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Lin PT, Teng W, Jeng WJ, Lin CC, Lin CY, Lin SM, Sheen IS. Subsequent locoregional therapy prolongs survival in progressive hepatocellular carcinoma patients under lenvatinib treatment. J Formos Med Assoc 2024; 123:788-795. [PMID: 38310071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.01.031] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Locoregional therapy and multi-kinase inhibitor agent have been the backbone of treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the effect of combination or sequential use of locoregional therapy on HCC patients receiving multi-kinase inhibitor remain uncertain. Therefore, we aim to explore whether the subsequent locoregional therapy provides better survival in HCC patients under lenvatinib treatment. METHODS From March 2018 to April 2020, a total of 78 unresectable HCC patients receiving lenvatinib were recruited. Image response was evaluated by dynamic image using the modified RECIST criteria. Among patients with tumor progression under lenvatinib treatment, whether receiving subsequent locoregional therapy or not were documented. Overall survival between two groups and the predictors for tumor progression were also analyzed. RESULTS Among the 78 patients receiving lenvatinib, the median age was 67.8 years old, and 69.2 % were male. Forty-four patients (56.4 %) experienced tumor progression with time to progression 5.1 months (95 % confidence interval (CI): 4.7-6.8) months. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade II (adjusted HR: 2.883, P = 0.0104), and treatment duration less than three months (adjusted HR: 3.801, P = 0.0014) were the independent predictive factors for tumor progression, while patients achieving objective response under lenvatinib treatment within 12 weeks was the independent protective factor for tumor progression (adjusted HR: 0.144, P = 0.0020). Among the 44 patients with tumor progression, twenty-six (59.1 %) patients received subsequent locoregional therapy after tumor progression. Comparing to those with tumor progression without locoregional treatment, patients who received subsequent locoregional therapy had significantly better survival (1st year cumulative survival rate 70 % vs 27 %, log-rank P = 0.003). CONCLUSION ALBI grade, treatment duration of lenvatinib, and achieving objective image response within twelve weeks were the independent predictive factors for tumor progression. Furthermore, longer overall survival was observed in tumor progression patients with subsequent locoregional therapy and with better liver preserved function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Ting Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan.
| | - Wei Teng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan.
| | - Chen-Chun Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Yen Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan.
| | - Shi-Ming Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan.
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan.
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Wang Y, Mang X, Guo X, Pu J. Distinct cuproptosis patterns in hepatocellular carcinoma patients correlate with unique immune microenvironment characteristics and cell-cell communication, contributing to varied overall survival outcomes. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379690. [PMID: 38868777 PMCID: PMC11168106 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379690] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a prevalent cancer, is linked to cuproptosis in tumor progression. However, cuproptosis's impact on HCC prognosis and its role in the tumor microenvironment remain unclear. We aimed to explore the correlation between cellular cuproptosis and the immune microenvironment in HCC, providing potential immunotherapeutic insights. Methods Examining cuproptosis-related genes and the immune microenvironment through consensus clustering and WGCNA. Risk models were constructed using LASSO Cox analysis and validated in an independent cohort. Gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were utilized. We scored cuproptosis expression and explored immunoinfiltration and cell-cell communication. Differential signals in T_memory cells were compared across different cuproptosis levels. Results Cuproptosis genes associated with fibroblast recruitment (GLS) and macrophage infiltration (FDX1). Liver cancer patients categorized into two subtypes based on cuproptosis gene expression. High expression of DLAT, GLS, and CDKN2A linked to immunosuppression (TGF-β), while high FDX1, MTF1, LIAS, and LIPT1 expression enhanced communication with non-immune cells. Developed reliable prognostic signature score and nomogram using cuproptosis-related genes. Single-cell analysis revealed differences in T_memory and TAM infiltration based on cuproptosis scores, with SPP1 and MIF as dominant signaling molecules. Finally, the results of in vitro experiments showed that when DLAT or CDKN2A was knocked down, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells were significantly decreased. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that cuproptosis affects the immune microenvironment and cell-cell communication. Identified 9 genetic markers predicting survival outcomes and immunotherapy responses. Evaluating cuproptosis signaling can optimize immunotherapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Wang
- Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, and School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmacy, People's Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xinyu Mang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, People's Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Junfeng Pu
- Department of Pharmacy, People's Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Yu X, Gong Q, Yu D, Chen Y, Jing Y, Zoulim F, Zhang X. Spatial transcriptomics reveals a low extent of transcriptionally active hepatitis B virus integration in patients with HBsAg loss. Gut 2024; 73:797-809. [PMID: 37968095 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330577] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can integrate into the chromosomes of infected hepatocytes, contributing to the production of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and to hepatocarcinogenesis. In this study, we aimed to explore whether transcriptionally active HBV integration events spread throughout the liver tissue in different phases of chronic HBV infection, especially in patients with HBsAg loss. DESIGN We constructed high-resolution spatial transcriptomes of liver biopsies containing 13 059 tissue spots from 18 patients with chronic HBV infection to analyse the occurrence and relative distribution of transcriptionally active viral integration events. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of HBsAg and HBV core antigen. Intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) levels were quantified by real-time qPCR. RESULTS Spatial transcriptome sequencing identified the presence of 13 154 virus-host chimeric reads in 7.86% (1026 of 13 059) of liver tissue spots in all patients, including three patients with HBsAg loss. These HBV integration sites were randomly distributed on chromosomes and can localise in host genes involved in hepatocarcinogenesis, such as ALB, CLU and APOB. Patients who were receiving or had received antiviral treatment had a significantly lower percentage of viral integration-containing spots and significantly fewer chimeric reads than treatment-naïve patients. Intrahepatic cccDNA levels correlated well with viral integration events. CONCLUSION Transcriptionally active HBV integration occurred in chronically HBV-infected patients at different phases, including in patients with HBsAg loss. Antiviral treatment was associated with a decreased number and extent of transcriptionally active viral integrations, implying that early treatment intervention may further reduce the number of viral integration events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiming Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Demin Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyan Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Jing
- Center for Intelligent Medicine Research, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM U1052- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France
- University of Lyon, UMR_S1052, CRCL, Lyon, France
- Department of Hepatology, Croix Rousse Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Ma MY, Niu XJ, Wang Q, Wang SM, Li X, Zhang SH. Evidence and possible mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis and its bioactive compounds for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. Ann Med 2024; 55:2247004. [PMID: 38232757 PMCID: PMC10795786 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2247004] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese medicines have been reported to have outstanding effects in the treating of hepatocellular carcinoma. Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) has demonstrated anti-tumor, anti-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Baicalein, wogonin, and baicalin are the main pharmacologically bioactive compounds of S. baicalensis. METHODS Eight electronic databases were searched to select articles published from their inception to 30 May 2022. For selected articles, clinical and preclinical data was obtained on the use of S. baicalensis and its bioactive compounds in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan version 5.3 and Stata software. Quality assessment of the studies was performed using Cochrane and Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE)'s risk of bias tools. RESULTS Seven clinical and 17 preclinical in vivo studies along with 31 in vitro studies were included in this research. Meta-analysis showed that a Chinese herbal medicine preparation, with S. baicalensis as the sovereign herb, combined with Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or primary treatment, could lead to a significantly improved tumor objective response rate (Risk ratio (RR) = 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.30, 1.90], p < 0.00001). Scutellaria baicalensis-based extracts (standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.86, 95%CI: [-1.20, -0.53], p < 0.00001), baicalein (SMD = -4.80, 95%CI: [-6.66, - 2.95], p < 0.00001), baicalin (SMD = -2.28, 95%CI [-3.26, -1.30], p < 0.00001) and wogonin (SMD = -1.41, 95%CI [-2.26, -0.57], p < 0.00001) slowed tumor growth in vivo. These outcomes might be linked to the mechanism by which S. baicalensis promotes apoptosis, induces autophagy, and blocks the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Based on experimental and clinical evidence, we believe that S. baicalensis and its bioactive compounds have therapeutic potential and plausible mechanisms of action against hepatocellular carcinoma, in terms of efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yue Ma
- Department of Pathology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Ji Niu
- Department of Pathology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pathology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shou-Mei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Dermatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Hui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Chen T, Zhang Y, Liu J, Rao Z, Wang M, Shen H, Zeng S. Trends in liver cancer mortality in China from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074348. [PMID: 38159955 PMCID: PMC10759138 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074348] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine trends in overall mortality rates for liver cancer and those within subgroups according to sex, age, aetiological factors and modifiable risk factors in China from 1990 to 2019. DESIGN The design of this study involved analysing liver cancer mortality rates in China from 1990 to 2019 using joinpoint regression analysis to identify significant changes in mortality rates. Annual percentage changes (APCs) and 95% CIs were used to quantify the magnitude of changes in mortality rates. The study also conducted subgroup analyses based on sex, age, aetiological factors and risk factors to better understand trends in liver cancer mortality rates. RESULTS The age-standardised mortality from liver cancer in China first increased from 28.12 to 31.54 deaths per 100 000 population in 1990-1996 (APC=2.1%, 95% CI: 1.5% to 2.6%), then dropped at varying rates (1996-2000, APC=-3.7%, 95% CI: -5.2% to -2.1%; 2000-2004, APC=-17.4%, 95% CI: -18.7% to -16.1%; 2004-2007, APC=-5.4%, 95% CI: -8.3% to -2.3%; and 2007-2012, APC=-1.4%, 95% CI: -2.3% to -0.4%), and began to increase again after 2012 (APC=1.3%, 95% CI: 0.9% to 1.7%). Hepatitis B and C virus infections accounted for 63% and 18% of liver cancer-related deaths, respectively, in China from 1990 to 2019. Smoking, drug use, alcohol use and elevated body mass index were the four leading risk factors for liver cancer mortality in China during the study period. Notable variations in both liver cancer mortality rates and changes in mortality rates were observed across sexes and age groups. CONCLUSIONS The age-standardised liver cancer mortality rate in China significantly decreased from 1996 to 2019. The major differences in liver cancer mortality rates and inconsistent changes in mortality rates between 1990 and 2019 merit the attention of researchers and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taili Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang People's Hospital, Yueyang, Hunan, China
| | - Jiayi Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | | | - Mian Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Ye J, Pang Y, Yang X, Zhang C, Shi L, Chen Z, Huang G, Wang X, Lu F. PPIH gene regulation system and its prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive analysis. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:11448-11470. [PMID: 37874737 PMCID: PMC10637785 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peptidyl-prolyl isomerase H (PPIH) is a member of the cyclophilin protein family, which functions as a molecular chaperone and is involved in the splicing of pre-mRNA. According to reports, the malignant progression of HCC related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) is tightly associated with RNA-binding proteins. Nevertheless, there is no research on PPIH expression or its function in the occurrence and progression of HCC. RESULTS We are the first to reveal that the mRNA and protein levels of Ppih are substantially overexpressed in HCC, as the outcomes show. A significant correlation existed between enriched expression of Ppih within HCC and more advanced, poorly differentiated, and TP53-mutated tumors. CONCLUSION These findings, which suggest that Ppih may serve as a predictive biomarker for people with HCC, serve as a starting point for further investigation into the function of Ppih in the progression of carcinogenesis. METHODS Accordingly, we utilized clinical samples and bioinformatics analysis to assess Ppih's mRNA, protein expression, and gene regulatory system in HCC. Additionally, Wilcoxon signed-rank testing and logistic regression were utilized to inspect the association between clinicopathological factors and Ppih. Clinical pathological traits linked to overall survival (OS) among HCC patients were examined via TCGA data via Cox regression and the Kaplan-Meier approach. Additionally, via TCGA data collection, gene set enrichment assessment was also conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ye
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Kaili, Guizhou 556000, China
| | - Yilin Pang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Xunjun Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Chuan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Kaili, Guizhou 556000, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Kaili, Guizhou 556000, China
| | - Zhitao Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Kaili, Guizhou 556000, China
| | - Guijia Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Kaili, Guizhou 556000, China
| | - Xianhe Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Kaili, Guizhou 556000, China
