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Zhang Y, Xing M, Meng F, Zhu L, Huang Q, Ma T, Fang H, Gu X, Huang S, Wu X, Lv G, Guo J, Wu L, Liu X, Chen Z. The mechanical mechanism of angiotensin II induced activation of hepatic stellate cells promoting portal hypertension. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151427. [PMID: 38820882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151427] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In the development of chronic liver disease, the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) plays a pivotal role in increasing intrahepatic vascular resistance (IHVR) and inducing portal hypertension (PH) in cirrhosis. Our research demonstrated that HSC contraction, prompted by angiotensin II (Ang II), significantly contributed to the elevation of type I collagen (COL1A1) expression. This increase was intimately associated with enhanced cell tension and YAP nuclear translocation, mediated through α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, microfilaments (MF) polymerization, and stress fibers (SF) assembly. Further investigation revealed that the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway regulated MF polymerization and SF assembly by facilitating the phosphorylation of cofilin and MLC, while Ca2+ chiefly governed SF assembly via MLC. Inhibiting α-SMA-MF-SF assembly changed Ang II-induced cell contraction, YAP nuclear translocation, and COL1A1 expression, findings corroborated in cirrhotic mice models. Overall, our study offers insights into mitigating IHVR and PH through cell mechanics, heralding potential breakthroughs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiheng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mulan Xing
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fansheng Meng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base For TCM Quality and Efficacy, School of Medicine and Life Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qingchuan Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Tianle Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huihua Fang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Xujing Gu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Suzhou Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinyu Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Gaohong Lv
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jun Guo
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base For TCM Quality and Efficacy, School of Medicine and Life Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Li Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Engineering Center of State Ministry of Education for Standardization of Chinese Medicine Processing, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215002, China.
| | - Zhipeng Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Engineering Center of State Ministry of Education for Standardization of Chinese Medicine Processing, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Pinto E, Pelizzaro F, Cardin R, Battistel M, Palano G, Bertellini F, Kitenge MP, Peserico G, Farinati F, Russo FP. HIF-1α and VEGF as prognostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization. Dig Liver Dis 2024; 56:872-879. [PMID: 37783655 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.09.019] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neoangiogenesis plays a crucial role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and concerns have been raised about the role of neoangiogenesis on the effectiveness of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). AIM In this study, we aimed to evaluate Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) as circulating prognostic biomarkers in HCC patients treated with TACE. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 163 patients before (t0) and four weeks after TACE (t1). RESULTS Higher levels of VEGF after TACE were demonstrated (264.0 [78.7-450.8] vs. 278.6 [95.0-576.6] pg/mL; p < 0.0001). Responders to TACE had lower levels of VEGF than non-responders both at t0 (200.0 [58.9-415.8] vs. 406.6 [181.4-558.6] pg/mL; p = 0.006) and at t1 (257.3 [68.5-528.6] vs. 425.9 [245.2-808.3] pg/mL; p = 0.003), and in both groups there was an increase in VEGF compared to measurements before treatment (p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). VEGF was not associated with overall survival (OS), while patients with HIF-1α ≤ 0.49 ng/mL showed better prognosis (median OS 28.0 months [95% CI 19.7-36.3] vs. 17.0 months [95% CI 11.1-22.9]; p = 0.01). Moreover, HIF-1α was identified as an independent prognostic parameter. CONCLUSIONS VEGF and HIF-1α can be considered useful prognostic biomarkers in HCC patients treated with TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pinto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Pelizzaro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Romilda Cardin
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Michele Battistel
- Radiology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palano
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Bertellini
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Piera Kitenge
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Peserico
- Gastroenterology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV), Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
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Abdel-Mohsen HT, Ibrahim MA, Nageeb AM, El Kerdawy AM. Receptor-based pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel VEGFR-2, FGFR-1, and BRAF multi-kinase inhibitors. BMC Chem 2024; 18:42. [PMID: 38395926 PMCID: PMC10893631 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-024-01135-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A receptor-based pharmacophore model describing the binding features required for the multi-kinase inhibition of the target kinases (VEGFR-2, FGFR-1, and BRAF) were constructed and validated. It showed a good overall quality in discriminating between the active and the inactive in a compiled test set compounds with F1 score of 0.502 and Mathew's correlation coefficient of 0.513. It described the ligand binding to the hinge region Cys or Ala, the glutamate residue of the Glu-Lys αC helix conserved pair, the DFG motif Asp at the activation loop, and the allosteric back pocket next to the ATP binding site. Moreover, excluded volumes were used to define the steric extent of the binding sites. The application of the developed pharmacophore model in virtual screening of an in-house scaffold dataset resulted in the identification of a benzimidazole-based scaffold as a promising hit within the dataset. Compounds 8a-u were designed through structural optimization of the hit benzimidazole-based scaffold through (un)substituted aryl substitution on 2 and 5 positions of the benzimidazole ring. Molecular docking simulations and ADME properties predictions confirmed the promising characteristics of the designed compounds in terms of binding affinity and pharmacokinetic properties, respectively. The designed compounds 8a-u were synthesized, and they demonstrated moderate to potent VEGFR-2 inhibitory activity at 10 µM. Compound 8u exhibited a potent inhibitory activity against the target kinases (VEGFR-2, FGFR-1, and BRAF) with IC50 values of 0.93, 3.74, 0.25 µM, respectively. The benzimidazole derivatives 8a-u were all selected by the NCI (USA) to conduct their anti-proliferation screening. Compounds 8a and 8d resulted in a potent mean growth inhibition % (GI%) of 97.73% and 92.51%, respectively. Whereas compounds 8h, 8j, 8k, 8o, 8q, 8r, and 8u showed a mean GI% > 100% (lethal effect). The most potent compounds on the NCI panel of 60 different cancer cell lines were progressed further to NCI five-dose testing. The benzimidazole derivatives 8a, 8d, 8h, 8j, 8k, 8o, 8q, 8r and 8u exhibited potent anticancer activity on the tested cell lines reaching sub-micromolar range. Moreover, 8u was found to induce cell cycle arrest of MCF-7 cell line at the G2/M phase and accumulating cells at the sub-G1 phase as a result of cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba T Abdel-Mohsen
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, P.O. 12622, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Marwa A Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, P.O. 11562, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira M Nageeb
- High Throughput Molecular and Genetic Technology Lab, Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, Biochemistry Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, P.O. 12622, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M El Kerdawy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, P.O. 11562, Cairo, Egypt
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Science, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Green Lane, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
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Abdel-Mohsen HT, Anwar MM, Ahmed NS, Abd El-Karim SS, Abdelwahed SH. Recent Advances in Structural Optimization of Quinazoline-Based Protein Kinase Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy (2021-Present). Molecules 2024; 29:875. [PMID: 38398626 PMCID: PMC10892255 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29040875] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complicated, multifaceted disease that can impact any organ in the body. Various chemotherapeutic agents have a low selectivity and are very toxic when used alone or in combination with others. Resistance is one of the most important hurdles that develop due to the use of many anticancer therapeutics. As a result, treating cancer requires a target-specific palliative care strategy. Remarkable scientific discoveries have shed light on several of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer, resulting in the development of various targeted anticancer agents. One of the most important heterocyclic motifs is quinazoline, which has a wide range of biological uses and chemical reactivities. Newer, more sophisticated medications with quinazoline structures have been found in the last few years, and great strides have been made in creating effective protocols for building these pharmacologically active scaffolds. A new class of chemotherapeutic agents known as quinazoline-based derivatives possessing anticancer properties consists of several well-known compounds that block different protein kinases and other molecular targets. This review highlights recent updates (2021-2024) on various quinazoline-based derivatives acting against different protein kinases as anticancer chemotherapeutics. It also provides guidance for the design and synthesis of novel quinazoline analogues that could serve as lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba T. Abdel-Mohsen
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, El-Bohouth Street, Dokki, Cairo P.O. Box 12622, Egypt;
| | - Manal M. Anwar
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, El-Bohouth Street, Dokki, Cairo P.O. Box 12622, Egypt; (M.M.A.); (N.S.A.); (S.S.A.E.-K.)
| | - Nesreen S. Ahmed
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, El-Bohouth Street, Dokki, Cairo P.O. Box 12622, Egypt; (M.M.A.); (N.S.A.); (S.S.A.E.-K.)
| | - Somaia S. Abd El-Karim
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, El-Bohouth Street, Dokki, Cairo P.O. Box 12622, Egypt; (M.M.A.); (N.S.A.); (S.S.A.E.-K.)
