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Abdelnabi MN, Hassan GS, Shoukry NH. Role of the type 3 cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 in modulating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1437046. [PMID: 39156888 PMCID: PMC11327067 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1437046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) comprises a spectrum of liver diseases that span simple steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and fibrosis and may progress to cirrhosis and cancer. The pathogenesis of MASLD is multifactorial and is driven by environmental, genetic, metabolic and immune factors. This review will focus on the role of the type 3 cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 in MASLD pathogenesis and progression. IL-17 and IL-22 are produced by similar adaptive and innate immune cells such as Th17 and innate lymphoid cells, respectively. IL-17-related signaling is upregulated during MASLD resulting in increased chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines in the liver microenvironment, enhanced recruitment of myeloid cells and T cells leading to exacerbation of inflammation and liver disease progression. IL-17 may also act directly by activating hepatic stellate cells resulting in increased fibrosis. In contrast, IL-22 is a pleiotropic cytokine with a dominantly protective signature in MASLD and is currently being tested as a therapeutic strategy. IL-22 also exhibits beneficial metabolic effects and abrogates MASH-related inflammation and fibrosis development via inducing the production of anti-oxidants and anti-apoptotic factors. A sex-dependent effect has been attributed to both cytokines, most importantly to IL-22 in MASLD or related conditions. Altogether, IL-17 and IL-22 are key effectors in MASLD pathogenesis and progression. We will review the role of these two cytokines and cells that produce them in the development of MASLD, their interaction with host factors driving MASLD including sexual dimorphism, and their potential therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed N. Abdelnabi
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ghada S. Hassan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Naglaa H. Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Wang L, Piao Y, Guo F, Wei J, Chen Y, Dai X, Zhang X. Current progress of pig models for liver cancer research. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115256. [PMID: 37536038 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical trials play critical roles in assessing the safety and efficiency of novel therapeutic strategies for human diseases including live cancer. However, most therapeutic strategies that were proved to be effective in preclinical cancer models failed in human clinical trials due to the lack of appropriate disease animal models. Therefore, it is of importance and urgent to develop a precise animal model for preclinical cancer research. Liver cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers with low 5-year survival rate. Recently, porcine attracted increasing attentions as animal model in biomedical research. Porcine liver cancer model may provide a promising platform for biomedical research due to their similarities to human being in body size, anatomical characteristics, physiology and pathophysiology. In this review, we comprehensively summarized and discussed the advantages and disadvantages, rationale, current status and progress of pig models for liver cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuexian Piao
- Invasive Technology Nursing Platform, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fucheng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiarui Wei
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yurong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiangpeng Dai
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Galvão FHF, Traldi MCC, Araújo RSS, Stefano JT, D'Albuquerque LAC, Oliveira CP. PRECLINICAL MODELS OF LIVER CÂNCER. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2023; 60:383-392. [PMID: 37792769 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.230302023-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
•In this review, we described different murine models of carcinogenesis: classic models, new transgenic and combined models, that reproduce the key points for HCC and CCA genesis allowing a better understanding of its genetic physiopathological, and environmental abnormalities. •Each model has its advantages, disadvantages, similarities, and differences with the corresponding human disease and should be chosen according to the specificity of the study. Ultimately, those models can also be used for testing new anticancer therapeutic approaches. •Cholangiocarcinoma has been highlighted, with an increase in prevalence. This review has an important role in understanding the pathophysiology and the development of new drugs. Background - This manuscript provides an overview of liver carcinogenesis in murine models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Objective - A review through MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed to assess articles until August 2022.Methods - Search was conducted of the entire electronic databases and the keywords used was HCC, CCA, carcinogenesis, animal models and liver. Articles exclusion was based on the lack of close relation to the subject. Carcinogenesis models of HCC include HCC induced by senescence in transgenic animals, HCC diet-induced, HCC induced by chemotoxicagents, xenograft, oncogenes, and HCC in transgenic animals inoculated with B and C virus. The models of CCA include the use of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN), diethylnitrosamine (DEN), thioacetamide (TAA), and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). CCA murine models may also be induced by: CCA cells, genetic manipulation, Smad4, PTEN and p53 knockout, xenograft, and DEN-left median bile duct ligation. Results - In this review, we described different murine models of carcinogenesis that reproduce the key points for HCC and CCA genesis allowing a better understanding of its genetic, physiopathological, and environmental abnormalities. Conclusion - Each model has its advantages, disadvantages, similarities, and differences with the corresponding human disease and should be chosen according to the specificity of the study. Ultimately, those models can also be used for testing new anticancer therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávio Henrique Ferreira Galvão
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Transplante e Cirurgia do Fígado (LIM-37), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Maria Clara Camargo Traldi
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Transplante e Cirurgia do Fígado (LIM-37), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Jose Tadeu Stefano
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Gastroenterologia Clínica e Experimental (LIM-07), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Luiz Augusto Carneiro D'Albuquerque
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Transplante e Cirurgia do Fígado (LIM-37), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Claudia P Oliveira
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Gastroenterologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Gastroenterologia Clínica e Experimental (LIM-07), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Flessa CM, Nasiri-Ansari N, Kyrou I, Leca BM, Lianou M, Chatzigeorgiou A, Kaltsas G, Kassi E, Randeva HS. Genetic and Diet-Induced Animal Models for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Research. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415791. [PMID: 36555433 PMCID: PMC9780957 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A rapidly increasing incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is noted worldwide due to the adoption of western-type lifestyles and eating habits. This makes the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive the pathogenesis of this chronic disease and the development of newly approved treatments of utmost necessity. Animal models are indispensable tools for achieving these ends. Although the ideal mouse model for human NAFLD does not exist yet, several models have arisen with the combination of dietary interventions, genetic manipulations and/or administration of chemical substances. Herein, we present the most common mouse models used in the research of NAFLD, either for the whole disease spectrum or for a particular disease stage (e.g., non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each model, along with the challenges facing the researchers who aim to develop and use animal models for translational research in NAFLD. Based on these characteristics and the specific study aims/needs, researchers should select the most appropriate model with caution when translating results from animal to human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina-Maria Flessa
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Narjes Nasiri-Ansari
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kyrou
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Bianca M. Leca
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Maria Lianou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios Chatzigeorgiou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Gregory Kaltsas
- Endocrine Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eva Kassi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Endocrine Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (H.S.R.)
| | - Harpal S. Randeva
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (H.S.R.)
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Satilmis B, Sahin TT, Cicek E, Akbulut S, Yilmaz S. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Microenvironment and Its Implications in Terms of Anti-tumor Immunity: Future Perspectives for New Therapeutics. J Gastrointest Cancer 2021; 52:1198-1205. [PMID: 34625923 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-021-00725-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular cancer is an insidious tumor that is often diagnosed in a later stage of life. The tumor microenvironment is the key to tumorigenesis and progression. Many cellular and non-cellular components orchestrate the intricate process of hepatocarcinogenesis. The most important feature of hepatocellular cancer is the immune evasion process. The present review aims to summarize the key components of the tumor microenvironment in the immune evasion process. METHODS Google Scholar and PubMed databases have been searched for the mesh terms "Hepatocellular carcinoma" or "Liver Cancer" and "microenvironment." The articles were reviewed and the components of the tumor microenvironment were summarized. RESULTS The tumor microenvironment is composed of tumor cells and non-tumoral stromal and immune cells. HCC tumor microenvironment supports aggressive tumor behavior, provides immune evasion, and is an obstacle for current immunotherapeutic strategies. The components of the tumor microenvironment are intratumoral macrophages (tumor-associated macrophages (TAM)), bone marrow-derived suppressor cells, tumor-associated neutrophils (TAN), fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment, and the activated hepatic stellate cells. CONCLUSION There are intricate mechanisms that drive hepatocarcinogenesis. The tumor microenvironment is at the center of all the complex and diverse mechanisms. Effective and multistep immunotherapies should be developed to target different components of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basri Satilmis
- Liver Transplant Institute and Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery, Inonu University, Battalgazi, 44000, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Tevfik Tolga Sahin
- Liver Transplant Institute and Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery, Inonu University, Battalgazi, 44000, Malatya, Turkey.
