1
|
Lin Z, Pan R, Wu L, Zhu F, Fang Q, Kwok HF, Lu X. AFP-HSP90 mediated MYC/MET activation promotes tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric cancers. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:283. [PMID: 39135041 PMCID: PMC11321088 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03455-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) elevation is a well-known biomarker in various diseases, particularly in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Intracellular AFP has been previously implicated in promoting tumorigenesis. In this study, we discovered that AFP enhances the stability of oncoproteins c-MYC and c-MET, thereby facilitating the progression of liver and gastric tumors. Our findings suggest that AFP acts by stabilizing these oncoproteins, which are clients of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), and prevents their degradation through ubiquitination. Intriguingly, we identified AFP as a novel co-chaperone of HSP90, demonstrating its ability to regulate the stabilization of HSP90 client proteins. Furthermore, our results indicate that inhibiting AFP or HSP90 enhances the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents in AFP-producing HCC and gastric cancer cells. These findings have significant implications for the development of therapeutic strategies targeting AFP-producing tumors, as the AFP-HSP90-mediated activation of c-MYC and c-MET provides new insights into potential treatment approaches. In summary, this study sheds light on the role of AFP in promoting tumor progression by stabilizing oncoproteins through its interaction with HSP90. The identification of this mechanism opens up new avenues for therapeutic interventions in AFP-producing tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Lin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Rulu Pan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Liyue Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Fangsheng Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Qiwei Fang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
| | - Xincheng Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yao LQ, Fan ZQ, Wang MD, Diao YK, Chen TH, Zeng YY, Chen Z, Wang XM, Zhou YH, Li J, Fan XP, Liang YJ, Li C, Shen F, Lv GY, Yang T. Prognostic Value of Serum α-Fetoprotein Level as an Important Characteristic of Tumor Biology for Patients Undergoing Liver Resection of Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (BCLC Stage 0/A): A Large Multicenter Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:1219-1231. [PMID: 37925654 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14525-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) algorithm, tumor burden and liver function, but not tumor biology, are the key factors in determining tumor staging and treatment modality, and evaluating treatment prognosis. The serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level is an important characteristic of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) biology, and we aimed to evaluate its prognostic value for patients undergoing liver resection of early-stage HCC. METHODS Patients who underwent curative liver resection for early-stage HCC were identified from a multi-institutional database. Patients were divided into three groups according to preoperative AFP levels: low (< 400 ng/mL), high (400-999 ng/mL), and extremely-high (≥ 1000 ng/mL) AFP groups. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence rates were compared among these three groups. RESULTS Among 1284 patients, 720 (56.1%), 262 (20.4%), and 302 (23.5%) patients had preoperative low, high, and extremely-high AFP levels, respectively. The cumulative 5-year OS and recurrence rates were 71.3 and 38.9% among patients in the low AFP group, 66.3 and 48.5% in the high AFP group, and 45.7 and 67.2% in the extremely-high AFP group, respectively (both p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified both high and extremely-high AFP levels to be independent risk factors of OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.275 and 1.978, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.004-1.620 and 1.588-2.464, respectively; p = 0.047 and p < 0.001, respectively) and recurrence (HR 1.290 and 2.050, 95% CI 1.047-1.588 and 1.692-2.484, respectively; p = 0.017 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the important prognostic value of preoperative AFP levels among patients undergoing resection for early-stage HCC. Incorporating AFP to prognostic estimation of the BCLC algorithm can help guide individualized risk stratification and identify neoadjuvant/adjuvant treatment necessity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Qing Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Navy Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong-Qi Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ming-Da Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Navy Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Kang Diao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Navy Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Ting-Hao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Ziyang First People's Hospital, Ziyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong-Yi Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xian-Ming Wang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ya-Hao Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Pu'er People's Hospital, Pu'er, Yunnan, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fuyang People's Hospital, Fuyang, Anhui, China
| | - Xin-Ping Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Pingxiang Mining Group General Hospital, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ying-Jian Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Navy Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Navy Medical University), Shanghai, China
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Clinical Research Institute, Third Affiliated Hospital of Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Yue Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Tian Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Navy Medical University), Shanghai, China.
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Clinical Research Institute, Third Affiliated Hospital of Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sasikumar S, Chameettachal S, K N V, Kingshott P, Cromer B, Pati F. Strategic Replication of the Hepatic Zonation In Vitro Employing a Biomimetic Approach. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:5224-5234. [PMID: 38014618 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The varied functions of the liver are dependent on the metabolic heterogeneity exhibited by the hepatocytes within the liver lobule spanning the porto-central axis. This complex phenomenon plays an important role in maintaining the physiological homeostasis of the liver. Standard in vitro culture models fail to mimic this spatial heterogeneity of hepatocytes, assuming a homogeneous population of cells, which leads to inaccurate translation of results. Here, we demonstrate the development of an in vitro model of hepatic zonation by mimicking the microarchitecture of the liver using a 3D printed mini bioreactor and decellularized liver matrix to provide the native microenvironmental cues. There was a differential expression of hypoxic and metabolic markers across the developed mini bioreactor, showing the establishment of gradients of oxygen, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and other metabolic pathways. The model also showed the establishment of zone-dependent toxicity on treatment with acetaminophen. The developed model would thus be a promising avenue in the field of tissue engineering for understanding the liver physiology and pathophysiology and for drug screening to evaluate the potential of new pharmaceutical interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shyama Sasikumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - Shibu Chameettachal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India
| | - Vijayasankar K N
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India
| | - Peter Kingshott
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
- ARC Training Centre Training Centre in Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM), School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - Brett Cromer
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - Falguni Pati
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, Telangana, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang Y, Shen H, Zheng R, Sun Y, Xie X, Lu MD, Liu B, Huang G. Development and Assessment of Nomogram Based on AFP Response for Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5131. [PMID: 37958306 PMCID: PMC10647527 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been increasingly used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Prognostic biomarkers are an unmet need. We aimed to develop a prognostic nomogram for patients with unresectable HCC receiving ICIs therapy. METHODS A total of 120 patients with unresectable HCC receiving ICIs treatment were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided into a training set (n = 84) and a validation set (n = 36) in a 7:3 ratio. Clinical characteristics were retrospectively analyzed. Serum α-fetoprotein protein (AFP) response was defined as a decline of ≥20% in AFP levels within the initial eight weeks of treatment. Univariable and multivariable Cox analyses were used to select relevant variables and construct the nomogram. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were used to determine the performance of the model. Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test was used to compare different risk groups. RESULTS The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.7 months. In the multivariate Cox analysis, the presence of extrahepatic metastasis (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-4.27, p < 0.05), white blood cell count (HR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.02-11.88, p < 0.05) and AFP response (HR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.18-0.95, p < 0.05) independently predicted PFS. A nomogram for PFS was established with AUCs of 0.79 and 0.70 in the training and validation sets, respectively. The median PFS of the high- and low-risk subgroups was 3.5 and 11.7 months, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The nomogram could predict PFS in patients with unresectable HCC receiving ICIs treatment and further help decision making in daily clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.Z.); (H.S.); (M.-D.L.)
| | - Hui Shen
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.Z.); (H.S.); (M.-D.L.)
| | - Ruiying Zheng
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.Z.); (H.S.); (M.-D.L.)
| | - Yueting Sun
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.Z.); (H.S.); (M.-D.L.)
| | - Xiaoyan Xie
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.Z.); (H.S.); (M.-D.L.)
| | - Ming-De Lu
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.Z.); (H.S.); (M.-D.L.)
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Baoxian Liu
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.Z.); (H.S.); (M.-D.L.)
| | - Guangliang Huang
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.Z.); (H.S.); (M.-D.L.)
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Guangxi Hospital Division, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Nanning 530022, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang X, Yu H, Zhao F, Xu Y, Wang C, Liu K, Liu B, Zheng H, Wei Y, Wang X, Zhu Q, Huang M, Feng Y. Microwave ablation versus radiofrequency ablation as bridge therapy in potentially transplantable patients with single HCC ≤ 3 cm: A propensity score-matched study. Eur J Radiol 2023; 164:110860. [PMID: 37178491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.110860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as bridge therapy has been gradually confirmed. We aimed to compare the recurrence beyond the Milan criteria (RBM) rates in potentially transplantable patients with HCC receiving MWA or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as bridge therapy. METHODS In total, 307 potentially transplantable patients with single HCC ≤ 3 cm who initially received MWA (n = 82) or RFA (n = 225) were included. RBM, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared between MWA and RFA groups by using propensity score matching (PSM). Competing risks Cox regression was used to identify predictors of RBM. RESULTS After PSM, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative RBM rates were 6.8%, 18.3%, and 39.3% in the MWA group (n = 75), and 7.4%,18.5%, and 27.7% in the RFA group (n = 137), respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.386). MWA and RFA were not the independent risk factors of RBM, and patients with higher alpha-fetoprotein, non-antiviral treatment, and higher MELD score were at greater risk of RBM. Neither corresponding RFS rates (66.7%, 39.2% and 21.4% vs. 70.8%, 47% and 34.7%, p = 0.310) nor OS rates (97.3%, 88.0%, and 75.4% vs. 97.8%, 85.1%, and 70.7%, p = 0.384) for 1-, 3- and 5-years were significantly different between the MWA and RFA groups. The MWA group showed more frequent major complications (21.4% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.004) and longer hospital stays (4 days vs. 2 days, p < 0.001) compared with the RFA group. CONCLUSION MWA showed comparable RBM, RFS, and OS rates to RFA in potentially transplantable patients with single HCC ≤ 3 cm. Compared to RFA, MWA might provide the same effect as bridge therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Hongli Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Fenglin Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Yayun Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Chunzhao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Kaiwen Liu
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250021, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Radiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China
| | - Hang Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province 325000, China
| | - Yingnan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heze Municipal Hospital, Heze, Shandong Province 274099, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250021, China
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250021, China
| | - Min Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250021, China.