| | - Sameh H. Abdelwahed
- Department of Chemistry, Prairie View A & M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA
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Feng L, Li M, Huang Z, Xu M. Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma-a single-institution experience with 51 cases. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1236134. [PMID: 37601682 PMCID: PMC10435877 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1236134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of the present study was to describe the experience at a single institution in the management of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE). Methods We included 51 patients with histologically confirmed HEHE. We performed log-rank (Cox-Mantel) survival analyses using Kaplan-Meier methods to test differences in survival between patients in different groups. Univariate Cox regression analyses and multivariate proportional hazards regression model were carried out to identify independent prognostic factors. Results Different imaging modalities were used to diagnose HEHE with various presentations. Liver resection (LR), liver transplantation (LT), systemic treatment (ST), and surveillance had been used in our study. A significant difference was noted between the LR group and the surveillance group with respect to mean survival (p = 0.006), as was in the LR group and the ST group (p = 0.036), and in surgical approach (LR and LT) and nonsurgical approach (ST and surveillance) (p = 0.008). The mean survival between the ST group and the surveillance group was not significantly different (p = 0.851). LR (p = 0.010) and surgical approach (p = 0.014) were favorable predictors of outcome, while macrovascular invasion (MaVI) (p = 0.037), lung metastasis (p = 0.040), and surveillance (p = 0.033) were poor prognostic factors in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that LR (p = 0.010) and surgical approach (p = 0.014) were independently associated with good OS, while surveillance (p = 0.033) was independently associated with poor OS. After adjusting for confounding factors, patients in the LR group have much better OS than those in the surveillance group (p = 0.013). However, there was no significant difference in OS between the LR group and ST group (p = 0.254), as was in the ST group and the surveillance group (p = 0.857). Conclusions The definitive diagnosis of HEHE was dependent on histopathology, and it was not possible to make a specific diagnosis without biopsy because the radiological findings were similar to those in some hepatic malignancies. ST was not recommended for patients who were not candidates for surgical approaches, and surgical approaches should be warranted regardless of disease stage. The retrospective nature and the small size of the data limited the generalizability of the study, designing a worldwide database that contains all data about patients with HEHE independent of their therapy, which was highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Feng
- Division of Biliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Manjie Li
- Radiology Department of West China Tianfu Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhuo Huang
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingqing Xu
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Pinto E, Pelizzaro F, Farinati F, Russo FP. Angiogenesis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Systemic Therapies. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1115. [PMID: 37374319 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy. The hypervascular nature of the majority of HCCs and the peculiar vascular derangement occurring during liver carcinogenesis underscore the importance of angiogenesis in the development and progression of these tumors. Indeed, several angiogenic molecular pathways have been identified as deregulated in HCC. The hypervascular nature and the peculiar vascularization of HCC, as well as deregulated angiogenic pathways, represent major therapeutic targets. To a large extent, intra-arterial locoregional treatments (transarterial-(chemo)embolization) rely on tumor ischemia caused by embolization of tumor feeding arteries, even though this may represent the "primum movens" of tumor recurrence through the activation of neoangiogenesis. Considering systemic therapies, the currently available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sorafenib, regorafenib, cabozantinib and lenvatinib) and monoclonal antibodies (ramucirumab and bevacizumab, in combination with the anti-PD-L1, atezolizumab) primarily target, among others, angiogenic pathways. Considering the importance of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis and treatment of liver cancer, in this paper, we aim to review the role of angiogenesis in HCC, addressing the molecular mechanisms, available antiangiogenic therapies and prognostic biomarkers in patients receiving these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pinto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Pelizzaro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
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Fu C, Zhang Y, Xi WJ, Xu K, Meng F, Ma T, Li W, Wu L, Chen Z. Dahuang Zhechong pill attenuates hepatic sinusoidal capillarization in liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma rat model via the MK/integrin signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 308:116191. [PMID: 36731809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Dahuang Zhechong pill (DHZCP), a traditional Chinese medicine, was derived from the famous book Unk "Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber" during the Han dynasty. Owing to its ability to invigorate the circulation of blood in Chinese medicine, DHZCP is usually used for treating liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Clinical application have shown that DHZCP exhibits satisfactory therapeutic effects in HCC adjuvant therapy; however, little is known about its underlying mechanisms. AIM OF THE STUDY We aimed to clarify the mechanism of DHZCP against hepatic sinusoidal capillarization in rats with LC and HCC by inhibiting the MK/integrin signaling pathway of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). MATERIALS AND METHODS The contents of 29 characteristic components in DHZCP were determined by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. DEN (Diethylnitrosamine)-induced LC and HCC rat models were constructed, and DHZCP was administered when the disease entered the LC stage. After 4 or 12 weeks of administration, hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson staining, Metavir score, and SSCP (Single strand conformation polymorphism) gene mutation detection were used to confirm tissue fibrosis and cancer. The levels of NO, ET-1 and TXA2, which can regulate vasomotor functions and activate the MK/Itgα6/Src signaling pathway were evaluated by using immunohistochemistry, chemiluminescence, immunofluorescence, Western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Similar methods were also used to evaluate the levels of VEGF, VEGFR, Ang-2 and Tie, which can promote pathological angiogenesis and activate the MK/Itgα4/NF-κB signaling pathway. In vitro cell experiments were performed using potential pharmacodynamic molecules targeting integrins in DHZCP were selected by molecular docking, and the effects of these molecules on the function of LSECs were studied by Itgα4+ and Itgα6+ cell models. RESULTS At the stage of LC, the animal experiments demonstrated that DHZCP mainly inhibited the MK/Itgα6 signaling pathway to increase the number and size of hepatic sinus fenestration, reversed the ET-1/NO and TXA2/NO ratios, regulated hepatic sinus relaxation and contraction balance, reduced the portal vein pressure, and inhibited cirrhotic carcinogenesis. At the HCC stage, DHZCP could also significantly inhibit the MK/Itgα4 signaling pathway, reduce pathological angiogenesis, and alleviate disease progression. The results of the cell experiments showed that Rhein, Naringenin, Liquiritin and Emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (PMEG) were involved in vascular regulation by affecting the MK/integrin signaling pathway. Liquiritin and PMEG mainly blocked the MK/α6 signal, which is important in regulating the vasomotor function of the liver sinus. Naringenin and Rhein mainly acted by blocked the signaling of MK/α4 action signal, which are potent molecules that inhibit pathological angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS DHZCP could improve the hepatic sinusoidal capillarization of LC and HCC by inhibiting the MK/Itgα signaling pathway and inhibited disease progression. Rhein, Naringenin, Liquiritin and PMEG were the main active molecules that affected the MK/Itgα signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuankui Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yiheng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Wen Jie Xi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Kejia Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Fansheng Meng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Tianle Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Weidong Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Engineering Center of State Ministry of Education for Standardization of Chinese Medicine Processing, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Li Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Engineering Center of State Ministry of Education for Standardization of Chinese Medicine Processing, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Zhipeng Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Engineering Center of State Ministry of Education for Standardization of Chinese Medicine Processing, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Yuan G, Liu Z, Wang W, Liu M, Xu Y, Hu W, Fan Y, Zhang X, Liu Y, Si G. Multifunctional nanoplatforms application in the transcatheter chemoembolization against hepatocellular carcinoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:68. [PMID: 36849981 PMCID: PMC9969656 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01820-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has the sixth-highest new incidence and fourth-highest mortality worldwide. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is one of the primary treatment strategies for unresectable HCC. However, the therapeutic effect is still unsatisfactory due to the insufficient distribution of antineoplastic drugs in tumor tissues and the worsened post-embolization tumor microenvironment (TME, e.g., hypoxia and reduced pH). Recently, using nanomaterials as a drug delivery platform for TACE therapy of HCC has been a research hotspot. With the development of nanotechnology, multifunctional nanoplatforms have been developed to embolize the tumor vasculature, creating conditions for improving the distribution and bioavailability of drugs in tumor tissues. Currently, the researchers are focusing on functionalizing nanomaterials to achieve high drug loading efficacy, thorough vascular embolization, tumor targeting, controlled sustained release of drugs, and real-time imaging in the TACE process to facilitate precise embolization and enable therapeutic procedures follow-up imaging of tumor lesions. Herein, we summarized the recent advances and applications of functionalized nanomaterials based on TACE against HCC, believing that developing these functionalized nanoplatforms may be a promising approach for improving the TACE therapeutic effect of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Yuan
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Department of Intervention Radiology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 China ,grid.259384.10000 0000 8945 4455State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR China
| | - Zhiyin Liu
- grid.488387.8Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 China
| | - Weiming Wang
- grid.259384.10000 0000 8945 4455State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR China ,grid.488387.8Department of General Surgery (Vascular Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 China
| | - Mengnan Liu
- grid.259384.10000 0000 8945 4455State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR China ,grid.488387.8National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base and Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yanneng Xu
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Department of Intervention Radiology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 China ,grid.259384.10000 0000 8945 4455State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR China
| | - Wei Hu
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Department of Intervention Radiology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 China ,grid.259384.10000 0000 8945 4455State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR China
| | - Yao Fan
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Department of Anus and Intestine Surgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 China
| | - Xun Zhang
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Department of Intervention Radiology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of General Surgery (Vascular Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
| | - Guangyan Si
- Department of Intervention Radiology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Verification on Antiangiogenesis Mechanism of Hedyotis diffusa Willd in Liver Cancer. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 2023:1416841. [PMID: 36647454 PMCID: PMC9840549 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1416841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) is one of the most well-known herbs used in the therapy of cancer. However, the potential mechanisms of its antiangiogenic effects have not been fully explored. Here, we applied a network pharmacology approach to explore the potential mechanisms of HDW against liver cancer angiogenesis (LCA) and used a mouse orthotopic liver cancer model for experimental verification accordingly. Methods The effective components, primary active compounds, and possible targets in the therapy of LCA were predicted using network pharmacology and bioinformatics. In vivo testing of the pharmacodynamic foundation of HDW in the treatment of LCA was performed. Hepa1-6 cells were implanted in C57BL/6 mice to establish an orthotopic liver cancer model to evaluate the antitumor and antiangiogenesis effects of the drug. Furthermore, protein levels were evaluated by western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Results We firstly confirmed the therapeutic effect of HDW on LCA and subsequently screened 7 active compounds from HDW according to their pharmacokinetic properties. Network analysis and enrichment analysis indicated that these compounds exhibit antiangiogenic effect by acting on multiple targets and thereby regulating multiple pathways mainly involved in Akt1, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17, hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Importantly, we preliminarily verified the results of the network pharmacology analysis in vivo. Conclusion Collectively, our work initially explored the therapeutic mechanism of HDW on tumor angiogenesis, which lays an experimental reference for further exploring its pharmacological action and its clinical application.