| | - Egemen Cicek
- Liver Transplant Institute and Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery, Inonu University, Battalgazi, 44000, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Sami Akbulut
- Liver Transplant Institute and Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery, Inonu University, Battalgazi, 44000, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Sezai Yilmaz
- Liver Transplant Institute and Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery, Inonu University, Battalgazi, 44000, Malatya, Turkey
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The impact of endotrophin on the progression of chronic liver disease. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:1766-1776. [PMID: 33110211 PMCID: PMC8080612 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-00520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease and can lead to multiple complications, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The fibrotic liver is characterized by the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Type VI collagen alpha3 (Col6a3) is a biomarker of hepatic fibrosis, and its cleaved form, endotrophin (ETP), plays a critical role in adipose tissue dysfunction, insulin resistance, and breast cancer development. Here, we studied the effects of the Col6a3-derived peptide ETP on the progression of chronic liver diseases, such as NASH and liver cancer. We used a doxycycline (Dox)-inducible liver-specific ETP-overexpressing mouse model on a NAFLD-prone (liver-specific SREBP1a transgenic) background. For this, we evaluated the consequences of local ETP expression in the liver and its effect on hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and insulin resistance. Accumulation of ETP in the liver induced hepatic inflammation and the development of fibrosis with associated insulin resistance. Surprisingly, ETP overexpression also led to the emergence of liver cancer within 10 months in the SREBP1a transgenic background. Our data revealed that ETP can act as a “second hit” during the progression of NAFLD and can play an important role in the development of NASH and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These observations firmly link elevated levels of ETP to chronic liver disease. Localized buildup in the liver of a collagen-derived cleavage fragment plays a critical role in accelerating the development of tissue scarring and liver cancer in mice. Using a transgenic mouse model of fatty liver disease, a team led by Philipp Scherer from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA, and Jiyoung Park of Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea, showed that liver-specific accumulation of a collagen fragment known as endotrophin leads to activation of inflammatory and fibrotic pathways. The mice subsequently develop metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance and, with time, cancerous nodules in the liver. The findings suggest that endotrophin accumulation, when it occurs in liver tissue that already contains large depositions of fat, can overwhelm normal liver physiology and accelerate organ damage.
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Lin YL, Li Y. Study on the hepatocellular carcinoma model with metastasis. Genes Dis 2020; 7:336-350. [PMID: 32884988 PMCID: PMC7452459 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2019.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death around the world due to advanced clinical stage at diagnosis, high incidence of recurrence and metastasis after surgical treatment. It is in urgent need to create appropriate animal models to explore the mechanism, patterns, risk factors, and therapeutic strategies of HCC metastasis and recurrence. However, most of the established models lack the phenotype of invasion and metastasis in patient, or have unstable phenotype. To establish HCC models with stable metastasis phenotype requires profound understanding in cancer metastasis biology and scientific methodology. Over the past 3 decades, HCC models with stable metastasis have been extensively studied. This paper reviewed the history and development of HCC animal models and cell models, focusing on the screening and maintaining of metastatic potential and phenotype. In-depth studies using these models vastly promote the understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms and development of therapeutic strategies on HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lin Lin
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
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8
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Pathological Consequences of Hepatic mTORC1 Dysregulation. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11080896. [PMID: 32764389 PMCID: PMC7465966 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080896] [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: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a central regulator of metabolism that integrates environmental inputs, including nutrients, growth factors, and stress signals. mTORC1 activation upregulates anabolism of diverse macromolecules, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, while downregulating autolysosomal catabolism. mTORC1 dysregulation is often found in various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as metabolic syndromes involving obesity and type II diabetes. As an essential metabolic organ, the liver requires proper regulation of mTORC1 for maintaining homeostasis and preventing pathologies. For instance, aberrant hyper- or hypoactivation of mTORC1 disrupts hepatocellular homeostasis and damages the structural and functional integrity of the tissue, leading to prominent liver injury and the development of hepatocellular carcinogenesis. Proper regulation of mTORC1 during liver diseases may be beneficial for restoring liver function and ameliorating the detrimental consequences of liver failure.
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Wang G, Wang Q, Liang N, Xue H, Yang T, Chen X, Qiu Z, Zeng C, Sun T, Yuan W, Liu C, Chen Z, He X. Oncogenic driver genes and tumor microenvironment determine the type of liver cancer. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:313. [PMID: 32366840 PMCID: PMC7198508 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2509-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) may be mainly classified as the following four types: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), hepatoblastoma (HB), and combined hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-ICC). The majority of PLC develops in the background of tumor microenvironment, such as inflammatory microenvironments caused by viral hepatitis, alcoholic or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC), and necroptosis-associated hepatic cytokine microenvironment caused by necroptosis of hepatocytes. However, the impact of different types of microenvironments on the phenotypes of PLC generated by distinct oncogenes is still unclear. In addition, the cell origin of different liver cancers have not been clarified, as far as we know. Recent researches show that mature hepatocytes retain phenotypic plasticity to differentiate into cholangiocytes. More importantly, our results initially demonstrated that HCC, ICC, and cHCC-ICC could originate from mature hepatocytes rather than liver progenitor cells (LPCs), hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and cholangiocytes in AKT-driven, AKT/NICD-driven and AKT/CAT-driven mouse PLC models respectively by using hydrodynamic transfection methodology. Therefore, liver tumors originated from mature hepatocytes embody a wide spectrum of phenotypes from HCC to CC, possibly including cHCC-ICC and HB. However, the underlying mechanism determining the cancer phenotype of liver tumors has yet to be delineated. In this review, we will provide a summary of the possible mechanisms for directing the cancer phenotype of liver tumors (i.e., ICC, HCC, and cHCC-ICC) in terms of oncogenic driver genes and tumor microenvironment. Moreover, this study initially revealed the cell origin of different types of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The 74th Group Army Hospital, Guangzhou, 510220, China.,Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Anorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Hongyuan Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan North Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201907, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shanxi, China
| | - Xuguang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, China
| | - Zhaoyan Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, The 74th Group Army Hospital, Guangzhou, 510318, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Departmentof Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zheng zhou, 450052, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Chaoxu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan North Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201907, China. .,Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Zhangqian Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China. .,State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xianli He
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
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NAFLD Preclinical Models: More than a Handful, Less of a Concern? Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8020028. [PMID: 32046285 PMCID: PMC7167756 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8020028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of liver diseases ranging from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Due to its increasing prevalence, NAFLD is currently a major public health concern. Although a wide variety of preclinical models have contributed to better understanding the pathophysiology of NAFLD, it is not always obvious which model is best suitable for addressing a specific research question. This review provides insights into currently existing models, mainly focusing on murine models, which is of great importance to aid in the identification of novel therapeutic options for human NAFLD.
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11
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Genetically Engineered Mouse Models for Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010014. [PMID: 31861541 PMCID: PMC7016809 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death globally, accounting for approximately 800,000 deaths annually. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, comprising approximately 80% of cases. Murine models of HCC, such as chemically-induced models, xenograft models, and genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models, are valuable tools to reproduce human HCC biopathology and biochemistry. These models can be used to identify potential biomarkers, evaluate potential novel therapeutic drugs in pre-clinical trials, and develop molecular target therapies. Considering molecular target therapies, a novel approach has been developed to create genetically engineered murine models for HCC, employing hydrodynamics-based transfection (HT). The HT method, coupled with the Sleeping Beauty transposon system or the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tool, has been used to rapidly and cost-effectively produce a variety of HCC models containing diverse oncogenes or inactivated tumor suppressor genes. The versatility of these models is expected to broaden our knowledge of the genetic mechanisms underlying human hepatocarcinogenesis, allowing the study of premalignant and malignant liver lesions and the evaluation of new therapeutic strategies. Here, we review recent advances in GEM models of HCC with an emphasis on new technologies.