| | - Yuemin Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hou G, Liu B, Fan ZQ, Li C, Zhang JP, Guo YH, Zhang RY, Zheng Y, Zhu H, Wang NY. Association between early response of alpha-fetoprotein and treatment efficacy of systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter cohort study from China. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1094104. [PMID: 36686731 PMCID: PMC9846773 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1094104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a well-identified biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, only limited AFP-related studies have evaluated its early response to systemic therapy. This study was performed with the aim of assessing the value of early AFP response in predicting overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in advanced HCC patients receiving systemic therapy. Methods This cohort study included HCC patients with baseline AFP ≥ 200 ng/ml and no prior treatment history. A > 20% decline in the serum AFP level from baseline to the first follow-up (i.e., 4~6 weeks after treatment) was defined as an early AFP response. Patient demographic information, clinical characteristics, radiological response, and survival rates were compared between patients with early AFP response and patients without early AFP response. We further utilized multivariate Cox regression to seek characteristics related to OS and PFS. Results Among 154 patients, 69 patients (44.8%) showed an early AFP response. The disease control rate (76.8 vs. 54.1%; P = 0.003) and objective response rate (38.4 vs. 11.8%; P = 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with an early AFP response. By performing multivariate analysis, early AFP response remained a prognostic factor for longer PFS (HR 0.546; 95% CI 0.371-0.804; P = 0.002) and longer OS (HR 0.529; 95% CI 0.335-0.834; P = 0.006). Conclusion An early AFP response is correlated with longer overall survival and progression-free survival for advanced HCC patients receiving systemic therapy. Moreover, an early AFP response is an independent prognostic factor for longer OS and PFS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Hou
- Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhong-Qi Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Ping Zhang
- Health Examination Center, Changchun Central Hospital, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yan-Hui Guo
- Department of hematology and oncology, Meihekou Central Hospital, Meihekou Jilin, China
| | - Ru-Yi Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nan-Ya Wang
- Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China,*Correspondence: Nan-Ya Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Huang Z, Zhou P, Li S, Li K. Prediction of the Ki-67 marker index in hepatocellular carcinoma based on Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography with Sonazoid. Insights Imaging 2022; 13:199. [PMID: 36536262 PMCID: PMC9763522 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-022-01320-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ki-67 is widely used as a proliferative and prognostic factor in HCC. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (DCE-US) parameters and Ki-67 expression. METHODS One hundred and twenty patients with histopathologically confirmed HCC who underwent DCE-US were included in this prospective study. Patients were classified according to the Ki-67 marker index into low Ki-67 (< 10%) (n = 84) and high Ki-67 (≥ 10%) groups (n = 36). Quantitative perfusion parameters were obtained and analyzed. RESULTS Clinicopathological features (pathological grade and microvascular invasion) were significantly different between the high and low Ki-67 expression groups (p = 0.029 and p = 0.020, respectively). In the high Ki-67 expression group, the peak energy (PE) in the arterial phase and fall time (FT) were significantly different between the HCC lesions and distal liver parenchyma (p = 0.016 and p = 0.025, respectively). PE in the Kupffer phase was significantly different between the HCC lesions and the distal liver parenchyma in the low Ki-67 expression group (p = 0.029). The difference in PE in the Kupffer phase between HCC lesions and distal liver parenchyma was significantly different between the high and low Ki-67 expression groups (p = 0.045). The difference in PE in the Kupffer phase between HCC lesions and distal liver parenchyma < - 4.0 × 107 a.u. may contribute to a more accurate diagnosis of the high Ki-67 expression group, and the sensitivity and specificity were 82.9% and 38.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The DCE-US parameters have potential as biomarkers for predicting Ki-67 expression in patients with HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Huang
- grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - PingPing Zhou
- grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - ShanShan Li
- grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaiyan Li
- grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pehlivanoglu B, Aysal A, Agalar C, Egeli T, Ozbilgin M, Unek T, Unek T, Oztop I, Sagol O. Peritumoral histopathologic findings in patients with chronic viral hepatitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. APMIS 2022; 130:346-356. [PMID: 35302674 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Data on peritumoral histopathologic findings in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the peritumoral histopathologic changes in patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH)-associated HCC (CVH-HCC) and their prognostic value. 61 consecutive cirrhotic patients who underwent liver transplantation due to CVH-HCC were included. Histopathologic features within 1 cm distance of the tumor, and their association with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were evaluated. A random representative slide of cirrhotic parenchyma unrelated to invasive and/or dysplastic foci was also evaluated for the same histopathologic criteria. The majority (85%, n = 52) were male with a median age of 55 ± 6.38 (range, 39-67). The etiologic agent was only HBV in 90% (n = 55). The most common peritumoral findings were portal inflammation (100%; n = 61), ductular reaction (100%; n = 61) and sinusoidal dilatation (95%; n = 58). Macrovascular invasion was observed only in four cases (7%) with mild peritumoral portal inflammation. Neutrophilic infiltration of the peritumoral portal tracts (n = 18; 30%) was significantly associated with pT4 tumor stage, tumor grade, macrovascular invasion, and pretransplant therapy. Patients with moderate or severe peritumoral sinusoidal dilatation tended to have worse prognosis, albeit not significantly. Peritumoral ballooning degeneration was associated with multifocality, recurrence and recurrence-free survival in both uni- and multivariate analysis. Peritumoral histopathologic changes in CVH-HCC can be classified as: changes related to pathogenesis, changes indirectly affecting prognosis, and changes directly affecting prognosis. Peritumoral prominent ballooning degeneration may be a predictor of recurrence while portal neutrophilic infiltration and sinusoidal dilatation seem to indicate poor prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burcin Pehlivanoglu
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Anil Aysal
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Cihan Agalar
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tufan Egeli
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mucahit Ozbilgin
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tarkan Unek
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tugba Unek
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ilhan Oztop
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozgul Sagol
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu B, Shang X, Shi JY, Cui GZ, Li X, Wang NY. Early Alpha-Fetoprotein Response Is Associated With Survival in Patients With HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Receiving Lenvatinib. Front Oncol 2022; 12:807189. [PMID: 35251977 PMCID: PMC8893311 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.807189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Lenvatinib is a first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). We assessed the value of early alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) response for predicting clinical outcomes with lenvatinib treatment in patients with HBV-related uHCC and elevated AFP levels. METHODS This retrospective analysis included patients with HBV-related uHCC and baseline AFP levels ≥20 ng/ml who received lenvatinib for >1 month between November 2018 and May 2021. Early AFP response was defined as a >20% decrease in AFP serum level from baseline after 4 weeks of lenvatinib treatment. Radiological response (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1), progression-free survival, and overall survival were assessed in AFP responders and non-responders. RESULTS Of the 46 patients analyzed, 30 (65.2%) were early AFP responders and 16 (34.8%) were non-responders. Compared to the non-responders, early AFP responders had a significantly higher objective response rate (34.5% vs 6.3%, p=0.0349), disease control rate (82.8% vs 50.0%; p=0.0203) and longer median progression-free survival (13.0 vs 7.0 months; HR, 0.464; 95% CI, 0.222-0.967; p=0.028). A subsequent multivariate analysis confirmed that early AFP response (HR, 0.387; 95% CI, 0.183-0.992; p=0.0154), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status of 0 (HR, 0.890; 95% CI, 0.811-0.976; p=0.0132) and Albumin-Bilirubin grade 1 (HR, 0.457; 95% CI, 0.269-0.963; p=0.0327) were independent prognostic factors for longer progression-free survival. CONCLUSION AFP is an important prognostic factor and a predictive biomarker for survival benefit with lenvatinib treatment in patients with HBV-related uHCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nan-Ya Wang
- The Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Levels of Alpha-Fetoprotein and Association with Mortality in Hepatocellular Carcinoma of HIV-1-Infected Patients. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:3586064. [PMID: 35186078 PMCID: PMC8853771 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3586064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Methods This is a retrospective cohort study on patients living with HIV-1 infection (PLWH) followed at the Division of Infectious Diseases of the San Raffaele Hospital, with cirrhosis and HCC diagnosed between 1999 and 2018 and with an available AFP value at HCC diagnosis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to estimate the accuracy of baseline AFP in predicting death. Factors associated with the risk of death were identified using multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression models. Results Overall, 53 PLWH were evaluated: 18 patients received a curative treatment (9 liver transplantation, 5 liver resections and 4 radiofrequency ablation) and 35 a noncurative treatment (17 chemo or radio embolization, 10 sorafenib and 8 best supportive care). Baseline AFP was predictive of death [AUC 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54–0.83], and the optimal cut-off was 28.8 ng/mL. At multivariable analysis, BL AFP ≥28.8 ng/mL was associated with death [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 7.05, 95% CI 1.94–25.71 P = 0.003]. Other factors were HBV infection (aHR 8.57, 95% CI 1.47–50.08, P = 0.017) and treatment allocation (curative vs. noncurative, aHR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02–0.40, P = 0.0004). Conclusions Our findings suggest that in PLWH AFP serum levels ≥28.8 ng/mL, HBV coinfection and treatment allocation represent predictive markers for death at the time of HCC diagnosis.