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Rizzo A, Racca M, Albano D, Dondi F, Bertagna F, Annunziata S, Treglia G. Can PSMA-Targeting Radiopharmaceuticals Be Useful for Detecting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Positron Emission Tomography? An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1368. [PMID: 36355540 PMCID: PMC9699564 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies proposed the use of positron emission tomography (PET) with Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)-targeting radiopharmaceuticals in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our aim is to calculate the detection rate (DR) of this examination in HCC with a meta-analysis. METHODS A comprehensive literature search of studies on the DR of PET/CT or PET/MRI with PSMA-targeting radiopharmaceuticals in HCC was performed. Original articles evaluating these imaging examinations both in newly diagnosed HCC patients and HCC patients with disease relapse were included. Pooled DR including 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was calculated. Statistical heterogeneity was also assessed using the I2 test. RESULTS The meta-analysis of six selected studies (126 patients) provided a DR of 85.9% for PET imaging with PSMA-targeting radiopharmaceuticals in the diagnosis of HCC. Moderate statistical heterogeneity among the included studies was found (I2 = 56%). CONCLUSIONS The quantitative data provided demonstrate the high DR of PET/CT or PET/MRI with PSMA-targeting radiopharmaceuticals for HCC lesion detection. However, more studies are needed to confirm the promising role of PSMA-targeted PET in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Rizzo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO—IRCCS, 10060 Turin, Italy
| | - Manuela Racca
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO—IRCCS, 10060 Turin, Italy
| | - Domenico Albano
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertagna
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Annunziata
- Unità di Medicina Nucleare, TracerGLab, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Treglia
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6501 Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università Della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
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11
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Ke M, Zhou Y, Yang CZ, Li L, Diao M. Analysis of risk factors for angiolymphatic invasion and establishment of a predictive nomogram for hepatoblastomas. J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:430-437. [PMID: 35365339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatoblastomas (HBs)are malignant liver tumors that most commonly develop in pediatric patients. Although lymph node metastasis is rare in HBs, angiolymphatic invasion (ALI) is a risk factor affecting the prognosis of HBs. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for angiolymphatic invasion in HBs. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 165 patients with HBs who underwent surgical resection at our institution between March 2016 and May 2021 and established binary logistic regression models to predict risk factors for ALI. The R software was used to construct the nomogram. RESULTS For the regression model based on the Children's Hepatic Tumors International Collaboration-Hepatoblastoma Stratification (CHIC-HS) system, tumor diameter, tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), and CHIC-HS were identified as independent risk factors for angiolymphatic invasion. For the regression model based on the pretreatment extent of the tumor (PRETEXT) stages with annotation factors, tumor diameter, multifocality, macrovascular involvement, tumor response to NACT, and PRETEXT stages were identified as independent risk factors for angiolymphatic invasion. CONCLUSIONS Using the CHIC-HS system/PRETEXT stages with annotation factors, tumor diameter and tumor response to NACT were identified as independent risk factors for angiolymphatic invasion. The distance between the tumor and portal vein was negatively correlated with the occurrence of multifocal tumors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Ke
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, No. 2 Yabao Road, Beijing, Chaoyang District 100020, People's Republic of China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, No. 2 Yabao Road, Beijing, Chaoyang District 100020, People's Republic of China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Zhen Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, No. 2 Yabao Road, Beijing, Chaoyang District 100020, People's Republic of China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, No. 2 Yabao Road, Beijing, Chaoyang District 100020, People's Republic of China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mei Diao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, No. 2 Yabao Road, Beijing, Chaoyang District 100020, People's Republic of China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
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Xie Y, Fan K, Guan S, Hu Y, Gao Y, Zhou W. LECT2: A pleiotropic and promising hepatokine, from bench to bedside. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:3598-3607. [PMID: 35656863 PMCID: PMC9258709 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
LECT2 (leucocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2) is a 16-kDa protein mainly produced by hepatocytes. It was first isolated in PHA-activated human T-cell leukaemia SKW-3 cells and originally identified as a novel neutrophil chemotactic factor. However, many lines of studies suggested that LECT2 was a pleiotropic protein, it not only functioned as a cytokine to exhibit chemotactic property, but also played multifunctional roles in some physiological conditions and pathological abnormalities, involving liver regeneration, neuronal development, HSC(haematopoietic stem cells) homeostasis, liver injury, liver fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, metabolic disorders, inflammatory arthritides, systemic sepsis and systemic amyloidosis. Among the above studies, it was discovered that LECT2 could be a promising molecular biomarker and therapeutic target. This review summarizes LECT2-related receptors and pathways, basic and clinical researches, primarily in mice and human, for a better comprehension and management of these diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Xie
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial Liver, Institute of Regenerative MedicineZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of General Surgery IIThe First People's Hospital of ZhaoqingZhaoqingChina
| | - Kai‐Wei Fan
- Department of Cerebrovascular DiseaseThe First People's Hospital of ZhaoqingZhaoqingChina
| | - Shi‐Xing Guan
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yi Gao
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial Liver, Institute of Regenerative MedicineZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Wei‐Jie Zhou
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou Clinical Research and Transformation Center for Artificial Liver, Institute of Regenerative MedicineZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, First Clinical Medical CollegeSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
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CircLATS2 Regulates miR-520a-3p/E2F7/p-VEGFR2 Signaling Pathway to Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression and Angiogenesis. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:3744560. [PMID: 35444695 PMCID: PMC9015858 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3744560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of circLATS2 on the progression and angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma and its molecular mechanism. Methods The expression of circLATS2 in hepatocellular carcinoma was detected by qRT-PCR. The StarBase database was used to predict the potential miRNA, and the combination of the above was cytological verified by luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull down. The potential target genes of miRNA were predicted by TargetScan, verified by the above experiments, and the influence of circLATS2 on its expression was determined. The biological function of circLATS2 was investigated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. The effects of miRNA and target genes on the malignant behavior of HCC cells were determined by the reverse experiment. Results circLATS2 was highly expressed in HCC and was positively correlated with tumor size and tumor stage. miR-520a-3p was sponged by circLATS2 and was low expressed in HCC tissues. As the target gene of miR-520a-3p, the expression level of E2F7 is affected by circLATS2. In vitro experiments showed that circLATS2 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, clone formation, migration, and invasion ability of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In vivo knockdown of circLATS2 inhibits the proliferation of HCC cells, while overexpression of circLATS2 promotes the proliferation of HCC cells. Overexpression of miR-520a-3p and E2F7 knockdown reversed the role of circLATS2 in promoting malignant behavior of HCC cells and affected phosphorylation of VEGFR2. Conclusion CircLATS2 promotes the progression of HCC by regulating miR-520a-3p/E2F7/P-VEGFR2 signaling pathway.
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Mohamed H, AL-Ghareeb M, Abd-Allah R. Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel 1,2,4-triazine Derivatives Containing
Thiazole Ring against Hepatocellular Carcinoma. CURRENT BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS 2022; 18. [DOI: 10.2174/1573407217666210910093142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Background:
New 6-hydroxy-5-(p-hydroxybenzylidene)-3-phenyl-2- [(5-pchlorophenyl)-
1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-1, 2, 4-triazine derivatives containing a thiazole ring were synthesised
as potential antitumor agents.
Methods:
Cytotoxicity of compounds (3) and (4) was evaluated in human hepatocellular carcinoma
(HCC) cell lines (HepG2); compound (3) showed more cytotoxicity (IC50=9.0μg/ml) than compound
(4) (IC50=18.40μg/ml) using doxorubicin as standard. The degree of toxicity of compound
(3) was assessed by the LD50 with its anticancer performance by suppressing tumor angiogenesis
against diethylnitrosamine (DENA) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in male rat model.
Results :
Carcinogenic rats showed a significant increase in markers of angiogenesis, tumour
growth, and liver function tests and malondialdehyde level coupled with reduced hepatic glutathione
level and caspase-3 activity. The distribution of compound (3) to animals after the development
of HCC improved biochemical alterations from a DENA chemical carcinogen that is confirmed
by hepatic histopathology.
Conclusion:
Compound 3 perhaps utilized as a strong applicant for newly therapeutic protocols
against hepatocarcinogenesis by controlling tumor angiogenesis and renovating the activity of hepatic
marker enzymes in addition to reversing the oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in corporation with
amelioration of histopathology. While the trial supports the use of compound 3 for improved HCC
outcome and the toxicity and side effects should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Mohamed
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy
Authority, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed AL-Ghareeb
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Port-Said University, Port Said,
Egypt
| | - Raghda Abd-Allah
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Port-Said University, Port Said,
Egypt
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15
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Highly differential count of circulating and tumor infiltrating immune cells in patients with non-HCV/non-HBV hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:1103-1113. [PMID: 34585256 PMCID: PMC9015997 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03061-9] [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: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background Liver transplantation and liver resection are curative options for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The outcome is in part depended on the immunological response to the malignancy. In this study, we aimed to identify immunological profiles of non-HCV/non-HBV HCC patients. Methods Thirty-nine immune cell subsets were measured with multicolor flow cytometry. This immunophenotyping was performed in peripheral blood (PB) and tumor specimens of 10 HCC resection patients and 10 healthy donors. The signatures of the highly differential leukocyte count (hDIF) were analyzed using multidimensional techniques. Functional capability was measured using intracellular IFN-γ staining (Trial Registration DRKS00013567). Results The hDIF showed activation (subsets of T-, B-, NK- and dendritic cells) and suppression (subsets of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and T- and B-regulatory cells) of the antitumor response. Principal component analysis of PB and tumor infiltrating leukocytes (TIL) illustrated an antitumor activating gradient. TILs showed functional capability by secreting IFN-γ but did not kill HCC cells. Conclusions In conclusion, the measurement of the hDIF shows distinct differences in immune reactions against non-HBV/non-HCV HCC and illustrates an immunosuppressive gradient toward peripheral blood. Trial Registration DRKS00013567 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00262-021-03061-9.
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16
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Wang J, Shao Y, Liu B, Wang X, Geist BK, Li X, Li F, Zhao H, Hacker M, Ding H, Zhang H, Huo L. Dynamic 18F-FDG PET imaging of liver lesions: evaluation of a two-tissue compartment model with dual blood input function. BMC Med Imaging 2021; 21:90. [PMID: 34034664 PMCID: PMC8152049 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-021-00623-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dynamic PET with kinetic modeling was reported to be potentially helpful in the assessment of hepatic malignancy. In this study, a kinetic modeling analysis was performed on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) from dynamic FDG positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) scans. Methods A reversible two-tissue compartment model with dual blood input function, which takes into consideration the blood supply from both hepatic artery and portal vein, was used for accurate kinetic modeling of liver dynamic 18F-FDG PET imaging. The blood input functions were directly measured as the mean values over the VOIs on descending aorta and portal vein respectively. And the contribution of hepatic artery to the blood input function was optimization-derived in the process of model fitting. The kinetic model was evaluated using dynamic PET data acquired on 24 patients with identified hepatobiliary malignancy. 38 HCC or ICC identified lesions and 24 healthy liver regions were analyzed. Results Results showed significant differences in kinetic parameters \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$${K}_{i}$$\end{document}Ki between HCC and ICC lesions. Further investigations of the effect of SUV measurements on the derived kinetic parameters were conducted. And results showed comparable effectiveness of the kinetic modeling using either SUVmean or SUVmax measurements. Conclusions Dynamic 18F-FDG PET imaging with optimization-derived hepatic artery blood supply fraction dual-blood input function kinetic modeling can effectively distinguish malignant lesions from healthy liver tissue, as well as HCC and ICC lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingnan Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunwen Shao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Bowei Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuezhu Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Barbara Katharina Geist
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Xiang Li
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Marcus Hacker
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Haiyan Ding
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Huo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Jeng KS, Sheen IS, Lin SS, Leu CM, Chang CF. The Role of Endoglin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063208. [PMID: 33809908 PMCID: PMC8004096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoglin (CD105) is a type-1 integral transmembrane glycoprotein and coreceptor for transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) ligands. The endoglin/TGF-β signaling pathway regulates hemostasis, cell proliferation/migration, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and angiogenesis. Angiogenesis contributes to early progression, invasion, postoperative recurrence, and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most widespread malignancies globally. Endoglin is overexpressed in newly formed HCC microvessels. It increases microvessel density in cirrhotic and regenerative HCC nodules. In addition, circulating endoglin is present in HCC patients, suggesting potential for use as a diagnostic or prognostic factor. HCC angiogenesis is dynamic and endoglin expression varies by stage. TRC105 (carotuximab) is an antibody against endoglin, and three of its clinical trials were related to liver diseases. A partial response was achieved when combining TRC105 with sorafenib. Although antiangiogenic therapy still carries some risks, combination therapy with endoglin inhibitors or other targeted therapies holds promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Division of General Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 22060, Taiwan; (K.-S.J.); (S.-S.L.)
