risk Prognosis Model Associated with Disulfidptosis lncRNAs in HCC. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17626. [PMID: 38139458 PMCID: PMC10744246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417626] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Disulfidptosis is a novel cell death mode in which the accumulation of disulfide bonds in tumor cells leads to cell disintegration and death. Long-stranded noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) are aberrantly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and have been reported to carry significant potential as a biomarker for HCC prognosis. However, lncRNA studies with disulfidptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma have rarely been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to construct a risk prognostic model based on the disulfidptosis-related lncRNA and investigate the mechanisms associated with disulfidptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. The clinical and transcriptional information of 424 HCC patients was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and divided into test and validation sets. Furthermore, 1668 lncRNAs associated with disulfidptosis were identified using Pearson correlation. Six lncRNA constructs were finally identified for the risk prognostic model using one-way Cox proportional hazards (COX), multifactorial COX, and lasso regression. Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis, principal component analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), C-index, and column-line plot results confirmed that the constructed model was an independent prognostic factor. Based on the disulfidptosis risk score, risk groups were identified as potential predictors of immune cell infiltration, drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy responsiveness. Finally, we confirmed that phospholipase B domain containing 1 antisense RNA 1 (PLBD1-AS1) and muskelin 1 antisense RNA (MKLN1-AS) were highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and might be potential biomarkers in HCC by KM analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). This study demonstrated that lncRNA related to disulfidptosis could serve as a biomarker to predict prognosis and treatment targets for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yijin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, China; (X.J.); (Y.W.); (Y.Y.); (Y.F.)
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31
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Caponigro V, Tornesello AL, Merciai F, La Gioia D, Salviati E, Basilicata MG, Musella S, Izzo F, Megna AS, Buonaguro L, Sommella E, Buonaguro FM, Tornesello ML, Campiglia P. Integrated plasma metabolomics and lipidomics profiling highlights distinctive signature of hepatocellular carcinoma in HCV patients. J Transl Med 2023; 21:918. [PMID: 38110968 PMCID: PMC10729519 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04801-4] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is essential towards the improvement of prognosis and patient survival. Circulating markers such as α-fetoprotein (AFP) and micro-RNAs represent useful tools but still have limitations. Identifying new markers can be fundamental to improve both diagnosis and prognosis. In this approach, we harness the potential of metabolomics and lipidomics to uncover potential signatures of HCC. METHODS A combined untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics plasma profiling of 102 HCV-positive patients was performed by HILIC and RP-UHPLC coupled to Mass Spectrometry. Biochemical parameters of liver function (AST, ALT, GGT) and liver cancer biomarkers (AFP, CA19.9 e CEA) were evaluated by standard assays. RESULTS HCC was characterized by an elevation of short and long-chain acylcarnitines, asymmetric dimethylarginine, methylguanine, isoleucylproline and a global reduction of lysophosphatidylcholines. A supervised PLS-DA model showed that the predictive accuracy for HCC class of metabolomics and lipidomics was superior to AFP for the test set (100.00% and 94.40% vs 55.00%). Additionally, the model was applied to HCC patients with AFP values < 20 ng/mL, and, by using only the top 20 variables selected by VIP scores achieved an Area Under Curve (AUC) performance of 0.94. CONCLUSION These exploratory findings highlight how metabo-lipidomics enables the distinction of HCC from chronic HCV conditions. The identified biomarkers have high diagnostic potential and could represent a viable tool to support and assist in HCC diagnosis, including AFP-negative patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Caponigro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Anna L Tornesello
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Merciai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Danila La Gioia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, SA, Italy
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Emanuela Salviati
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Manuela G Basilicata
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Simona Musella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Francesco Izzo
- Hepatobiliary Surgical Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Angelo S Megna
- Infectious Disease Unit, A.O. San Pio, PO Rummo, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Eduardo Sommella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
| | - Franco M Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria L Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, SA, Italy
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Zhang WQ, Zhang Q, Tan L, Guan ZF, Tian F, Tang HT, He K, Chen WQ. Postoperative adjuvant immunotherapy for high-risk hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1289916. [PMID: 38179173 PMCID: PMC10766105 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1289916] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Standardized approach to postoperative adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. This study endeavors to examine the effects of postoperative PD-1 adjuvant therapy on the short-term and long-term prognosis of patients at a heightened risk of post-surgical recurrence. Methods The data of HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy at our center from June 2018 to March 2023 were collected from the hospital database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to perform a 1:1 match between the postoperative anti-PD-1 antibody group and the postoperative non-anti-PD-1 antibody group. Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to compare the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the two groups. Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify the prognostic factors affecting patient outcomes. Subgroup analyses were performed for different high-risk factors. Results Among the 446 patients included in the study, 122 patients received adjuvant therapy with postoperative anti-PD-1 antibodies. After PSM, the PD-1 group had postoperative 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 4-year OS rates of 93.1%, 86.8%, 78.2%, and 51.1%, respectively, while the non-PD-1 group had rates of 85.3%, 70.2%, 47.7%, and 30.0%. The PD-1 group had postoperative 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 4-year RFS rates of 81.7%, 77.0%, 52.3%, and 23.1%, respectively, whereas the non-PD-1 group had rates of 68.4%, 47.7%, and 25.8% in 1-year, 2-year, 3-year. A multifactorial Cox regression analysis revealed that postoperative PD-1 use was a prognostic protective factor associated with OS and RFS. Subgroup analysis results indicated that HCC patients with high recurrence risks significantly benefited from postoperative anti-PD-1 antibody treatment in terms of OS and RFS. Conclusion For HCC patients with high-risk recurrence factors and undergoing hepatectomy, postoperative adjuvant therapy with anti-PD-1 antibodies can effectively improve their survival prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Zhongshan Hospital, Zhongshan, China
| | - Li Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Zhongshan, China
| | - Zhi-Feng Guan
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Zhongshan, China
| | - Feng Tian
- Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
| | | | - Kun He
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Zhongshan, China
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Mei XC, Chen Q, Zuo S. Transient receptor potential-related risk model predicts prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:2064-2076. [PMID: 38173438 PMCID: PMC10758653 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i12.2064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) protein family shape oncogenic development, but the specific relevance of TRP-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has yet to be defined. AIM To investigate the role of TRP genes in HCC, their association with HCC development and treatment was examined. METHODS HCC patient gene expression and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression models were employed to explore the TRP-related risk spectrum. Based on these analyses, clinically relevant TRP family genes were selected, and the association between the key TRP canonical type 1 (TRPC1) gene and HCC patient prognosis was evaluated. RESULTS In total, 28 TRP family genes were screened for clinical relevance, with multivariate analyses ultimately revealing three of these genes (TRPC1, TRP cation channel subfamily M member 2, and TRP cation channel subfamily M member 6) to be significantly associated with HCC patient prognosis (P < 0.05). These genes were utilized to establish a TRP-related risk model. Patients were separated into low- and high-risk groups based on the expression of these genes, and high-risk patients exhibited a significantly poorer prognosis (P = 0.001). Functional analyses highlighted pronounced differences in the immune status of patients in these two groups and associated enriched immune pathways. TRPC1 was identified as a candidate gene in this family worthy of further study, with HCC patients expressing higher TRPC1 levels exhibiting poorer survival outcomes. Consistently, quantitative, immunohistochemistry, and western blot analyses revealed increased TRPC1 expression in HCC. CONCLUSION These three TRP genes help determine HCC patient prognosis, providing insight into tumor immune status and immunological composition. These findings will help design combination therapies including immunotherapeutic and anti-TRP agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Cai Mei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Shi Zuo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou Province, China
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Sheng M, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Liu W, Wang X, Ke T, Liu P, Wang S, Shao W. Decoding the role of aberrant RNA alternative splicing in hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive review. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17691-17708. [PMID: 37898981 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05474-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
During eukaryotic gene expression, alternative splicing of messenger RNA precursors is critical in increasing protein diversity and regulatory complexity. Multiple transcript isoforms could be produced by alternative splicing from a single gene; they could eventually be translated into protein isoforms with deleted, added, or altered domains or produce transcripts containing premature termination codons that could be targeted by nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Alternative splicing can generate proteins with similar, different, or even opposite functions. Increasingly strong evidence indicates that abnormal RNA splicing is a prevalent and crucial occurrence in cellular differentiation, tissue advancement, and the development and progression of cancer. Aberrant alternative splicing could affect cancer cell activities such as growth, apoptosis, invasiveness, drug resistance, angiogenesis, and metabolism. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of abnormal RNA alternative splicing on the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfei Sheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yaoyun Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Weiyi Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xingyu Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tiaoying Ke
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Pingyang Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sihan Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Wei Shao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Ying H, Zhang B, Cao G, Wang Y, Zhang X. Role for ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) in the treatment and the immune response to hepatocellular carcinoma: potential mechanisms. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:3016-3033. [PMID: 38130306 PMCID: PMC10731377 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Background Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) is a deubiquitinating enzyme that can affect or regulate a variety of cellular activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate therapeutic and immunologic effects of USP7 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and as well to evaluate potential mechanisms of action. Methods USP7-related gene expression and clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) dataset, and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. Pathways associated with USP7 were determined by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The relationships among USP7, immunity, and drug therapy were also investigated and potential mechanisms of action were explored. Results TCGA database results demonstrated USP7 mRNA expression levels to be upregulated in HCC tissues. Results were validated with UALCAN, ICGC, and GSE10143 datasets, as well as immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiments and were consistent with TCGA database findings (all P<0.05). GSEA analysis demonstrated increased USP7 levels to be associated with CHEMOKINE, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), P53, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and wingless (WNT) signaling pathways. Based on immune correlation analysis, USP7 was dramatically associated with immune cells and immune checkpoint molecules. In terms of drug therapy, USP7 expression levels were significantly related to HCC sensitivity to ciclosporin, talazoparib, dabrafenib, trametinib, paclitaxel, sorafenib, bortezomib, sunitinib, and crizotinib. Based on these results, we mechanistically propose an association between USP7 and these four drug targets: B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine protein kinase (BRAF), mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK), DNA topoisomerase I (TOPOI), and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). Conclusions USP7 plays a therapeutic and immunological role in HCC. The four drug targets BRAF, MEK, TOPOI, and PARP are implicated in the USP7 mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Ying
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xuancheng People’s Hospital, Xuancheng, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Guilian Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yunan Wang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Piratvisuth T, Hou J, Tanwandee T, Berg T, Vogel A, Trojan J, De Toni EN, Kudo M, Eiblmaier A, Klein HG, Hegel JK, Madin K, Kroeniger K, Sharma A, Chan HLY. Development and clinical validation of a novel algorithmic score (GAAD) for detecting HCC in prospective cohort studies. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0317. [PMID: 37938100 PMCID: PMC10635602 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-gamma carboxyprothrombin (DCP), also known as protein induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II [DCP]) are biomarkers for HCC with limited diagnostic value when used in isolation. The novel GAAD algorithm is an in vitro diagnostic combining PIVKA-II (DCP) and AFP measurements, age, and gender (biological sex) to generate a semi-quantitative result. We conducted prospective studies to develop, implement, and clinically validate the GAAD algorithm for differentiating HCC (early and all-stage) and benign chronic liver disease (CLD), across disease stages and etiologies. METHODS Patients aged ≥18 years with HCC or CLD were prospectively enrolled internationally into algorithm development [n = 1084; 309 HCC cases (40.7% early-stage) and 736 controls] and clinical validation studies [n = 877; 366 HCC cases (47.6% early-stage) and 303 controls]. Serum samples were analyzed on a cobas® e 601 analyzer. Performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses to calculate AUC. RESULTS For algorithm development, AUC for differentiation between early-stage HCC and CLD was 90.7%, 84.4%, and 77.2% for GAAD, AFP, and PIVKA-II, respectively. The sensitivity of GAAD for the detection of early-stage HCC was 71.8% with 90.0% specificity. Similar results were shown in the clinical validation study; AUC for differentiation between early-stage HCC and CLD was 91.4% with 70.1% sensitivity and 93.7% specificity. GAAD also showed strong specificity, with a lower rate of false positives regardless of disease stage, etiology, or region. CONCLUSIONS The GAAD algorithm significantly improves early-stage HCC detection for patients with CLD undergoing HCC surveillance. Further phase III and IV studies are warranted to assess the utility of incorporating the algorithm into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teerha Piratvisuth
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
| | - Jinlin Hou
- Institute of Hepatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tawesak Tanwandee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thomas Berg
- Department of Medicine, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Hanover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jörg Trojan
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Medical Clinic 1, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Enrico N De Toni
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Anja Eiblmaier
- Laboratory Services, Microcoat Biotechnologie GmbH, Bernried, Germany
| | - Hanns-Georg Klein
- Center of Human Genetics and Laboratory Diagnostics, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Kolja Hegel
- Studies, Collaborations, and Innovation Management, Labor Berlin Charité Vivantes Services GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Ashish Sharma
- Clinical Development & Medical Affairs, Roche Diagnostics International AG, Rotkreuz, Switzerland
| | - Henry L Y Chan
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Chen Y, Xu H, Tang H, Li H, Zhang C, Jin S, Bai D. miR-9-5p expression is associated with vascular invasion and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma, and in vitro verification. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14657-14671. [PMID: 37584711 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05257-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common liver malignancy. Early vascular invasion (VI) has been associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a significant role in the emergence and development of many tumor types. METHODS Differential expression analysis of miRNAs related to VI was performed based on data from the TCGA database, and survival-associated miRNAs identified. We identified miR-9-5p as a survival-related miRNA and verified its expression in 61 clinical samples using quantitative real-time PCR. We further performed functional enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction analysis, univariate and multivariate analysis of the survival-related miRNAs, and cell function assays. RESULTS In this study, we identified miR-9-5p that could predict VI and prognosis in HCC patients. Cellular experiments demonstrated that downregulation of miR‑9‑5p inhibits migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of HCC cells. Further, we explored and verified the possible mechanism through which miR-9-5p is involved in HCC progression. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that miR-9-5p was an independent risk factor for HCC. Finally, the nomogram based on miR-9-5p showed a good predictive value of HCC survival. CONCLUSIONS MiR-9-5p is associated with VI in HCC, and higher expression of miR-9-5p indicates poor prognosis in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Chen