Collapse
|
11
|
Chu W, Li P, Wu X, Zhang P, Zhou H, Niu B. Risk factors for recurrence beyond Milan criteria after radiofrequency ablation in transplantable small hepatocellular carcinoma. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2022; 114:580-585. [PMID: 35042367 DOI: 10.17235/reed.2022.8592/2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to determine the risk factors of recurrence beyond Milan criteria in patients with transplantable early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after the first Radiofrequency ablation (RFA). 95 patients with newly diagnosed transplantable small HCC with single ≤ 3 cm were analyzed retrospectively. During the 39-month median follow-up period, 12 (21.8%) patients with HCC < 2 cm and 22 (56.4%) patients with HCC ≥ 2 cm relapsed beyond Milan criteria (p = 0.001). The 1- and 3-year recurrence rates beyond Milan criteria were 6.3% and 14.7% in HCC < 2 cm group, compared with 24.1% and 55.6% in HCC ≥ 2 cm group(p < 0.0001).HCC ≥ 2 cm, red blood cell distribution width-to-lymphocyte ratio (RLR) ≥ 18.3, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 15 ng/ml and early recurrence after RFA were independent predictors of recurrence exceeding Milan criteria. For patients with transplantable early single small HCC whose tumor diameter ≥ 2cm and have higher RLR and AFP levels before first RFA and early recurrence after RFA (recurrence within 2 years), close follow-up and early liver transplantation should be initiated to obtain the best survival benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weike Chu
- School of Graduates, Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Ping Li
- Hepatology, Tianjin City Second People's Hospital, China
| | - Xue Wu
- School of Graduates, Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- School of Graduates, Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- School of Graduates, Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Bin Niu
- School of Graduates, Tianjin Medical University, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ridder DA, Weinmann A, Schindeldecker M, Urbansky LL, Berndt K, Gerber TS, Lang H, Lotz J, Lackner KJ, Roth W, Straub BK. Comprehensive clinicopathologic study of alpha fetoprotein-expression in a large cohort of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Cancer 2021; 150:1053-1066. [PMID: 34894400 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is the most widely used diagnostic and prognostic serum biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its wide clinical use, a systematic clinicopathologic study comparing AFP expression in HCC in situ with serum AFP concentrations has not yet been conducted. To analyze AFP expression in a large cohort of patients by immunohistochemistry, we employed a comprehensive tissue microarray with 871 different HCCs of overall 561 patients. AFP immunoreactivity was detected in only about 20% of HCC core biopsies, whereas 48.9% of the patients displayed increased serum values (>12 ng/mL). Immunostaining of whole tumor slides revealed that lack of detectable immunoreactivity in core biopsies in a subgroup of patients with elevated AFP serum concentrations is due to heterogeneous intratumoral AFP expression. Serum AFP concentrations and AFP expression in situ were moderately correlated (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient .53, P = 1.2e - 13). High AFP expression detected in serum (>227.3 ng/mL) or in situ predicted unfavorable prognosis and was associated with vascular invasion, higher tumor grade and macrotrabecular-massive tumor subtype. Multivariate and ROC curve analysis demonstrated that high AFP concentrations in serum is an independent prognostic parameter and represents the more robust prognostic predictor in comparison to AFP immunostaining of core biopsies. The previously published vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) pattern turned out as an additional, statistically independent prognostic parameter. AFP-positivity was associated with increased tumor cell apoptosis, but not with increased vascular densities. Additionally, AFP-positive tumors displayed increased proliferation rates, urea cycle dysregulation and signs of genomic instability, which may constitute the basis for their increased aggressiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Andreas Ridder
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Arndt Weinmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mario Schindeldecker
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,Tissue Biobank, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lana Louisa Urbansky
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kristina Berndt
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tiemo Sven Gerber
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hauke Lang
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Johannes Lotz
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Karl J Lackner
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Wilfried Roth
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Beate Katharina Straub
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kim S, Yoon CJ, Cho JY, Han HS, Yoon YS, Lee HW, Lee JS, Kim M, Lee B, Ahn S. Comparative long-term outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy and radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma located in the anterolateral segments of the liver. JOURNAL OF HEPATO-BILIARY-PANCREATIC SCIENCES 2021; 29:349-358. [PMID: 34689415 DOI: 10.1002/jhbp.1064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is considered the standard surgical approach for resecting small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) located in the anterolateral segments of the liver. However, few studies have compared LLR and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in such cases. METHODS We retrospectively compared the short- and long-term outcomes of 101 patients who underwent LLR and 264 patients who underwent RFA because of a newly diagnosed single, small (≤4 cm) HCC located in the anterolateral segments of the liver. By applying 1:1 propensity score matching, we matched 61 patients in both groups. RESULTS Although the 5-year overall survival rates were similar (83.6% vs 84.5%; P = .913), the 5-year disease-free survival rate was greater in the LLR group (56.4% vs 41.8%; P = .009). In patients with an α-fetoprotein level of ≥100 ng/mL, the 5-year overall (100% vs 80.0%; P = .022) and disease-free survival (76.6% vs 45.5%; P = .006) rates were greater in the LCC group. CONCLUSIONS For patients with a single, small HCC located in the anterolateral segments of the liver, LLR was associated with similar complication and overall survival rates, but better disease-free survival compared with RFA. LLR may be recommended for patients with higher α-fetoprotein levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sungho Kim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Chang Jin Yoon
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jai Young Cho
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho-Seong Han
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoo-Seok Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hae Won Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun Suh Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moonhwan Kim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Boram Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soyeon Ahn
- Medical Research Collaborating Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fan Y, Yu Y, Wang X, Hu M, Hu C. Radiomic analysis of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI predicts Ki-67 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Med Imaging 2021; 21:100. [PMID: 34130644 PMCID: PMC8204550 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-021-00633-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nuclear protein Ki-67 indicates the status of cell proliferation and has been regarded as an attractive biomarker for the prognosis of HCC. The aim of this study is to investigate which radiomics model derived from different sequences and phases of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced MRI was superior to predict Ki-67 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), then further to validate the optimal model for preoperative prediction of Ki-67 expression in HCC. Methods This retrospective study included 151 (training cohort: n = 103; validation cohort: n = 48) pathologically confirmed HCC patients. Radiomics features were extracted from the artery phase (AP), portal venous phase (PVP), hepatobiliary phase (HBP), and T2-weighted (T2W) images. A logistic regression with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regularization was used to select features to build a radiomics score (Rad-score). A final combined model including the optimal Rad-score and clinical risk factors was established. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, Delong test and calibration curve were used to assess the predictive performance of the combined model. Decision cure analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical utility. Results The AP radiomics model with higher decision curve indicating added more net benefit, gave a better predictive performance than the HBP and T2W radiomic models. The combined model (AUC = 0.922 vs. 0.863) including AP Rad-score and serum AFP levels improved the predictive performance more than the AP radiomics model (AUC = 0.873 vs. 0.813) in the training and validation cohort. Calibration curve of the combined model showed a good agreement between the predicted and the actual probability. DCA of the validation cohort revealed that at a range threshold probability of 30–60%, the combined model added more net benefit compared with the AP radiomics model. Conclusions A combined model including AP Rad-score and serum AFP levels based on enhanced MRI can preoperatively predict Ki-67 expression in HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12880-021-00633-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanfen Fan
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Medical Imaging of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixing Yu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Medical Imaging of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ximing Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Medical Imaging of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengjie Hu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Medical Imaging of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunhong Hu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,Institute of Medical Imaging of Soochow University, Shizi Street 188, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chen HL, Chen YH, Du L, Song YP, Zhu B. Elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein levels are associated with poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Arab J Gastroenterol 2021; 22:12-22. [PMID: 33551350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS The relationship between the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgical resection remains unknown. This study aims to assess this relationship. PATIENTS AND METHODS PubMed and Web of Science were systematically utilised. Meta-analysis was conducted for the outcomes of the recurrence-free survival (RFS) and the overall survival (OS) by comparing the high AFP group with the low AFP group. RESULTS The studies included 61 manuscripts with 35,461 patients. The summary hazard ratio (HR) for RFS was 1.501 (95% CI 1.355-1.662; Z = 7.81, P < 0.00001) when comparing the high AFP group with the low AFP group. Sensitivity analysis only included adjusted HRs, with the summary HR being 1.563 (95% CI 1.381-1.768; Z = 7.10, P < 0.00001). The summary HR for OS was 1.565 (95% CI 1.439-1.701; Z = 10.52, P < 0.00001) when comparing two AFP groups. Sensitivity analysis showed that the summary HR was 1.611 (95% CI 1.456-1.782; Z = 9.24, P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis indicated that elevated serum AFP levels are associated with poor prognosis of HCC after surgical resection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Lin Chen
- Nantong University, School of Public Health, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Hua Chen
- Nantong Health College of Jiangsu Province, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lin Du
- Nantong University, School of Public Health, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi-Ping Song