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan city 33305, Taiwan;
| | - Shu-Sheng Lin
- Division of General Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 22060, Taiwan; (K.-S.J.); (S.-S.L.)
| | - Chuen-Miin Leu
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei city 11221, Taiwan;
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Division of General Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 22060, Taiwan; (K.-S.J.); (S.-S.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-7728-4564
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Muzaffar S, Ahmed N, Rahman U, Al Kandari F, Usmani S. 68Ga-Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Uptake as a Surrogate Biomarker of Neovascularity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Indian J Nucl Med 2021; 36:90-91. [PMID: 34040311 PMCID: PMC8130702 DOI: 10.4103/ijnm.ijnm_38_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (68Ga-PSMA) is expressed in the endothelium of tumor-associated neovasculature of various solid malignancies possibly due to tumor-associated angiogenic factors and endothelial cell sprouting. We report a case of a 45-year-old man with known colorectal cancer, cirrhosis, and hepatitis C. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a hypervascular lesion in the liver, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) did not show any suspicious hepatic uptake. 68Ga-PSMA PET-CT showed predominantly heterogeneous perilesional uptake in a configuration similar to the arterial enhancement pattern on the diagnostic CT. 68Ga-PSMA uptake in hepatocellular carcinoma appears to be primarily neoangiogenesis driven, and its morphological and functional characterization can subsequently influence the selection of anti-neoangiogenic chemotherapy agents as well as guiding radionuclide ligand therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Najeeb Ahmed
- Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
| | - Uzma Rahman
- Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
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Li H. Angiogenesis in the progression from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and hepatocelluar carcinoma. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 15:217-233. [PMID: 33131349 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1842732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Persistent inflammation and hypoxia are strong stimulus for pathological angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, and are also the most important elements resulting in liver fibrosis. Sustained inflammatory process stimulates fibrosis to the end-point of cirrhosis and sinusoidal portal hypertension is an important feature of cirrhosis. Neovascularization plays a pivotal role in collateral circulation formation of portal vein, mesenteric congestion, and high perfusion. Imbalance of hepatic artery and portal vein blood flow leads to the increase of hepatic artery inflow, which is beneficial to the formation of nodules. Angiogenesis contributes to progression from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and anti-angiogenesis therapy can improve liver fibrosis, reduce portal pressure, and prolong overall survival of patients with HCC. Areas covers: This paper will try to address the difference of the morphological characteristics and mechanisms of neovascularization in the process from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and HCC and further compare the different efficacy of anti-angiogenesis therapy in these three stages. Expert opinion: More in-depth understanding of the role of angiogenesis factors and the relationship between angiogenesis and other aspects of the pathogenesis and transformation may be the key to enabling future progress in the treatment of patients with liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Central Laboratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Chengdu, Sichuan Province, P. R. China
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20
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Evaluation of Apelin/APJ system expression in hepatocellular carcinoma as a function of clinical severity. Clin Exp Med 2020; 21:269-275. [DOI: 10.1007/s10238-020-00672-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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21
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Huang XF, Chang KF, Lee SC, Sheu GT, Li CY, Weng JC, Hsiao CY, Tsai NM. Extract Derived from Cedrus atlantica Acts as an Antitumor Agent on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth In Vitro and In Vivo. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25204608. [PMID: 33050385 PMCID: PMC7594045 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cedrus atlantica is widely used in herbal medicine. However, the anti-cancer activity of C. atlantica extract (CAt extract) has not been clarified in hepatocellular carcinoma. In the study, we elucidated the anti-hepatoma capacity of CAt extract on HCC in vitro and in vivo. To explore the anti-hepatoma mechanisms of the CAt extract in vitro, HCC and normal cells were treated with the CAt extract, which showed marked inhibitory effects on HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner; in contrast, the CAt extract treatment was less cytotoxic to normal cells. In addition, our results indicate that the CAt extract induced apoptosis via caspase-dependent and independent apoptosis pathways. Furthermore, the CAt extract inhibited HCC tumor cell growth by restraining cell cycle progression, and it reduced the signaling of the AKT, ERK1/2, and p38 pathways. In the xenograft model, the CAt extract suppressed HCC tumor cell growth and prolonged lifespan by inhibiting PCNA protein expression, repressing part of the VEGF-induced autocrine pathway, and triggering strong expression of cleaved caspase-3, which contributed to cell apoptosis. Moreover, the CAt extract did not induce any obvious changes in pathological morphology or body weight, suggesting it had no toxicity. CAt extract exerted anti-tumor effects on HCC in vitro and in vivo. Thus, CAt extract could be used as a potential anti-cancer therapeutic agent against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fan Huang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (X.-F.H.); (K.-F.C.); (G.-T.S.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Fu Chang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (X.-F.H.); (K.-F.C.); (G.-T.S.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Chih Lee
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Gwo-Tarng Sheu
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (X.-F.H.); (K.-F.C.); (G.-T.S.)
| | - Chia-Yu Li
- Department of Life and Death, Nanhua University, Chiayi 62249, Taiwan;
| | - Jun-Cheng Weng
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Yen Hsiao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan
- Department of Hospital and Health Care Administration, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 71710, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-Y.H.); (N.-M.T.); Tel.: +886-4-2473-0022 (ext. 12411) (N.-M.T.); Fax: +886-4-2324-8171 (N.-M.T.)
| | - Nu-Man Tsai
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-Y.H.); (N.-M.T.); Tel.: +886-4-2473-0022 (ext. 12411) (N.-M.T.); Fax: +886-4-2324-8171 (N.-M.T.)
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22
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Morphological Analysis of Blood Capillaries and Transport Function of Endothelial Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma-29. Bull Exp Biol Med 2020; 169:276-280. [PMID: 32651829 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-020-04867-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is characterized by the pronounced vascularization, high levels of vascular endothelial growth factors, and intensive angiogenesis. Caveola-mediated endocytosis and clathrin-dependent endocytosis contribute to internalization of various growth factors, thus affecting blood supply to the tumor and neoangiogenesis. We performed a quantitative analysis of blood vessels in the tumor and evaluated the basal levels of endocytosis-associated vesicular structures in the endothelial cells of the hepatocellular carcinoma-29. The numbers of blood vessels and clathrin-coated vesicles in endothelial cells in the tumor tissue were significantly higher than in normal tissue. The association between clathrin-dependent endocytosis in the endotheliocytes of the capillaries and tumor angiogenesis can provide the basis for the development of new molecular targets for antiangiogenic antitumor therapy.
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23
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Chen J, Rong X, Liu X, Zheng D, Rong X, Chen F, Zhao P, Liu F, Ruan J. FOXC2 is a prognostic biomarker and contributes to the growth and invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:196. [PMID: 32508532 PMCID: PMC7249675 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01265-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Forkhead box C2 (FOXC2) is a crucial factor involving in various cancers. However, its functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. Here, we explored the role of FOXC2 in the progression of HCC and its potential mechanisms. Methods FOXC2 expression in HCC tissue and cells were detected by immunohistochemistry or western blot and real-time PCR. CCK8, wound healing and transwell assay were used to measure cell growth and invasion. Tumor formation experiment was carried out to assess the tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Regulation of FOXC2 on Ang-2 was validated by luciferase assay and complementary experiments. Results Increased FOXC2 expression was found to be associated positively with more aggressive clinicopathologic features. HCC patients with higher FOXC2 expression had significantly shorter overall survival. FOXC2 expression was indentified as an independent risk factor for resectable HCC. Increased FOXC2 expression accelerated the migration and invasion of HCC cells, accompanied by enhanced Ang-2 expression. Likewise, FOXC2 knockdown yielded opposite results. Moreover, FOXC2 stimulated the activation of the Ang-2 promoter. Suppression of Ang-2 expression hindered the FOXC2-mediated EMT processs, cell migration and invasion of HCC. Conclusions FOXC2 is a novel prognostic predictor for HCC and may facilitate the growth and invasion through Ang-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Hepatology Unit and Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000 People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiang Rong
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Dayong Zheng
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Rong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Fengsheng Chen
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003 Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiye Liu
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Hepatology Unit and Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000 People's Republic of China.,Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003 Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
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24
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Heterogeneity and chimerism of endothelial cells revealed by single-cell transcriptome in orthotopic liver tumors. Angiogenesis 2020; 23:581-597. [PMID: 32440964 PMCID: PMC7525283 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-020-09727-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The liver is a common host organ for cancer, either through lesions that arise in liver epithelial cells [e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)] or as a site of metastasis by tumors arising in other organs (e.g., colorectal cancer). However, the changes that occur in liver stromal cells in response to cancer have not been fully characterized, nor has it been determined whether the different sources of liver cancer induce distinct stromal changes. Here, we performed single-cell profiling of liver stromal cells from mouse models of induced spontaneous liver cancer or implanted colorectal liver metastases, with a focus on tumor endothelial cells (ECs). While ECs in liver tissue adjacent to cancerous lesions (so-called adjacent normal) corresponded to liver zonation phenotypes, their transcriptomes were also clearly altered by the presence of a tumor. In comparison, tumor EC transcriptomes show stronger similarities to venous than sinusoidal ECs. Further, tumor ECs, independent of tumor origin, formed distinct clusters displaying conserved “tip-like” or “stalk-like” characteristics, similar to ECs from subcutaneous tumors. However, they also carried liver-specific signatures found in normal liver ECs, suggesting an influence of the host organ on tumor ECs. Our results document gene expression signatures in ECs in liver cancer and show that the host organ, and not the site of tumor origin (liver versus colorectal), is a primary determinant of EC phenotype. In addition, primarily in tumors, we further defined a cluster of chimeric cells that expressed both myeloid and endothelial cell markers and might play a role in tumor angiogenesis.