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- General Surgery Department of Siyang Hospital, Suqian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Tang
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongyuan Li
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengjie Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dousheng Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Shi H, Zou Y, Zhong W, Li Z, Wang X, Yin Y, Li D, Liu Y, Li M. Complex roles of Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15311-15322. [PMID: 37608027 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05272-2] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Hippo signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling module that controls organ size in different species, and the disorder of the Hippo pathway can induce liver cancer in organisms, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The exact mechanism that causes cancer is still unknown. Recent studies have shown that it is a classical kinase cascade that phosphorylates the Mst1/2-sav1 complex and activates the phosphorylation of the Lats1/2-mob1A/B complex for inactivating Yap and Taz. These kinases and scaffolds are regarded as primary regulators of the Hippo pathway, and help in activating a variety of carcinogenic processes. Among them, Yap/Taz is seen to be the main effector molecule, which is downstream of the Hippo pathway, and its abnormal activation is related to a variety of human cancers including liver cancer. Currently, since Yap/Taz plays a variety of roles in cancer promotion and tumor regeneration, the Hippo pathway has emerged as an attractive target in recent drug development research. METHODS We collect and review relevant literature in web of Science and Pubmed. CONCLUSION This review highlights the important roles of Yap/Taz in activating Hippo pathway in liver cancer. The recent findings on the crosstalks between the Hippo and other cancer associated pathways and moleculars are also discussed. In this review, we summarized and discussed recent breakthroughs in our understanding of how key components of the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway influence the hepatocellular carcinoma, including their effects on tumor occurrence and development, their roles in regulating metastasis, and their function in chemotherapy resistance. Further, the molecular mechanism and roles in regulating cross talk between Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway and other cancer-associated pathways or oncogenes/cancer suppressor genes were summarized and discussed. More, many other inducers and inhibitors of this signaling cascade and available experimental therapies against the YAP/TAZ/TEAD axis were discussed. Targeting this pathway for cancer therapy may have great significance in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Graphical summary of the complex role of Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hewen Shi
- Featured Laboratory for Biosynthesis and Target Discovery of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zou
- Featured Laboratory for Biosynthesis and Target Discovery of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Zhong
- Featured Laboratory for Biosynthesis and Target Discovery of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoying Li
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Center, Shandong Public Health Clinical Center, Jinan, 250102, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxue Wang
- Featured Laboratory for Biosynthesis and Target Discovery of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yancun Yin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Defang Li
- Featured Laboratory for Biosynthesis and Target Discovery of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Liu
- Featured Laboratory for Biosynthesis and Target Discovery of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Minjing Li
- Featured Laboratory for Biosynthesis and Target Discovery of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Du B, Yu R, Geng X, Li Y, Liu Y, Liu S, Li F, Yu Q, Guo Y, Xi X. The function of MSP-activated γδT cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110893. [PMID: 37669598 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapeutic strategies targeting γδT cells are now recognized as a promising treatment method for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To date, no specific antigen or antigenic epitope recognized by γδT cells has been identified, limiting their application in the field of HCC treatment. Previously, we used an established screening strategy to identify a novel HCC protein antigen recognized by γδT cells called MSP. In this study, we explored the function of MSP activated-γδT cells in HCC. Results demonstrated that the proportions of γδT cells in the peripheral blood of HCC patients and the level of IFN-γ in the serum were higher than in healthy controls. We also determined that γδT cells can bind MSP protein. MSP-activated γδT cells were shown to contain a specific CDR3δ2 sequence that supports the recognition of MSP by γδT cells. We determined that MSP is highly expressed in HCC, MSP-activated γδT cells in the peripheral blood of HCC patients express co-stimulatory molecules, and MSP-activated γδT cells directly killed HCC cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the novel protein ligand MSP activated γδT cells, leading to the killing of HCC cells through direct and indirect mechanisms. These findings could provide a potential new target for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of HCC and a foundation for clinical treatment strategies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyu Du
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China; Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China; Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Ruihong Yu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Xiaoqing Geng
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yulin Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yirui Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Shuaitong Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Fangzhou Li
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - QingQing Yu
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yang Guo
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China.
| | - Xueyan Xi
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China; Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, PR China.