- Nantong University, School of Public Health, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li H, Li T, Hu J, Liu J. A nomogram to predict microvascular invasion in early hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Ther 2021; 17:652-657. [PMID: 34269295 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1714_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Aim To construct an integrated nomogram combining protein induced by vitamin K antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and other clinical factors to detect microvascular invasion (MVI) in early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with single nodule. Methods One hundred and eleven early HCC patients were enrolled in the present study and 43 early HCC patients were diagnosed with MVI. Serum levels of PIVKA-II, AFP and other laboratory indicators were detected. Chi-squared test, t-test and logistic regression were employed in statistic analysis. A nomogram combining independent predictors was constructed and internal validated. Results In early HCC patients with MVI, PIVKA-II serum level was significantly higher than those without MVI (385.97 mAU/ml vs 67.08 mAU/ml; P < 0.01), as well as AFP serum level (81.6 ng/mL vs 9.15 ng/mL P = 0.001). PIVAK-II, AFP serum levels and tumor size were independent risk factors for MVI in early HCC, which was employed to develop a logistic regression model. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of the model was 0.74 (95%CI 0.65 - 0.84). A nomogram combining PIVKA-II, AFP and tumor size was constructed and calibration curves showed that the model was accurate in predicting the risk of MVI in early HCC patients. Conclusion The present study indicates that a preoperative nomogram combining PIVKA-II, AFP and tumor size could estimate the preoperative probability of MVI in early HCC patients, which may help clinicians in choosing treatment options and prognosis evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongguang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Jinhua Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lee JS, Chon YE, Kim BK, Park JY, Kim DY, Ahn SH, Han KH, Kang W, Choi MS, Gwak GY, Paik YH, Lee JH, Koh KC, Paik SW, Kim HY, Kim TH, Yoo K, Ha Y, Kim MN, Lee JH, Hwang SG, Kim SS, Cho HJ, Cheong JY, Cho SW, Park SH, Heo NY, Hong YM, Yoon KT, Cho M, Park JG, Kang MK, Park SY, Kweon YO, Tak WY, Jang SY, Sinn DH, Kim SU. Prognostic Value of Alpha-Fetoprotein in Patients Who Achieve a Complete Response to Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Yonsei Med J 2021; 62:12-20. [PMID: 33381930 PMCID: PMC7820452 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2021.62.1.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a prognostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the prognostic value of AFP levels in patients who achieved complete response (CR) to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 2005 and 2018, 890 patients with HCC who achieved a CR to TACE were recruited. An AFP responder was defined as a patient who showed elevated levels of AFP (>10 ng/mL) during TACE, but showed normalization or a >50% reduction in AFP levels after achieving a CR. RESULTS Among the recruited patients, 569 (63.9%) with naïve HCC and 321 (36.1%) with recurrent HCC after complete resection were treated. Before TACE, 305 (34.3%) patients had multiple tumors, 219 (24.6%) had a maximal tumor size >3 cm, and 22 (2.5%) had portal vein tumor thrombosis. The median AFP level after achieving a CR was 6.36 ng/mL. After a CR, 473 (53.1%) patients experienced recurrence, and 417 (46.9%) died [median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 16.3 and 62.8 months, respectively]. High AFP levels at CR (>20 ng/mL) were independently associated with a shorter PFS [hazard ratio (HR)=1.403] and OS (HR=1.284), together with tumor multiplicity at TACE (HR=1.518 and 1.666, respectively). AFP non-responders at CR (76.2%, n=359 of 471) showed a shorter PFS (median 10.5 months vs. 15.5 months, HR=1.375) and OS (median 41.4 months vs. 61.8 months, HR=1.424) than AFP responders (all p=0.001). CONCLUSION High AFP levels and AFP non-responders were independently associated with poor outcomes after TACE. AFP holds clinical implications for detailed risk stratification upon achieving a CR after TACE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae Seung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Eun Chon
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Beom Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang Hyub Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wonseok Kang
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moon Seok Choi
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Geum Youn Gwak
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Han Paik
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon Hyeok Lee
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang Cheol Koh
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Woon Paik
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hwi Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Hun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwon Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeonjung Ha
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Mi Na Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Joo Ho Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Seong Gyu Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Soon Sun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Cho
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jae Youn Cheong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sung Won Cho
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Seung Ha Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Nae Yun Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Young Mi Hong
- Liver Center, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Ki Tae Yoon
- Liver Center, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Mong Cho
- Liver Center, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Jung Gil Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University Medical Centre, Daegu, Korea
| | - Min Kyu Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University Medical Centre, Daegu, Korea
| | - Soo Young Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Young Oh Kweon
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Won Young Tak
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Se Young Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Sinn
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Seung Up Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang C, Zhang J, Wang J, Yan Y, Zhang C. Alpha-fetoprotein accelerates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting Bcl-2 gene expression through an RA-RAR signalling pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:13804-13812. [PMID: 33090723 PMCID: PMC7753843 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have found that alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) can promote the proliferation of hepatoma cells and accelerate the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the exact mechanism of action remains unclear. Recent bioinformatics studies have predicted the possible interaction between AFP and retinoic acid receptors (RARs). Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism through which AFP promotes tumour cell proliferation by interfering with the RA-RAR signal pathway. Our data indicated that AFP could significantly promote the proliferation and weaken ATRA-induced apoptosis of hepatoma cells. Besides, cytoplasmic AFP interacts with RAR, disrupting its entrance into the nucleus, which in turn affects the expression of the Bcl-2 gene. In addition, knockdown of AFP in HepG2 cells was synchronously associated with an incremental increase of RAR binding to DNA, as well as down-regulation of Bcl-2; the opposite effect was observed in AFP gene-transfected HLE cells. Moreover, a similar effect of AFP was detected in tumour tissues with high serum AFP, but not in adjacent non-cancerous liver tissues, or HCC tissues with low serum AFP levels. These results indicate that AFP acts as signalling molecule and prevents RAR from entering into the nucleus by interacting with RAR, thereby promoting the expression of Bcl-2. Our data reveal a novel mechanism through which AFP regulates Bcl-2 expression and further suggest that AFP may be used as a novel target for treating HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- National Center for Clinical LaboratoriesNational Center of GerontologyBeijing HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijing HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jiangtao Zhang
- National Center for Clinical LaboratoriesNational Center of GerontologyBeijing HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijing HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jing Wang
- National Center for Clinical LaboratoriesNational Center of GerontologyBeijing HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijing HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Ying Yan
- National Center for Clinical LaboratoriesNational Center of GerontologyBeijing HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijing HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Chuanbao Zhang
- National Center for Clinical LaboratoriesNational Center of GerontologyBeijing HospitalBeijingChina
- Institute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijing HospitalBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen T, Dai X, Dai J, Ding C, Zhang Z, Lin Z, Hu J, Lu M, Wang Z, Qi Y, Zhang L, Pan R, Zhao Z, Lu L, Liao W, Lu X. AFP promotes HCC progression by suppressing the HuR-mediated Fas/FADD apoptotic pathway. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:822. [PMID: 33009373 PMCID: PMC7532541 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is reactivated in a majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and associated with poor patient outcomes. Although increasing evidence has shown that AFP can regulate HCC cell growth, the precise functions of AFP in hepatocarcinogenesis and the associated underlying mechanism remain incompletely understood. In this study, we demostrated that depleting AFP significantly suppressed diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver tumor progression in an AFP gene-deficient mouse model. Similarly, knocking down AFP expression inhibited human HCC cell proliferation and tumor growth by inducing apoptosis. AFP expression level was inversely associated with the apoptotic rate in mouse and human HCC specimens. Investigation of potential cross-talk between AFP and apoptotic signaling revealed that AFP exerted its growth-promoting effect by suppressing the Fas/FADD-mediated extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Mechanistically, AFP bound to the RNA-binding protein HuR, increasing the accumulation of HuR in the cytoplasm and subsequent inhibition of Fas mRNA translation. In addition, we found that inhibiting AFP enhanced the cytotoxicity of therapeutics to AFP-positive HCC cells by activating HuR-mediated Fas/FADD apoptotic signaling. Conclusion: Our study defined the pro-oncogenic role of AFP in HCC progression and uncovered a novel antiapoptotic mechanism connecting AFP to HuR-mediated Fas translation. Our findings suggest that AFP is involved in the pathogenesis and chemosensitivity of HCC and that blockade of AFP may be a promising strategy to treat advanced HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianke Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Dai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Juji Dai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chaodong Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ziqi Lin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jin Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mei Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhanyu Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yalei Qi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Rulu Pan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhu Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Liting Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wanqin Liao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xincheng Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 325035, Wenzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yen CJ, Kudo M, Lim HY, Hsu CH, Vogel A, Brandi G, Cheng R, Nitu IS, Abada P, Hsu Y, Zhu AX, Kang YK. Efficacy and Safety of Ramucirumab in Asian and Non-Asian Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein: Pooled Individual Data Analysis of Two Randomized Studies. Liver Cancer 2020; 9:440-454. [PMID: 32999870 PMCID: PMC7506228 DOI: 10.1159/000506946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE REACH-2 and REACH were randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter phase 3 trials which showed survival benefits of ramucirumab treatment in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ramucirumab in Asian and non-Asian patients with AFP ≥400 ng/mL from REACH-2 and REACH. METHODS We pooled Asian and non-Asian patients from the REACH-2 and REACH trials and performed an individual patient data meta-analysis. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated with a stratified Cox regression model. RESULTS In the pooled REACH-2 and REACH patient population, 291 Asian patients were randomly assigned to receive ramucirumab (n = 168) or placebo (n = 123), and 251 non-Asian patients received ramucirumab (n = 148) or placebo (n = 103). The median OS was significantly longer in the ramucirumab arm in comparison to the placebo arm for Asian patients (8.08 vs. 4.76 months, stratified HR 0.73 [95% CI 0.56-0.95], p = 0.0189) and non-Asian patients (7.98 vs. 5.22 months, stratified HR 0.65 [95% CI 0.49-0.86], p = 0.0028). The overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were significantly higher in the ramucirumab arm compared to the placebo arm for Asian patients (ORR: 4.2 vs. 0.8%; DCR: 53.6 vs. 33.3%) and non-Asian patients (ORR: 6.8 vs. 1.0%; DCR: 59.5 vs. 41.7%). The most common grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events reported in the ramucirumab arm were hypertension (7.7%), decreased appetite (1.2%), and ascites (1.2%) for Asian patients and hypertension (16.9%), ascites (8.8%), asthenia (4.7%), and fatigue (5.4%) for non-Asian patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This pooled analysis of the REACH-2/REACH trials demonstrates significant benefits, with a manageable safety profile, of ramucirumab treatment in Asian and non-Asian patients with advanced HCC and baseline AFP ≥400 ng/mL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Jui Yen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ho-Yeong Lim
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chih-Hung Hsu
- National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Giovanni Brandi
- Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Abada
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yanzhi Hsu
- TG Therapeutics Inc., New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrew X. Zhu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yoon-Koo Kang
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,*Yoon-Koo Kang, MD, PhD, Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505 (South Korea),
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ho SY, Liu PH, Hsu CY, Hsia CY, Su CW, Huang YH, Lei HJ, He YJ, Hou MC, Huo TI. An Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) Grade-based Prognostic Model For Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Within Milan Criteria. Am J Clin Oncol 2020; 42:698-704. [PMID: 31335351 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000000581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Milan criteria are recommended as the major reference for liver transplantation in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, alternative anticancer treatments are often utilized due to severe donor organ shortage. This study aimed to develop and validate an albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade-based prognostic model to stratify survival in patients within Milan criteria undergoing nontransplant therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 1655 patients were assigned into the derivation and validation cohort according to treatment modalities. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent predictors of survival in the derivation cohort. An ALBI-based model was evaluated in the validation cohort. RESULTS In the Cox multivariate model, age 65 years or older (hazard ratio [HR]=1.576, P<0.001), serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level >100 ng/mL (HR=1.671, P<0.001), ascites (HR=1.808, P<0.001), performance status 1 to 4 (HR=1.738, P<0.001), ALBI grade 2 (HR=1.827, P<0.001), and ALBI grade 3 (HR=3.589, P<0.001) were independent predictors of poor survival in the derivation cohort. An ALBI-based prognostic model with a total of 0 to 6 points was derived with the sum of 5 variables: 1 point each for age 65 years or older, AFP >100 ng/mL, presence of ascites, performance status 1 to 4, and ALBI grade 2, and 2 points for ALBI grade 3. This model can accurately predict long-term outcome in the validation cohort (P<0.001) and discriminate survival in patients stratified by curative and noncurative treatments (both P<0.001). CONCLUSION The proposed ALBI grade-based model is feasible in predicting survival in HCC patients within the Milan criteria, and helps identify high-risk patients who need timely liver transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yein Ho