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25
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Agioutantis PC, Kotsikoris V, Kolisis FN, Loutrari H. RNA-seq data analysis of stimulated hepatocellular carcinoma cells treated with epigallocatechin gallate and fisetin reveals target genes and action mechanisms. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:686-695. [PMID: 32257052 PMCID: PMC7113608 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an essentially incurable inflammation-related cancer. We have previously shown by network analysis of proteomic data that the flavonoids epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and fisetin (FIS) efficiently downregulated pro-tumor cytokines released by HCC through inhibition of Akt/mTOR/RPS6 phospho-signaling. However, their mode of action at the global transcriptome level remains unclear. Herein, we endeavor to compare gene expression alterations mediated by these compounds through a comprehensive transcriptome analysis based on RNA-seq in HEP3B, a responsive HCC cell line, upon perturbation with a mixture of prototypical stimuli mimicking conditions of tumor microenvironment or under constitutive state. Analysis of RNA-seq data revealed extended changes on HEP3B transcriptome imposed by test nutraceuticals. Under stimulated conditions, EGCG and FIS significantly modified, compared to the corresponding control, the expression of 922 and 973 genes, respectively, the large majority of which (695 genes), was affected by both compounds. Hierarchical clustering based on the expression data of shared genes demonstrated an almost identical profile in nutraceutical-treated stimulated cells which was virtually opposite in cells exposed to stimuli alone. Downstream enrichment analyses of the co-modified genes uncovered significant associations with cancer-related transcription factors as well as terms of Gene Ontology/Reactome Pathways and highlighted ECM dynamics as a nodal modulation point by nutraceuticals along with angiogenesis, inflammation, cell motility and growth. RNA-seq data for selected genes were independently confirmed by RT-qPCR. Overall, the present systems approach provides novel evidence stepping up the mechanistic understanding of test nutraceuticals, thus rationalizing their clinical exploitation in new preventive/therapeutic modalities against HCC.
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Key Words
- ADAM, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs
- ADAMTS9, ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 9
- CLIC3, Chloride Intracellular Channel 3
- CTGF, Connective Tissue Growth Factor
- DEGs, differentially expressed genes
- DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- EGCG, epigallocatechin gallate
- EMT, epithelial to mesenchymal transition
- Epigallocatechin gallate
- FIS, fisetin
- Fisetin
- GO, Gene Ontology
- Gene Ontology
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HSPA2, Heat Shock Protein Family A (Hsp70) Member 2
- HSPB1, Heat Shock Protein Family B (Small) Member 1
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- MEM, minimum essential medium
- MMP11, Matrix Metallopeptidase 11
- MMP9, Matrix Metallopeptidase 9
- MMPs, matrix metalloproteinases
- PDGFRB, Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor Beta
- RNA-sequencing
- RT-qPCR, reverse transcription-quantitative real time PCR
- Reactome Pathways
- SD, standard deviation
- SEM, standard error of mean
- SERPINE1, Serpin Family E Member 1
- STIM, stimulated
- TF, transcription factor
- Transcription factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis C Agioutantis
- G.P. Livanos and M. Simou Laboratories, 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 3 Ploutarchou Str., Athens 10675, Greece.,Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 5 Iroon Polytechniou Str., Zografou Campus, Athens 15780, Greece
| | - Vasilios Kotsikoris
- G.P. Livanos and M. Simou Laboratories, 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 3 Ploutarchou Str., Athens 10675, Greece
| | - Fragiskos N Kolisis
- Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 5 Iroon Polytechniou Str., Zografou Campus, Athens 15780, Greece
| | - Heleni Loutrari
- G.P. Livanos and M. Simou Laboratories, 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 3 Ploutarchou Str., Athens 10675, Greece
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26
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Virarkar M, Saleh M, Diab R, Taggart M, Bhargava P, Bhosale P. Hepatic Hemangioendothelioma: An update. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2020; 12:248-266. [PMID: 32206176 PMCID: PMC7081107 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v12.i3.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas of the liver (EHL) are rare tumors with a low incidence. The molecular background of EHL is still under investigation, with WWTR1-CAMPTA1 mutation may function as a tumor marker. Commonly, this tumor is misdiagnosed with angiosarcoma, cholangiocarcinomas, metastatic carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma (sclerosing variant). Characteristic features on imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography/computed tomography guide in diagnosis and staging. The "halo sign" and the "lollipop sign" on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are described in the literature. Currently, there are no standardized guidelines for treating EHL with treatment options are broad including: chemotherapy, ablation, surgery and liver transplantation with inconsistent results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Virarkar
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Mohammed Saleh
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Radwan Diab
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Melissa Taggart
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Peeyush Bhargava
- Department of Radiology, The University of Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, United States
| | - Priya Bhosale
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preclinical data suggest histone deacetylase inhibitors improve the therapeutic index of sorafenib. A phase I study was initiated to establish the recommended phase 2 dose of sorafenib combined with vorinostat in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients received vorinostat (200 to 400 mg by mouth once daily, 5 of 7 d) and sorafenib at standard or reduced doses (400 mg [cohort A] or 200 mg [cohort B] by mouth twice daily). Patients who received 14 days of vorinostat in cycle 1 were evaluable for dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). RESULTS Sixteen patients were treated. Thirteen patients were evaluable for response. Three patients experienced DLTs, 2 in cohort A (grade [gr] 3 hypokalemia; gr 3 maculopapular rash) and 1 in cohort B (gr 3 hepatic failure; gr 3 hypophosphatemia; gr 4 thrombocytopenia). Eleven patients required dose reductions or omissions for non-DLTtoxicity. Ten patients (77%) had stable disease (SD). The median treatment duration was 4.7 months for response-evaluable patients. One patient with SD was on treatment for 29.9 months, and another patient, also with SD, was on treatment for 18.7 months. Another patient electively stopped therapy after 15 months and remains without evidence of progression 3 years later. CONCLUSIONS Although some patients had durable disease control, the addition of vorinostat to sorafenib led to toxicities in most patients, requiring dose modifications that prevented determination of the recommended phase 2 dose. The combination is not recommended for further exploration with this vorinostat schedule in this patient population.
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28
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Dimri M, Satyanarayana A. Molecular Signaling Pathways and Therapeutic Targets in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020491. [PMID: 32093152 PMCID: PMC7072513 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex biological process and is often diagnosed at advanced stages with no effective treatment options. With advances in tumor biology and molecular genetic profiling, several different signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms have been identified as responsible for initiating and promoting HCC. Targeting these critical pathways, which include the receptor tyrosine kinase pathways, the Ras mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras/Raf/MAPK), the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the ubiquitin/proteasome degradation and the hedgehog signaling pathway has led to the identification of novel therapeutics for HCC treatment. In this review, we elaborated on our current understanding of the signaling pathways involved in the development and initiation of HCC and anticipate the potential targets for therapeutic drug development.
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29
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Targeting Receptor Tyrosine Kinase VEGFR-2 in Hepatocellular Cancer: Rational Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 1,2-Disubstituted Benzimidazoles. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25040770. [PMID: 32053964 PMCID: PMC7071059 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25040770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a novel series of 1,2-disubstituted benzo[d]imidazoles was rationally designed as VEGFR-2 inhibitors targeting hepatocellular carcinoma. Our design strategy is two-fold; it aimed first at studying the effect of replacing the 5-methylfuryl moiety of the well-known antiangiogenic 2-furylbenzimidazoles with an isopropyl moiety on the VEGFR-2 inhibitory activity and the cytotoxic activity. Our second objective was to further optimize the structures of the benzimidazole derivatives through elongation of the side chains at their one-position for the design of more potent type II-like VEGFR-2 inhibitors. The designed 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles demonstrated potent cytotoxic activity against the HepG2 cell line, reaching IC50 = 1.98 μM in comparison to sorafenib (IC50 = 10.99 μM). In addition, the synthesized compounds revealed promising VEGFR-2 inhibitory activity in the HepG2 cell line, e.g., compounds 17a and 6 showed 82% and 80% inhibition, respectively, in comparison to sorafenib (% inhibition = 92%). Studying the effect of 17a on the HepG2 cell cycle demonstrated that 17a arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase and induced a dose-dependent apoptotic effect. Molecular docking studies of the synthesized 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles in the VEGFR-2 active site displayed their ability to accomplish the essential hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions for optimum inhibitory activity.