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Lu H, Liang B, Xia X, Zheng C. Efficacy and safety analysis of TACE + Donafenib + Toripalimab versus TACE + Sorafenib in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1033. [PMID: 37880661 PMCID: PMC10599044 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11535-5] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety of TACE combined with Donafenib and Toripalimab versus TACE combined with Sorafenib in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), aiming to guide personalized treatment strategies for HCC and improve patient prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 169 patients with unresectable advanced-stage HCC who underwent treatment at the Interventional Department of Wuhan Union Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022. Based on the patients' treatment strategies, they were divided into two groups: TACE + Donafenib + Toripalimab group (N = 81) and TACE + Sorafenib group (N = 88). The primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) of the two groups' tumors. The secondary endpoint was the occurrence of treatment-related adverse events in the two groups of patients. RESULTS The TACE + Donafenib + Toripalimab group showed higher ORR and DCR compared to the TACE + Sorafenib group (66.7% vs. 38.6%, 82.6% vs. 68.2%, P < 0.05). The TACE + Donafenib + Toripalimab group also demonstrated longer median progression-free survival (mPFS) (10.9 months vs. 7.0 months, P < 0.001) and median overall survival (mOS) (19.6 months vs. 10.9 months, P < 0.001) compared to the TACE + Sorafenib group. When comparing the two groups, the TACE + Sorafenib group had a higher incidence of grade 3-4 hypertension (14.8% vs. 4.9%, P = 0.041), higher incidence of diarrhea (all grades) (18.2% vs. 7.4%, P = 0.042), and higher incidence of hand-foot syndrome (all grades) (26.1% vs. 12.3%, P = 0.032). CONCLUSION TACE combined with Donafenib and Toripalimab demonstrates superior efficacy and safety in treating unresectable HCC patients. This combination therapy may serve as a feasible option to improve the prognosis of unresectable HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohao Lu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Bin Liang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiangwen Xia
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chuansheng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue #1277, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Yang Y, Du N, Ma J, Peng Z, Zhou B, Yu J, Zhou X, Zhang W, Yan Z. Efficacy and Safety of Transarterial Chemoembolization with a Three-Stage Mixed Chemoembolic Regimen for Large Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1897-1910. [PMID: 37904836 PMCID: PMC10613419 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s433409] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to assess the treatment response, survival outcomes, and safety of a novel transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) technique with a three-stage mixed chemoembolic regimen (M-TACE) in patients with large unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) measuring more than 5 cm in maximum diameter. Methods Between January 2017 and March 2023, a total of 82 patients were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Treatment response was assessed in the first month after M-TACE; progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. The prognostic factors associated with patient survival were statistically analyzed by the Cox regression model. Adverse events were recorded. Results The maximum diameter of the tumors ranged from 5.3 cm to 20.0 cm (mean 10.71 cm). The objective response (OR) and disease control rates were 74.4 and 92.7%, respectively, at 1-month follow-up. The median survival time was 22 months (95% CI, 13.10-30.90 months). The OS rates were 82.0% at six months, 62.5% at one year, and 43.0% at two years. Targeted therapy and/or immunotherapy (P=0.001) and tumor response at one month (P=0.020) were protective factors for OS. In terms of safety, no major complications occurred and the only observed decrease within the normal range occurred in albumin and platelet levels one month after the embolization procedure. This decrease in levels did not show a significant relationship with the OR rates. Conclusion M-TACE demonstrated a promising objective tumor response, making it a viable and effective treatment option for patients with large unresectable HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Yang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nan Du
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingqin Ma
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhijie Peng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaze Yu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiping Yan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Coffman-D’Annibale K, Xie C, Hrones DM, Ghabra S, Greten TF, Monge C. The current landscape of therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma. Carcinogenesis 2023; 44:537-548. [PMID: 37428789 PMCID: PMC10588973 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgad052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, primary liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with approximately 830 000 deaths worldwide in 2020, accounting for 8.3% of total deaths from all cancer types (1). This disease disproportionately affects those in countries with low or medium Human Development Index scores in Eastern Asia, South-Eastern Asia, and Northern and Western Africa (2). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, often develops in the background of chronic liver disease, caused by hepatitis B or C virus, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), or other diseases that cause cirrhosis. Prognosis can vary dramatically based on number, size, and location of tumors. Hepatic synthetic dysfunction and performance status (PS) also impact survival. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system best accounts for these variations, providing a reliable prognostic stratification. Therapeutic considerations of this complex disease necessitate a multidisciplinary approach and can range from curative-intent surgical resection, liver transplantation or image-guided ablation to more complex liver-directed therapies like transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and systemic therapy. Recent advances in the understanding of the tumor biology and microenvironment have brought new advances and approvals for systemic therapeutic agents, often utilizing immunotherapy or VEGF-targeted agents to modulate the immune response. This review will discuss the current landscape in the treatments available for early, intermediate, and advanced stage HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley Coffman-D’Annibale
- National Cancer Institute, Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Changqing Xie
- National Cancer Institute, Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Donna M Hrones
- National Cancer Institute, Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shadin Ghabra
- National Cancer Institute, Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- National Cancer Institute, Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Cancer Institute, NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cecilia Monge