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Chen K, Ma J, Jia X, Ai W, Ma Z, Pan Q. Advancing the understanding of NAFLD to hepatocellular carcinoma development: From experimental models to humans. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1871:117-125. [PMID: 30528647 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has recently been recognized as an important etiology contributing to the increased incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD, characterized by fat accumulation in the liver, is affecting at least one-third of the global population. The more aggressive form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is characterized by hepatocyte necrosis and inflammation. The development of effective approaches for disease prevention and/or treatment heavily relies on deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying NAFLD to HCC development. However, this has been largely hampered by the lack of robust experimental models that recapitulate the full disease spectrum. This review will comprehensively describe the current in vitro and mouse models for studying NAFLD/NASH/HCC, and further emphasize their applications and possible future improvement for better understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the cascade of NAFLD to HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China; Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jianbo Ma
- Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Xiaoyuan Jia
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Ai
- Department of Cardiology, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital, China
| | - Zhongren Ma
- Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China; Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Molecular profiling of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-associated hepatocellular carcinoma using SB transposon mutagenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E10417-E10426. [PMID: 30327349 PMCID: PMC6217425 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1808968115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the fastest rising cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Western countries; however, the molecular mechanisms driving NAFLD-HCC remain elusive. Using Sleeping Beauty transposon mutagenesis in two mouse models of NAFLD-HCC, we identified hundreds of NAFLD-HCC candidate cancer genes that were enriched in pathways often associated with NAFLD and HCC. We also showed that Sav1, which functions in the Hippo signaling pathway and was the most frequently mutated gene identified by SB in both screens, prevents progression of steatohepatitis and subsequent HCC development in coordination with PI3K signaling via suppression of Yap, a downstream effector of the Hippo pathway. Our forward genetic screens have thus identified pathways and genes driving the development of NAFLD-HCC. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the fastest rising cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Western countries; however, the molecular mechanisms that cause NAFLD-HCC remain elusive. To identify molecular drivers of NAFLD-HCC, we performed Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon mutagenesis screens in liver-specific Pten knockout and in high-fat diet-fed mice, which are murine models of NAFLD-HCC. SB mutagenesis accelerated liver tumor formation in both models and identified 588 and 376 candidate cancer genes (CCGs), respectively; 257 CCGs were common to both screens and were enriched in signaling pathways known to be important for human HCC. Comparison of these CCGs with those identified in a previous SB screen of hepatitis B virus-induced HCC identified a core set of 141 CCGs that were mutated in all screens. Forty-one CCGs appeared specific for NAFLD-HCC, including Sav1, a component of the Hippo signaling pathway and the most frequently mutated gene identified in both NAFLD-HCC screens. Liver-specific deletion of Sav1 was found to promote hepatic lipid accumulation, apoptosis, and fibrogenesis, leading to the acceleration of hepatocarcinogenesis in liver-specific Pten mutant mice. Sav1/Pten double-mutant livers also showed a striking up-regulation of markers of liver progenitor cells (LPCs), along with synergistic activation of Yap, which is a major downstream effector of Hippo signaling. Lastly, Yap activation, in combination with Pten inactivation, was found to accelerate cell growth and sphere formation of LPCs in vitro and induce their malignant transformation in allografts. Our forward genetic screens in mice have thus identified pathways and genes driving the development of NAFLD-HCC.
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Elevated Nrf-2 responses are insufficient to mitigate protein carbonylation in hepatospecific PTEN deletion mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198139. [PMID: 29799837 PMCID: PMC5969769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In the liver, a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH) is oxidative stress, which leads to the accumulation of highly reactive electrophilic α/β unsaturated aldehydes. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of NASH on protein carbonylation and antioxidant responses in a murine model. Methods Liver-specific phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-deletion mice (PTENLKO) or control littermates were fed a standard chow diet for 45–55 weeks followed by analysis for liver injury, oxidative stress and inflammation. Results Histology and Picrosirius red-staining of collagen deposition within the extracellular matrix revealed extensive steatosis and fibrosis in the PTENLKO mice but no steatosis or fibrosis in controls. Increased steatosis and fibrosis corresponded with significant increases in inflammation. PTEN-deficient livers showed significantly increased cell-specific oxidative damage, as detected by 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and acrolein staining. Elevated staining correlated with an increase in nuclear DNA repair foci (γH2A.X) and cellular proliferation index (Ki67) within zones 1 and 3, indicating oxidative damage was zonally restricted and was associated with increased DNA damage and cell proliferation. Immunoblots showed that total levels of antioxidant response proteins induced by nuclear factor erythroid-2-like-2 (Nrf2), including GSTμ, GSTπ and CBR1/3, but not HO-1, were elevated in PTENLKO as compared to controls, and IHC showed this response also occurred only in zones 1 and 3. Furthermore, an analysis of autophagy markers revealed significant elevation of p62 and LC3II expression. Mass spectrometric (MS) analysis identified significantly more carbonylated proteins in whole cell extracts prepared from PTENLKO mice (966) as compared to controls (809). Pathway analyses of identified proteins did not uncover specific pathways that were preferentially carbonylated in PTENLKO livers but, did reveal specific strongly increased carbonylation of thioredoxin reductase and of glutathione-S-transferases (GST) M6, O1, and O2. Conclusions Results show that disruption of PTEN resulted in steatohepatitis, fibrosis and caused hepatic induction of the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant system at least in part due to elevation of p62. This response was both cell-type and zone specific. However, these responses were insufficient to mitigate the accumulation of products of lipid peroxidation.
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Animal models of NAFLD from the pathologist's point of view. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1865:929-942. [PMID: 29746920 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Fatty liver disease is a multifactorial world-wide health problem resulting from a complex interplay between liver, adipose tissue and intestine and initiated by alcohol abuse, overeating, various types of intoxication, adverse drug reactions and genetic or acquired metabolic defects. Depending on etiology fatty liver disease is commonly categorized as alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Both types may progress from simple steatosis to the necro-inflammatory lesion of alcoholic (ASH) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), respectively, and finally to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Animal models are helpful to clarify aspects of pathogenesis and progression. Generally, they are classified as nutritional (dietary), toxin-induced and genetic, respectively, or represent a combination of these factors. Numerous reviews are dealing with NASH animal models designed to imitate as closely as possible the metabolic situation associated with human disease. This review focuses on currently used mouse models of NASH with particular emphasis on liver morphology. Despite metabolic similarities most models (except those with chemically or genetically induced porphyria or keratin 18-deficiency) fail to develop the morphologic key features of NASH, namely hepatocyte ballooning and formation of histologically and immunohistochemically well-defined Mallory-Denk-Bodies (MDBs). Although MDBs are not universally detectable in ballooned hepatocytes in NASH their experimental reproduction and analysis may, however, significantly contribute to our understanding of important pathogenic aspects of NASH despite the obvious differences in etiology.