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30
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Roviello G, Sohbani N, Petrioli R, Rodriquenz MG. Ramucirumab as a second line therapy for advanced HCC: a significant achievement or a wasted opportunity for personalised therapy? Invest New Drugs 2019; 37:1274-1288. [PMID: 30879152 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-019-00760-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The second line treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has recently become an exciting area of interest since new emerging options have demonstrated survival benefits versus placebo. Unfortunately, predictive biomarkers are unavailable for these treatments. Ramucirumab, a monoclonal antibody against VEGFR-2, has demonstrated overall survival superiority against placebo as a second line therapy for patients with AFP > 400 ng/ml in the recent REACH-2 trial. This review will provide the current updated knowledge regarding the HCC cancerogenesis and angiogenic VEGF/VEGFR-2 pathways and the clinical development of ramucirumab in advanced HCC. This study will also critically assess the gaps in a previous negative phase III trial that tested other potentially useful treatments and suggest ways to modernise clinical trials and personalise therapy for advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giandomenico Roviello
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
| | - Navid Sohbani
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza Ospitale 1, 34129, Trieste, Italy
| | - Roberto Petrioli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Rodriquenz
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Onco-Hematology, IRCCS-CROB, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, via Padre Pio 1, 85028, Rionero, Vulture, PZ, Italy
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31
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Gao Y, Wang PX, Cheng JW, Sun YF, Hu B, Guo W, Zhou KQ, Yin Y, Li YC, Wang J, Huang JF, Qiu SJ, Zhou J, Fan J, Yang XR. Chemotherapeutic perfusion of portal vein after tumor thrombectomy and hepatectomy benefits patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score-matched survival analysis. Cancer Med 2019; 8:6933-6944. [PMID: 31566899 PMCID: PMC6853833 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is a common complication in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), signaling dismal outcomes. This study was conducted to evaluate the survival benefit of postoperative portal vein perfusion chemotherapy (PVC) in patients with HCC and PVTT. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted in 401 consecutive patients with HCC and PVTT who underwent hepatic resection between January 2009 and December 2015 and 67 patients received adjuvant postoperative PVC. A propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match patients with and without PVC at a ratio of 1:1. RESULTS After PSM, the median time to recurrence (TTR) and overall survival (OS) were significantly longer in PVC group compared with control group (12.3 vs 5.8 months, P = .001; 19.0 vs 13.4 months, P = .037; respectively). At 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, the cumulative recurrence rates in PVC group were 48.1%, 86.5%, 92.3% ,96.2%, respectively, with OS rates of 63.8%, 37.9%, 24.4%, 18.3%, respectively; whereas cumulative recurrence rates of 76.6%, 91.5%, 94.3%, and 97.2%, respectively and OS rates of 55.4%, 23.0%, 12.4%, and 12.4%, respectively were recorded for the control group. In multivariate analysis, postoperative PVC emerged as a significant predictor for TTR (hazard ratio [HR], 0.523; P = .001) and OS (HR, 0.591; P = .010). PVC could reduce early recurrence (≤1 year) rate after surgical resection (40.3% vs 64.2%, P = .006) and clinical outcomes were further enhanced by adding sorafenib to postoperative PVC. CONCLUSIONS Compared with surgical resection alone, postoperative adjuvant PVC treatment boosts survival and reduces early tumor recurrences in patients surgically treated for HCC and PVTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Peng-Xiang Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Wen Cheng
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yun-Fan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Kai-Qian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yue Yin
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yuan-Cheng Li
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jun-Feng Huang
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang-Jian Qiu
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Rong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P. R. China
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Abdel‐Mohsen HT, Girgis AS, Mahmoud AEE, Ali MM, El Diwani HI. New 2,4‐disubstituted‐2‐thiopyrimidines as VEGFR‐2 inhibitors: Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2019; 352:e1900089. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201900089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Heba T. Abdel‐Mohsen
- Department of Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products, Division of Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research National Research Centre Cairo Egypt
| | - Adel S. Girgis
- Department of Pesticide Chemistry National Research Centre Cairo Egypt
| | - Abeer E. E. Mahmoud
- Department of Biochemistry, Division of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology National Research Centre Cairo Egypt
| | - Mamdouh M. Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Division of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology National Research Centre Cairo Egypt
| | - Hoda I. El Diwani
- Department of Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products, Division of Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research National Research Centre Cairo Egypt
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Characterization of Lipid and Lipid Droplet Metabolism in Human HCC. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050512. [PMID: 31137921 PMCID: PMC6562484 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer in adults and the most common cause of death in people with cirrhosis. While previous metabolic studies of HCC have mainly focused on the glucose metabolism (Warburg effect), less attention has been paid to tumor-specific features of the lipid metabolism. Here, we applied a computational approach to analyze major pathways of fatty acid utilization in individual HCC. To this end, we used protein intensity profiles of eleven human HCCs to parameterize tumor-specific kinetic models of cellular lipid metabolism including formation, enlargement, and degradation of lipid droplets (LDs). Our analysis reveals significant inter-tumor differences in the lipid metabolism. The majority of HCCs show a reduced uptake of fatty acids and decreased rate of β-oxidation, however, some HCCs display a completely different metabolic phenotype characterized by high rates of β-oxidation. Despite reduced fatty acid uptake in the majority of HCCs, the content of triacylglycerol is significantly enlarged compared to the tumor-adjacent tissue. This is due to tumor-specific expression profiles of regulatory proteins decorating the surface of LDs and controlling their turnover. Our simulations suggest that HCCs characterized by a very high content of triglycerides comprise regulatory peculiarities that render them susceptible to selective drug targeting without affecting healthy tissue.
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Huang Q, Li J, Zheng J, Wei A. The Carcinogenic Role of the Notch Signaling Pathway in the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2019; 10:1570-1579. [PMID: 31031867 PMCID: PMC6485212 DOI: 10.7150/jca.26847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway, known to be a highly conserved signaling pathway in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis, participates in cell fate decisions that include cellular differentiation, cell survival and cell death. However, other studies have shown that aberrant in Notch signaling is pro-tumorigenic, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world and has a high mortality rate. Growing evidence supports that Notch signaling plays a critical role in the development of HCC by regulating the tumor microenvironment, tumorigenesis, progression, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Accordingly, overexpression of Notch is closely associated with poor prognosis in HCC. In this review, we focus on the pro-tumorigenic role of Notch signaling in HCC, summarize the current knowledge of Notch signaling and its role in HCC development, and outline the therapeutic potential of targeting Notch signaling in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinfeng Huang
- Graduate School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Junhong Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinghui Zheng
- Discipline Construction Office, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, Guangxi, China
| | - Ailing Wei
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, Guangxi, China
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Abstract
Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare vascular tumor, composed of epithelioid and histiocytoid vascular endothelial cells in myxoid or fibrotic stroma, which can arise in multiple locations throughout the body. In the liver, this neoplasm usually presents on imaging as an incidental finding of multifocal, heterogeneously enhancing nodules in both lobes or presents clinically with nonspecific abdominal symptoms. Histologically, the tumor has been mistaken for metastatic carcinoma, angiosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cholangiocarcinoma. The neoplasm usually stains positive for vascular markers, such as factor VIII-related antigen, CD31, and CD34, and negative for cytokeratins. The translocation t(1;3)(p36.3;q25), resulting in the CAMTA1- WWTR1 fusion product, is the most commonly identified genetic abnormality with this tumor. Although hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma can have a varied clinical course, it is generally considered less aggressive than angiosarcoma. There is no consensus treatment protocol and techniques including liver transplantation, liver resection, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, and surveillance have all been used with varying outcomes.
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36
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Kasprzak A, Adamek A. Role of Endoglin (CD105) in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Anti-Angiogenic Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3887. [PMID: 30563158 PMCID: PMC6321450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is perfused by both arterial and venous blood, with a resulting abnormal microenvironment selecting for more-aggressive malignancies. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer, the sixth most common cancer globally, and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. HCC is characterized by its hypervascularization. Improving the efficiency of anti-angiogenic treatment and mitigation of anti-angiogenic drug resistance are the top priorities in the development of non-surgical HCC therapies. Endoglin (CD105), a transmembrane glycoprotein, is one of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) co-receptors. Involvement of that protein in angiogenesis of solid tumours is well documented. Endoglin is a marker of activated endothelial cells (ECs), and is preferentially expressed in the angiogenic endothelium of solid tumours, including HCC. HCC is associated with changes in CD105-positive ECs within and around the tumour. The large spectrum of endoglin effects in the liver is cell-type- and HCC- stage-specific. High expression of endoglin in non-tumour tissue suggests that this microenvironment might play an especially important role in the progression of HCC. Evaluation of tissue expression, as well as serum concentrations of this glycoprotein in HCC, tends to confirm its role as an important biomarker in HCC diagnosis and prognosis. The role of endoglin in liver fibrosis and HCC progression also makes it an attractive therapeutic target. Despite these facts, the exact molecular mechanisms of endoglin functioning in hepatocarcinogenesis are still poorly understood. This review summarizes the current data concerning the role and signalling pathways of endoglin in hepatocellular carcinoma development and progression, and provides an overview of the strategies available for a specific targeting of CD105 in anti-angiogenic therapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldona Kasprzak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań 60-781, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Adamek
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immunodeficiencies, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań 61-285, Poland.
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Petrillo M, Patella F, Pesapane F, Suter MB, Ierardi AM, Angileri SA, Floridi C, de Filippo M, Carrafiello G. Hypoxia and tumor angiogenesis in the era of hepatocellular carcinoma transarterial loco-regional treatments. Future Oncol 2018; 14:2957-2967. [DOI: 10.2217/fon-2017-0739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses upon interactions and potential therapeutic targets in the ‘vicious cycle’ between hypoxia and neoangiogenesis following treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with transarterial loco-regional therapies. Biomarkers correlated with angiogenesis have been studied by many authors as prognostic determinants following transarterial intrahepatic therapy. According to these results future therapies directed toward specific factors related to angiogenesis could play a significant role in preventing local tumor recurrence and remote metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Petrillo
- Diagnostic & Interventional Radiology Service, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Patella
- Postgraduation School of Radiodiagnostic of Milan, Department of Health Sciences, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Pesapane
- Postgraduation School of Radiodiagnostic of Milan, Department of Health Sciences, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo B Suter
- Department of Medical Oncology, ASST Sette laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Anna M Ierardi
- Diagnostic & Interventional Radiology Service, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Floridi
- Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Radiology Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo de Filippo
- Department of Medicine & Surgery Via Gramsci Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Parma, 14 Parma, Italy
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38
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Schoenberg MB, Hao J, Bucher JN, Miksch RC, Anger HJW, Mayer B, Mayerle J, Neumann J, Guba MO, Werner J, Bazhin AV. Perivascular Tumor-Infiltrating Leukocyte Scoring for Prognosis of Resected Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10100389. [PMID: 30340430 PMCID: PMC6210365 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10100389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver resection is a curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) are important players in predicting HCC recurrence. However, the invasive margin could not be confirmed as relevant for HCC. The migration of immune cells into HCC may originate from intratumoral vessels. No previous study has examined perivascular (PV) infiltration. Tumors from 60 patients were examined. Immunohistochemistry was performed against CD3, CD8, CD20, and CD66b. TILs were counted in the PV regions using an algorithm for quantification of the tumor immune stroma (QTiS). The results were correlated with overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), clinical parameters, and laboratory values. PV infiltration of TILs was predominant in resected HCC. Higher PV infiltration of CD3⁺ (p = 0.016) and CD8⁺ (p = 0.028) independently predicted better OS and DFS, respectively. CD20⁺ showed a trend towards better DFS (p = 0.076). Scoring of CD3⁺, CD8⁺, and CD20⁺ independently predicted OS and DFS (p < 0.01). The amount of perivascular-infiltrating CD3⁺ cells is an independent predictor of better OS, and CD8⁺ cells independently predict prolonged DFS. Our novel perivascular infiltration scoring (PVIS) can independently predict both DFS and OS in resected HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Bo Schoenberg
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Jingcheng Hao
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610513, China.
| | - Julian Nikolaus Bucher
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Rainer Christoph Miksch
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Hubertus Johann Wolfgang Anger
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Barbara Mayer
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Julia Mayerle
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Jens Neumann
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Markus Otto Guba
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
- Transplantation Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Alexandr V Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany.