- National Cancer Institute, Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Gu W, Yang Y, Liu J, Xue J, Zhao H, Mao L, Zhao S. Tumor-derived exosomes promote macrophages M2 polarization through miR-1-3p and regulate the progression of liver cancer. Mol Immunol 2023; 162:64-73. [PMID: 37657187 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.08.006] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic carcinoma is one of the most life-threatening malignancies in the world. In the clinic, it is urgent to establish a clear mechanism of hepatic carcinoma development as the basis for intervention and treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore the regulatory effect of tumor-derived exosomes on the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-1-3p. CCk-8 and EdU staining were used to detect the proliferation and activity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells under different conditions. Transwell assay was used to detect migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The morphology and size of exosomes were detected by transmission electron microscope and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Western blot was used to detect the expression of markers of exosomes. Immunofluorescence staining was used to explore the location of exosomes in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.The results showed that the expression of miR-1-3p was significantly reduced in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and the exosomes transfected with miR-1-3p could enter macrophages and express miR-1-3p in large quantities. Macrophages polarized to M2 type under the action of miR-1-3p. Polarized M2 macrophages further down-regulated the proliferation, migration and invasion of Huh-7 cells.In summary, miR-1-3p can enter macrophages through exosomes and affect their polarization, thus affecting the growth of hepatic carcinoma cells. miR-1-3p may be a potentially effective target for regulating liver cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Gu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No.20 Xisi Road, Chongchuan District, 226001 Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Trauma Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No.20 Xisi Road, Chongchuan District, 226001 Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiajia Liu
- Department of Trauma Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No.20 Xisi Road, Chongchuan District, 226001 Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jianhua Xue
- Department of Trauma Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No.20 Xisi Road, Chongchuan District, 226001 Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No.20 Xisi Road, Chongchuan District, 226001 Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lingyun Mao
- Department of General Practice, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong University, No.60 Youth Middle Road, Chongchuan District, 226001 Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Suming Zhao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No.20 Xisi Road, Chongchuan District, 226001 Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Colak C, Kucukakcali Z, Akbulut S. Artificial intelligence-based prediction of molecular and genetic markers for hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:4674-4682. [PMID: 37811067 PMCID: PMC10553079 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001210] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main cause of mortality from cancer globally. This paper intends to classify public gene expression data of patients with Hepatitis C virus-related HCC (HCV+HCC) and chronic HCV without HCC (HCV alone) through the XGboost approach and to identify key genes that may be responsible for HCC. Methods The current research is a retrospective case-control study. Public data from 17 patients with HCV+HCC and 35 patients with HCV-alone samples were used in this study. An XGboost model was established for the classification by 10-fold cross-validation. Accuracy (AC), balanced accuracy (BAC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and F1 score were utilized for performance assessment. Results AC, BAC, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and F1 scores from the XGboost model were 98.1, 97.1, 100, 94.1, 97.2, 100, and 98.6%, respectively. According to the variable importance values from the XGboost, the HAO2, TOMM20, GPC3, and PSMB4 genes can be considered potential biomarkers for HCV-related HCC. Conclusion A machine learning-based prediction method discovered genes that potentially serve as biomarkers for HCV-related HCC. After clinical confirmation of the acquired genes in the following medical study, their therapeutic use can be established. Additionally, more detailed clinical works are needed to substantiate the significant conclusions in the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cemil Colak
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics
| | | | - Sami Akbulut
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics
- Department of Surgery, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
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Fu S, Deger T, Boers RG, Boers JB, Doukas M, Gribnau J, Wilting SM, Debes JD, Boonstra A. Hypermethylation of DNA Methylation Markers in Non-Cirrhotic Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4784. [PMID: 37835478 PMCID: PMC10571582 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194784] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation changes have been reported to be associated with carcinogenesis in cirrhotic HCC, but DNA methylation patterns for these non-cirrhotic HCC cases were not examined. Therefore, we sought to investigate DNA methylation changes on non-cirrhotic HCC using reported promising DNA methylation markers (DMMs), including HOXA1, CLEC11A, AK055957, and TSPYL5, on 146 liver tissues using quantitative methylation-specific PCR and methylated DNA sequencing. We observed a high frequency of aberrant methylation changes in the four DMMs through both techniques in non-cirrhotic HCC compared to cirrhosis, hepatitis, and benign lesions (p < 0.05), suggesting that hypermethylation of these DMMs is specific to non-cirrhotic HCC development. Also, the combination of the four DMMs exhibited 78% sensitivity at 80% specificity with an AUC of 0.85 in discriminating non-cirrhotic HCC from hepatitis and benign lesions. In addition, HOXA1 showed a higher aberrant methylation percentage in non-cirrhotic HCC compared to cirrhotic HCC (43.3% versus 13.3%, p = 0.039), which was confirmed using multivariate linear regression (p < 0.05). In summary, we identified aberrant hypermethylation changes in HOXA1, CLEC11A, AK055957, and TSPYL5 in non-cirrhotic HCC tissues compared to cirrhosis, hepatitis, and benign lesions, providing information that could be used as potentially detectable biomarkers for these unusual HCC cases in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (S.F.); (J.D.D.)
| | - Teoman Deger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (S.M.W.)
| | - Ruben G. Boers
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (R.G.B.); (J.G.)
| | - Joachim B. Boers
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (R.G.B.); (J.G.)
| | - Michael Doukas
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Gribnau
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (R.G.B.); (J.G.)
| | - Saskia M. Wilting
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands (S.M.W.)
| | - José D. Debes
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (S.F.); (J.D.D.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (S.F.); (J.D.D.)