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Nalloor TJP, Kumar N, Narayanan K, Palanimuthu VR. Long-term exposure to a butter-rich diet induces mild-to-moderate steatosis in Chang liver cells and Swiss albino mice models. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 28:257-265. [PMID: 28110314 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2016-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Butter is one of the widely used fats present in the diet. However, there is no satisfactory study available that evaluates the effect of a high-fat diet containing butter as the principal fat on the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS In the present study, butter was used for the development of steatosis in Chang liver cells in an in vitro study and Swiss albino mice in an in vivo study. In vitro steatosis was established, and butter was compared with oleic acid in Chang liver cells using an oil red O (ORO)-based colorimetric assay. In the in vivo study, a butter-rich special diet was fed for 15 weeks to mice, who showed no significant change in body weight. The expression pattern of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and miR-21 was compared by reverse transcriptase-PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Special diet-fed animals showed downregulated PTEN compared to normal diet-fed animals, while levels of miR-21 remained the same. Elevations in biochemical parameters, viz., triglycerides and liver function tests showed symptoms of onset of NAFLD. Histophathological study of livers of test animals confirmed mild-to-moderate degree of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas John Philip Nalloor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, Karnataka
| | - Nitesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, Karnataka
| | - Kasinathan Narayanan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, Karnataka
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Lau JKC, Zhang X, Yu J. Animal Models of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases and Its Associated Liver Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1061:139-147. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-8684-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Ikawa-Yoshida A, Matsuo S, Kato A, Ohmori Y, Higashida A, Kaneko E, Matsumoto M. Hepatocellular carcinoma in a mouse model fed a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet. Int J Exp Pathol 2017; 98:221-233. [PMID: 28895242 PMCID: PMC5639266 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer worldwide and represents the outcome of the natural history of chronic liver disease. The growing rates of HCC may be partially attributable to increased numbers of people with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, details of the liver‐specific molecular mechanisms responsible for the NAFLD–NASH–HCC progression remain unclear, and mouse models that can be used to explore the exact factors that influence the progression of NAFLD/NASH to the more chronic stages of liver disease and subsequent HCC are not yet fully established. We have previously reported a choline‐deficient, L‐amino acid‐defined, high‐fat diet (CDAHFD) as a dietary NASH model with rapidly progressive liver fibrosis in mice. The current study in C57BL/6J mice fed CDAHFD provided evidence for the chronic persistence of advanced hepatic fibrosis in NASH and disease progression towards HCC in a period of 36 weeks. When mice fed CDAHFD were switched back to a standard diet, hepatic steatosis was normalized and NAFLD activity score improved, but HCC incidence increased and the phenotype of fibrosis‐associated HCC development was observed. Moreover, when mice continued to be fed CDAHFD for 60 weeks, HCC further developed without severe body weight loss or carcinogenesis in other organs. The autochthonous tumours showed a variety of histological features and architectural patterns including trabecular, pseudoglandular and solid growth. The CDAHFD mouse model might be a useful tool for studying the development of HCC from NAFLD/NASH, and potentially useful for better understanding pathological changes during hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saori Matsuo
- Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Gotemba, Japan
| | - Atsuhiko Kato
- Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Gotemba, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ohmori
- Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Gotemba, Japan
| | - Atsuko Higashida
- Chugai Research Institute for Medical Science, Inc., Gotemba, Japan
| | - Eiji Kaneko
- Chugai Research Institute for Medical Science, Inc., Gotemba, Japan
| | - Masahiko Matsumoto
- Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Gotemba, Japan
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Khalid A, Hussain T, Manzoor S, Saalim M, Khaliq S. PTEN: A potential prognostic marker in virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/1010428317705754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Khalid
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied BioSciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tabinda Hussain
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied BioSciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Manzoor
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied BioSciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saalim
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied BioSciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Saba Khaliq
- University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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Amano Y, Shimizu F, Yasuno H, Harada A, Tsuchiya S, Isono O, Nagabukuro H, Tozawa R. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in a combined mouse model of genetic modification and dietary challenge. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:103-115. [PMID: 26992446 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM Experimental models of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are still required for understanding the pathophysiology of this disease. This study aimed to examine whether disease progression is accelerated by combining dyslipidemic genetic modification and dietary challenges and develop NASH-associated hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and carcinoma in a short period. METHODS Low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice were fed a modified choline-deficient amino acid-defined diet, including 1 w/w% cholesterol and 41 kcal% fat, and was comprehensively profiled over 1 year. RESULTS Microvesicular and macrovesicular steatosis in the liver was observed from the first week after starting the modified choline-deficient amino acid-defined diet. Macrovesicular steatosis was exacerbated with time and was observed in almost all hepatocytes at week 8, but slightly decreased at week 16. Infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils, and upregulation of hepatic inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β were also observed from week 1. Plasma hepatic transaminase activities were increased at week 1, reached a peak at week 4, and gradually decreased thereafter. In parallel with increases in hepatic gene expression of collagen-I, the hepatic fibrosis area expanded after week 4 and massively spread all over the liver by week 8. Hepatocellular hyperplasia was observed from week 24. Hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma were observed from week 31 and 39, respectively. CONCLUSION These results suggest that, in a rodent NASH model with the combination of genetic modification and dietary challenges, hepatic steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatic injury, hepatic fibrosis, hepatocellular hyperplasia, adenoma, and carcinoma can be developed in a relatively short period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Amano
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Fumi Shimizu
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hironobu Yasuno
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ayako Harada
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shuntarou Tsuchiya
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Osamu Isono
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nagabukuro
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Tozawa
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kanagawa, Japan
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Lau JKC, Zhang X, Yu J. Animal models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: current perspectives and recent advances. J Pathol 2016; 241:36-44. [PMID: 27757953 PMCID: PMC5215469 DOI: 10.1002/path.4829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a continuous spectrum of diseases characterized by excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. NAFLD progresses from simple liver steatosis to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and, in more severe cases, to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because of its growing worldwide prevalence, various animal models that mirror both the histopathology and the pathophysiology of each stage of human NAFLD have been developed. The selection of appropriate animal models continues to be one of the key questions faced in this field. This review presents a critical analysis of the histopathology and pathogenesis of NAFLD, the most frequently used and recently developed animal models for each stage of NAFLD and NAFLD‐induced HCC, the main mechanisms involved in the experimental pathogenesis of NAFLD in different animal models, and a brief summary of recent therapeutic targets found by the use of animal models. Integrating the data from human disease with those from animal studies indicates that, although current animal models provide critical guidance in understanding specific stages of NAFLD pathogenesis and progression, further research is necessary to develop more accurate models that better mimic the disease spectrum, in order to provide both increased mechanistic understanding and identification/testing of novel therapeutic approaches. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie Ka Ching Lau
- Institute of Digestive Disease and the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China.,Faculty of Medicine, SHHO College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Disease and the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
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The Therapeutic Targets of miRNA in Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:1065230. [PMID: 27118975 PMCID: PMC4826947 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1065230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer death in patients. Several studies demonstrated that hepatic cancer stem cells (HCSCs), also called tumor-initiating cells, are involved in regulation of HCC initiation, tumor progression, metastasis development, and drug resistance. Despite the extensive research, the underlying mechanisms by which HCSCs are regulated remain still unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are able to regulate a lot of biological processes such as self-renewal and pluripotency of HCSCs, representing a new promising strategy for treatment of HCC chemotherapy-resistant tumors. In this review, we synthesize the latest findings on therapeutic regulation of HCSCs by miRNAs, in order to highlight the perspective of novel miRNA-based anticancer therapies for HCC treatment.