- Departments of Medicine.,Faculty of Medicine
| | - Po-Hong Liu
- Faculty of Medicine.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Chia-Yang Hsu
- Faculty of Medicine.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | | | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Departments of Medicine.,Faculty of Medicine.,Institute of Clinical Medicine
| | | | | | | | - Teh-Ia Huo
- Faculty of Medicine.,Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital.,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
El Fayoumie M, Abdelhady M, Gawish A, Hantour U, Abdelkhaleek I, Abdelraheem M, Alsawak A, Alwassief A, Elbahrawy A. Changing Patterns of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Treatment with Direct Antiviral Agents. Gastrointest Tumors 2020; 7:50-60. [PMID: 32399465 DOI: 10.1159/000505326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The impact of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial. One important aspect of this controversy is the changing pattern of HCC. Objective In this study, we attempted to assess the changes in the pattern of HCC after treatment with DAAs. Methods A total of 51 HCC patients after DAA treatment and 54 HCC patients without DAA treatment were included. The diagnosis of HCC was based on typical dynamic CT and/or MRI criteria in both groups. Liver status was assessed by means of the fibrosis 4 index (Fib-4), Child-Pugh classification, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD). HCC infiltrative pattern, portal vein thrombosis (PVT), local and distant metastases, and α-fetoprotein (AFP) level were compared in the 2 groups. The staging of HCC and treatment decisions were made in both groups following the Milan criteria, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging, tumor-node-metastasis staging, and Cancer of the Liver Italian Program categorization. Results The mean age of the HCC patients after DAA treatment (59.1± 7.4 years) was older than that of the HCC patients without DAA treatment. There was no significant difference between groups regarding sex distribution. The mean Fib-4 score (4.84 ± 3.53) was significantly lower in HCC patients after DAA treatment than in those without DAA treatment. The frequency of the infiltrative HCC pattern, PVT, and regional lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in HCC patients after DAA treatment than in those without DAA treatment (p ≤ 0.05); mean AFP level (5,085.2 ± 11,883.2 ng/mL) was also significantly higher. HCC patients after DAA treatment had significantly advanced stages and limited treatment options (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion The changing HCC pattern after DAA treatment may suggest the need for new HCC staging and treatment protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ahmed Gawish
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Usama Hantour
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Alaa Alsawak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Alwassief
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Elbahrawy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhang C, Liu P, Zhang C. Hepatitis B virus X protein upregulates alpha-fetoprotein to promote hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting miR-1236 and miR-329. J Cell Biochem 2019; 121:2489-2499. [PMID: 31680299 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide, wherein the expression of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is reactivated to promote tumorgenesis. Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) protein encoded by the HBV virus X gene has been considered to be oncogenic and implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the relationship between HBx and abnormal AFP expression in HCC is yet to be fully understood. To explore the potential regulation of HBx on AFP re-expression in HCC, 97 HCC samples of different etiologies were analyzed, and extremely higher serum AFP levels were found in patients with HBsAg+ . Analyses of HBV-related HCC specimens showed that the expression of AFP was negatively correlated with the levels of miR-1236 and miR-329. Further analyses indicated that HBx promotes the expression of AFP by orchestrating the levels of miR-1236 and miR-329 both in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, miR-1236 and miR-329 bind to the potential target sequences in AFP mRNA 3'-untranslated region to suppress its expression. HBx transfection resulted in the significant decrement of these microRNAs and increment of AFP expression. Moreover, AFP promotes the proliferation of hepatoma cells and attenuates the proapoptotic effect of chemotherapy agents. These findings revealed a novel regulatory mechanism of HBx on the abnormal AFP expression in HCC, which may provide a therapeutic approach for combating HBV-related HCC by targeting the regulation of AFP expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Scientific Research, Central Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanbao Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lu W, Tang H, Yang Z, Jiang K, Chen Y, Lu S. Clinical predictors of small solitary hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma microinvasion. ANZ J Surg 2019; 89:E438-E442. [PMID: 31508888 DOI: 10.1111/ans.15403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microinvasion serves as a reliable indicator of poor prognosis after hepatectomy or transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, microinvasion is difficult to detect with current imaging modalities and is usually diagnosed histopathologically. The aim of this study is to identify the preoperative clinical predictors of microinvasion of small solitary hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC. METHODS From January 2000 to December 2009, 110 patients with HBV-related small primary solitary HCC (tumour diameter ≤3.0 cm) who underwent hepatectomy at Chinese PLA General Hospital were enrolled. The independent predictors of microinvasion, such as microvascular invasion and microscopic satellite nodules, were analysed. The prognosis of patients with microinvasion was compared with that of patients without microinvasion. RESULTS Of the 110 patients, 31 (28.2%) exhibited microinvasion. Among them, 16 (51.6%) had microvascular invasion with microscopic satellite nodules, five (16.1%) had microscopic satellite nodules without microvascular invasion and 10 (32.3%) had microvascular invasion without microscopic satellite nodules. Two independent predictors of microinvasion were identified: serum alpha-fetoprotein >20 ng/mL and a viral load of >104 copies/mL. Patients without microinvasion exhibited a significantly better prognostic outcome compared with those with microinvasion. CONCLUSION Regarding HBV-related small HCC, patients presenting with alpha-fetoprotein levels >20 ng/mL and a high viral load (HBV-DNA >104 copies/mL) are at substantial risk for microinvasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haowen Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanyu Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongliang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shichun Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
He C, Peng W, Liu X, Li C, Li X, Wen TF. Post-treatment alpha-fetoprotein response predicts prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e16557. [PMID: 31374020 PMCID: PMC6709300 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000016557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-treatment alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) response has been reported to be associated with prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, but the results were not consistent. This meta-analysis aimed to explore the relationship between AFP response and clinical outcomes of HCC. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Medline and Cochrane library were searched for relevant articles published before March 20, 2019. The data were analyzed using RevMan5.3 software. RESULTS Twenty-nine articles with 4726 HCC patients were finally included for analysis. The pooled results showed that post-treatment AFP response was significantly associated with overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35-0.47, P <.001), progression free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.39-0.54, P <.001) and recurrence free survival (RFS) (HR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.29-0.56, P <.001) of HCC patients. CONCLUSION post-treatment AFP response might be a useful prognostic marker for HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao He
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Centre, West China Hospital of Sichuan University
| | - Wei Peng
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Centre, West China Hospital of Sichuan University
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- Department of Anesthesia, West China Hospital of Sichuan University
| | - Chuan Li
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Centre, West China Hospital of Sichuan University
| | - Xueting Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, China
| | - Tian-Fu Wen
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Centre, West China Hospital of Sichuan University
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Huo L, Wei W, Yan Z, Lei Z, Xie Y, Gong R, Huang S, Jia N, Xia Y. Short-term and long-term outcomes of liver resection for HCC patients with portal vein tumor thrombus. Cell Biosci 2019; 9:23. [PMID: 30886700 PMCID: PMC6404349 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-019-0285-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a sign of advanced stage disease, which is associated with poor prognosis. Liver resection (LR) may provide better prognosis in selected patients. In the present study, we aimed to assess information from HCC patients with PVTT who died within 3 months or 2 years after LR in order to identify preoperative factors correlated to short-term or long-term survival, by which inappropriate selection of patients for LR might be avoided in the future. METHODS A retrospective cohort study consisting of 487 consecutive cases of HCC patients with PVTT was performed from 2008 to 2010 at Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital. Medical records, including laboratory values, imaging results and treatment information, were obtained from participants. Study endpoints were survival at 3 months and 2 years post-hepatectomy. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the significant pre-operative factors influencing short-term or long-term survival. RESULTS In multivariable analysis, α-fetoprotein, total bilirubin and radiologic ascites were significantly associated with short-term survival, while α-fetoprotein level, clinical significant portal hypertension, extent of PVTT and tumor differentiation were factors significantly associated with long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS The independent risk factors of poor short-term survival were the liver function-associated, such as factors radiologic ascites and total bilirubin, while tumor differentiation indicating the tumor biology was associated with longer-term survival. In addition, α-fetoprotein was a risk factor associated with both short-term and longer-term survivals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huo
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Wenxin Wei
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Zhenlin Yan
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Zhengqing Lei
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
- Department of General Surgery, The Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009 China
| | - Yanting Xie
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Renyan Gong
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Shengyu Huang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Ningyang Jia
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hsu CY, Liu PH, Ho SY, Huang YH, Lee YH, Lee RC, Nagaria TS, Hou MC, Huo TI. Metastasis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Prevalence, determinants, prognostic impact and ability to improve the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system. Liver Int 2018; 38:1803-1811. [PMID: 29608816 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and metastasis are classified as advanced or terminal stage by the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system. This study investigates the prevalence, determinants, and prognostic effect of metastasis and its ability to improve the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system. METHODS A total of 3414 patients were enrolled. The Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods were used to determine survival predictors. Akaike information criterion was used to compare the prognostic performance of staging systems. RESULTS There were 357 (10%) patients having extrahepatic metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Metastases were associated with old age, alcoholism, hepatitis B, poorer liver function, higher α-foetoprotein level and larger tumour burden (all P < .05). Vascular invasion was associated with metastasis regardless of total tumour volume, and higher α-foetoprotein level and multiple tumours were associated with metastasis in patients with smaller tumour volume (all P < .05). Patients with both vascular invasion and metastasis had significantly worse outcome compared to patients with either vascular invasion or metastasis (P < .05). In the Cox proportional model, the co-existence of vascular invasion and metastasis was an independent predictor of decreased survival (P < .05). Re-allocating 181 Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C patients with both vascular invasion and metastasis into stage D was associated with lower Akaike information criterion, indicating enhanced prognostic power of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer. CONCLUSIONS Metastasis is not uncommon, and is strongly associated with tumoural factors and poor long-term survival in hepatocellular carcinoma. Modification of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system based on vascular invasion and metastasis may further improve its predictive accuracy in advanced stage patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yang Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Po-Hong Liu