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Zhang S, Li X, Zheng Y, Liu J, Hu H, Zhang S, Kuang W. Single cell and bulk transcriptome analysis identified oxidative stress response-related features of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1191074. [PMID: 37842089 PMCID: PMC10568628 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1191074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a common lethal digestive system tumor. The oxidative stress mechanism is crucial in the HCC genesis and progression. Methods: Our study analyzed single-cell and bulk sequencing data to compare the microenvironment of non-tumor liver tissues and HCC tissues. Through these analyses, we aimed to investigate the effect of oxidative stress on cells in the HCC microenvironment and identify critical oxidative stress response-related genes that impact the survival of HCC patients. Results: Our results showed increased oxidative stress in HCC tissue compared to non-tumor tissue. Immune cells in the HCC microenvironment exhibited higher oxidative detoxification capacity, and oxidative stress-induced cell death of dendritic cells was attenuated. HCC cells demonstrated enhanced communication with immune cells through the MIF pathway in a highly oxidative hepatoma microenvironment. Meanwhile, using machine learning and Cox regression screening, we identified PRDX1 as a predictor of early occurrence and prognosis in patients with HCC. The expression level of PRDX1 in HCC was related to dysregulated ribosome biogenesis and positively correlated with the expression of immunological checkpoints (PDCD1LG2, CTLA4, TIGIT, LAIR1). High PRDX1 expression in HCC patients correlated with better sensitivity to immunotherapy agents such as sorafenib, IGF-1R inhibitor, and JAK inhibitor. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study unveiled variations in oxidative stress levels between non-tumor liver and HCC tissues. And we identified oxidative stress gene markers associated with hepatocarcinogenesis development, offering novel insights into the oxidative stress response mechanism in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqiao Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yilu Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiahui Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Hu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shijun Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weihong Kuang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Dongguan Key Laboratory of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, School of Pharmacy, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
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Nenu I, Toadere TM, Topor I, Țichindeleanu A, Bondor DA, Trella ȘE, Sparchez Z, Filip GA. Interleukin-6 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Dualistic Point of View. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2623. [PMID: 37892997 PMCID: PMC10603956 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a pressing health concern, demanding a deep understanding of various mediators' roles in its development for therapeutic progress. Notably, interleukin-6 (IL-6) has taken center stage in investigations due to its intricate and context-dependent functions. This review delves into the dual nature of IL-6 in HCC, exploring its seemingly contradictory roles as both a promoter and an inhibitor of disease progression. We dissect the pro-tumorigenic effects of IL-6, including its impact on tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Concurrently, we examine its anti-tumorigenic attributes, such as its role in immune response activation, cellular senescence induction, and tumor surveillance. Through a comprehensive exploration of the intricate interactions between IL-6 and the tumor microenvironment, this review highlights the need for a nuanced comprehension of IL-6 signaling in HCC. It underscores the importance of tailored therapeutic strategies that consider the dynamic stages and diverse surroundings within the tumor microenvironment. Future research directions aimed at unraveling the multifaceted mechanisms of IL-6 in HCC hold promise for developing more effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliana Nenu
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Gastroenterology, "Prof. Dr. O. Fodor" Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Teodora Maria Toadere
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Topor
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andra Țichindeleanu
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniela Andreea Bondor
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Șerban Ellias Trella
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Zeno Sparchez
- Department of Gastroenterology, "Prof. Dr. O. Fodor" Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriela Adriana Filip
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Zhao L, Zang Q, Liang G, Yao X. LncRNA CECR7 boosts hepatocellular carcinoma progression by recruiting RNA binding protein U2AF2 to enhance the stability of EXO1 mRNA. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19862. [PMID: 37809785 PMCID: PMC10559240 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19862] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective As an important factor tumor regulator,long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have aroused extensive attention via the diverse functional mechanisms that were associated with the pathological and physiological processes of HCC. Here, the main purpose of this study was to provide a clear understanding about the expression, functions and potential mechanism of lncRNA CECR7 (Cat Eye Syndrome Chromosome Region, Candidate 7) in HCC. Methods RT-qPCR analysis and TCGA database analysis were applied to investigate the expression of CECR7 in HCC cell lines and tissues. Chi-squared Test was employed to explore the correlation between CECR7 expression and HCC clinicopathological features. Besides, Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to test the effects of CECR7 expression on the prognosis of HCC patients. Transwell assays, MTT assay EdU assay and animal experiments were applied to explore the effects of CECR7 expression on HCC cells migration, invasion, and growth. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis, luciferase reporter assay and mRNA decay rates assessment were utilized to investigate the mechanism whereby CECR7 regulated EXO1 mRNA. And, rescue experiments were used to determine whether EXO1 was an essential mediator for CECR7 to accelerate HCC cells migration, invasion, and growth. Results CECR7 was determined to be significantly overexpressed in HCC cell lines and tissues. CECR7 expression was closely correlated with the tumor size, venous infiltration, TNM stage, 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival of HCC. And, CECR7 played a catalytic role in HCC cells migration, invasion, and growth. Furthermore, CECR7 enhanced the stability of EXO1 mRNA by recruiting RNA binding protein U2AF2. And, EXO1 was determined to be an essential mediator for CECR7 to accelerate HCC cells migration, invasion, and growth. Conclusion In a word, our findings demonstrates that the cancer-promoting gene lncRNA CECR7 motivates HCC metastasis and growth through enhanced mRNA stability of EXO1 mediated by U2AF2, proposing a new insight for targeted therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Gansu Gem Flower Hospital, Lanzhou 730060, Gansu, China