| | - Fangyang Lu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Kaili, Guizhou 556000, China
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Tang X, Luo B, Huang S, Jiang J, Chen Y, Ren W, Shi X, Zhang W, Shi L, Zhong X, Lü M. FANCD2 as a novel prognostic biomarker correlated with immune and drug therapy in Hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:419. [PMID: 37821996 PMCID: PMC10566141 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01411-0] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ferroptosis is related to the immunosuppression of tumors and plays a critical role in cancer progression. Fanconi anemia complementation group D2 (FANCD2) is a vital gene that regulates ferroptosis. However, the mechanism of action of FANCD2 in Hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the prognostic significance and mechanism of action of FANCD2 in Hepatitis B-related HCC. METHODS The expression of FANCD2 in Hepatitis B-related HCC was explored using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and validated using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to analyze the relationship between FANCD2 expression and the overall survival of patients with Hepatitis B-related HCC. Protein-protein interaction networks for FANCD2 were built using the STRING website. In addition, correlations between FANCD2 expression and the dryness index, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability (MSI), immune pathways, genes involved in iron metabolism, and sorafenib chemotherapeutic response were analyzed. RESULTS Our results indicated that FANCD2 was significantly overexpressed in Hepatitis B-related HCC and demonstrated a strong predictive ability for diagnosis (Area Under Curve, 0.903) and prognosis of the disease. High FANCD2 expression was associated with poor prognosis, high-grade tumors, high expression of PDL-1, high MSI scores, and low sorafenib IC50 in Hepatitis B-related HCC. BRCA1, BRCA2, FAN1, and FANCC were vital proteins interacting with FANCD2. The expression level of FANCD2 significantly correlated with the infiltration levels of Treg cells, B cells, CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, myeloid dendritic cells, and NK cells in Hepatitis B-related HCC. FANCD2 was positively correlated with the tumor proliferation signature pathway, DNA repair, and cellular response to hypoxia. CONCLUSION Our study indicated that FANCD2 was a potential novel biomarker and immunotherapeutic target against Hepatitis B-related HCC, which might be related to the chemotherapeutic response to sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Bei Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shu Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the People's Hospital of Lianshui, Huaian, China
| | - Jiao Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wensen Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Muhan Lü
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
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Wen Z, Wang J, Tu B, Liu Y, Yang Y, Hou L, Yang X, Liu X, Xie H. Radiofrequency ablation combined with toripalimab for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective controlled trial. Cancer Med 2023; 12:20311-20320. [PMID: 37814921 PMCID: PMC10652346 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The effectiveness and security of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in combination with toripalimab (anti-PD-1) for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was studied in this article. METHODS Total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study between September 2019 and November 2021. Data follow-up ends in April 2022. The study's main focus is on recurrence free survival (RFS), while the secondary objectives was safety. Chi-square tests, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to analyze the data. RESULTS The median follow-up period was 21.40 months, and the median RFS was 15.40 months in the group that received combination therapy, which was statistically significantly different (HR: 0.44, p = 0.04) compared with the RFA group (8.2 months). RFS rates (RFSr) at 6, 12 and 18 months in the combination therapy groups and RFA groups were 80% vs 65%, 62.7% vs 35% and 48.7% vs 18.8%, respectively. Between the two groups, significant difference of RFSr was found at 18 months (p = 0.04). No statistical differences were observed between the two groups in terms of safeness (p > 0.05). The subgroup analysis indicated that the combination of RFA and anti-PD-1 led to better RFS than RFA alone. Moreover, patients benefited more from combination therapy in the groups younger than 60 years (HR: 0.26, p = 0.018), male (HR: 0.32, p = 0.028) and Child-Pugh grade A (HR: 0.38, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS Combining RFA with anti-PD-1 showed improved RFS and was deemed safe for patients with recurrent HCC who had previously undergone RFA treatment alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Wen
- Department of Public HealthJilin UniversityJilinChina
| | - Junxiao Wang
- Aerospace Medical CenterAerospace Center HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Bo Tu
- Department of Infectious DiseasesFifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yane Liu
- Department of Public HealthJilin UniversityJilinChina
| | - Yuqing Yang
- Department of Public HealthJilin UniversityJilinChina
| | - Li Hou
- Department of OncologyFifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Xiang Yang
- Department of OncologyFifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of HepatologyFifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of OncologyFifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
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Lin P, Hung M, Shao S, Chen H, Chan Y, Chang K, Lin S, Ou H. Factors predictive of clinical outcome in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving ramucirumab treatment: A real-world experience. Cancer Med 2023; 12:14902-14911. [PMID: 37278402 PMCID: PMC10417170 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the factors predictive of clinical outcome in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving ramucirumab treatment. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study using a multi-institutional electronic medical records database in Taiwan. We included advanced HCC patients newly receiving ramucirumab as second-line or beyond systemic therapy between January 2016 and February 2022. The clinical outcomes were median progression-free survival (PFS) based on the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST), overall survival (OS) and adverse events. We applied Kaplan-Meier methods to estimate median PFS and OS. Uni-variable and multi-variable Cox regression models were applied to identify the prognostic factors. RESULTS We included 39 ramucirumab naive users with a median age of 65.5 (IQR: 57.0-71.0) years and treatment time of 5.0 (3.0-7.0) cycles, of whom 82.1% were male and 84.6% were Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C. After median follow-up time of 6.0 months, 33.3% of patients' AFP level had decreased more than 20% within 12 weeks. The median PFS and OS were 4.1 months and non-reach, respectively. Moreover, tumor burden beyond the up-to-11 criteria (HR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.04-8.38) and a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate of more than 10% within 12 weeks (HR: 0.31, 0.11-0.88) were significantly related to PFS in the multi-variable analysis. No patient discontinued ramucirumab during the treatment on account of side effects. CONCLUSION Ramucirumab was an effective treatment option with good AFP response for advanced HCC patients in real-world experience. Tumor burden beyond the up-to-11 criteria and a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate were independent predictive factors for progression-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po‐Ting Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLinkou Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuanTaiwan
- College of MedicineChang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of MedicineChang Gung University
| | - Min‐Hua Hung
- Department of PharmacyLinkou Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Shih‐Chieh Shao
- Department of PharmacyKeelung Chang Gung Memorial HospitalKeelungTaiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, College of MedicineNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Hui‐Yu Chen
- Department of PharmacyLinkou Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Yuk‐Ying Chan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Materials ManagementChang Gung Medical FoundationTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Kai‐Cheng Chang
- Department of PharmacyLinkou Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuanTaiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, College of MedicineNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Shi‐Ming Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLinkou Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Huang‐Tz Ou
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, College of MedicineNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
- Department of PharmacyNational Cheng Kung University HospitalTainanTaiwan
- School of Pharmacy, College of MedicineNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
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Thokerunga E, Bongolo CC, Rugera SP, Akankwatsa G, Tu JC. FKBP11 upregulation promotes proliferation and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Biomark 2023:CBM220440. [PMID: 37248890 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-220440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths world over. Early diagnosis and effective treatment monitoring significantly improves patients' outcomes. FKBP11 gene is highly expressed in HCC and could play a role in its development, early diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the expression of FKBP11 in HCC, its correlation with patients' clinical characteristics and potential role in HCC development. METHODS Expression was determined by bioinformatics analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. CCK-8, Transwell and wound healing assays were used to investigate involvement in HCC development. RESULTS FKBP11 was significantly upregulated in HCC cells, tissues and blood (all p< 0.001). Its receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve had an AUC of 0.864 (95% CI: 0.823-0.904), at a sensitivity of 0.86 and specificity of 0.78 indicating a good diagnostic potential in HCC. Its expression was markedly reduced after surgery (p< 0.0001), indicating a potential application in HCC treatment follow-up. Knockdown of FKBP11 in HCC cells attenuated proliferation and migration, suggesting a possible role in HCC pathogenesis. CONCLUSION This study thus found that FKBP11 is upregulated in HCC, and the upregulation promotes HCC development. FKBP11 levels are significantly reduced post-surgery and could be a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Thokerunga
- Program and Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Christian Cedric Bongolo
- Program and Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Simon Peter Rugera
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Gilbert Akankwatsa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kampala International University, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Jian-Cheng Tu
- Program and Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Marell PS, Shi M, Wingo MT. Primary hepatic Epstein-Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma associated with azathioprine immunosuppression: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:175. [PMID: 37127672 PMCID: PMC10152705 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-03907-z] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic masses are relatively common findings, and the diagnostic approach often begins by identifying patient and mass characteristics that are risk factors for malignancy. Chronic immunosuppression is a known risk factor for various malignancies, and azathioprine in particular has been reported in association with solid and hematologic malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. CASE PRESENTATION A 46-year-old white woman presented to clinic with several weeks of gastrointestinal symptoms and was found to have a hepatic mass on imaging. Her history was notable for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder on chronic immunosuppression with azathioprine. It was initially thought to be an inflammatory adenoma. On 6-month follow-up imaging, the mass had grown rapidly in size and was surgically resected. Further workup determined the mass to be an iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated Epstein-Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma confined to the liver. Azathioprine was discontinued and the patient underwent treatment with rituximab with no evidence of recurrence 2 years after the initiation of treatment. CONCLUSIONS This case report describes the first time hepatic Epstein-Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma has been reported with azathioprine, which highlights the unique sequelae of chronic immunosuppression, including atypical hematologic malignancies, and the importance of considering chronic immunosuppression in the diagnostic evaluation of a hepatic mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina S Marell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Community Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Min Shi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Hematopathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Majken T Wingo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Community Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Upregulated SSB Is Involved in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression and Metastasis through the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Antiapoptosis, and Altered ROS Level Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:5207431. [PMID: 36785788 PMCID: PMC9922187 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5207431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, finding new diagnostic and therapeutic targets is vital for HCC patients. Recent studies have shown that dysregulation of RNA-binding proteins is often associated with cancer progression. Several studies have reported that the RNA-binding protein SSB can promote cancer occurrence and progression and is linked to tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which could be a new diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. However, the expression and function of SSB in HCC remain to be elucidated. Therefore, this study is aimed at clarifying the expression and biological function of SSB in HCC through bioinformatics analysis combined with in vitro experiments. We found that SSB is highly expressed in HCC and is associated with the poor prognosis of HCC patients, and it can serve as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor. Knockdown of SSB can inhibit the growth of HCC cells in vitro, increase the level of apoptosis and the expression of pro-apoptosis-related proteins, and decrease the expression of antiapoptotic proteins. Meanwhile, SSB knockdown reduced HCC cell invasiveness, and the expression of EMT-related proteins changed significantly. We also found that the gene SSB was associated with the level of oxidative stress in liver cancer cells, and the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased after knockdown of SSB. The results of bioinformatics analysis also showed that high expression of SSB may affect the effect of checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. In conclusion, we found that SSB is highly expressed in HCC and that upregulated SSB can promote the proliferation and metastasis of HCC through antiapoptotic, altered intracellular oxidative stress level, and EMT pathways, which can serve as a new diagnostic marker and therapeutic target, and patients with high SSB expression may not have obvious ICB therapy effect.