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Zheng X, Dai W, Chen X, Wang K, Zhang W, Liu L, Hou J. Caffeine reduces hepatic lipid accumulation through regulation of lipogenesis and ER stress in zebrafish larvae. J Biomed Sci 2015; 22:105. [PMID: 26572131 PMCID: PMC4647812 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-015-0206-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caffeine, the main component of coffee, has showed its protective effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in many studies. However, the hepatoprotection of caffeine and its mechanisms in zebrafish were unexplored. Thus, this study's intentions are to establish a NAFLD model of zebrafish larvae and to examine the role of caffeine on fatty liver with the model. RESULTS Growth and the incidence of fatty liver of zebrafish larvae increased with the increased amount of feeding in a dose-dependent manner. The degree of hepatic steatosis of larvae also gradually aggravated with the increased quantity and duration of feeding. Triglyceride contents of zebrafish fed for 20 days significantly increased in model group (180 mg/d) compared with control group (30 mg/d) (P < 0.001). Significant decreases in body weight and hepatic steatosis rate were observed in 2.5, 5, 8 % caffeine treatment group compared with model group (P < 0.05). Hepatic lipid accumulation was also significantly reduced in caffeine treatment larvae. Moreover, caffeine treatment was associated with upregulation of lipid β-oxidation gene ACO and downregulation of lipogenesis-associated genes (SREBP1, ACC1, CD36 and UCP2), ER stress-associated genes (PERK, IRE1, ATF6 and BIP), the inflammatory cytokine genes (IL-1beta and TNF-alpha) and autophagy associated genes (ATG12 and Beclin-1). Protein expression of CHOP, BIP and IL-1beta remarkably reduced in caffeine treatment group compared with model group. CONCLUSIONS We induced hepatoteatosis in zebrafish by overfeeding regimen and demonstrated caffeine have a role in suppression of hepatosteatosis by downregulation of genes associated with lipogenesis, ER stress, inflammatory response and enhancement of lipid oxidation, indicating zebrafish model may be used to identify putative pharmacological targets and to test novel drugs for human NAFLD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinchun Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Wencong Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Department of Cell Biology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Kunyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Department of Cell Biology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Ju HL, Han KH, Lee JD, Ro SW. Transgenic mouse models generated by hydrodynamic transfection for genetic studies of liver cancer and preclinical testing of anti-cancer therapy. Int J Cancer 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Lim Ju
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- Department of Internal Medicine; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Jong Doo Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Catholic Kwandong University; Seoul Korea
| | - Simon Weonsang Ro
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, and the third leading cause of cancer mortality. The great majority of patients are not eligible for curative therapies, and therapeutic approaches for advanced disease show only limited efficacy. Difficulties to treat HCC are due to the heterogenous genetic alterations of HCC, profound alterations in the hepatic microenvironment, and incomplete understanding of HCC biology. Mouse models of HCC will be helpful to improve our understanding of HCC biology, the contributions of the specific pathways and genetic alterations to carcinogenesis. In addition, mouse models of HCC may contribute to elucidate the role of the tumor microenvironment, and serve as models for preclinical studies. As no single mouse model is appropriate to study all of the above, we discuss key features and limitations of commonly used models. Furthermore, we provide detailed protocols for select models, in which HCC is induced genetically, chemically or by transplantation of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Matias Caviglia
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, Russ Berrie Pavilion, Room 415, 1150 St. Nicholas Ave, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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Ashworth RE, Wu J. Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Hepatol 2014; 6:776-782. [PMID: 25429315 PMCID: PMC4243151 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v6.i11.776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 09/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. It is associated with a poor prognosis and has limited treatment options. Sorafenib, a multi-targeted kinase inhibitor, is the only available systemic agent for treatment of HCC that improves overall survival for patients with advanced stage disease; unfortunately, an effective second-line agent for the treatment of progressive or sorafenib-resistant HCC has yet to be identified. This review focuses on components of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, its role in HCC pathogenesis, and dual mTOR inhibition as a therapeutic option with potential efficacy in advanced HCC. There are several important upstream and downstream signals in the mTOR pathway, and alternative tumor-promoting pathways are known to exist beyond mTORC1 inhibition in HCC. This review analyzes the relationships of the upstream and downstream regulators of mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling; it also provides a comprehensive global picture of the interaction between mTORC1 and mTORC2 which demonstrates the pre-clinical relevance of the mTOR pathway in HCC pathogenesis and progression. Finally, it provides scientific rationale for dual mTORC1 and mTORC2 inhibition in the treatment of HCC. Clinical trials utilizing mTORC1 inhibitors and dual mTOR inhibitors in HCC are discussed as well. The mTOR pathway is comprised of two main components, mTORC1 and mTORC2; each has a unique role in the pathogenesis and progression of HCC. In phase III studies, mTORC1 inhibitors demonstrate anti-tumor activity in advanced HCC, but dual mTOR (mTORC1 and mTORC2) inhibition has greater therapeutic potential in HCC treatment which warrants further clinical investigation.
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De Minicis S, Marzioni M, Benedetti A, Svegliati-Baroni G. New insights in hepatocellular carcinoma: from bench to bedside. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2014; 1:15. [PMID: 25332959 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2013.01.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocarcinogenesis is a multistep process involving different genetic alterations that ultimately lead to malignant transformation of the hepatocyte. The liver is one of the main targets for different metastatic foci, but it represents an important and frequent locus of degeneration in the course of chronic disease. In fact, Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the outcome of the natural history of chronic liver diseases, from the condition of fibrosis, to cirrhosis and finally to cancer. HCC is the sixth most common cancer in the world, some 630,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. Furthermore, about the 80% of people with HCC, have seen their clinical history developing from fibrosis, to cirrhosis and finally to cancer. The three main causes of HCC development are represented by HBV, HCV infection and alcoholism. Moreover, metabolic disease [starting from Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)] and, with reduced frequency, some autoimmune disease may lead to HCC development. An additional rare cause of carcinogenetic degeneration of the liver, especially developed in African and Asian Countries, is represented by aflatoxin B1. The mechanisms by which these etiologic factors may induce HCC development involve a wide range of pathway and molecules, currently under investigation. In summary, the hepatocarcionogenesis results from a multifactorial process leading to the common condition of genetic changes in mature hepatocytes mainly characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and cell death. Advances in understanding the mechanism of action are fundamental for the development of new potential therapies and results primarily from the association of the research activities coming from basic and clinical science. This review article analyzes the current models used in basic research to investigate HCC activity, and the advances obtained from a basic and clinical point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele De Minicis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Marzioni
- Department of Gastroenterology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Benedetti
- Department of Gastroenterology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Tan W, Li Y, Lim SG, Tan TMC. miR-106b-25/miR-17-92 clusters: Polycistrons with oncogenic roles in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:5962-5972. [PMID: 24876719 PMCID: PMC4033436 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i20.5962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2013] [Revised: 01/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small endogenously expressed RNA molecules which are involved in the process of silencing gene expression through translational regulation. The polycistronic miR-17-92 cluster is the first microRNA cluster shown to play a role in tumorigenesis. It has two other paralogs in the human genome, the miR-106b-25 cluster and the miR-106a-363 cluster. Collectively, the microRNAs encoded by these clusters can be further grouped based on the seed sequences into four families, namely the miR-17, the miR-92, the miR-18 and the miR-19 families. Over-expression of the miR-106b-25 and miR-17-92 clusters has been reported not only during the development of cirrhosis but also subsequently during the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Members of these clusters have also been shown to affect the replication of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. Various targets of these microRNAs have been identified, and these targets are involved in tumor growth, cell survival and metastasis. In this review, we first describe the regulation of these clusters by c-Myc and E2F1, and how the members of these clusters in turn regulate E2F1 expression forming an auto-regulatory loop. In addition, the roles of the various members of the clusters in affecting relevant target gene expression in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma will also be discussed.
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Shearn CT, Mercer KE, Orlicky DJ, Hennings L, Smathers-McCullough RL, Stiles BL, Ronis MJJ, Petersen DR. Short term feeding of a high fat diet exerts an additive effect on hepatocellular damage and steatosis in liver-specific PTEN knockout mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96553. [PMID: 24818992 PMCID: PMC4018288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatospecific deletion of PTEN results in constitutive activation of Akt and increased lipogenesis. In mice, the addition of a high fat diet (HFD) downregulates lipogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a HFD on hepatocellular damage induced by deletion of PTEN. METHODS 12 Week old male flox/flox hepatospecific PTEN mice (PTENf/f) or Alb-Cre controls were fed a HFD composed of 45% fat-derived calories (from corn oil) or a normal chow. Animals were then analyzed for hepatocellular damage, oxidative stress and expression of enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism. RESULTS In the Alb-Cre animals, the addition of a HFD resulted in a significant increase in liver triglycerides and altered REDOX capacity as evidenced by increased GPX activity, decreased GST activity and decreased hepatic concentrations of GSSG. In addition, SCD2, ACLY and FASN were all downregulated by the addition of HFD. Furthermore, expression of PPARα and PPARα-dependent proteins Cyp4a and ACSL1 were upregulated. In the PTENf/f mice, HFD resulted in significant increased in ALT, serum triglycerides and decreased REDOX capacity. Although expression of fatty acid synthetic enzymes was elevated in the chow fed PTENf/f group, the addition of HFD resulted in SCD2, ACLY and FASN downregulation. Compared to the Alb-Cre HFD group, expression of PGC1α, PPARα and its downstream targets ACSL and Cyp4a were upregulated in PTENf/f mice. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that during conditions of constitutive Akt activation and increased steatosis, the addition of a HFD enhances hepatocellular damage due to increased CD36 expression and altered REDOX status. In addition, this work indicates HFD-induced hepatocellular damage occurs in part, independently of Akt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin T. Shearn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver Anchutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Kelly E. Mercer