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shu-Yein Ho
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Hsuan Lee
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rheun-Chuan Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Radiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Teddy S Nagaria
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Teh-Ia Huo
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhang C, Li H, Jiang W, Zhang X, Li G. Icaritin inhibits the expression of alpha-fetoprotein in hepatitis B virus-infected hepatoma cell lines through post-transcriptional regulation. Oncotarget 2018; 7:83755-83766. [PMID: 27835879 PMCID: PMC5347802 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it has showed that icaritin can apparently suppress growth of HCC by reducing the level of AFP, the intrinsic mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we explored the possible mechanism of miRNAs on post-transcriptional regulation of AFP gene, as well as the effects of HBV infection and icaritin in hepatoma cells. The results showed that miR-620, miR-1236 and miR-1270 could bind target sites in the range of 9–18 nt and 131–151 nt downstream of the stop codon in the AFP mRNA 3′-UTR to suppress the expression of AFP. Mutation of these target sites could reverse the effects of these miRNAs. Icaritin (10 μM) might reduce the stability and translational activity of AFP mRNA by increasing the expression levels of these mentioned miRNAs. HBV infection resulted in apparent decreases of these miRNAs and, consequently, increased AFP expression. The results indicated that miR-620, miR-1236 and miR-1270 are critical factors in the post-transcriptional regulation of AFP. Icaritin can counteract the effect of HBV. These findings will contribute to full understanding of the regulatory mechanism of AFP expression in hepatoma cells. And also it revealed a synergistic mechanism of HBV infection and elevation of AFP in the pathogenesis of HCC, as well as the potential clinical significance of icaritin on the therapy of HCC induced by HBV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Municipal Laboratory of Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Hepatocellular carcinoma-targeting oncolytic adenovirus overcomes hypoxic tumor microenvironment and effectively disperses through both central and peripheral tumor regions. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2233. [PMID: 29396500 PMCID: PMC5797125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20268-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-specific promoter driven replication of oncolytic adenovirus (Ad) is cancer-specific, but shows low transcriptional activity. Thus, we generated several chimeric α-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter variants, containing reconstituted enhancer and silencer regions, to preferentially drive Ad replication in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Modified AFP promoter, containing 2 enhancer A regions and a single enhancer B region (a2bm), showed strong and HCC-specific transcription. In AFP-positive HCCs, gene expression was 43- to 456-fold higher than those of control AFP promoter lacking enhancers. a2bm promoter was further modified by inserting multiple hypoxia-responsive elements (HRE) to generate Ha2bm promoter, which showed stronger transcriptional activity than a2bm promoter under hypoxic conditions. Ha2bm promoter-regulated oncolytic Ad (Ha2bm-d19) showed a stronger antitumor and proapoptotic effect than did a2bm promoter-regulated oncolytic Ad (a2bm-d19) in HCC xenograft tumors. Systemically administered Ha2bm-d19 caused no observable hepatotoxicity, whereas control replication-competent Ad, lacking cancer specificity (d19), induced significant hepatic damage. Ha2bm-d19 caused significantly lower expression of interleukin-6 than d19, showing that HCC-targeted delivery of Ad attenuates induction of the innate immune response against Ad. This chimeric AFP promoter enabled Ad to overcome the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and target HCC with high specificity, rendering it a promising candidate for the treatment of aggressive HCCs.
Collapse
|
30
|
Federau C. Intravoxel incoherent motion MRI as a means to measure in vivo perfusion: A review of the evidence. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2017; 30. [PMID: 28885745 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The idea that in vivo intravoxel incoherent motion magnetic resonance signal is influenced by blood motion in the microvasculature is exciting, because it suggests that local and quantitative perfusion information can be obtained in a simple and elegant way from a few diffusion-weighted images, without contrast injection. When the method was proposed in the late 1980s some doubts appeared as to its feasibility, and, probably because the signal to noise and image quality at the time was not sufficient, no obvious experimental evidence could be produced to alleviate them. Helped by the tremendous improvements seen in the last three decades in MR hardware, pulse design, and post-processing capabilities, an increasing number of encouraging reports on the value of intravoxel incoherent motion perfusion imaging have emerged. The aim of this article is to review the current published evidence on the feasibility of in vivo perfusion imaging with intravoxel incoherent motion MRI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Federau
- Division of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben, Basle, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Changes of alpha-fetoprotein levels could predict recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma survival after trans-arterial chemoembolization. Oncotarget 2017; 8:85599-85611. [PMID: 29156744 PMCID: PMC5689634 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is paucity of information concerning whether AFP change is a predictor of prognosis for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (RHCC) patients after trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods A total of 177 RHCC patients who received TACE as first-line therapy were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were classified into three groups according to their pre-TACE and post-TACE AFP levels (group A: AFP decreased, group B: AFP consistent normal, and group C: AFP increased). The recurrence to death survival (RTDS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and compared by the log-rank test. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for OS and RTDS. Results There was no significant difference among the three groups concerning the baseline characteristics. The median overall survival (OS) was 74.5 months in group A (95% confidence interval (CI): 63.5, 85.6), 64.0 months in group B (95% CI: 52.3, 75.7) and 29.0 months in group C (95% CI: 24.1, 33.9; P<0.001). The median recurrence to death survival (RTDS) was 66.5 months (95% CI: 53.4, 79.6) in group A, 50.4 months (95% CI: 39.5, 61.4) in group B and 17.7 months (95% CI: 13.4, 22.1; P<0.001) in group C. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size at resection stage, tumor number at recurrent stage, cycles of TACE, mRECIST response and AFP change after TACE were significant independent risk factors for RTDS and OS. Conclusions AFP change could predict the prognoses of patients with RHCC who received trans-arterial chemoembolization, which may help clinicians make subsequent treatment decision.
Collapse
|
32
|
Mizejewski GJ. Does alpha-fetoprotein contribute to the mortality and morbidity of human hepatocellular carcinoma? A commentary. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2016; 3:37-40. [PMID: 27703963 PMCID: PMC5036612 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s114198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The fifth most common cancer worldwide is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while being the third leading cause of global cancer-related deaths. Although HCC incidence is less frequent in North America, it is a common malignancy in Asia and Africa associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity due to ineffective therapies against cancer growth, invasion, and metastasis. It is well established that serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the "gold standard" biomarker for liver cancer; however, less known are the biological activities of AFP regarding carcinogenesis, growth, proliferation, and metastasis. Clinicians are well aware that increasing AFP serum levels parallel disease progression of HCC patients, but many are less knowledgeable in the lethal growth-promoting properties of AFP as an autocrine stimulator of hepatoma cell proliferation. This commentary addresses the mortality and morbidity concerning AFP in the genesis, growth, progression, and spread of HCC and emphasizes the perilous consequences of AFP-supported growth in human liver cancer even after liver resection and transplantation. Thus, AFP is not just a biomarker for HCC but also an ardent promoter of liver cancer growth and progression.
Collapse
|
33
|
Yang SL, Liu LP, Yang S, Liu L, Ren JW, Fang X, Chen GG, Lai PBS. Preoperative serum α-fetoprotein and prognosis after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Br J Surg 2016; 103:716-724. [PMID: 26996727 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.10093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
While the majority of studies report that a raised serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level before operation is associated with a high risk of recurrence and death in patients who undergo hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), results are conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of AFP.
Methods
Serum AFP levels were measured in patients with hepatitis-associated HCC who underwent hepatectomy between 1995 and 2012. Kaplan–Meier and multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors for overall and disease-free survival. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the predictive value of AFP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to identify the AFP level that had the highest accuracy in discriminating between survivors and non-survivors.
Results
Some 376 patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated HCC were included in the study. The overall survival rate was 58·8 per cent in patients with an AFP level of 400 ng/ml or less compared with 40·4 per cent for those with a level exceeding 400 ng/ml (P = 0·001). AFP concentration above 400 ng/ml was an independent risk factor for shorter disease-free and overall survival after surgery. ROC analysis indicated that the optimal cut-off values for AFP varied for different subtypes of HCC. The sensitivity and specificity were lower with areas under the ROC curve of less than 0·600. An AFP level greater than 400 ng/ml was not sensitive enough to predict the prognosis in patients with an HCC diameter smaller than 3 cm.
Conclusion
A serum AFP level above 400 ng/ml predicts poor overall and recurrence-free survival after hepatectomy in patients with HBV-associated HCC. AFP is not a strong prognostic marker given its poor discriminatory power, with low sensitivity and specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S-L Yang
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - L-P Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - S Yang
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - L Liu
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - J-W Ren
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Guangdong Province, China
| | - X Fang
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - G G Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Guangdong Province, China
| | - P B S Lai
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Song PP, Xia JF, Inagaki Y, Hasegawa K, Sakamoto Y, Kokudo N, Tang W. Controversies regarding and perspectives on clinical utility of biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:262-274. [PMID: 26755875 PMCID: PMC4698491 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i1.262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide parallels that of persistent infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV). According to recommendations by the World Health Organization guidelines for HBV/HCV, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing and abdominal ultrasound should be performed in routine surveillance of HCC every 6 mo for high-risk patients. These examinations have also been recommended worldwide by many other HCC guidelines over the past few decades. In recent years, however, the role of AFP in HCC surveillance and diagnosis has diminished due to advances in imaging modalities. AFP was excluded from the surveillance and/or diagnostic criteria in the HCC guidelines published by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases in 2010, the European Association for the Study of the Liver in 2012, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network in 2014. Other biomarkers, including the Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of AFP (AFP-L3), des-γ-carboxyprothrombin, Dickkopf-1, midkine, and microRNA, are being studied in this regard. Furthermore, increasing attention has focused on the clinical utility of biomarkers as pre-treatment predictors for tumor recurrence and as post-treatment monitors. Serum and tissue-based biomarkers and genomics may aid in the diagnosis of HCC, determination of patient prognosis, and selection of appropriate treatment. However, further studies are needed to better characterize the accuracy and potential role of these approaches in clinical practice.