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13
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Repeat hepatectomy versus microwave ablation for solitary and small (≤3 cm) recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma with early or late recurrence: A propensity score matched study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2022; 49:1001-1008. [PMID: 36585301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repeat hepatectomy (RH) and microwave ablation (MWA) are frequently used procedures for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection. This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of RH and MWA for solitary and small HCC with early or late recurrence. METHOD This retrospective study enrolled patients who underwent RH or MWA for solitary and small (≤3 cm) recurrent HCC at Tongji hospital between April 2006 and December 2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) was further employed to analyze the prognosis of different treatment methods. RESULTS A total of 256 patients were analyzed, of whom 94 and 162 underwent RH and MWA, respectively. The overall treatment-related complication rate was higher in the RH group. Both recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of RH were significantly better than those of MWA. Multivariate analysis showed that MWA, early recurrence (within 24 months after initial resection), cirrhosis, and AFP >400 ng/ml were independent risk factors for poor prognoses of recurrent HCC. The stratified analysis demonstrated that MWA and RH had similar long-term outcomes in patients with early recurrence. Nevertheless, MWA had worse RFS and OS than RH in patients with late recurrence. The same results were obtained in the PSM analysis. CONCLUSION The long-term outcomes of HCC patients with late recurrence were significantly better than those with early recurrence. RH should be the first choice for solitary small recurrent HCC patients with late recurrence, while MWA should be selected for those with early recurrence.
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Ji X, Chen X, Sheng L, Deng D, Wang Q, Meng Y, Qiu Z, Zhang B, Zheng G, Hu J. Metabolomics profiling of AKT/c-Met-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis and the inhibitory effect of Cucurbitacin B in mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1009767. [PMID: 36506561 PMCID: PMC9728611 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1009767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common kind of liver cancer, accounts for the majority of liver cancer diagnoses and fatalities. Clinical aggressiveness, resistance to traditional therapy, and a high mortality rate are all features of this disease. Our previous studies have shown that co-activation of AKT and c-Met induces HCC development, which is the malignant biological feature of human HCC. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a naturally occurring tetracyclic triterpenoid compound with potential antitumor activity. However, the metabolic mechanism of AKT/c-Met-induced Hepatocellular Carcinogenesis and CuB in HCC remains unclear. In this study, we established an HCC mouse model by hydrodynamically transfecting active AKT and c-Met proto-oncogenes. Based on the results of hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), oil red O (ORO) staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), HCC progression was divided into two stages: the early stage of HCC (3 weeks after AKT/c-Met injection) and the formative stage of HCC (6 weeks after AKT/c-Met injection), and the therapeutic effect of CuB was evaluated. Through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS metabolomics, a total of 26 distinct metabolites were found in the early stage of HCC for serum samples, while in the formative stage of HCC, 36 distinct metabolites were found in serum samples, and 13 different metabolites were detected in liver samples. 33 metabolites in serum samples and 11 in live samples were affected by CuB administration. Additionally, metabolic pathways and western blotting analysis revealed that CuB influences lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and glucose metabolism by altering the AKT/mTORC1 signaling pathway, hence decreasing tumor progression. This study provides a metabolic basis for the early diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of HCC and the clinical application of CuB in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Ji
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lei Sheng
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dongjie Deng
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Meng
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenpeng Qiu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Baohui Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Guohua Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China,Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Resource and Compound Prescription, Ministry of Education, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China,*Correspondence: Guohua Zheng, ; Junjie Hu,
| | - Junjie Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China,*Correspondence: Guohua Zheng, ; Junjie Hu,
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Chen W, Chen F, Gong M, Jin Z, Shu L, Wang ZW, Wang J. Comprehensive analysis of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networkfor hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1042928. [PMID: 36338699 PMCID: PMC9634570 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1042928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a high-burden cancer. The molecular mechanism of HCC has not been fully elucidated. Notably, current research has revealed a significant function for long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the prognosis of patients with HCC. Here, this study aims to construct a regulated lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network and find biological targets for the treatment of HCC. Methods Based on the RNA expression patterns from the TCGA, we did an analysis to determine which genes were expressed differently between liver tumor tissues and noncancerous tissues. Then, using bioinformatic tools, we built a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network and used GO and KEGG functional analyses on the DEmRNAs connected to ceRNA networks. The main lncRNAs in the subnetwork were chosen, and we next looked at the relationships between these lncRNAs and the clinical characteristics of patients with HCC. The prognosis-related genes and immune cells were identified using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses, and CIBERSORT was utilized to separate the 22 immune cell types. CCK8 assay was performed to measure cell viability in HCC cells after lncRNA HOTTIP modulation. Results Differentially expressed mRNA and lncRNAs in HCC and paracancerous tissues were identified. There are 245 lncRNAs, 126 miRNAs, and 1980 mRNAs that are expressed differently in liver tumour tissues than in noncancerous cells. Function analysis showed that mRNAs in ceRNA network were significantly enriched in G1/S transition of mototiv cell cycle, positive regulation of cell cycle process, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cancer related pathways. CD8 T cells and T follicular helper cells had a favourable link with a 0.65 correlation coefficient. Additionally, there was a strong correlation between Eosinophils, activated NK cells, and B memory cells. Strikingly, depletion of lncRNA HOTTIP inhibited viability of HCC cells. In addition, miR-205 upregulation suppressed viability of HCC cells, while miR-205 downregulation repressed viability of HCC cells. Notably, miR-205 depletion rescued HOTTIP depletion-mediated suppression of cell viability in HCC. Conclusion A ceRNA network was created by examining the lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA expression profiles of liver tumours from the TCGA database. LncRNA HOTTIP promoted cell viability via inhibition of miR-205 in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqing Chen
- First People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Lin’an District, Affiliated Lin’an People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feihua Chen
- First People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Lin’an District, Affiliated Lin’an People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mouchun Gong
- First People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Lin’an District, Affiliated Lin’an People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoqing Jin
- First People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Lin’an District, Affiliated Lin’an People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lilu Shu
- Department of Research and Development, Zhejiang Zhongwei Medical Research Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-wei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jianjiang Wang, ; Zhi-wei Wang,
| | - Jianjiang Wang
- First People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Lin’an District, Affiliated Lin’an People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jianjiang Wang, ; Zhi-wei Wang,
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Ding Q, Li H, Xu Z, Hu K, Ye Q. Identification of CFHR4 associated with poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:812663. [PMID: 36338737 PMCID: PMC9632743 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.812663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most leading causes of cancer death worldwide. The 5-year survival rate of HCC patients remains low due to the lack of early-stage symptoms. Human complement factor H-related protein 4 (CFHR4) is a critical gene that belongs to the factor H family of plasma glycoproteins, which has not been linked to HCC development. The correlations between CFHR4 and prognosis and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in HCC are yet unknown. The present study demonstrated the involvement of CFHR4 in HCC via data mining approaches. Results A total of 18 upregulated and 67 down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Importantly, CFHR4, which was screened from DEGs, was shown to express at a lower level in HCC tumor tissue than normal tissues. Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemical (IHC) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) experiments of clinical samples further validated CFHR4 was aberrantly expressed in HCC patients; Data from TCGA showed that CFHR4 was inversely correlated with a cancer family history, histological grade, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, and serum AFP level of HCC patients; Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that low expression of CFHR4 was an independent predictive marker in patients with HCC; Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the lower expression of CFHR4 was significantly associated with the progression of HCC and poor prognosis rates. Furthermore, TIMER analysis indicated that CFHR4 expression levels had correlations with infiltrating levels of immune cells in HCC. Conclusion CFHR4 expression was low in HCC and was significantly related to the poor prognosis of HCC and the level of immune infiltration. CFHR4 played important roles in regulating the initiation and progression of HCC and could be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. Methods The expression of CFHR4 was analyzed by GEO and TCGA-LIHC database and verified by WB and IHC assay. The biological function of CFHR4 was performed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, and the genomic alteration of CFHR4 was investigated by cBioPortal database.The correlation between CFHR4 expression and clinical relevance was evaluated through Cox proportional hazards model, and the correlation between CFHR4 expression and tumor immune infiltrates were studied by TIMER database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglin Ding
- Sino-German Biomedical Center, National Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hanluo Li
- Sino-German Biomedical Center, National Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhigao Xu
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kanghong Hu
- Sino-German Biomedical Center, National Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qifa Ye
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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He Y, Liang T, Chen Z, Mo S, Liao Y, Gao Q, Huang K, Peng T, Zhou W, Han C. Recurrence of Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Surgery May Be Related to Intestinal Oxidative Stress and the Development of a Predictive Model. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7261786. [PMID: 36238647 PMCID: PMC9553367 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7261786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high recurrence rate after surgery and lacks reliable predictive tools. We explored the potential of combining enhanced CT with gut microbiome to develop a predictive model for recurrence after early HCC surgery. Methods A total of 112 patients with early HCC who underwent hepatectomy from September 2018 to December 2020 were included in this study, and the machine learning method was divided into a training group (N = 71) and a test group (N = 41) with the observed endpoint of recurrence-free survival (RFS). Features were extracted from the arterial and portal phases of enhanced computed tomography (CT) images and gut microbiome, and features with minimum absolute contraction and selection operator regression were created, and the extracted features were scored to create a preoperative prediction model by using the multivariate Cox regression analysis with risk stratification analysis. Results In the study cohort, the model constructed by combining radiological and gut flora features provided good predictive performance (C index, 0.811 (0.650-0.972)). The combined radiology and gut flora-based model constructed risk strata with high, intermediate, or low risk of recurrence and different characteristics of recurrent tumor imaging and gut flora. Recurrence of early stage hepatocellular carcinoma may be associated with oxidative stress in the intestinal flora. Conclusions This study successfully constructs a risk model integrating enhanced CT and gut microbiome characteristics that can be used for the risk of postoperative recurrence in patients with early HCC. In addition, intestinal flora associated with HCC recurrence may be involved in oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfei He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tianyi Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zijun Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shutian Mo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuan Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ketuan Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tao Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Weijie Zhou
- Deputy Chief Technician of Laboratory, Baise People's Hospital, Baise, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Chuangye Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Ni Z, Wu B, Li M, Han X, Hao X, Zhang Y, Cheng W, Guo C. Prediction Model and Nomogram of Early Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Radiofrequency Ablation Based on Logistic Regression Analysis. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:1733-1744. [PMID: 35690523 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2022.04.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to screen for high-risk factors leading to the early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and to construct a prediction model and nomogram. This retrospective study included 108 patients with primary HCC who underwent RFA treatment at the Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital between January 2018 and June 2019. Four risk factors were screened for using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses: number of tumors (hazard ratio [HR] = 14.684, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.099-196.215, p = 0.042), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (HR = 2.178, 95% CI: 1.003-4.730, p = 0.049), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) performance (HR = 6.482, 95% CI: 1.161-36.184, p = 0.033) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) level (HR = 1.001, 95% CI: 1.000-1.003, p = 0.040). We established a prediction model: Logit(p) = -3.096 + 2.827 × (number of tumors >1 = 1) + 1.851 × (CEUS revealing rapid enhancement of blood flow signal in the arterial phase and clearance in the portal phase = 1) + 1.941 × (NLR >1.55 = 1) + 0.257 × (AFP >32.545 = 1). Through clinical decision curve analysis, the model's threshold was 0.043-0.873, indicating a high clinical value. Patients with a high AFP level, typical CEUS enhancement pattern, multiple tumors and elevated NLR are more likely to relapse early.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZiHao Ni
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - BoLin Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - XiaoWen Hao
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Wen Cheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - CunLi Guo
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.