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Filippi R, Lombardi P, Depetris I, Fenocchio E, Quarà V, Chilà G, Aglietta M, Leone F. Rationale for the use of metronomic chemotherapy in gastrointestinal cancer. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2018; 19:1451-1463. [PMID: 30161003 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1512585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metronomic chemotherapy (mCT) is endowed with various properties, ranging from antiangiogenic to immunomodulation, and may revert tumor resistance to conventional drug administration. A variety of antineoplastic agents displayed activity when administered with metronomic schedules in preclinical models of gastrointestinal cancers. However, most of the field is still unexplored. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors review the existing literature from PubMed, concerning the use of mCT in gastrointestinal oncology. EXPERT OPINION A mounting body of evidence is emerging in support of mCT as a treatment option for gastrointestinal tumors, but the frequent signs of clinical activity inconsistently translate into a benefit for survival. Research in this field should focus on providing high-quality evidence on the safety and efficacy of mCT, with more prospective, comparative trials; identifying the subgroups of patients for whom mCT would be the best approach; establishing standardized protocols based on mCT pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; developing drug activity biomarkers. mCT is also potentially suitable for combinations with targeted antiangiogenic drugs and may be incorporated with conventional administration into dual regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Filippi
- a Department of Oncology , University of Turin , Candiolo , Italy.,b Medical Oncology , Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS , Candiolo , Italy
| | - Pasquale Lombardi
- a Department of Oncology , University of Turin , Candiolo , Italy.,b Medical Oncology , Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS , Candiolo , Italy
| | - Ilaria Depetris
- a Department of Oncology , University of Turin , Candiolo , Italy.,b Medical Oncology , Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS , Candiolo , Italy
| | - Elisabetta Fenocchio
- a Department of Oncology , University of Turin , Candiolo , Italy.,b Medical Oncology , Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS , Candiolo , Italy
| | - Virginia Quarà
- a Department of Oncology , University of Turin , Candiolo , Italy.,b Medical Oncology , Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS , Candiolo , Italy
| | - Giovanna Chilà
- a Department of Oncology , University of Turin , Candiolo , Italy.,b Medical Oncology , Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS , Candiolo , Italy
| | - Massimo Aglietta
- a Department of Oncology , University of Turin , Candiolo , Italy.,b Medical Oncology , Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS , Candiolo , Italy
| | - Francesco Leone
- a Department of Oncology , University of Turin , Candiolo , Italy.,b Medical Oncology , Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS , Candiolo , Italy
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40
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Wang Z, Fu H, Li W. Association between AKT rs2494752 single nucleotide polymorphism and the risk of metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:3699-3705. [PMID: 30127980 PMCID: PMC6096108 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9060] [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: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of human tumors, which is characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. AKT1 transcriptional activity is implicated in HCC initiation and development. In the present study, the effects of rs2494752 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on AKT1 transcriptional activity in the progression of HCC cells were investigated. A case-control study was analyzed in 1,056 HCC patients and 1,080 healthy individuals using the PCR assay method. Results indicated AKT1 expression levels were up-regulated in HCC tissue compared to adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, a higher frequency of AKT rs2494752 AG and AA genotypes were observed in HCC cases (P=0.0046). Gene polymorphism identified C and T alleles were frequency in HCC patients compared to healthy individuals. Individuals harboring AKT rs2494752 AG/AA genotype had a vital increased susceptibility to HCC in the dominant model (P=0.0028). In addition, AKT1 rs2494752 GG genotype showed an increasing of AKT1 promoter activity determined by the luciferase assay. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that AKT1 rs2494752 GG and C polymorphism was more aggressive than other AKT1 rs2494752 cancer cells. Moreover, AKT1 rs2494752 GG markedly increased rates of response to NCT chemotherapy. Additionally, results revealed that AKT1 rs2494752 GG and C increased the risk factors of HCC. In conclusion, these results indicate that AKT1 rs2494752 polymorphisms may be regarded as a candidate gene in assessing the susceptibility, metastasis and responses to chemotherapy in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Qingdao Sixth People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266033, P.R. China
| | - Huiling Fu
- Department of Hepatology, Qingdao Sixth People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266033, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Hepatology, Qingdao Sixth People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266033, P.R. China
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Wenric S, Shemirani R. Using Supervised Learning Methods for Gene Selection in RNA-Seq Case-Control Studies. Front Genet 2018; 9:297. [PMID: 30123241 PMCID: PMC6085558 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole transcriptome studies typically yield large amounts of data, with expression values for all genes or transcripts of the genome. The search for genes of interest in a particular study setting can thus be a daunting task, usually relying on automated computational methods. Moreover, most biological questions imply that such a search should be performed in a multivariate setting, to take into account the inter-genes relationships. Differential expression analysis commonly yields large lists of genes deemed significant, even after adjustment for multiple testing, making the subsequent study possibilities extensive. Here, we explore the use of supervised learning methods to rank large ensembles of genes defined by their expression values measured with RNA-Seq in a typical 2 classes sample set. First, we use one of the variable importance measures generated by the random forests classification algorithm as a metric to rank genes. Second, we define the EPS (extreme pseudo-samples) pipeline, making use of VAEs (Variational Autoencoders) and regressors to extract a ranking of genes while leveraging the feature space of both virtual and comparable samples. We show that, on 12 cancer RNA-Seq data sets ranging from 323 to 1,210 samples, using either a random forests-based gene selection method or the EPS pipeline outperforms differential expression analysis for 9 and 8 out of the 12 datasets respectively, in terms of identifying subsets of genes associated with survival. These results demonstrate the potential of supervised learning-based gene selection methods in RNA-Seq studies and highlight the need to use such multivariate gene selection methods alongside the widely used differential expression analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Wenric
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, GIGA-Research, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ruhollah Shemirani
- Department of Computer Science, Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, United States
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42
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Kesler M, Levine C, Hershkovitz D, Mishani E, Menachem Y, Lerman H, Zohar Y, Shibolet O, Even-Sapir E. 68Ga-PSMA is a novel PET-CT tracer for imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective pilot study. J Nucl Med 2018; 60:185-191. [PMID: 30002112 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.118.214833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:68Ga-Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (68Ga-PSMA), a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer that was recently introduce for imaging of prostate cancer, may accumulate in other solid tumors including Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the study was to assess the potential role of 68Ga-PSMA PET-Computed Tomography (CT) for imaging of HCC. Material and Methods: A prospective pilot study in seven patients with HCC with 41 liver lesions: 37 suspected malignant lesions (tumor lesions) and 4 regenerative nodules. For each liver lesion, uptake of 68Ga-PSMA and 18F-FDG uptake were measured [standard uptake value (SUV) and lesion-to-liver background ratios (TBR-SUV)], and correlated with dynamic characteristics (HU and TBR-HU) obtained on contrast enhanced CT data. Immunohistochemistry staining of PSMA in the tumor tissue was analyzed in samples obtained from 5 patients with HCC and compared to control samples from 3 patients with prostate cancer. Results: Thirty-six of the 37 tumor lesions and none of the regenerative nodules showed increased 68Ga-PSMA uptake while only 10 lesions were 18F-FDG avid. Based on contrast enhancement, tumor lesions were categorized into 27 homogeneously enhancing lesions, nine lesions with "mosaic" enhancement composed of enhancing and non-enhancing regions in the same lesion and a single non-enhancing lesion, the latter being the only non-68Ga-PSMA avid lesion. Using the Mann-Whitney test, 68Ga-PSMA uptake was found significantly higher in enhancing tumor areas compared to non-enhancing areas and in contrast, 18F-FDG uptake was higher in non-enhancing areas, P<0.001 for both. 68Ga-PSMA uptake (TBR SUVmax) was found to correlate with vascularity (TBR-HU) (Spearman r=0.866, p<0.001). Immunohistochemistry showed intense intra-tumoral microvessel staining for PSMA in HCC, in contrast with cytoplasmic and membranous staining, mainly in the luminal border, in prostate cancer samples. In two of the study patients 68Ga-PSMA PET-CT identified unexpected extrahepatic metastases. Four regenerative liver nodules showed no increased uptake of either of the PET tracers. Conclusion:68Ga-PSMA PET-CT is superior to 18F-FDG PET-CT in imaging patients with HCC. HCC lesions are more commonly hypervascular taking up 68Ga-PSMA in tumoral micro-vessels. 68Ga-PSMA PET-CT is a potential novel modality for imaging patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dov Hershkovitz
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler school of Medicine Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | - Oren Shibolet
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler school of Medicine Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Einat Even-Sapir
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Sackler school of Medicine Tel Aviv University, Israel
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43
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Yan W, Zhu Z, Pan F, Huang A, Dai GH. Overexpression of c-kit(CD117), relevant with microvessel density, is an independent survival prognostic factor for patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:1285-1292. [PMID: 29563807 PMCID: PMC5846747 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s157545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To explore new biomarkers for indicating the recurrence and prognosis in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after tumor resection, we investigated the expression and prognostic value of c-kit(CD117) in HBV-related HCC. Materials and methods Immunohistochemistry was used to estimate the expression of c-kit(CD117) and CD34 in the liver cancer tissues. The correlations between the expression of these biomarkers and the clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed. Results The positive rate of c-kit(CD117) expression in 206 HCC cases was 48.1%, and c-kit expression was significantly related with CD34-positive microvessel density. CD34-microvessel density numbers were much higher in c-kit(+) HCC tissues than in c-kit(−) HCC tissues (44.13±17.01 vs 26.87±13.16, P=0.003). The expression of c-kit was significantly higher in patients with Edmondson grade III–IV (P<0.001) and TNM stage III (P<0.001). Moreover, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that c-kit (P<0.001) expression was correlated with reduced disease-free survival (DFS). Multivariate analysis identified c-kit as an independent poor prognostic factor of DFS in HCC patients (P<0.001). Conclusion Increased c-kit expression could be considered as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for predicting DFS in HBV-related HCC patients after surgery. These results could be used to identify patients at a higher risk of early tumor recurrence and poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Yan
- Medical Oncology Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhu
- Department of Liver Metastasis, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ang Huang
- Department of Alcoholic Liver Disease and Autoimmune Liver Disease, Center of Non-infectious Liver Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Hai Dai
- Medical Oncology Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Mass spectral analysis of the multikinase inhibitor BZG and its metabolites and analysis of their binding to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2. Oncotarget 2018; 8:29951-29962. [PMID: 28415783 PMCID: PMC5444716 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that BZG is a novel multitarget kinase inhibitor, which inhibited hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, we used ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF MS) to characterize BZG and its metabolites generated in vivo. The probable metabolic mechanism was further confirmed by analysis of Phase I and Phase II metabolism in liver microsomes and with recombinant enzymes. In addition, the binding affinities of BZG metabolites to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) were predicted using electronic high throughput screening (eHiTS). The results showed that BZG underwent phase I and phase II metabolism. We detected 11 BZG metabolites and identified hydroxylation, glucuronation, acetylation, sulfonation and degradation as the major metabolic processes in vivo and in vitro. Five of the eleven metabolites showed highly favorable eHiTS energy scores that were lower than sorafenib. Knowledge of the in vivo metabolic pathways of BZG and its binding affinities to VEGFR2 will be beneficial for further clinical development of BZG.