Collapse
|
35
|
Zhang C, Li G. Role of alpha-fetoprotein in hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma: Prospect in clinical application. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2015; 23:3171-3181. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v23.i20.3171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) as a fetal specific alpha-globulin that has been used as a serum fetal defect/tumor marker for diagnosis and prediction of liver disease. Over the past decade, research indicates that AFP as an intracellular signal molecule is not only a biomarker but also interacts with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis B virus protein x and plays multifarious roles in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in HBV-induced liver cancer.
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhang C, Chen X, Liu H, Li H, Jiang W, Hou W, McNutt MA, Lu F, Li G. Alpha fetoprotein mediates HBx induced carcinogenesis in the hepatocyte cytoplasm. Int J Cancer 2015; 137:1818-29. [PMID: 25846475 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although tumor-associated fetal protein AFP has demonstrated utility as a clinical tumor marker, the significance of intracellular AFP is still unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the role of cytoplasmic AFP during HBx induced carcinogenesis, which had not previously been recognized; 614 HCC patients were analyzed for correlation of HBV infection with AFP level, and much higher AFP levels were found in HBsAg positive patients. Tumor tissue specimens from 20 HCC patients were used for analysis of AFP and GADD45α. Analysis of HCC specimens showed that upregulation of cytoplasmic AFP is associated with down-regulation of GADD45α in neoplastic tissue. Transfected HBx promotes transcription of AFP by acting on the elements in the AFP gene regulatory region. HBx itself did not directly impact transcription of GADD45α. However, the obstruction of RAR signaling by HBx induced elevation of AFP, which led to down-regulation of GADD45α. Cytoplasmic AFP was able to interact with RAR, disrupting its entrance into the nucleus and binding to the elements in the regulatory region of the GADD45α gene. Knockdown of AFP in siRNA-transfected AFP positive cell lines was synchronously associated with an incremental increase of RAR binding to DNA, as well as upregulation of GADD45α and it was contrary in AFP gene-transfected AFP negative cell lines. These results indicate cytoplasmic AFP is not only a histochemical tumor biomarker for human hepatoma but is also an intracellular signal molecule and potential participant in HBx induced hepatocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wenting Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Michael A McNutt
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hsu CY, Liu PH, Lee YH, Hsia CY, Huang YH, Lin HC, Chiou YY, Lee FY, Huo TI. Using serum α-fetoprotein for prognostic prediction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: what is the most optimal cutoff? PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118825. [PMID: 25738614 PMCID: PMC4349891 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The prognostic ability of α-fetoprotein (AFP) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was examined by using different cutoff values. The optimal AFP cutoff level is still unclear. Methods A total of 2579 HCC patients were consecutively enrolled in Taiwan, where hepatitis B is the major etiology of chronic liver disease. Four frequently used AFP cutoff levels, 20, 200, 400, 1000 ng/mL, were investigated. One-to-one matched pairs between patients having AFP higher and lower than the cutoffs were selected by using the propensity model. The adjusted hazard ratios of survival difference were calculated with Cox proportional hazards model. Results Patients with a higher AFP level were associated with more severe cirrhosis, more frequent vascular invasion, higher tumor burden and poorer performance status (all p<0.0001). In the propensity model, 4 groups of paired patients were selected, and there was no difference found in the comparison of baseline characteristics (all p>0.05). Patients with AFP <20 ng/mL had significantly better long-term survival than patients with AFP ≧20 ng/mL (p<0.0001), and patients with AFP <400 ng/mL had significantly better overall outcome than patients with AFP ≧400 ng/mL (p = 0.0186). There was no difference of long-term survival between patients divided by AFP levels of 200 and 1000 ng/mL. The adjusted hazard ratios of AFP ≧20 ng/mL and AFP ≧400 ng/mL were 1.545 and 1.471 (95% confidence interval: 1.3–1.838 and 1.178–1.837), respectively. Conclusions This study shows the independently predictive ability of baseline serum AFP level in HCC patients. AFP levels of 20 and 400 ng/mL are considered feasible cutoffs to predict long-term outcome in unselected HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yang Hsu
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Po-Hong Liu
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Hsuan Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Hsia
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-You Chiou
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fa-Yauh Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Teh-Ia Huo
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Schütte K, Schulz C, Link A, Malfertheiner P. Current biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma: Surveillance, diagnosis and prediction of prognosis. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:139-149. [PMID: 25729470 PMCID: PMC4342597 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i2.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers for surveillance, diagnosis and prediction of prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are currently not ready for introduction into clinical practice because of limited sensitivity and specificity. Especially for the early detection of small HCC novel biomarkers are needed to improve the current effectiveness of screening performed by ultrasound. The use of high-throughput technologies in hepatocellular research allows to identify molecules involved in the complex pathways in hepatocarcinogenesis. Several invasive and non-invasive biomarkers have been identified already and have been evaluated in different clinical settings. Gene signatures with prognostic potential have been identified by gene expression profiling from tumor tissue. However, a single “all-in-one” biomarker that fits all-surveillance, diagnosis, prediction of prognosis-has not been found so far. The future of biomarkers most probably lies in a combination of non-invasive biomarkers, imaging and clinical parameters in a surveillance setting. Molecular profiling of tumorous and non-tumorous liver tissue may allow a prediction of prognosis for the individual patient and hopefully clear the way for individual treatment approaches. This article gives an overview on current developments in biomarker research in HCC with a focus on currently available and novel biomarkers, in particular on microRNA.
Collapse
|
39
|
Chen D, Wang R, Meng X, Yan H, Jiang S, Feng R, Zhu K, Xu X, Dou X, Jin L. Prognostic value of serum γ-glutamyl transferase in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with conformal radiotherapy. Oncol Lett 2014; 8:2298-2304. [PMID: 25289109 PMCID: PMC4186547 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection of γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) has previously been reported to be useful in the diagnosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the baseline serum GGT levels in patients with intermediate HCC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B) following treatment with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT). A total of 154 intermediate HCC patients with Child-Pugh grade A were retrospectively investigated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the optimal threshold for the GGT serum levels, and univariate and multivariate analyses were used to establish the prognostic factors. The median overall survival (OS) time was 24.3 months. The optimal threshold for GGT was 85 U/L (sensitivity, 75.13%; specificity, 69.81%; and area under the ROC curve, 0.763). The one-, three- and five-year OS rates were 79.9, 49.7 and 17.2%, respectively, for patients with low GGT levels (≤85 U/l) and 52.3, 22.1 and 8.5%, respectively, for patients with high GGT levels (>85 U/l) (P=0.007). The results indicated that the serum GGT level was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio=2.32; P=0.007) for OS. Furthermore, in subgroups stratified according to serum α-fetoprotein, gross tumor volume and radiation dose, serum GGT was also found to correlate with OS (P<0.05). Therefore, the baseline GGT level may be a significant prognostic factor for intermediate HCC patients with Child-Pugh grade A following TACE combined with 3DCRT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China ; School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Renben Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Xiangjiao Meng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Hongjiang Yan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Shumei Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Rui Feng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Kunli Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Xue Dou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China ; School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Linzhi Jin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China ; School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Early increase in α-fetoprotein for predicting unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 25:683-9. [PMID: 23395995 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0b013e32835d913b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the value of early alterations of the tumor markers α-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) for predicting the outcomes of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who receive sorafenib. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tumor response, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were retrospectively analyzed in 59 patients with advanced HCC. Serum AFP and DCP were examined for early elevation within 4 weeks after the initiation of sorafenib. An increase in AFP was defined as AFP of more than 20%, and an increase in DCP was defined as more than two-fold higher level than the baseline. The relationship of the clinical characteristics, laboratory data at baseline, and early elevations of AFP and DCP with disease progression was analyzed. RESULTS The median OS and PFS were 11 and 3.3 months, respectively. The rate of progressive disease (PD) was 54%, and an early increase in AFP was significantly related to PD (P=0.006) and was a significant independent predictor of both poorer OS and PFS (P<0.001, hazard ratio, 4.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.946-8.811; and P=0.001, hazard ratio, 2.852; 95% confidence interval, 1.524-5.337, respectively). There was no association between early increase in DCP and clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION Early increase in AFP predicted PD and poorer survival and may thus be a useful biomarker in patients with advanced HCC who receive sorafenib.
Collapse
|
41
|
Liu C, Xiao GQ, Yan LN, Li B, Jiang L, Wen TF, Wang WT, Xu MQ, Yang JY. Value of α-fetoprotein in association with clinicopathological features of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:1811-1819. [PMID: 23555170 PMCID: PMC3607758 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i11.1811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To explore the relationship between α-fetoprotein (AFP) and various clinicopathological variables and different staging system of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) thoroughly.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients diagnosed with HCC between January 2008 and December 2009 in West China Hospital was enrolled in our study. The association of serum AFP values with the HCC clinicopathological features was analysed by univariate and multivariate analysis, such as status of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, tumor size, tumor number, vascular invasion and degree of tumor differentiation. Also, patients were divided into four groups at the time of enrollment according to different cutoff values for serum value of AFP (≤ 20 μg/L, 21-400 μg/L, 401-800 μg/L, and ≥ 801 μg/L), to compare the positive rate of patient among four groups stratified by various clinicopathological variables. And the correlation of different kinds of tumor staging systems, such as TNM, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging classification and China staging, were compared with the serum concentration of AFP.