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Shuen TWH, Alunni-Fabbroni M, Öcal E, Malfertheiner P, Wildgruber M, Schinner R, Pech M, Benckert J, Sangro B, Kuhl C, Gasbarrini A, Chow PKH, Toh HC, Ricke J. Extracellular Vesicles May Predict Response to Radioembolization and Sorafenib Treatment in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Exploratory Analysis from the SORAMIC Trial. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:3890-3901. [PMID: 35763041 PMCID: PMC9433961 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE SORAMIC is a randomized controlled trial in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing sorafenib ± selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT). We investigated the value of extracellular vesicle (EV)-based proteomics for treatment response prediction. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The analysis population comprised 25 patients receiving SIRT+sorafenib and 20 patients receiving sorafenib alone. Patients were classified as responders or nonresponders based on changes in AFP and imaging or overall survival. Proteomic analysis was performed on plasma EVs by LC/MS, followed by bioinformatics analysis. Clinical relevance of candidate EV proteins was validated by survival and receiver-operating characteristic analysis with bootstrap internal sampling validation. Origin of circulating EV was explored by IHC staining of liver and tumor tissues and transcriptomics of blood cells. RESULTS Proteomic analysis identified 56 and 27 EV proteins that were differentially expressed in plasma EVs between responders and nonresponders receiving SIRT+sorafenib and sorafenib alone, respectively. High EV-GPX3/ACTR3 and low EV-ARHGAP1 were identified as candidate biomarkers at baseline from the 13 responders to SIRT+sorafenib with statistically significant AUC = 1 for all and bootstrap P values 2.23 × 10-5, 2.22 × 10-5, and 2.23 × 10-5, respectively. These patients showed reduced abundance of EV-VPS13A and EV-KALRN 6 to 9 weeks after combined treatment with significant AUC and bootstrap P values. In reverse, low GPX3 and high ARHGAP1 demonstrated better response to sorafenib monotherapy with AUC = 0.9697 and 0.9192 as well as bootstrap P values 8.34 × 10-5 and 7.98 × 10-4, respectively. HCC tumor was the likely origin of circulating EVs. CONCLUSIONS In this exploratory study, EV-based proteomics predicted response to SIRT+sorafenib and sorafenib-only treatment in patients with advanced HCC of metabolic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elif Öcal
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Malfertheiner
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz Wildgruber
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Regina Schinner
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maciej Pech
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Julia Benckert
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bruno Sangro
- Liver Unit, Clinica Universidad de Navarra-IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatic Disease Unit, IRCCS Fondazione; Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierce Kah Hoe Chow
- Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, National Cancer Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.,Surgery Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han Chong Toh
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore.,Corresponding Authors: Jens Ricke, Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany. E-mail: ; and Han Chong Toh, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent Singapore 169610. E-mail:
| | - Jens Ricke
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Corresponding Authors: Jens Ricke, Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany. E-mail: ; and Han Chong Toh, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent Singapore 169610. E-mail:
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20
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Identifying a Novel Endoplasmic Reticulum-Related Prognostic Model for Hepatocellular Carcinomas. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8248355. [PMID: 35915607 PMCID: PMC9338738 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8248355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
From the standpoint of the ER (endoplasmic reticulum), we were interested in identifying hub genes that impact clinical prognosis for HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) patients and developing an ER-related prognostic model. Using TCGA-LIHC (The Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma) and GSE14520 datasets, we conducted a series of analyses, which included differential gene screening, clinical prognostic analysis, Lasso regression, nomogram prediction, tumour clustering, gene functional enrichment, and tumour infiltration of immune cells. Following our screening for ER-related genes (
), we conducted a Lasso regression model to obtain five hub genes, KPNA2, FMO3, SPP1, KIF2C, and LPCAT1, using TCGA-LIHC as a training set. According to risk scores, HCC samples within either the TCGG-LIHC or GSE14520 cohort were categorized into high- and low-risk groups. Compared to the high-risk group of HCC patients, patients in the low-risk group had a better prognosis of OS (overall survival) or RFS (relapse-free survival). For TCGA-LIHC training set, with the factors of risk score, stage, age, and sex, we plotted a nomogram for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival predictions. Our model demonstrated better clinical validity in both TCGA-LIHC and GSE14520 cohorts. Additionally, events related to biological enzyme activity, biological metabolic processes, or the cell cycle were associated with the prognostic risk of ER. Furthermore, two HCC prognosis-associated tumour clusters were identified by ER hub gene-based consensus clustering. Our findings indicated a link between ER prognostic signature-related high/low risk and tumour infiltration levels of several immune cells, such as “macrophages M2/M0” and “regulatory T cells (Tregs).” Overall, we developed a novel ER-related clinical prognostic model for HCC patients.
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21
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Limitations of Nerve Fiber Density as a Prognostic Marker in Predicting Oncological Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092237. [PMID: 35565366 PMCID: PMC9103173 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been shown that the presence and density of nerve fibers (NFs; NFD) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) may play an important prognostic role in predicting long-term oncological outcomes in various malignancies. However, the role of NFD in the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is yet to be explored. To this end, we aimed to investigate the impact of NFs on oncological outcomes in a large European single-center cohort of HCC patients. In total, 153 HCC patients who underwent partial hepatectomy in a curative-intent setting between 2010 and 2021 at our university hospital were included in this study. Group comparisons between patients with and without NFs were conducted and the association of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) with the presence of NFs and other clinico-pathological variables were determined by univariate and multivariable Cox regression models. Patients with NFs in the TME presented with a median OS of 66 months (95% CI: 30−102) compared to 42 months (95% CI: 20−63) for patients without NFs (p = 0.804 log-rank). Further, RFS was 26 months (95% CI: 12−40) for patients with NFs compared to 18 months (95% CI: 9−27) for patients without NFs (p = 0.666 log-rank). In a subgroup analysis, patients with NFD ≤ 5 showed a median OS of 54 months (95% CI: 11−97) compared to 48 months (95% CI: 0−106) for the group of patients with NFD > 5 (p = 0.787 log-rank). Correspondingly, the RFS was 26 months (95% CI: 10−42) in patients with NFD ≤ 5 and 29 months (95% CI: 14−44) for the subcohort with NFD > 5 (p = 0.421 log-rank). Further, group comparisons showed no clinico-pathological differences between patients with NFs (n = 76) and without NFs (n = 77) and NFs were not associated with OS (p = 0.806) and RFS (p = 0.322) in our Cox regression models. In contrast to observations in various malignancies, NFs in the TME and NFD are not associated with long-term oncological outcomes in HCC patients undergoing surgery.
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22
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Analysis of Related Risk Factors of Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:8195512. [PMID: 35356664 PMCID: PMC8960018 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8195512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective To forecast the onset of microvascular invasion (MVI) in patients with hepatoma by evaluating the preoperative aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and other clinicopathological data. Methods In this study, we retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 62 patients who received radical surgery for hepa toma from 2019 to 2021. Patients were separated into the MVI-negative group and the MVI-positive group according to the postoperative pathological diagnosis. The relationships between MVI and NLR, APRI, AFP, tumor size, and other clinical data were assessed using the univariate analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, and logistic analysis. Results The ROC curve determined that the cutoff values of NLR, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and APRI were 1.520, 98, and 0.275, respectively. The univariate analysis showed that the MVI-positive result was associated with five factors: tumor size (χ2 = 10.620, p = 0.001), AFP (χ2 = 10.524, p = 0.001), Edmondson grade (χ2 = 20.736, p < 0.001), NLR (χ2 = 8.744, p = 0.003), and APRI (χ2 = 4.849, p = 0.028). The LASSO analysis indicated that the risk factors were the number of tumors, PLR, APRI, NLR, AFP, Edmondson grade, and tumor size. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NLR ≥ 1.520 (OR 11.119, p = 0.006), APRI ≥ 0.275 (OR 12.515, p = 0.009), AFP ≥ 200 μg/mL (OR 7.823, p = 0.016), and tumor size > 3 cm (OR 7.689, p = 0.022) were independent risk factors for MVI in patients with hepatoma. Conclusion Preoperative NLR, APRI, AFP, and tumor size are reliable indicators for predicting the appearance of MVI in patients with hepatoma and are of great value in making detailed and reliable treatment protocols for these patients before surgery.
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23
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Targeted-detection and sequential-treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma in the complex liver environment by GPC-3-targeted nanoparticles. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:156. [PMID: 35331259 PMCID: PMC8944070 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01378-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advancements in diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies, the mortality rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains as high as its incidence rate. Most liver cancers are detected in the advanced stages, when treatment options are limited. Small HCC is difficult to diagnose and is often overlooked by current imaging methods because of the complexity of the liver environment, especially in cirrhotic livers. In the present study, we developed a tumor "cruise missile", mesoporous Fe3O4-containing glucose oxidase-conjugated GPC3 peptide nanoparticles (FGP NPs). It was designed to enhance the accuracy of small HCC visualization to 85.7% using combined ultrasound/photoacoustic imaging in complex liver environment, which facilitated sequential catalytic targeted therapy for small HCC. In a carcinogen-induced mouse HCC model, FGP NPs could be used to accurately diagnose HCC in a liver cirrhosis background as well as distinguish HCC nodules from other abnormal liver nodules, such as cirrhosis nodules and necrotic nodules, by dynamic contrast-enhanced photoacoustic imaging. In a mouse xenograft HCC model, highly reactive oxygen species were formed by sequential catalytic reactions, which promoted HCC cell apoptosis, significantly increasing the survival of the model mice. The present study provides a basis for the precise detection and elimination of small HCCs in the complex liver environment.