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Santillan C, Fowler K, Kono Y, Chernyak V. LI-RADS major features: CT, MRI with extracellular agents, and MRI with hepatobiliary agents. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2018; 43:75-81. [PMID: 28828680 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-017-1291-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) was designed to standardize the interpretation and reporting of observations seen on studies performed in patients at risk for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The LI-RADS algorithm guides radiologists through the process of categorizing observations on a spectrum from definitely benign to definitely HCC. Major features are the imaging features used to categorize observations as LI-RADS 3 (intermediate probability of malignancy), LIRADS 4 (probably HCC), and LI-RADS 5 (definite HCC). Major features include arterial phase hyperenhancement, washout appearance, enhancing capsule appearance, size, and threshold growth. Observations that have few major criteria are assigned lower categories than those that have several, with the goal of preserving high specificity for the LR-5 category of Definite HCC. The goal of this paper is to discuss LI-RADS major features, including definitions, rationale for selection as major features, and imaging examples.
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Oura K, Tadokoro T, Fujihara S, Morishita A, Chiyo T, Samukawa E, Yamana Y, Fujita K, Sakamoto T, Nomura T, Yoneyama H, Kobara H, Mori H, Iwama H, Okano K, Suzuki Y, Masaki T. Telmisartan inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation in vitro by inducing cell cycle arrest. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:2825-2835. [PMID: 29048654 PMCID: PMC5780034 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Telmisartan, a widely used antihypertensive drug, is an angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker (ARB) that might inhibit cancer cell proliferation, but the mechanisms through which telmisartan affects various cancers remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of telmisartan on human HCC and to assess the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). We studied the effects of telmisartan on HCC cells using the HLF, HLE, HepG2, HuH-7 and PLC/PRF/5 cell lines. In our experiments, telmisartan inhibited the proliferation of HLF, HLE and HepG2 cells, which represent poorly differentiated types of HCC cells. However, HuH-7 and PLC/PRF/5 cells, which represent well-differentiated types of HCC cells, were not sensitive to telmisartan. Telmisartan induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest of HLF cells by inhibiting the G0-to-G1 cell cycle transition. This blockade was accompanied by a marked decrease in the levels of cyclin D1, cyclin E and other cell cycle-related proteins. Notably, the activity of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway was increased, and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was inhibited by telmisartan treatment. Additionally, telmisartan increased the level of caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18 (cCK18), partially contributed to the induction of apoptosis in HLF cells and reduced the phosphorylation of ErbB3 in HLF cells. Furthermore, miRNA expression was markedly altered by telmisartan in vitro. In conclusion, telmisartan inhibits human HCC cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Oura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Tomoko Tadokoro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Shintaro Fujihara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Taiga Chiyo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Eri Samukawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Yamana
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Koji Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Teppei Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Takako Nomura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Hirohito Yoneyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Hideki Kobara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Hirohito Mori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Hisakazu Iwama
- Life Science Research Center, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Keiichi Okano
- Gastroenterological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Suzuki
- Gastroenterological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine/Graduate School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
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47
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Khemlina G, Ikeda S, Kurzrock R. The biology of Hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for genomic and immune therapies. Mol Cancer 2017; 16:149. [PMID: 28854942 PMCID: PMC5577674 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-017-0712-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. It is highly refractory to most systemic therapies. Recently, significant progress has been made in uncovering genomic alterations in HCC, including potentially targetable aberrations. The most common molecular anomalies in this malignancy are mutations in the TERT promoter, TP53, CTNNB1, AXIN1, ARID1A, CDKN2A and CCND1 genes. PTEN loss at the protein level is also frequent. Genomic portfolios stratify by risk factors as follows: (i) CTNNB1 with alcoholic cirrhosis; and (ii) TP53 with hepatitis B virus-induced cirrhosis. Activating mutations in CTNNB1 and inactivating mutations in AXIN1 both activate WNT signaling. Alterations in this pathway, as well as in TP53 and the cell cycle machinery, and in the PI3K/Akt/mTor axis (the latter activated in the presence of PTEN loss), as well as aberrant angiogenesis and epigenetic anomalies, appear to be major events in HCC. Many of these abnormalities may be pharmacologically tractable. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors is also emerging as an important treatment option. Indeed, 82% of patients express PD-L1 (immunohistochemistry) and response rates to anti-PD-1 treatment are about 19%, and include about 5% complete remissions as well as durable benefit in some patients. Biomarker-matched trials are still limited in this disease, and many of the genomic alterations in HCC remain challenging to target. Future studies may require combination regimens that include both immunotherapies and molecularly matched targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Khemlina
- Department of Geriatrics, University of California, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, #9111, La Jolla, CA, 92093-9111, USA. .,Kaiser Permanente Southern California, San Diego, USA.
| | - Sadakatsu Ikeda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, and Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of California, Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, USA.,Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, and Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of California, Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, USA
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Alshareeda AT, Sakaguchi K, Abumaree M, Mohd Zin NK, Shimizu T. The potential of cell sheet technique on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in rat models. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184004. [PMID: 28850615 PMCID: PMC5574563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered the 3rd leading cause of death by cancer worldwide with the majority of patients were diagnosed in the late stages. Currently, there is no effective therapy. The selection of an animal model that mimics human cancer is essential for the identification of prognostic/predictive markers, candidate genes underlying cancer induction and the examination of factors that may influence the response of cancers to therapeutic agents and regimens. In this study, we developed a HCC nude rat models using cell sheet and examined the effect of human stromal cells (SCs) on the development of the HCC model and on different liver parameters such as albumin and urea. METHODS Transplanted cell sheet for HCC rat models was fabricated using thermo-responsive culture dishes. The effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) and human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) on the developed tumour was tested. Furthermore, development of tumour and detection of the liver parameter was studied. Additionally, angiogenesis assay was performed using Matrigel. RESULTS HepG2 cells requires five days to form a complete cell sheet while HepG2 co-cultured with UC-MSCs or BM-MSCs took only three days. The tumour developed within 4 weeks after transplantation of the HCC sheet on the liver of nude rats. Both UC-MSCs and BM-MSCs improved the secretion of liver parameters by increasing the secretion of albumin and urea. Comparatively, the UC-MSCs were more effective than BM-MSCs, but unlike BM-MSCs, UC-MSCs prevented liver tumour formation and the tube formation of HCC. CONCLUSIONS Since this is a novel study to induce liver tumour in rats using hepatocellular carcinoma sheet and stromal cells, the data obtained suggest that cell sheet is a fast and easy technique to develop HCC models as well as UC-MSCs have therapeutic potential for liver diseases. Additionally, the data procured indicates that stromal cells enhanced the fabrication of HepG2 cell sheets. This provides the foundation for future research using stromal cells in preclinical and clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa T. Alshareeda
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Katsuhisa Sakaguchi
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
- School of science and engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mohammed Abumaree
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- College of Science and Health Professions, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Nur Khatijah Mohd Zin
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
- School of science and engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Shimizu
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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49
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Chen CT, Liao WY, Hsu CC, Hsueh KC, Yang SF, Teng YH, Yu YL. FUT2 genetic variants as predictors of tumor development with hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Med Sci 2017; 14:885-890. [PMID: 28824326 PMCID: PMC5562196 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.19734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lewis antigens related to the ABO blood group are fucosylated oligosaccharides and are synthesized by specific glycosyltransferases (FUTs). FUTs are involved in various biological processes including cell adhesion and tumor progression. The fucosyltransferase-2 gene (FUT2) encodes alpha (1,2) fucosyltransferase, which is responsible for the addition of the alpha (1,2)-linkage of fucose to glycans. Aberrant fucosylation occurs frequently during the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the association of FUT2 polymorphisms with HCC development has not been studied. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of FUT2 polymorphisms with demographic, etiological, and clinical characteristics and with susceptibility to HCC. In this study, a total of 339 patients and 720 controls were recruited. The genotypes of FUT2 at four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs281377, rs1047781, rs601338, and rs602662) were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction from these samples. Compared with the wild-type genotype at SNP rs1047781, which is homozygous for nucleotides AA, at least one polymorphic T allele (AT or TT) displayed significant association with clinical stage (p = 0.048) and tumor size (p = 0.022). Our study strongly implicates the polymorphic locus rs1047781 of FUT2 as being associated with HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih Tien Chen
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen Ying Liao
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia Chun Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kuan Chun Hsueh
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbour Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shun Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ying Hock Teng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yung Luen Yu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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50
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Cross-talk mechanism between endothelial cells and hepatocellular carcinoma cells via growth factors and integrin pathway promotes tumor angiogenesis and cell migration. Oncotarget 2017; 8:69577-69593. [PMID: 29050226 PMCID: PMC5642501 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis plays a central role in the development and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer cells secrete angiogenic factors to recruit vascular endothelial cells and sustain tumor vascular networks, which facilitate the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Therefore, the cross-talk between vascular endothelial cells and cancer cells is vitally necessary, however, little is known about the cross-talk mechanism of these cells interaction. In the present study, the proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation of vascular endothelial EA.hy926 cells and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells were studied by exchanging their culture medium. The time-dependent differences of integrins induced signaling pathway associated with cell migration were investigated. Our results showed that HepG2 cells markedly enhanced the proliferation and migration ability as well as the tube formation of EA.hy926 cells by releasing growth factors. Also, the EA.hy926 cells promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of HepG2 cells. The further analysis demonstrated that the integrins-FAK-Rho GTPases signaling events in both of two cells was activated under conditioned medium, and the signaling molecules in two cell lines showed a different time-dependent expression within 1h. These findings reveal the cross-talk mechanism between the endothelial cells and hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which were expected to find out new ideas for the prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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