| | - Qing Zang
- Department of Emergency, Gansu Gem Flower Hospital, Lanzhou 730060, Gansu, China
| | - Guodong Liang
- Department of Emergency, Gansu Gem Flower Hospital, Lanzhou 730060, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaobin Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Gansu Gem Flower Hospital, Lanzhou 730060, Gansu, China
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Sariyar E, Firtina Karagonlar Z. Modelling the Sorafenib-resistant Liver Cancer Microenvironment by Using 3-D Spheroids. Altern Lab Anim 2023; 51:301-312. [PMID: 37555318 DOI: 10.1177/02611929231193421] [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: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer, and it usually occurs in the setting of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. For patients with advanced HCC, systemic treatment is the first choice - however, resistance occurs frequently. Sorafenib was the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for advanced HCC, and resistance to the therapy is a serious concern. When sorafenib therapy fails in a patient, it can be challenging to decide whether they can undergo a second-line therapy, and to determine which therapy they will be able to tolerate. Thus, physiologically relevant in vitro preclinical models are crucial for screening potential therapies, and 3-D tumour spheroids permit studies of tumour pathobiology. In this study, a drug-resistant 3-D tumour spheroid model was developed, based on sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells, LX2 stellate cells and THP-1 monocytes. Model tumour spheroids that were formed with the sorafenib-resistant cells demonstrated lower diffusion of doxorubicin and exhibited increased resistance to regorafenib. Moreover, in the sorafenib-resistant spheroids, there was increased presence of CD68-positive cells and a reduction in inflammatory marker secretion. The sorafenib-resistant cell line-derived spheroids also showed a higher expression of FGF-19, PDGF-AA and GDF-15, which are known to be involved in malignancies. This multi-cell type spheroid model represents a potentially useful system to test drug candidates in a microenvironment that mimics the drug-resistant tumour microenvironment in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Sariyar
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, İzmir University of Economics, Izmir, Turkey
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50
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Kong P, Yang H, Tong Q, Dong X, Yi MA, Yan D. Expression of tumor-associated macrophages and PD-L1 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and construction of a prognostic model. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:10685-10700. [PMID: 37306737 PMCID: PMC10423131 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04949-y] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an inflammation-associated tumor involved in immune tolerance and evasion in the immune microenvironment. Immunotherapy can enhance the immune response of the body, break immune tolerance, and then recognize and kill tumor cells. The polarization homeostasis of M1 and M2 macrophages in tumor microenvironment (TME) is involved in the occurrence and development of tumors and has been considered a hot topic in tumor research. Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays an important role in the polarity of TAM and affects the prognosis of HCC patients as a target of immunotherapy. To this end, efforts were hereby made to further explore the application value of PD-L1, M1 macrophages (CD86), and M2 macrophages (CD206) in the prognosis assessment of HCC, their correlation with immune cell infiltration in HCC tissues, and their bioenrichment function. METHODS The gene expression omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were used to analyze the expression of PD-L1, CD86, and CD206 in different tumor tissues. The correlation between the expression of PD-L1, CD86, and CD206 and the infiltration of immune cells was analyzed using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER). The tissue specimens and clinicopathological data of hepatocellular carcinoma patients having undergone surgical treatment in our hospital were collected. Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the expression of PD-L1, CD86, and CD206, and analyze the relationship with clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients. Besides, nomogram was constructed to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients at 3 and 5 years. Finally, the protein-protein interaction network information was analyzed using STRING database, and GO analysis and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis were performed to study the biological functions of PD-L1, CD86, and CD206. RESULT Bioinformatics analysis found that PD-L1, CD86, and CD206 were underexpressed in various tumor tissues including liver cancer, while the present immunohistochemical detection found that PD-L1, CD86, and CD206 were overexpressed in liver cancer tissues. Expressions of PD-L1, CD86, and CD206 were positively correlated with the infiltration level of immune cells in liver cancer, while the expression of PD-L1 was positively correlated with the degree of tumor differentiation. Meanwhile, the expression level of CD206 was positively correlated with gender and preoperative hepatitis, and patients with high expression of PD-L1 or low expression of CD86 had poor prognosis. AJCC stage, preoperative hepatitis, and the expression levels of PD-L1 and CD86 in cancer tissues were independent risk factors affecting survival of patients after radical hepatoma surgery. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that PD-L1 was significantly enriched in T cell aggregation and lymphocyte aggregation, and might be involved in the formation of T cell antigen receptor CD3 complex and cell membrane. Besides, CD86 was significantly enriched in positive regulation of cell adhesion, regulation of mononuclear cell proliferation, regulation of leukocyte proliferation, and transduction of T cell receptor signaling pathway, while CD206 was significantly enriched in type 2 immune response, cellular response to LPS, cellular response to LPS, and involvement in cellular response to LPS. CONCLUSION In conclusion, these results suggest that PD-L1, CD86, and CD206 may be involved not only in the occurrence and development of HCC, but also in immune regulation, indicating the potential role of PD-L1 and CD86 as potential biomarkers and new therapeutic targets for prognosis assessment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Kong
- The First Ward of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830001, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Yang
- The First Ward of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830001, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Tong
- The First Ward of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaogang Dong
- The First Ward of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830001, People's Republic of China
| | - Mamumaimaitijiang-Abula Yi
- The First Ward of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830001, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Yan
- The First Ward of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830001, People's Republic of China.
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