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24
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Abdalla A, Murali C, Amin A. Safranal Inhibits Angiogenesis via Targeting HIF-1α/VEGF Machinery: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Insights. Front Oncol 2022; 11:789172. [PMID: 35211395 PMCID: PMC8862147 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.789172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature has a nearly infinite inventory of unexplored phytochemicals and biomolecules that have the potential to treat a variety of diseases. Safranal exhibits anti-cancer property and the present study explores its antiangiogenic property. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the sixth deadliest among all cancer types. Targeting the non-tumor vasculature supporting system is very promising as it has less plasticity, unlike malignant cells that are often associated with issues like drug resistance, poor prognosis, and relapse. In this study, we successfully inhibited the proliferation of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with an IC50 of 300μM and blocked VEGF secretion in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, safranal inhibited VEGF-induced angiogenesis in vitro and ex vivo via scratch wound assay, tube formation assay, transmembrane assay, and aortic ring assay. In addition, safranal downregulated the in vitro expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGFR2, p-AKT, p-ERK1/2, MMP9, p-FAK, and p-STAT3. The present study is the first to reveal the antiangiogenic potential of safranal and propose its possible underlying mechanism in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Abdalla
- Weinberg Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Chandraprabha Murali
- Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amr Amin
- Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.,The College, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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25
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叶 静, 徐 文, 陈 天. [Identification of onco-miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma and analysis of their regulatory network]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2022; 42:45-54. [PMID: 35249869 PMCID: PMC8901393 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2022.01.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To construct the regulatory network of survival-related onco-miRNAs and their target genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and verify the interactions between the key miRNAs and their targets. METHODS We screened survival-related miRNAs in HCC in OncomiR and Oncolnc databases, predicted their target genes using miRNet, and conducted survival and expression analysis using GEPIA2 and Ualcan, respectively. The miRNA-target gene co-expression analysis was performed and the miRNA-target network was constructed. Enrichment analysis was performed in Enrichr and protein-protein interaction analysis in STRING database. We tested the effects of transfection with the mimic or inhibitor of hsa-miR-1226-3p or hsa-miR-221-5p on proliferation of HepG2 cells using CCK8 assay and examined the changes in the expressions of the target genes using RT-qPCR. The effect of transfection with hsa-miR-221-5p mimic or inhibitor on protein expressions of the target genes was examined using Western blotting in. A dual luciferase reporter assay was used to test the interaction between hsa-miR-221-5p and its potential target gene GCDH. We further examined the effect of transfection with hsa-miR-221-5p mimic and pEGFP N1-GCDH, alone or in combination, on proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. RESULTS We identified 223 survival-related miRNAs in HCC from OncomiR and 146 miRNAs from Oncolnc with an intersection of 131 miRNAs, and 48 miRNAs were identified as onco-miRNAs in HCC after survival and expression analysis. Twenty-seven eligible target genes were identified after miRNA-mRNA co-expression analysis. The constructed miRNA-target gene network consisted of 25 miRNAs and 27 target genes. The most enriched term was fatty acid metabolism for the target genes. In HepG2 cells, transfection with the mimic or inhibitor of hsa-miR-1226-3p or hsa-miR-221-5p caused significant changes of the mRNA and protein levels of their respective target genes (P < 0.05). The results of dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed the targeting relationship between hsa-miR-221-5p and GCDH gene (P < 0.05). Transfection with hsa-miR-221-5p mimic significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells, but this effect was obviously relieved by co-transformation with pEGFP N1-GCDH (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Fatty acid metabolism might be one of the most crucial pathways that mediate the effect of the oncomiRNAs in HCC, and the hsa-miR-221-5p/GCDH axis is an important molecular mechanism for HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- 静静 叶
- 皖南医学院弋矶山医院中心实验室,安徽 芜湖 241001Central Laboratory, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, China
- 皖南医学院重大疾病非编码 RNA 转化研究安徽普通高校重点实验室,安徽 芜湖 241001Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, China
| | - 文琴 徐
- 皖南医学院弋矶山医院中心实验室,安徽 芜湖 241001Central Laboratory, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, China
- 皖南医学院重大疾病非编码 RNA 转化研究安徽普通高校重点实验室,安徽 芜湖 241001Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, China
| | - 天兵 陈
- 皖南医学院弋矶山医院中心实验室,安徽 芜湖 241001Central Laboratory, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, China
- 皖南医学院重大疾病非编码 RNA 转化研究安徽普通高校重点实验室,安徽 芜湖 241001Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, China
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Dupuy M, Iltache S, Rivière B, Prieur A, Pageaux GP, Bedoya JU, Faure S, Guillaumée H, Assenat E. Plasma hPG80 (Circulating Progastrin) as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020402. [PMID: 35053564 PMCID: PMC8774261 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer world-wide and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer, accounts for 90% of the cases. The diagnosis of HCC is usually based on non-invasive criteria using detection of a liver nodule in abdominal ultrasonography or high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. However, as it is only elevated in 60% of patients with HCC, AFP has limited accuracy, especially in early stages, as both a diagnostic and prognostic test. We investigated hPG80 (circulating progastrin), which is associated with liver cancer biology, and found that hPG80 levels is both an independent prognostic marker in HCC and used in combination with AFP, it improves the stratification of the patients in good and poor prognosis, especially for those patients at early-stage. This will help stratify HCC patients more accurately in the future and improve the management of these patients. Abstract Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the most widely used biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis. However, AFP is not useful in establishing a prognosis for patients with a tumor in the early stages. hPG80 (circulating progastrin) is a tumor promoting peptide present in the blood of patients with various cancers, including HCC. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of plasma hPG80 in patients with HCC, alone or in combination with AFP. A total of 168 HCC patients were tested prospectively for hPG80 and analyzed retrospectively. The prognostic impact of hPG80 and AFP levels on patient survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. hPG80 was detected in 84% of HCC patients. There was no correlation between hPG80 and AFP levels in the training and validation cohorts. Both cohorts showed higher sensitivity of hPG80 compared to AFP, especially at early stages. Patients with high hPG80 (hPG80+) levels (optimal cutoff value 4.5 pM) had significantly lower median overall survival (OS) compared to patients with low hPG80 (hPG80−) levels (12.4 months versus not reached respectively, p < 0.0001). Further stratification by combining hPG80 and AFP levels (cutoff 100 ng/mL) improved prognosis in particular for those patients with low AFP level (hPG80−/AFP+ and hPG80−/AFP−, 13.4 months versus not reached respectively, p < 0.0001 and hPG80+/AFP+ and hPG80+/AFP−, 5.7 versus 26 months respectively, p < 0.0001). This was corroborated when analyses were performed using the BCLC staging especially at early stages. Our findings show that hPG80 could serve as a new prognostic biomarker in HCC. Used in combination with AFP, it improves the stratification of the patients in good and poor prognosis, especially for those patients with negative AFP and early-stage HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Dupuy
- Department of Medical Oncology, CNRS UMR 5535 St-Eloi University Hospital Montpellier, School of Medicine, 34295 Montpellier, France; (M.D.); (S.I.); (B.R.); (G.P.P.); (J.U.B.); (S.F.); (H.G.)
| | - Sarah Iltache
- Department of Medical Oncology, CNRS UMR 5535 St-Eloi University Hospital Montpellier, School of Medicine, 34295 Montpellier, France; (M.D.); (S.I.); (B.R.); (G.P.P.); (J.U.B.); (S.F.); (H.G.)
| | - Benjamin Rivière
- Department of Medical Oncology, CNRS UMR 5535 St-Eloi University Hospital Montpellier, School of Medicine, 34295 Montpellier, France; (M.D.); (S.I.); (B.R.); (G.P.P.); (J.U.B.); (S.F.); (H.G.)
| | | | - George Philippe Pageaux
- Department of Medical Oncology, CNRS UMR 5535 St-Eloi University Hospital Montpellier, School of Medicine, 34295 Montpellier, France; (M.D.); (S.I.); (B.R.); (G.P.P.); (J.U.B.); (S.F.); (H.G.)
| | - José Ursic Bedoya
- Department of Medical Oncology, CNRS UMR 5535 St-Eloi University Hospital Montpellier, School of Medicine, 34295 Montpellier, France; (M.D.); (S.I.); (B.R.); (G.P.P.); (J.U.B.); (S.F.); (H.G.)
| | - Stéphanie Faure
- Department of Medical Oncology, CNRS UMR 5535 St-Eloi University Hospital Montpellier, School of Medicine, 34295 Montpellier, France; (M.D.); (S.I.); (B.R.); (G.P.P.); (J.U.B.); (S.F.); (H.G.)
| | - Heloïse Guillaumée
- Department of Medical Oncology, CNRS UMR 5535 St-Eloi University Hospital Montpellier, School of Medicine, 34295 Montpellier, France; (M.D.); (S.I.); (B.R.); (G.P.P.); (J.U.B.); (S.F.); (H.G.)
| | - Eric Assenat
- Department of Medical Oncology, CNRS UMR 5535 St-Eloi University Hospital Montpellier, School of Medicine, 34295 Montpellier, France; (M.D.); (S.I.); (B.R.); (G.P.P.); (J.U.B.); (S.F.); (H.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Lin T, Zhang E, Lin Z, Peng L. Comprehensive Analysis of LPCATs Highlights the Prognostic and Immunological Values of LPCAT1/4 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:9117-9130. [PMID: 34876845 PMCID: PMC8643204 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s344723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poor. Lipid remodeling modulators are considered promising therapeutic targets of cancers, owing to their functions of facilitating cancer cells’ adaption to the limited environment. Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferases (LPCATs) are enzymes regulating bio-membrane remodeling, whose roles in HCC have not been fully illuminated. Methods Multiple bioinformatic tools were applied to comprehensively evaluate the expression, genetic alterations, clinical relevance, prognostic values, DNA methylation, biological functions, and correlations with immune infiltration of LPCATs in HCC. Results We found LPCAT1 was significantly overexpressed and the most frequently altered in HCC. The high-expression of LPCAT1/4 indicated clinicopathological advancements and poor prognoses of HCC patients. Even though the global DNA methylation of LPCATs in HCC showed no significant difference with that in normal liver, the hypermethylation of numerous CpG sites of them implied worse survivals of HCC patients. Thirty LPCATs’ interactive genes were identified, which were generally membrane components and partook in phospholipid metabolism pathways. Finally, we found the expression of LPCATs was extensively positively correlated with the infiltration of various stimulatory and suppressive tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) in the tumor microenvironment. Conclusion This study addressed LPCAT1/4 were potential prognostic and immunotherapeutic biomarkers of HCC targeting bio-membrane lipid remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Lin
- The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - E Zhang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimei Lin
- The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Lisheng Peng
- Department of Science and Education, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
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Abstract
Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounting for approximately 80% of all liver cancers. The serum concentration of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the only validated biomarker for HCC diagnosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs of 21–30 nucleotides playing a critical role in human carcinogenesis, with types of miRNAs with oncogenic (oncomiRs) or tumor suppressor features. The altered expression of miRNAs in HCC is associated with many pathological processes, such as cancer initiation, tumor growth, apoptosis escape, promotion of migration and invasion. Moreover, circulating miRNAs have been increasingly investigated as non-invasive biomarkers for HCC diagnosis. MiRNAs’ expression patterns are altered in HCC and several single miRNAs or miRNAs panels have been found significantly up or downregulated in HCC with respect to healthy controls or non-oncological patients (cirrhotic or with viral hepatitis). However, any of the investigated miRNAs or miRNAs panels has entered clinical practice so far. This has mostly to do with lack of protocols standardization, small sample size and discrepancies in the measurement techniques. This review summarizes the major findings regarding the diagnostic role of miRNAs in HCC and their possible use together with standard biomarkers in order to obtain an early diagnosis and easier differential diagnosis from non-cancerous liver disease.
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Lin T, Zhang Y, Lin Z, Peng L. ZWINT is a Promising Therapeutic Biomarker Associated with the Immune Microenvironment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:7487-7501. [PMID: 34744456 PMCID: PMC8566006 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s340057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still poor, effective therapeutic targets are needed. ZW10 interacting kinetochore protein (Zwint) is an essential component of the mitotic spindle checkpoint and is upregulated in cancers. Disappointing, the role of ZWINT in HCC has not been fully illuminated. Methods Multiple tools, including TIMER2.0, Oncomine, GEPIA2, UALCAN, LinkedOmics, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, and MethSurv, etc. were applied to comprehensively analyze the expression, genetic alternations, clinicopathological relevance, prognostic value, and DNA methylation of ZWINT, along with its correlations with immune infiltration in HCC. Besides, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed for the correlated genes of ZWINT, closely interconnected clusters and hub proteins in the PPI network were discovered to learn the underlying biological mechanisms. Results We found ZWINT was significantly upregulated in diverse cancers including HCC, compared with the corresponding normal controls. ZWINT upregulation was significantly associated with unfavorable clinicopathological features and survivals of HCC patients. Genetic alternations of ZWINT frequently occurred, which were linked to worse outcomes of HCC patients. The results of GSEA displayed ZWINT and its correlated genes might be components of condensed chromosomes and spindles, which participated in biological processes and signaling pathways involving DNA replication, cytokinesis, and cell cycle checkpoint, etc. Three highly interconnected clusters and 10 hub proteins were identified from the PPI network constructed with the correlated genes of ZWINT. Moreover, ZWINT expression was found positively correlated with infiltration levels of various immune cells, especially myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Conclusion This study demonstrated ZWINT might be a promising unfavorable prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target of HCC, which could regulate HCC progression through cell division and immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Lin
- The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingzhao Zhang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimei Lin
- The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Lisheng Peng
- Department of Science and Education, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
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Bioinformatics analysis identifies DYNC1I1 as prognosis marker in male patients with liver hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258797. [PMID: 34679093 PMCID: PMC8535175 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. However, the etiology and exact molecular mechanism of LIHC are still not fully understood, which makes it urgent for us to further study the molecular events behind. Methods In this study, differences in mRNA expression between LIHC samples and normal adjacent samples were found through analyzing the TCGA database, and key targets were sought. We analyzed 371 LIHC samples and 50 normal adjacent samples according to P <0.01 and logFC>2.5, a total of 1092 genes were identified differentially expressed, including 995 up-regulated genes and 97 down-regulated genes. We predicted the interactions of these differentially expressed mRNAs, and used Cyto-Hubba to locate the hub gene-dynein cytoplasmic 1 intermediate chain 1 (DYNC1I1). Results Survival analysis showed that DYNC1I1 was a prognostic factor for LIHC male patients. Functional enrichment indicated that DYNC1I1 and differentially expressed interacting proteins were involved in the cell cycle. Conclusion In conclusion, this study discovers that DYNC1I1 can be used as a prognostic marker for LIHC male patients.