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - David J. Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver Anchutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Leah Hennings
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | | | - Bangyan L. Stiles
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Martin J. J. Ronis
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Dennis R. Petersen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver Anchutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Panera N, Ceccarelli S, De Stefanis C, Nobili V, Alisi A. Retinoids counteract insulin resistance and liver steatosis: what's the potential mechanism? Hepatology 2013; 58:1185. [PMID: 23281105 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Revised: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Panera
- Liver Research Unit; “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital IRCCS; Rome; Italy
| | - Sara Ceccarelli
- Liver Research Unit; “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital IRCCS; Rome; Italy
| | | | - Valerio Nobili
- Liver Research Unit; “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital IRCCS; Rome; Italy
| | - Anna Alisi
- Liver Research Unit; “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital IRCCS; Rome; Italy
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Duan XY, Zhang L, Fan JG, Qiao L. NAFLD leads to liver cancer: do we have sufficient evidence? Cancer Lett 2013; 345:230-4. [PMID: 23941829 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer has several well-recognized risk factors, such as HBV and HCV infection, alcohol abuse and aflatoxin. Recent studies show that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially its aggressive form nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer, mainly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). On the other hand, clinical and epidemiological data have showed that HCC has rarely been found in a "pure" fatty liver in human. Thus, the question we need to ask is do we have sufficient evidence to support a causative role of NAFLD in liver cancer? Furthermore, if NAFLD is indeed a causative factor for liver cancer, what is the mechanism? Perhaps at this stage, fatty liver and NASH can be regarded as a definite risk factor for liver cancer, but to conclude that NAFLD induces HCC requires more robust in vitro and in vivo data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yan Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Digestion and Nutrition, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Jian-Gao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Digestion and Nutrition, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Liang Qiao
- Storr Liver Unit, University of Sydney at the Westmead Millennium Institute, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
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Yu J, Shen J, Sun TT, Zhang X, Wong N. Obesity, insulin resistance, NASH and hepatocellular carcinoma. Semin Cancer Biol 2013; 23:483-91. [PMID: 23876851 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2013.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological and clinical data have clearly demonstrated that non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) predisposes risk to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NASH is the liver manifestation of metabolic syndrome, which constellates obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Although the percentage of patients diagnosed annually with NASH-associated HCC is still relatively low, this number signifies a large population due to the rapidly increasing incidence of obesity and diabetes globally. Fundamental studies on lipid storage, regulation of adipose factors, inflammatory cytokine recruitments and oxidative stress have provided insights into NASH as well as metabolic syndrome. Recent evidence also indicates the significant role of genetic factors in contributing to the pathogenesis of NASH and induced hepatic malignancy. In this review, we attempt to collate current research on NASH biology that lead to our understandings on how metabolic disorders may intersect with cancer development. We also discuss study models that have supported discoveries of molecular and cellular defects, and offered a perspective on therapeutic developments. These studies have collectively increased our knowledge on the complex signaling pathways involved in NASH and cancer, and provided the foundation for improved clinical management of patients with metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
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Minicis SD, Kisseleva T, Francis H, Baroni GS, Benedetti A, Brenner D, Alvaro D, Alpini G, Marzioni M. Liver carcinogenesis: rodent models of hepatocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Dig Liver Dis 2013; 45. [PMID: 23177172 PMCID: PMC3716909 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma are primary liver cancers, both represent a growing challenge for clinicians due to their increasing morbidity and mortality. In the last few years a number of in vivo models of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma have been developed. The study of these models is providing a significant contribution in unveiling the pathophysiology of primary liver malignancies. They are also fundamental tools to evaluate newly designed molecules to be tested as new potential therapeutic agents in a pre-clinical set. Technical aspects of each model are critical steps, and they should always be considered in order to appropriately interpret the findings of a study or its planning. The purpose of this review is to describe the technical and experimental features of the most significant rodent models, highlighting similarities or differences between the corresponding human diseases. The first part is dedicated to the discussion of models of hepatocellular carcinoma, developed using toxic agents, or through dietary or genetic manipulations. In the second we will address models of cholangiocarcinoma developed in rats or mice by toxin administration, genetic manipulation and/or bile duct incannulation or surgery. Xenograft or syngenic models are also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele De Minicis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, CA, United States
| | - Heather Francis
- Division Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Department of Medicine, Division Gastroenterology, Scott & White Hospital and Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, TX, United States
| | | | - Antonio Benedetti
- Department of Gastroenterology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - David Brenner
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, CA, United States
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Division of Gastroenterology, Polo Pontino, Università degli Studi “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, CA, United States,Co-corresponding author. Tel.: +1 254 743 1041/1044; fax: +1 254 743 0378/0555. (M. Marzioni)
| | - Marco Marzioni
- Department of Gastroenterology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy,Corresponding author at: Department of Gastroenterology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Nuovo Polo Didattico, III Piano, Via Tronto 10, 60020 Ancona, Italy. Tel.: +39 0712206043; fax: +39 0712206044
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Maegdefessel L, Azuma J, Toh R, Deng A, Merk DR, Raiesdana A, Leeper NJ, Raaz U, Schoelmerich AM, McConnell MV, Dalman RL, Spin JM, Tsao PS. MicroRNA-21 blocks abdominal aortic aneurysm development and nicotine-augmented expansion. Sci Transl Med 2012; 4:122ra22. [PMID: 22357537 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3003441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Identification and treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remains among the most prominent challenges in vascular medicine. MicroRNAs are crucial regulators of cardiovascular pathology and represent possible targets for the inhibition of AAA expansion. We identified microRNA-21 (miR-21) as a key modulator of proliferation and apoptosis of vascular wall smooth muscle cells during development of AAA in two established murine models. In both models (AAA induced by porcine pancreatic elastase or infusion of angiotensin II), miR-21 expression increased as AAA developed. Lentiviral overexpression of miR-21 induced cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis in the aortic wall, with protective effects on aneurysm expansion. miR-21 overexpression substantially decreased expression of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) protein, leading to increased phosphorylation and activation of AKT, a component of a pro-proliferative and antiapoptotic pathway. Systemic injection of a locked nucleic acid-modified antagomir targeting miR-21 diminished the pro-proliferative impact of down-regulated PTEN, leading to a marked increase in the size of AAA. Similar results were seen in mice with AAA augmented by nicotine and in human aortic tissue samples from patients undergoing surgical repair of AAA (with more pronounced effects observed in smokers). Modulation of miR-21 expression shows potential as a new therapeutic option to limit AAA expansion and vascular disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Maegdefessel
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequently occurring malignancies and has a high mortality rate. The incidence of HCC differs greatly according to the geographic area. East and Southeast Asia, as well as middle and West Africas have the highest prevalence of HCC. The risk factors for developing HCC are well known and include cirrhosis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, alcohol consumption, smoking, diabetes, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Cirrhosis is the most significant risk factor, and there is a correlation between the degree of noninvasively measured liver fibrosis and the risk of HCC occurrence. HBV exerts carcinogenic effects by several mechanisms, including host genome integration, and studies have revealed that HBV replication predicts HCC development. HCV induces multistep carcinogenesis from inflammation, to fibrosis and liver cancer. HCC is an appropriate target for surveillance programs for early cancer detection. Currently, liver ultrasonography (US) combined with serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP, a biomarker of HCC) measurement every 6 months is the standard method of HCC surveillance. Although US is the most widely used tool, its sensitivity in detecting early HCC (i.e., within the Milan criteria) during surveillance is only 63%. AFP is the representative biomarker for both HCC surveillance and diagnosis; however, the unsatisfactory performance of AFP as a surveillance tool means that a novel biomarker or combination with other serum markers is required. Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin and AFP-L3 are candidate biomarkers that are complementary to AFP. The strategies of HCC surveillance vary in different countries according to the healthcare system, the resources available, and health insurance coverage. Many studies have shown that the rate of early cancer detection and rate of application of curative therapies were increased, as was the survival time, by HCC surveillance, which should now become a part of standard care, rather than just a recommendation. Improved US technology and the discovery of new biomarkers are necessary to make further progress in HCC surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- *Kwang-Hyub Han, MD Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Liver Cancer Early Diagnosis Clinic, Severance Hospital, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752 (Korea), Tel. +82 2 2228 1949, E-Mail