RESULTS: A total of 2304 HCC patients were enrolled in this study totally; the mean serum level of AFP was 555.3 ± 546.6 μg/L. AFP levels were within the normal range (< 20 μg/L) in 27.4% (n = 631) of all the cases. 81.4% (n = 1875) patients were infected with HBV, and those patients had much higher serum AFP level compared with non-HBV infection ones (573.9 ± 547.7 μg/L vs 398.4 ± 522.3 μg/L, P < 0.001). The AFP level in tumors ≥ 10 cm (808.4 ± 529.2 μg/L) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those with tumor size 5-10 cm (499.5 ± 536.4 μg/L) and with tumor size ≤ 5 cm (444.9 ± 514.2 μg/L). AFP levels increased significantly in patients with vascular invasion (694.1 ± 546.9 μg/L vs 502.1 ± 543.1 μg/L, P < 0.001). Patients with low tumor cell differentiation (559.2 ± 545.7 μg/L) had the significantly (P = 0.007) highest AFP level compared with high differentiation (207.3 ± 420.8 μg/L) and intermediate differentiation (527.9 ± 538.4 μg/L). In the multiple variables analysis, low tumor cell differentiation [OR 6.362, 95%CI: 2.891-15.382, P = 0.006] and tumor size (≥ 10 cm) (OR 5.215, 95%CI: 1.426-13.151, P = 0.012) were independent predictors of elevated AFP concentrations (AFP > 400 μg/L). Serum AFP levels differed significantly (P < 0.001) in the D stage of BCLC (625.7 ± 529.8 μg/L) compared with stage A (506.2 ± 537.4 μg/L) and B (590.1 ± 551.1 μg/L).
CONCLUSION: HCC differentiation, size and vascular invasion have strong relationships with AFP, poor differentiation and HCC size ≥ 10 cm are independent predictors of elevated AFP. BCLC shows better relationship with AFP
Collapse
|
42
|
Wang Y, Chen Y, Ge N, Zhang L, Xie X, Zhang J, Chen R, Wang Y, Zhang B, Xia J, Gan Y, Ren Z, Ye S. Prognostic significance of alpha-fetoprotein status in the outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma after treatment of transarterial chemoembolization. Ann Surg Oncol 2012; 19:3540-6. [PMID: 22532305 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-012-2368-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has been used as a diagnostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its prognostic significance is not well defined. This study was performed to classify the prognostic significance of AFP status in HCC patients after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS Four hundred forty-one HCC patients from a prospective maintained database with pathologic confirmation including 139 with normal AFP levels and 302 with elevated AFP levels were retrospectively studied for prognostic significance of AFP in treatment response and survival after TACE. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the prognostic factors. RESULTS There were significant differences in overall survival (OS) after TACE between AFP-negative and AFP-positive HCC patients when the AFP cutoff value was defined as 20 ng/ml (P < 0.0001). Among the AFP-positive patients, different AFP levels had no significantly prognostic effects on OS after TACE (P = 0.093). Multivariate analysis revealed that AFP status for AFP-negative or positive was an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients after TACE (P = 0.001), along with γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) level (P = 0.004) and tumor diameter (P < 0.0001). In addition, there were significant differences in clinicopathologic features between AFP-positive and AFP-negative patients with regard to age, gender, alanine transferase level, GGT level, tumor diameter, and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage. CONCLUSIONS Compared with AFP-positive HCC patients, patients with AFP-negative status have a better treatment response and prognosis after TACE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Li CY, Li G. Biological functions of alpha-fetoprotein. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2011; 19:1436-1440. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v19.i14.1436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a well-known biomarker for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Extracellular AFP can act as a carrier to transport a variety of ligands or as a growth regulator to control the growth of tumor cells, while intracellular AFP can bind to and interact with transcription factors or some key proteins and function as a signal molecule to regulate cell proliferation or apoptosis. This paper provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the role of AFP in carcinogenesis and tumor chemotherapy.
Collapse
|
44
|
Chen Y, Luo KY, Li XG, Li YX, Zhang WF, Zhang ZP, Chu Y. Interstitial implantation of iodine-125 seeds induces apoptosis but inhibits cell proliferation in HCT-116-xenografted tumors in nude mice. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2010; 18:2858-2862. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v18.i27.2858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effect of interstitial implantation of iodine-125 on the growth of adenocarcinoma of the large intestine and to explore potential mechanisms involved.
METHODS: Nude mice bearing HCT-116-xenografted tumors were randomly divided into two groups (n = 24 each): control group and experimental group. The control group underwent implantation of empty seeds, while the experiment group underwent implantation of iodine-125 seeds (14.8 MBq). On days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after implantation, mice were killed to calculate tumor growth, detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in tumor tissue by immunohistochemistry, determine the apoptosis of tumor cells by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and observe the ultrastructural changes of tumor cells by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
RESULTS: On days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after implantation, both tumor volume and weight were significantly lower in the experiment group than in the control group (tumor volume on day 28: 497.3 mm3 ± 7.8 mm3 vs 947.2 mm3 ± 40.4 mm3, P < 0.01; tumor weight on day 28: 1.131 g ± 0.079 g vs 2.139 g ± 0.094 g, P < 0.01). The reduced rate of tumor growth in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (on day 28: 47.12% vs 25.77%). The expression of PCNA in the experiment group decreased with time and was significantly lower on day 28 than that in the control group. On day 14, apoptotic bodies began to appear and then gradually increased in number, reaching the peak on day 28.
CONCLUSION: Interstitial implantation of iodine-125 seeds induces apoptosis but inhibits cell proliferation in HCT-116-xenografted tumors in nude mice.
Collapse
|
45
|
Lewin M, Fartoux L, Vignaud A, Arrivé L, Menu Y, Rosmorduc O. The diffusion-weighted imaging perfusion fraction f is a potential marker of sorafenib treatment in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a pilot study. Eur Radiol 2010; 21:281-90. [PMID: 20683597 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-010-1914-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Revised: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 07/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the total Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC), the pure Diffusion coefficient (D) and the perfusion fraction (f) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) under sorafenib treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two target tumors were prospectively analyzed in 12 patients at baseline, 2-weeks and 2-months treatment using b values of 0, 200, 400, 800 s/mm. Repeatability error was estimated on a healthy volunteer. RESULTS Lesion sizes, ADC and D values did not significantly change during treatment (overall mean values, respectively, 47.8 ± 31.0 mm, 1.34 ± 0.14 × 10⁻³ mm² s and 1.18 ± 0.22 × 10⁻³ mm²/s). However, f values significantly increased in seven responder patients (+38.39% at 2-weeks, +50.94% at 2-months, P = 0.005) while they decreased in five non responder patients (-41.93% at 2-weeks, P = 0.006). Furthermore, f was inversely correlated with αFP levels (P = 0.032) and responder patients had a higher mean overall survival (OS) than non responder patients (12.29 ± 4.46 vs. 7.80 ± 4.9 months). The % variation of f relative to baseline at 2-months was correlated with OS (P = 0.038) and symptomatic time to progression (P = 0.022). CONCLUSION Contrary to ADC and D, the perfusion fraction f is a valuable marker of sorafenib treatment in advanced HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maïté Lewin
- Departments of Radiology, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Gennero L, Roos MA, Sperber K, Denysenko T, Bernabei P, Calisti GF, Papotti M, Cappia S, Pagni R, Aimo G, Mengozzi G, Cavallo G, Reguzzi S, Pescarmona GP, Ponzetto A. Pluripotent plasticity of stem cells and liver repopulation. Cell Biochem Funct 2010; 28:178-89. [PMID: 20232487 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.1630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Different types of stem cells have a role in liver regeneration or fibrous repair during and after several liver diseases. Otherwise, the origin of hepatic and/or extra-hepatic stem cells in reactive liver repopulation is under controversy. The ability of the human body to self-repair and replace the cells and tissues of some organs is often evident. It has been estimated that complete renewal of liver tissue takes place in about a year. Replacement of lost liver tissues is accomplished by proliferation of mature hepatocytes, hepatic oval stem cells differentiation, and sinusoidal cells as support. Hepatic oval cells display a distinct phenotype and have been shown to be a bipotential progenitor of two types of epithelial cells found in the liver, hepatocytes, and bile ductular cells. In gastroenterology and hepatology, the first attempts to translate stem cell basic research into novel therapeutic strategies have been made for the treatment of several disorders, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes mellitus, celiachy, and acute or chronic hepatopaties. In the future, pluripotent plasticity of stem cells will open a variety of clinical application strategies for the treatment of tissue injuries, degenerated organs. The promise of liver stem cells lie in their potential to provide a continuous and readily available source of liver cells that can be used for gene therapy, cell transplant, bio-artificial liver-assisted devices, drug toxicology testing, and use as an in vitro model to understand the developmental biology of the liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Gennero
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Yoon S, Kim TH, Natarajan A, Wang SS, Choi J, Wu J, Zern MA, Venugopal SK. Acute liver injury upregulates microRNA-491-5p in mice, and its overexpression sensitizes Hep G2 cells for tumour necrosis factor-alpha-induced apoptosis. Liver Int 2010; 30:376-87. [PMID: 20015148 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2009.02181.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as novel genetic regulators of cell functions such as proliferation, apoptosis and cancer. AIMS The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of a specific miRNA in modulating hepatic cell functions. METHODS C57Bl/6 mice were administered anti-fas receptor antibodies to induce liver cell apoptosis. miRNAs were purified from the liver tissue and evaluated using an miRNA microarray. The role of miRNA-491_5p, which was overexpressed in the model, in modulating hepatic cell functions was evaluated. miRNA-491_5p was overexpressed in Hep G2 cells, followed by the addition of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and induction of apoptosis as well as genes involved in apoptosis pathways were evaluated. The effect of miRNA-491_5p target genes on apoptosis was also analysed by inhibiting their expression by siRNA-induced gene silencing. RESULTS Upregulation of miRNA-491_5p was found in a high-dose anti-fas receptor antibody group. Overexpression of microRNA-491_5p sensitized Hep G2 cells for TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis, and also caused an inhibition of alpha-fetoprotein, (AFP), heat shock protein-90 (hsp-90) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Overexpression of miRNA-491_5p or inhibition of AFP and hsp-90 resulted in an increased apoptosis in TNF-alpha-treated Hep G2 cells. CONCLUSIONS One of the miRNAs that is associated with the acute liver injury mouse model, miRNA-491_5p, sensitizes Hep G2 cells for TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis, at least in part, by inhibiting AFP, hsp-90 and NF-kappaB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sangjeong Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine: Transplant Research Program, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|