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Zhou W, Fang DL, He Y. Screening potential prognostic biomarkers for portal vein emboli in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:1927-1938. [PMID: 34532139 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The formation of portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is closely related to the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms by which PVTTs form and the biomarkers involved are still little understood. Methods The Genome Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were used to obtain transcriptome data from normal tissue, HCC tissue, primary tumors (PTs) of HCC, and paired PVTT tissue. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PTs and PVTTs were analyzed. The differentially expressed immune genes were further investigated in terms of their prognostic significance, immune infiltration, function. Finally, we explored the relationship between risk scores and drug sensitivity based on the R package. Results In the two datasets, there were 458 DEGs identified in the PT and PVTT tissues, of which, 58 were immune-related genes. The differentially expressed immune genes may promote the progression of PVTT by participating in the regulation of non-cellular components such as the extracellular matrix, inflammatory factors, and chemokines. Furthermore, the immune genes KDR, AKT3, FCGR2B, KIAA1429, and TPT1 were correlated with the prognosis of HCC in patients with PVTT. Using this data, a model was constructed to predict the prognosis of patients, thus allowing for the identification of high- and low-risk patients. Conclusions This study demonstrated that immune-related genes may be involved in the regulation of the extracellular matrix and acellular components, and subsequently, in the formation of PVTT. These five genes KDR, AKT3, FCGR2B, KIAA1429, and TPT1 may be potential prognostic biomarkers and treatment targets for HCC patients with PVTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Zhou
- Clinical Laboratory, Baise People's Hospital, Baise, China
| | - Da Lang Fang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yongfei He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Lee J, Han JW, Sung PS, Lee SK, Yang H, Nam HC, Yoo SH, Lee HL, Kim HY, Lee SW, Kwon JH, Jang JW, Kim CW, Nam SW, Oh JS, Chun HJ, Bae SH, Choi JY, Yoon SK. Comparative Analysis of Lenvatinib and Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multi-Center, Propensity Score Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184045. [PMID: 34575160 PMCID: PMC8464794 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The comparative efficacy and safety between lenvatinib and hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear. This multicenter historical cohort study enrolled 244 patients who were treated with HAIC (n = 173) or lenvatinib (n = 71) between 2012 and 2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed, and 52 patients were selected per group. Clinical outcomes and safety were compared. Objective response rate (ORR) was not different between the two groups (26.0% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.736). Before PSM, the HAIC group had a higher proportion of Child-Pugh B and portal vein tumor, whereas the lenvatinib group had more patients with extrahepatic metastases, which was adjusted after PSM. There were no differences in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after PSM (HAIC vs. lenvatinib, median PFS, 3.6 vs. 4.0 months, p = 0.706; median OS 10.8 vs. 7.9 months, p = 0.106). Multivariate Cox-regression showed that alpha-fetoprotein ≤1000 ng/mL was only an associated factor for OS after PSM in all patients (hazard ratio = 0.421, p = 0.011). Subgroup analysis for patients with a high tumor burden beyond the REFLECT eligibility criteria revealed that the HAIC group (n = 29) had a significantly longer OS than did the lenvatinib group (n = 30) (10.0 vs. 5.4 months, p = 0.004). More patients in the HAIC group achieved better liver function than those in the lenvatinib group at the time of best responses. There was no difference in the incidence of grade 3 and 4 adverse events between the two groups. Therefore, lenvatinib is comparable to HAIC in terms of ORR and OS in unresectable HCC meeting REFLECT eligibility criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaejun Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 03382, Korea
| | - Ji-Won Han
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Pil-Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2258-2073; Fax: +82-2-3481-4025
| | - Soon-Kyu Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Hyun Yang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 03382, Korea
| | - Hee-Chul Nam
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 11765, Korea
| | - Sun-Hong Yoo
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 22711, Korea
| | - Hae-Lim Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 14647, Korea
| | - Hee-Yeon Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 11765, Korea
| | - Sung-Won Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 14647, Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Kwon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 22711, Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Chang-Wook Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 11765, Korea
| | - Soon-Woo Nam
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 22711, Korea
| | - Jung-Suk Oh
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.-S.O.); (H.-J.C.)
| | - Ho-Jong Chun
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.-S.O.); (H.-J.C.)
| | - Si-Hyun Bae
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 03382, Korea
| | - Jong-Young Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Seung-Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (J.L.); (J.-W.H.); (S.-K.L.); (H.Y.); (H.-C.N.); (S.-H.Y.); (H.-L.L.); (H.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (J.-H.K.); (J.-W.J.); (C.-W.K.); (S.-W.N.); (S.-H.B.); (J.-Y.C.); (S.-K.Y.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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Zhang DD, Wang WE, Ma YS, Shi Y, Yin J, Liu JB, Yang XL, Xin R, Fu D, Zhang WJ. A miR-212-3p/SLC6A1 Regulatory Sub-Network for the Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:5063-5075. [PMID: 34234551 PMCID: PMC8254378 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s308986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a liver cancer with a poor prognosis. Owing to the complexity and limited pathogenic mechanism research on HCC, the molecular targeted therapy has been hindered. Methods In this study, we categorized transcriptome data into low-Myc and high-Myc expression groups in 365 HCC samples, screened the differentially expressed RNAs, including 441 DE-lncRNAs, 99 DE-miRNAs and 612 DE-mRNAs, constructed a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, and selected a hub triple regulatory network through cytoHubba analysis. Through Gene ontology and KEGG pathway, a hub regulatory network was particularly enriched in the “Wnt signaling pathway” and “Cytochrome P450-arranged by substrate type” by Metascape. The prognostic genes in the hub regulatory network were evaluated by the RNA expression analysis, Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival analysis, and correlation analysis. Results The results showed that miR-212-3p/SLC6A1 axis was a potential prognostic model for HCC. Furthermore, IHC analysis showed down-regulated expression of SLC6A1 in HCC tissues and Alb-Cre;Myc mouse liver cancer tissues. The genetics and epigenetic analysis indicated that SLC6A1 expression was negatively correlated with DNA methylation. Immune infiltration analysis showed a negative relation between SLC6A1 and T cell exhaustion/monocyte in liver cancer tissues. Conclusion In summary, the study revealed that miR-212-3p/SLC6A1 axis could serve as a crucial therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Dan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Er Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital of Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture, Jishou, Hunan, 416000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Shui Ma
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/Institute, National Center for Liver Cancer, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Shi
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/Institute, National Center for Liver Cancer, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Haian People's Hospital, Haian, Jiangsu, 226600, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Bin Liu
- Cancer Institute, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, 226631, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Li Yang
- Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Xin
- Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Da Fu
- Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratories for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, People's Republic of China
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CXCL2/10/12/14 are prognostic biomarkers and correlated with immune infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:228875. [PMID: 34085699 PMCID: PMC8217985 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20204312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND C-x-C motif chemokine ligands (CXCLs) are critical regulators of cancer immunity and angiogenesis, which affect disease progression and treatment responses. The character of each CXCL in the prognosis and immune infiltration of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is unclear yet. METHODS Differentially expressed CXCLs between HCC and normal control were screened by Oncomine and GEPIA2. Genetic alternations of CXCLs in HCC were analyzed by cBioPortal. Clinicopathological relevance of CXCLs in HCC patients was analyzed using UALCAN. The prognostic value of CXCLs was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Correlations of CXCLs' expression with immune infiltration, chemokines and their receptors were assessed integrating TIMER, TISIDB, and GEPIA2. The co-expressed genes of CXCLs were discovered, and functional enrichment analysis was performed for them. RESULTS CXCL9/10 was significantly higher expressed while CXCL2/12/14 was lower expressed in HCC than normal tissues, but they didn't show significant clinicopathological relevance in HCC patients. High-expression of CXCL2/10/12/14 indicated favorable outcomes of HCC patients. The expression of CXCL9/10/12/14 was significantly positively correlated with not only the infiltration and biomarkers' expression of various tumor-infiltrating immune cells but also the abundance of chemokines and their receptors. The co-expressed genes of the five CXCLs were extracellular components and regulated immune or inflammatory responses and signaling pathways of chemokine, Toll-like receptor and tumor necrosis factor might be involved. CONCLUSION The present study proposed CXCL2/10/12/14 might predict outcomes of HCC patients and were extensively related with the immune microenvironment in HCC. It would be a prospective therapeutic strategy for HCC to enhance effective immunity surveillance through intervening in these CXCLs.
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Zhang L, Yan ZP, Hou ZH, Huang P, Yang MJ, Zhang S, Zhang S, Zhang SH, Zhu XL, Ni CF, Li Q. Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios as Predictors of Outcomes in Patients With Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Transarterial Chemoembolization Plus Sorafenib. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:624366. [PMID: 34124139 PMCID: PMC8194392 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.624366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the predictive value of inflammatory biomarkers in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for outcomes following the combination treatment of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus sorafenib. Materials and Methods: A total of 314 (270 male and 44 female) treatment-naïve patients with unresectable HCC treated by TACE plus sorafenib between January 2011 and December 2018 were enrolled in the retrospective study. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). The secondary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were obtained within 3–7 days before the initial TACE and the median value of the NLR and PLR was considered as the cut-off value. Results: The median value of NLR and PLR was 2.42 and 100, respectively. The median OS and PFS of the entire cohort were 18.7 months (95% CI: 16.8–20.6) and 9.1 months (95% CI: 8.5–9.8), respectively. The low NLR and PLR group showed improved OS and PFS compared with the high NLR and PLR group [21.8 months (95% CI: 15.2–28.5) vs. 15.4 months (95% CI: 12.4–18.3), p < 0.0001; 21.6 months (95% CI: 15.8–27.5) vs. 14.9 months (95% CI: 11.9–17.8), p = 0.00027, respectively]. In addition, the low NLR and PLR group also provided a longer PFS than the high NLR and PLR group [10.4 months (95% CI: 8.9–12.0) vs. 8.1 months (95% CI: 7.1–9.2), p = 0.00022; 10.3 months (95% CI: 8.6–11.9) vs. 8.2 months (95% CI: 7.2–9.2), p < 0.0001, respectively]. High NLR and PLR at baseline were predictive factors of poor OS (p = 0.02 and p = 0.004) and PFS (p = 0.045 and p = 0.005). Conclusion: This study showed the prognostic value of quantitative inflammatory biomarkers in correlation with OS and PFS in unresectable HCC patients undergoing TACE plus sorafenib treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.,Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Ping Yan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institution of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong-Heng Hou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Min-Jie Yang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institution of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shen Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shao-Hua Zhang
- Institute of Urology, The Affiliated Luohu Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Li Zhu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Cai-Fang Ni
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, The Dushu Lake Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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PNO1 regulates autophagy and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma via the MAPK signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:552. [PMID: 34050137 PMCID: PMC8163843 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03837-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Some studies have reported that activated ribosomes are positively associated with malignant tumors, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The RNA-binding protein PNO1 is a critical ribosome rarely reported in human tumors. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of PNO1 in HCC. Using 150 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples and 8 fresh samples, we found high PNO1 expression in HCC tumor tissues through Western blotting and RT-PCR. Moreover, the higher PNO1 expression was associated with poor HCC prognosis patients. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that PNO1 overexpression promoted the proliferation and depressed the apoptosis of HCC cells. High PNO1 expression also increased the autophagy of HCC cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying PNO1 were examined by RNA-seq analysis and a series of functional experiments. Results showed that PNO1 promoted HCC progression through the MAPK signaling pathway. Therefore, PNO1 was overexpressed in HCC, promoted autophagy, and inhibited the apoptosis of HCC cells through the MAPK signaling pathway.