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Waly Raphael S, Yangde Z, YuXiang C. Hepatocellular carcinoma: focus on different aspects of management. ISRN ONCOLOGY 2012; 2012:421673. [PMID: 22655206 PMCID: PMC3359687 DOI: 10.5402/2012/421673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Its incidence is clearly arising comprised by the prevalence of major risk factors mainly hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The population at risk is composed of chronic liver patients at the stage of extensive fibrosis or cirrhosis. The monitoring programs of this population have allowed early detection of disease management to promote a radical therapy. Understanding the carcinogenic process and the mastery of the staging systems remain essential keys in diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Recent advances in diagnosis and new treatments have made important impacts on the disease by increasing survival rates and improving quality of life for HCC patients. This paper outlines the different management aspects of HCC which include epidemiology, prevention, carcinogenesis, staging systems, diagnosis, surveillance, and the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sene Waly Raphael
- National Hepatobiliary and Enteric Surgery Research Center of Ministry of Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhang Yangde
- National Hepatobiliary and Enteric Surgery Research Center of Ministry of Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Chen YuXiang
- National Hepatobiliary and Enteric Surgery Research Center of Ministry of Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
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Ellis JM, Paul DS, Depetrillo MA, Singh BP, Malarkey DE, Coleman RA. Mice deficient in glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase-1 have a reduced susceptibility to liver cancer. Toxicol Pathol 2012; 40:513-21. [PMID: 22215515 PMCID: PMC3640291 DOI: 10.1177/0192623311432298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma increases with the persistence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Triacylglycerol synthesis is initiated by glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT). Of four isoforms, GPAT1 contributes 30-50% of total liver GPAT activity, and we hypothesized that it might influence liver susceptibility to tumorigenesis. C57Bl/6 mice deficient in GPAT1 were backcrossed 6 times to C3H mice. After exposure to the carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and the tumor promoter phenobarbital, male Gpat1⁻/⁻ mice, compared with controls (Gpat1⁺/⁺), had 93% fewer macroscopically visible nodules per liver at 21 weeks of age and 39% fewer at 34 weeks of age. Microscopically, control mice had increased numbers of foci of altered hepatocytes, particularly the basophilic subtype, as well as more, and malignant, liver neoplasms than did the Gpat1⁻/⁻ mice. At 21 weeks of age, 50% (4/8) of control mice (50%) had hepatocellular adenomas with an average multiplicity (tumors per tumor-bearing-animal) of 4.3, while none occurred in 8 Gpat1⁻/⁻ mice. At 34 weeks of age, all 15 control mice (100%) had hepatocellular adenomas with an average multiplicity of 5.2 compared to an incidence of 93% in Gpat1⁻/⁻ mice and multiplicity of 3.1. HCCs were observed in 13% of control mice and in only 6% of Gpat1⁻/⁻ mice. These data show that alterations in the formation of complex lipids catalyzed by Gpat1 reduce susceptibility to DEN-induced liver tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Ellis
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David S. Paul
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael A. Depetrillo
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bhanu P. Singh
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health and Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- Dupont Haskell Global Centers for Health and Environmental Sciences, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - David E. Malarkey
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health and Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rosalind A. Coleman
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Nagarajan P, Mahesh Kumar MJ, Venkatesan R, Majundar SS, Juyal RC. Genetically modified mouse models for the study of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:1141-53. [PMID: 22468076 PMCID: PMC3309902 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i11.1141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Revised: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. NAFLD represents a large spectrum of diseases ranging from (1) fatty liver (hepatic steatosis); (2) steatosis with inflammation and necrosis; to (3) cirrhosis. The animal models to study NAFLD/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are extremely useful, as there are still many events to be elucidated in the pathology of NASH. The study of the established animal models has provided many clues in the pathogenesis of steatosis and steatohepatitis, but these remain incompletely understood. The different mouse models can be classified in two large groups. The first one includes genetically modified (transgenic or knockout) mice that spontaneously develop liver disease, and the second one includes mice that acquire the disease after dietary or pharmacological manipulation. Although the molecular mechanism leading to the development of hepatic steatosis in the pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex, genetically modified animal models may be a key for the treatment of NAFLD. Ideal animal models for NASH should closely resemble the pathological characteristics observed in humans. To date, no single animal model has encompassed the full spectrum of human disease progression, but they can imitate particular characteristics of human disease. Therefore, it is important that the researchers choose the appropriate animal model. This review discusses various genetically modified animal models developed and used in research on NAFLD.
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Alisi A, Bruscalupi G, Pastore A, Petrini S, Panera N, Massimi M, Tozzi G, Leoni S, Piemonte F, Nobili V. Redox homeostasis and posttranslational modifications/activity of phosphatase and tensin homolog in hepatocytes from rats with diet-induced hepatosteatosis. J Nutr Biochem 2012; 23:169-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2010.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2010] [Revised: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/16/2010] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Kitamori K, Naito H, Tamada H, Kobayashi M, Miyazawa D, Yasui Y, Sonoda K, Tsuchikura S, Yasui N, Ikeda K, Moriya T, Yamori Y, Nakajima T. Development of novel rat model for high-fat and high-cholesterol diet-induced steatohepatitis and severe fibrosis progression in SHRSP5/Dmcr. Environ Health Prev Med 2011; 17:173-82. [PMID: 21853259 DOI: 10.1007/s12199-011-0235-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are increasing worldwide, and preventive measures are an urgent need and primary concern today. AIM This study aimed to develop and clarify the usefulness of the SHRSP5/Dmcr rat, derived from a stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat, as a novel animal model for time-course analysis of steatohepatitis and the severe fibrosis progression often observed in the disease. METHODS Ten-week-old male SHRSP5/Dmcr rats were divided into six groups: half were fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol-containing diet (HFC diet), and the others the control, stroke-prone (SP) diet for 2, 8, and 14 weeks. RESULTS The HFC diet significantly increased serum transaminase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase activities, tumor necrosis factor alpha levels, and serum and hepatic total cholesterol levels over time. In contrast, this diet decreased serum albumin, glucose, and adiponectin levels throughout or the later stage of the feeding period, but did not influence serum insulin levels. Histopathologically, the HFC diet increased microvesicular steatosis, and focal or spotty necrosis with lymphocyte infiltrations were observed in the liver at 2 weeks, macrovesicular steatosis, ballooned hepatocytes with Mallory-Denk body formation in some, and multilobular necrosis and fibrosis at 8 weeks. Interestingly, this fibrosis formed a honeycomb network at 14 weeks. These changes are very similar to those observed in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. CONCLUSIONS SHRSP5/Dmcr rats appear to be a useful model for analyzing the time-dependent changes of HFC diet-induced steatohepatitis and fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Kitamori
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
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Utsunomiya T, Shimada M. Molecular characteristics of non-cancerous liver tissue in non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Res 2011; 41:711-21. [PMID: 21682827 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2011.00818.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Although chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the most important risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide, the proportion of HCC patients negative for the hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C antibody, so-called "non-B non-C HCC", is rapidly increasing, especially in Japan. The background liver diseases of non-B non-C HCC patients can be multifactorial, including occult HBV infection and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. It is reasonable to investigate the non-cancerous liver tissues to identify the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for the processes of hepatocarcinogenesis of non-B non-C HCC. However, to date, only a few studies have focused on this research concept based on the idea of "field cancerization". This review highlights the potential importance of the molecular analysis of non-cancerous liver tissues to clarify the molecular characteristics in patients with non-B non-C HCC. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the individual predisposition to non-B non-C HCC will lead to improvements in the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of this neoplastic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tohru Utsunomiya
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
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Overexpression of gankyrin induces liver steatosis in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2011; 1811:536-48. [PMID: 21722753 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2011.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2010] [Revised: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gankyrin is a small ankyrin-repeat protein that previous research has confirmed to be overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although relevant literature has reported on gankyrin functions in cellular proliferation and tumorigenesis, the exact role of gankyrin is poorly understood in animal model systems. This study analyzed hepatic lipid accumulation in gankyrin transgenic (GK) zebrafish. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells were predominantly increased in the liver bud of GK larvae, indicating that gankyrin functionally promoted cell proliferation at the larval stage in GK fish. However, over 90% of the viable GK adults showed an increased lipid content, leading in turn to liver steatosis. Liver histology and oil red O staining also indicated the accumulation of fatty droplets in GK fish, consistent with the specific pathological features of severe steatosis. Molecular analysis revealed that gankyrin overexpression induced hepatic steatosis and modulated the expression profiles of four hepatic microRNAs, miR-16, miR-27b, miR-122, and miR-126, and 22 genes involved in lipid metabolism. Moreover, significantly increased hepatic cell apoptosis resulted in liver damage in GK adults, leading to liver failure and death after approximately 10months. This study is the first to report gankyrin as a potential link between microRNAs and liver steatosis in zebrafish.