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37
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Li Z, Lu X, Liu Y, Zhao J, Ma S, Yin H, Huang S, Zhao Y, He X. Gain of LINC00624 Enhances Liver Cancer Progression by Disrupting the Histone Deacetylase 6/Tripartite Motif Containing 28/Zinc Finger Protein 354C Corepressor Complex. Hepatology 2021; 73:1764-1782. [PMID: 32869873 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in almost every stage of tumor initiation and progression. Here, we have identified an antisense lncRNA, LINC00624, that arises from the antisense strand of chromo-domain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 1-like (CHD1L), located on chr1q21.1, with significant copy number gain and transcriptional activation of CHD1L and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 9 protein (BCL9), in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). APPROACH AND RESULTS Overexpression of LINC00624 enhances tumor growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, higher levels of LINC00624 strengthen the interaction between histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) and tripartite motif containing 28 (TRIM28), which accelerates HDAC6 ubiquitination and degradation. Moreover, LINC00624 binds to the RBCC domain of TRIM28, inhibits trimer formation, and weakens the interaction between TRIM28 and zinc finger protein 354C (ZNF354C). Thus, LINC00624 overexpression disrupts the formation of the HDAC6-TRIM28-ZNF354C transcriptional corepressor complex, resulting in the dissociation of the complex from the promoter of CHD1L and BCL9, thereby removing transcription inhibition. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that LINC00624 acts as a molecular decoy that sequesters the HDAC6-TRIM28-ZNF354C transcriptional corepressor complex away from the specific genomic loci, and that it can potentially be a therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyuan Lu
- Department of Pathology, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanfang Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengzhe Ma
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoxiang Yin
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenglin Huang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingjun Zhao
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianghuo He
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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38
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Lin T, Lin Z, Mai P, Zhang E, Peng L. Identification of prognostic biomarkers associated with the occurrence of portal vein tumor thrombus in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:11786-11807. [PMID: 33878734 PMCID: PMC8109071 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is strongly correlated to the staging and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the mechanisms of PVTT formation remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between primary tumor (PT) and PVTT tissues and comprehensively explored the underlying mechanisms of PVTT formation. The DEGs between PT and paired PVTT tissues were analyzed using transcriptional data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The expression, clinical relevance, prognostic significance, genetic alternations, DNA methylation, correlations with immune infiltration, co-expression correlations, and functional enrichment analysis of the DEGs were explored using multiple databases. As result, 12 DEGs were commonly down-expressed in PVTT compared with PT tissues among three datasets. The expression of DCN, CCL21, IGJ, CXCL14, FCN3, LAMA2, and NPY1R was progressively decreased from normal liver, PT, to PVTT tissues, whose up-expression associated with favorable survivals of HCC patients. The genetic alternations and DNA methylation of the DEGs frequently occurred, and several methylated CpG sites of the DEGs significantly correlated with outcomes of HCC patients. The immune infiltration in the tumor microenvironment of HCC was correlated with the expression level of the DEGs. Besides, the DEGs and their co-expressive genes participated in the biological processes of extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and focal adhesion. In summary, this study indicated the dysregulation of ECM and focal adhesion might contribute to the formation of PVTT. And the above seven genes might serve as potential biomarkers of PVTT occurrence and prognosis of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Lin
- The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhimei Lin
- The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peipei Mai
- The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - E Zhang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lisheng Peng
- Department of Science and Education, Shenzhen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
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39
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Luo P, Liang C, Jing W, Zhu M, Zhou H, Chai H, Worley PF, Tu J. Homer2 and Homer3 Act as Novel Biomarkers in Diagnosis of hepatitis B virus-induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2021; 12:3439-3447. [PMID: 33995622 PMCID: PMC8120171 DOI: 10.7150/jca.52118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. Early detection of HCC can significantly improve patients' outcomes. An increasing number of studies have validated that Homer is dysregulated in cancers and may serve as diagnostic markers. In the present study, we investigated the expression profile and diagnostic significance of Homer2 and Homer3 in hepatitis B virus-induced HCC (HBV-HCC). Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR), western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry analysis. Results: Homer2 and Homer3 were downregulated in HCC. The expression of Homer2 was associated with tumor differentiation grade (P= 0.012) and total protein (TP) level (P= 0.032). Homer3 was related to tumor size (P= 0.010), tumor nodes (P= 0.026) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) level (P= 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated that the combination of Homer2, Homer3 and AFP possessed a high accuracy (AUC=0.900) to diagnose HCC cases from healthy controls. Conclusion: Our data indicated that Homer2 and Homer3 were downregulated in HCC and might be potential diagnostic marker for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Luo
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department & Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chunzi Liang
- Department & Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wei Jing
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine of Henan, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Man Zhu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department of Transfusion, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Hongyan Chai
- Department & Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Paul F Worley
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 20205, USA
| | - Jiancheng Tu
- Department & Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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40
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Hu J, Cai D, Zhao Z, Zhong GC, Gong J. Suppression of Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein C Inhibit Hepatocellular Carcinoma Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion via Ras/MAPK Signaling Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 11:659676. [PMID: 33937074 PMCID: PMC8087488 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.659676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common malignant tumor, has high fatality and recurrence rates. Accumulating evidence shows that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (HNRNPC), which is mainly involved in RNA splicing, export, and translation, promotes progression and metastasis of multiple tumor types; however, the effects of HNRNPC in HCC are unknown. In the present study, high levels of HNRNPC were detected in tumor tissues compared with para-tumor tissues by immunohistochemical and western blot assays. Furthermore, Cox proportional hazards regression models, the Kaplan–Meier method, and clinicopathologic features analysis showed that HNRNPC was not only an independent prognostic factor for both overall and disease-free survival in HCC but also a predictor of large tumor size and advanced tumor stage. Functional experiments revealed that silencing of HNRNPC not only led to arrest of more HCC cells at G0/G1 phase to inhibit their proliferation, but also suppressed EMT process to block their invasion, and migration in vitro; this was related to the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, blocking of HCC cell proliferation regulated by HNRNPC silencing was observed in vivo. Finally, rescue tests showed that after recovery of Ras/MAPK signaling pathway activity by treatment with Ras agonists, the proliferation, migration, and invasion suppression of Huh-7 and Hep 3B cell lines caused by HNRNPC knockdown was partially reversed. Taken together, these results indicate that HNRNPC knockdown inhibits HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, in part via the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. Thus, HNRNPC may have an important role in the progression of HCC and represents a promising biomarker for evaluation of prognosis and a potential therapeutic target in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiejun Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhibo Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guo-Chao Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianping Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Development and Validation of a Nomogram Based on Noninvasive Liver Reserve and Fibrosis (PALBI and FIB-4) Model to Predict Posthepatectomy Liver Failure Grade B-C in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:6665267. [PMID: 34221013 PMCID: PMC8221058 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6665267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Hepatectomy is currently one of the most effective treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, postoperative liver failure (PHLF) is a serious complication and the leading cause of mortality in patients with HCC after hepatectomy. This study attempted to develop a novel nomogram based on noninvasive liver reserve and fibrosis models, platelet-albumin-bilirubin grade (PALBI) and fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), able to predict PHLF grade B-C. This was a single-centre retrospective study of 574 patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy between 2014 and 2018. The independent risk factors of PHLF were screened using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Multivariate logistic regression was performed using the training set, and the nomogram was developed and visualised. The utility of the model was evaluated in a validation set using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A total of 574 HCC patients were included (383 in the training set and 191 for the validation set) and included PHLF grade B-C complications of 14.8, 15.4, and 13.6%, respectively. Overall, cirrhosis (P < 0.026, OR = 2.296, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1.02–4.786), major hepatectomy (P=0.031, OR = 2.211, 95% CI 1.077–4.542), ascites (P=0.014, OR = 3.588, 95% 1.299–9.913), intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.001, OR = 4.683, 95% CI 2.281–9.616), PALBI score >−2.53 (, OR = 3.609, 95% CI 1.486–8.764), and FIB-4 score ≥1.45 (P < 0.001, OR = 5.267, 95% CI 2.077–13.351) were identified as independent risk factors associated with PHLF grade B-C in the training set. The areas under the ROC curves for the nomogram model in predicting PHLF grade B-C were significant for both the training and validation sets (0.832 vs 0.803). The proposed nomogram predicted PHLF grade B-C among patients with HCC with a better prognostic accuracy than other currently available fibrosis and noninvasive liver reserve models.
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42
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The oncogene Mct-1 promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via enhancement of Yap-mediated cell proliferation. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:57. [PMID: 33753742 PMCID: PMC7985373 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00413-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant T-cell-amplified sequence 1 (Mct-1) has been reported as an oncogene in multiple malignant diseases. However, the function of Mct-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor progression have not been explored. In this study, Mct-1 expression levels in HCC tissues and cells were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. Mct-1 shRNAs and overexpression vector were transfected into HCC cells to downregulate or upregulate Mct-1 expression. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to investigate the function of Mct-1 in cell proliferation and apoptosis. RNA sequencing analysis (RNA-seq) was performed to explore differences in gene expression when silenced Mct-1 expression. Mct-1 was upregulated in HCC specimens and cell lines, and higher expression of Mct-1 was predictive of poor survival. Overexpression of Mct-1 was shown to promote cell proliferation and repress cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. The results of RNA-seq indicated that knockdown of Mct-1 suppressed Yap expression, while the results of the luciferase assay also revealed that Mct-1 increases the activity of the Yap promoter. Restoration of Yap expression in Mct-1 knockdown cells partially recovered the promotion of cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. Collectively, these results indicate that Mct-1 acts as a tumor promoter gene in HCC progression by up-regulating Yap expression and, thus, could serve a novel potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC.
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43
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Shi X, Li Q, Wang Y. Impact of regulatory T cells on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e23957. [PMID: 33545975 PMCID: PMC7837976 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000023957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This meta-analysis aimed to systematically review current available literature to assess the impact of regulatory T cells (Tregs) on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS We will browse the online databases of PubMed and Cochrane Library. The summary hazard ratio (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) will be combined to present the value reported in the study. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis will provide useful guidance in treatment of HCC based on the reported evidences regarding the impact of Tregs on the prognosis of HCC. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER 10.17605/OSF.IO/3Q8PW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhui Shi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Yancheng No.1 People's Hospital & Yancheng First Hospital Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School
| | - Qisong Li
- College of Medical Technology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, P.R. China
| | - Yungang Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Yancheng No.1 People's Hospital & Yancheng First Hospital Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School
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44
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A novel immune classification reveals distinct immune escape mechanism and genomic alterations: implications for immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2021; 19:5. [PMID: 33407585 PMCID: PMC7789239 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02697-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The tumor immunological microenvironment (TIME) has a prominent impact on prognosis and immunotherapy. However, the heterogeneous TIME and the mechanisms by which TIME affects immunotherapy have not been elucidated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods A total of 2195 eligible HCC patients from TCGA and GEO database were collected. We comprehensively explored the different heterogeneous TIME phenotypes and its clinical significance. The potential immune escape mechanisms and what genomic alterations may drive the formation of different phenotypes were further investigated. Results We identified three phenotypes in HCC: TIME-1, the “immune-deficiency” phenotype, with immune cell depletion and proliferation; TIME-2, the “immune-suppressed” phenotype, with enrichment of immunosuppressive cells; TIME-3, the “immune-activated phenotype”, with abundant leukocytes infiltration and immune activation. The prognosis and sensitivity to both sorafenib and immunotherapy differed among the three phenotypes. We also underlined the potential immune escape mechanisms: lack of leukocytes and defective tumor antigen presentation capacity in TIME-1, increased immunosuppressive cells in TIME-2, and rich in immunoinhibitory molecules in TIME-3. The different phenotypes also demonstrated specific genomic events: TIME-1 characterized by TP53, CDKN2A, CTNNB1, AXIN1 and FOXD4 alterations; TIME-2 characterized by significant alteration patterns in the PI3K pathway; TIME-3 characterized by ARID1A mutation. Besides, the TIME index (TI) was proposed to quantify TIME infiltration pattern, and it was a superior prognostic and immunotherapy predictor. A pipeline was developed to classify single patient into one of these three subtypes and calculated the TI. Conclusions We identified three TIME phenotypes with different clinical outcomes, immune escape mechanisms and genomic alterations in HCC, which could present strategies for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. TI as a novel prognostic and immunotherapeutic signature that could guide personalized immunotherapy and clinical management of HCC.
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45
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Galle PR, Dufour JF, Peck-Radosavljevic M, Trojan J, Vogel A. Systemic therapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Future Oncol 2020; 17:1237-1251. [PMID: 33307782 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For a decade, sorafenib remained the only approved first-line treatment and standard of care for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The treatment landscape has been evolving rapidly over the past 2 years with the approval of additional first-and second-line systemic treatments, most of which are targeted therapies. The expected approval of immunotherapies constitutes a paradigm shift: for the first time in years, a checkpoint inhibitor in combination with a VEGF antibody recently outperformed sorafenib with regards to efficacy. The wider availability of systemic therapies increases the chance for longer overall survival but raises new questions concerning the role of local options, treatment choice and sequential treatment. Following an expert discussion at the German Cancer Congress 2020 in Berlin, this article aims to summarize the current evidence on and experience of treatment choice and sequence in first- and second-line therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter R Galle
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131, Mainz, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
| | | | - Markus Peck-Radosavljevic
- Klagenfurt am Wörthersee Hospital, 3 Internal Medicine & Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology & Nephrology, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Jörg Trojan
- Hospital of the Goethe University Frankfurt Center of Internal Medicine, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
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46
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Zhang J, Yang G, Li Q, Xie F. Increased fibrillarin expression is associated with tumor progression and an unfavorable prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2020; 21:92. [PMID: 33376525 PMCID: PMC7751345 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and third most common cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Hepatectomy and liver transplantation are the main treatments for early HCC. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy for advanced HCC have become increasingly popular; however, their clinical benefits are limited. Thus, identification of novel therapeutic targets for advanced HCC remains essential. Fibrillarin (FBL) is an essential nucleolar protein that catalyzes the 2′-O-methylation of ribosomal RNAs. Recently, experimental data have suggested that FBL can influence breast-cancer progression. However, the association between FBL expression and HCC remains known. In the present study, the UALCAN database was used to assess FBL mRNA expression in HCC. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to detect FBL protein expression in 139 patients with HCC. In addition, bioinformatic analysis was performed using the UALCAN, the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery, cBioportal and TargetScan databases. Data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test, and a Cox proportional hazards regression model. The results demonstrated that FBL expression was significantly higher in tumor tissues compared with para-tumor tissues. Furthermore, high FBL expression was significantly associated with tumor diameter and advanced TNM stage in HCC. High FBL expression also predicted a shorter overall survival time and disease-free survival time in patients with HCC. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that FBL may be regulated by methylation modification. In addition, analyses of functional annotations using the Gene Ontology database indicated that FBL-related genes were predominantly enriched in DNA repair and proliferation-related cell-signaling pathways. Notably, high FBL expression signified larger tumor diameter, advanced tumor stage and a poor prognosis. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that FBL may be a potential target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Gang Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Fei Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Neijiang, Neijiang, Sichuan 641000, P.R. China
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Zhou J, Zhou Q, Shu G, Wang X, Lu Y, Chen H, Hu T, Cai J, Du Y, Yu R. Dual-Effect of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reporter Gene in Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:7235-7249. [PMID: 33061378 PMCID: PMC7533905 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s257628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Propose The early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with ferritin heavy chain (Fth) modified by alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter has been studied. However, no study has focused on the considerable upregulation and specific targeting effects of transferrin receptors (TfR) caused by the transfection of plasmids encoded with the AFP promoter. Thus, the objective of our study was to investigate whether the transfection of Fth gene modified with AFP promoter (AFP@Fth) could be used for early diagnosis and enhanced treatment of HCC. Methods The AFP@Fth plasmid was transfected into AFP positive cells. The expression of intracellular Ferritin was verified by Western blot, and the upregulation of TfR was confirmed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis. Cellular iron accumulation resulting in decreased imaging signals was examined by magnetic resonance imagining. Doxorubicin liposome modified with transferrin (Tf-LPD) was prepared to investigate the efficiency of the subsequent treatment after transfection. The enhanced drug distribution and effects were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Results Both Ferritin and TfR were overexpressed after transfection. The transfected cells showed higher intracellular iron accumulation and resulted in a lower MR T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) intensity, suggesting that the transfection of AFP@Fth could be a potential strategy for early diagnosis of liver cancer. The following treatment efficacy was revealed by Tf-LPD. As compared with un-transfected cells, transfected cells exhibited higher uptake of transferrin-modified liposomes (Tf-LP), which was due to the specific interaction between Tf and TfR overexpressed on the transfected cells. This is also the reason why Tf-LPD showed better in vitro and in vivo anticancer ability than doxorubicin loaded liposome (LPD). These results suggested that transfection of AFP@Fth could result in enhanced therapy of liver cancer. Conclusion Transfection of AFP@Fth could be used for early diagnosis and for enhanced treatment of live cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaping Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaomei Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Gaofeng Shu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanfei Lu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Hu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinsong Cai
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongzhong Du
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Risheng Yu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, People's Republic of China
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Zhang L, Fan Y, Wang X, Yang M, Wu X, Huang W, Lan J, Liao L, Huang W, Yuan L, Pan H, Wu Y, Chen L, Guan J. Carbohydrate Sulfotransferase 4 Inhibits the Progression of Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Is a Potential Prognostic Marker in Several Tumors. Front Oncol 2020; 10:554331. [PMID: 33178582 PMCID: PMC7593664 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.554331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbohydrate sulfotransferase 4 (CHST4) plays an important role in lymphocyte homing and is abnormally expressed in several cancer types; however, its precise function in tumor development and progression is unknown. Here we confirm that CHST4 is aberrantly expressed in various tumor subtypes. In particular, we found that CHST4 expression was downregulated in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) tumors compared to paired normal tissue. We also showed that CHST4 overexpression inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro. Clinically, CHST4 was identified as an independent prognostic factor for HBV-HCC patients. We further illuminated the anti-tumor role and mechanism of CHST4 in HBV-HCC by constructing a FENDRR–miR-10b-5p–CHST4 competing endogenous RNA network. We found that downregulation of CHST4 expression may promote HBV expression and regulate ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis to promote malignant behaviors in HBV-HCC. CHST4 may also recruit CD4+ T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils into the tumor microenvironment to inhibit the progression of HBV-HCC. Overall, our findings suggest that CHST4 acts as a tumor suppressor in HCC-HBV and represents a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longshan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao Fan
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mi Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - XiXi Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiqiang Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Lan
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liwei Liao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenqi Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Yuan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Pan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longhua Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Guan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Kamitani N, Nomi T, Hokuto D, Yoshikawa T, Matsuo Y, Sho M. Primary undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells in liver and rapidly developing multiple metastases after curative hepatectomy: a case report. Int Cancer Conf J 2020; 9:244-248. [PMID: 32904085 DOI: 10.1007/s13691-020-00436-0] [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: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A 64-year-old man was diagnosed with cholangiocellular carcinoma based on preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and underwent laparoscopic segmentectomy (Segment 8) of the liver for radical operation. Pathological examination revealed the presence of an undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells, which were categorized as T3N0M0 and Stage III based on the third English edition of the Japanese classification of liver cancer. The patient was treated with three courses of combination chemotherapy, which included gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) and cisplatin (25 mg/m2), as well as S-1 (120 mg/day) for adjuvant chemotherapy. At two months after the operation, CT revealed multiple liver- and lung metastases. Thereafter, the patient was prescribed the molecularly targeted drug, lenvatinib (12 mg/day). However, lenvatinib was not effective, as evident by the extension of several metastases. Testing for microsatellite instability was negative. The patient died 5 months after the operation. We experienced a case of primary undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells in the liver showed rapidly developing multiple metastases after curative liver resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Kamitani
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522 Japan
| | - Takeo Nomi
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522 Japan
| | - Daisuke Hokuto
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522 Japan
| | - Takahiro Yoshikawa
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522 Japan
| | - Yasuko Matsuo
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522 Japan
| | - Masayuki Sho
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522 Japan
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DNA Primase Subunit 1 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Clinical Implication. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:9689312. [PMID: 32908930 PMCID: PMC7463366 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9689312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
DNA Primase Subunit 1 (PRIM1) is crucial for cancer development and progression. However, there remains a lack of comprehension concerning the clinical implication of PRIM1 in HCC. Here, aberrant expression of PRIM1 was identified in HCC according to available databases. The prognostic value of PRIM1 in patients presenting with HCC was further assessed based on TCGA data. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was subsequently conducted to investigate the potential function of PRIM1. Additionally, the correlations between tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and PRIM1 expression were evaluated. The data from TCGA, GEO, ONCOMINE, and HCCDB databases illustrated that PRIM1 was overexpressed in HCC tissues, compared to normal liver tissues (all p < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that high PRIM1 expression in HCC was closely correlated with worse overall survival (p < 0.05). The univariate and multivariate analyses illustrated that PRIM1 expression was an independent novel prognostic indicator in HCC. Additionally, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve for PRIM1 reached 0.8651, indicating the diagnostic significance of PRIM1 in patients with HCC. GSEA showed that PRIM1 overexpression was significantly enriched in several tumor-related signaling pathways. Besides, TIIC analysis clarified the association between PRIM1 expression and TIICs in HCC. The findings disclose that PRIM1 profoundly implicated in promoting tumorigenesis might work as a desirable biomarker for HCC.
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