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Makovicky P, Dudova M, Tumova E, Rajmon R, Vodkova Z. Experimental study of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on a model of starving chickens: Is generalization of steatosis accompanied by fibrosis of the liver tissue? Pathol Res Pract 2011; 207:151-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2010.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Revised: 12/04/2010] [Accepted: 12/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Sugihara T, Mandai M, Koda M, Matono T, Nagahara T, Ueki M, Murawaki Y. Cowden syndrome complicated with hepatocellular carcinoma possibly originating from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Hepatol Res 2011; 41:189-93. [PMID: 21269388 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2010.00742.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
There is currently no report that has documented hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a case of Cowden syndrome. Here, we present the first reported case of HCC in a 60-year-old female patient with Cowden syndrome. We diagnosed the patient using a pathognomonic criterion of the International Cowden Consortium Operational Diagnostic Criteria and performed genetic analysis. Enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a hypervascular tumor in segment VII of the liver. The patient was diagnosed with Cowden syndrome because her mucocutaneous lesions met the pathognomonic criterion. Mutational analysis confirmed a heterozygous germ line TGT→TAT transition at nucleotide 407 in exon 5 of the phosphatase and tensin homolog detected on the chromosome 10 (PTEN) gene. Needle biopsy showed a poorly differentiated HCC. We also diagnosed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from hepatic histological findings of Mallory's bodies and ballooning cells. PTEN-deficient mice reportedly develop HCC through NASH. This is the first reported case of Cowden syndrome complicated with HCC possibly originating from NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaaki Sugihara
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
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Mirnome analysis reveals novel molecular determinants in the pathogenesis of diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. J Transl Med 2011; 91:283-93. [PMID: 20956972 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2010.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an emerging disease with a broad spectrum of liver conditions. The complex molecular pathogenesis of NAFLD is still unclear. In this study, we conducted an analysis of microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in liver of rats made NAFLD by different diets. To this aim, Sprague-Dawley rats were fed ad libitum for 3 months with different diets: standard diet (SD), diet enriched in fats and low in carbohydrates (HFD), SD with high fructose (SD-HF) and diet with high levels of fats and fructose (HFD-HF). Our results demonstrated that the treatment with different dietetic regimens caused a significant increase of the body weight and the alteration of some metabolic parameters compared with control animals, as well as various liver injuries. The miRNAs analysis showed the significant downregulation of three miRNAs (miR-122, miR-451 and miR-27) and the upregulation of miR-200a, miR-200b and miR-429 in HFD, SD-HF and HFD-HF rats. Besides, miR-21 expression was significantly decreased only in fructose-enriched diets. These miRNAs target molecules involved in the control of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, signal transduction, cytokine and chemokine-mediated signaling pathway and apoptosis. Western blot analysis of PKCδ, LITAF, ALDOLASE-A, p38MAPK, PTEN, LIPIN1, EPHRIN-A1, EPHA2 and FLT1 showed a diet-induced deregulation of all these proteins. Interestingly, the expression pattern of LITAF, PTEN, LIPIN1, EPHRIN-A1, EPHA2 and FLT1 might be well explained by the trend of their specific mRNAs, by potentially regulatory miRNAs, or both. In conclusion, we highlight for the first time the potential involvement of novel determinants (miRNAs and proteins) in the molecular pathogenesis of diet-induced NAFLD.
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Ariz U, Mato JM, Lu SC, Martínez Chantar ML. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, animal models, and biomarkers: what is new? Methods Mol Biol 2010; 593:109-36. [PMID: 19957147 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60327-194-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinicopathological term that encompasses a spectrum of abnormalities ranging from simple triglyceride accumulation in the hepatocytes (hepatic steatosis) to hepatic steatosis with inflammation (steatohepatitis, also known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH). NASH can also progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Steatohepatitis has been estimated to affect around 5% of the total population and 20% of those who are overweight. The mechanisms leading to NASH and its progression to cirrhosis and HCC remain unclear, but it is a condition typically associated with obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and hypertriglyceridemia. This point corroborates the need for animal models and molecular markers that allow us to understand the mechanisms underlying this disease. Nowadays, there are numerous mice models to study abnormal liver function such as steatosis, NASH, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The study of the established animal models has provided many clues in the pathogenesis of steatosis and steatohepatitis, although these remain incompletely understood and no mice model completely fulfills the clinical features observed in humans. In addition, there is a lack of accurate sensitive diagnostic tests that do not involve invasive procedures. Current laboratory tests include some biochemical analysis, but their utility for diagnosing NASH is still poor. For that reason, a great effort is being made toward the identification and validation of novel biomarkers to assess NASH using high-throughput analysis based on genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. The most recent discoveries and their validation will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usue Ariz
- Metabolomics, Parque Technológico de Bizkaia, Derio, Spain
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Abstract
NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) represents a spectrum of fatty liver diseases associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The spectrum of fatty liver diseases comprises simple steatosis, steatosis with inflammation [i.e. NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)], fatty liver disease with inflammation and fibrosis (severe NASH) and cirrhosis. The molecular mechanisms contributing to NASH are the subject of considerable investigation, as a better understanding of the pathogenesis of NASH will lead to novel therapies for a condition that hitherto remains difficult to treat. In the present issue of Clinical Science, Piguet and co-workers have investigated the effects of hypoxia in the PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10)-deficient mouse, a mouse model that develops NAFLD. The authors show that a short period (7 days) of exposure to hypoxia aggravates the NAFLD phenotype, causing changes in the liver that are in keeping with NASH with increased lipogenesis and inflammation.
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Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) signaling pathway play an important role in multiple cellular functions such as cell metabolism, proliferation, cell-cycle progression, and survival. PI3K is activated by growth factors and angiogenesis inducers such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietins. The amplification and mutations of PI3K and the loss of the tumor suppressor PTEN are common in various kinds of human solid tumors. The genetic alterations of upstream and downstream of PI3K signaling molecules such as receptor tyrosine kinases and AKT, respectively, are also frequently altered in human cancer. PI3K signaling regulates tumor growth and angiogenesis by activating AKT and other targets, and by inducing HIF-1 and VEGF expression. Angiogenesis is required for tumor growth and metastasis. In this review, we highlight the recent studies on the roles and mechanisms of PI3K and PTEN in regulating tumorigenesis and angiogenesis, and the roles of the downstream targets of PI3K for transmitting the signals. We also discuss the crosstalk of these signaling molecules and cellular events during tumor growth, metastasis, and tumor angiogenesis. Finally, we summarize the potential applications of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR inhibitors and their outcome in clinical trials for cancer treatment.
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Heindryckx F, Colle I, Van Vlierberghe H. Experimental mouse models for hepatocellular carcinoma research. Int J Exp Pathol 2009; 90:367-86. [PMID: 19659896 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2613.2009.00656.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Every year almost 500,000 new patients are diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a primary malignancy of the liver that is associated with a poor prognosis. Numerous experimental models have been developed to define the pathogenesis of HCC and to test novel drug candidates. This review analyses several mouse models useful for HCC research and points out their advantages and weaknesses. Chemically induced HCC mice models mimic the injury-fibrosis-malignancy cycle by administration of a genotoxic compound alone or, if necessary, followed by a promoting agent. Xenograft models develop HCC by implanting hepatoma cell lines in mice, either ectopically or orthotopically; these models are suitable for drug screening, although extrapolation should be considered with caution as multiple cell lines must always be used. The hollow fibre assay offers a solution for limiting the number of test animals in xenograft research because of the ability for implanting multiple cell lines in one mouse. There is also a broad range of genetically modified mice engineered to investigate the pathophysiology of HCC. Transgenic mice expressing viral genes, oncogenes and/or growth factors allow the identification of pathways involved in hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke Heindryckx
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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