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Bi JG, Li Q, Guo YS, Liu LP, Bao SY, Xu P. Long Non-coding RNA PCED1B Antisense RNA 1 Promotes Cell Proliferation and Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating the MicroRNA-34a/CD44 Axis. Curr Med Sci 2024; 44:503-511. [PMID: 38748366 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-023-2823-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the role of long non-coding RNA PCED1B antisense RNA 1 (PCED1B-AS1) in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS A total of 62 pairs of HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues were obtained from 62 HCC patients. The interactions of PCED1B-AS1 and microRNA-34a (miR-34a) were detected by dual luciferase activity assay and RNA pull-down assay. The RNA expression levels of PCED1B-AS1, miR-34a and CD44 were detected by RT-qPCR, and the protein expression level of CD44 was determined by Western blotting. The cell proliferation was detected by cell proliferation assay, and the cell invasion and migration by transwell invasion assay. The HCC tumor growth after PCED1B-AS1 was downregulated was determined by in vivo animal study. RESULTS PCED1B-AS1 was highly expressed in HCC tissues, which was associated with poor survival of HCC patients. Furthermore, PCED1B-AS1 interacted with miR-34a in HCC cells, but they did not regulate the expression of each other. Additionally, PCED1B-AS1 increased the expression level of CD44, which was targeted by miR-34a. The cell proliferation and invasion assay revealed that miR-34a inhibited the proliferation and invasion of HCC in vitro, while CD44 exhibited the opposite effects. Furthermore, PCED1B-AS1 suppressed the role of miR-34a. Moreover, the knockdown of PCED1B-AS1 repressed the HCC tumor growth in nude mice in vivo. CONCLUSION PCED1B-AS1 may play an oncogenic role by regulating the miR-34a/CD44 axis in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Gang Bi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Jinan, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Jinan, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Yu-Sheng Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Jinan, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Li-Ping Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Jinan, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Shi-Yun Bao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Jinan, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Ping Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, China.
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Jinan, China.
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Chu R, Wang Y, Kong J, Pan T, Yang Y, He J. Lipid nanoparticles as the drug carrier for targeted therapy of hepatic disorders. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:4759-4784. [PMID: 38682294 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02766j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The liver, a complex and vital organ in the human body, is susceptible to various diseases, including metabolic disorders, acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent decades, these diseases have significantly contributed to global morbidity and mortality. Currently, liver transplantation remains the most effective treatment for hepatic disorders. Nucleic acid therapeutics offer a selective approach to disease treatment through diverse mechanisms, enabling the regulation of relevant genes and providing a novel therapeutic avenue for hepatic disorders. It is expected that nucleic acid drugs will emerge as the third generation of pharmaceuticals, succeeding small molecule drugs and antibody drugs. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) represent a crucial technology in the field of drug delivery and constitute a significant advancement in gene therapies. Nucleic acids encapsulated in LNPs are shielded from the degradation of enzymes and effectively delivered to cells, where they are released and regulate specific genes. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the structure, composition, and applications of LNPs in the treatment of hepatic disorders and offers insights into prospects and challenges in the future development of LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runxuan Chu
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tung, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China.
| | - Jianglong Kong
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tung, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China.
| | - Ting Pan
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
- Department of Pharmaceutics School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Yani Yang
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
| | - Jun He
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
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3
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Shinn J, Park S, Lee S, Park N, Kim S, Hwang S, Moon JJ, Kwon Y, Lee Y. Antioxidative Hyaluronic Acid-Bilirubin Nanomedicine Targeting Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells for Anti-Hepatic-Fibrosis Therapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:4704-4716. [PMID: 38288705 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a life-threatening and irreversible disease. The fibrosis process is largely driven by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which undergo transdifferentiation from an inactivated state to an activated one during persistent liver damage. This activated state is responsible for collagen deposition in liver tissue and is accompanied by increased CD44 expression on the surfaces of HSCs and amplified intracellular oxidative stress, which contributes to the fibrosis process. To address this problem, we have developed a strategy that combines CD44-targeting of activated HSCs with an antioxidative approach. We developed hyaluronic acid-bilirubin nanoparticles (HABNs), composed of endogenous bilirubin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bile acid, and hyaluronic acid, an endogenous CD44-targeting glycosaminoglycan biopolymer. Our findings demonstrate that intravenously administered HABNs effectively targeted the liver, particularly activated HSCs, in fibrotic mice with choline-deficient l-amino acid-defined high-fat diet (CD-HFD)-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). HABNs were able to inhibit HSC activation and proliferation and collagen production. Furthermore, in a murine CD-HFD-induced NASH fibrosis model, intravenously administered HABNs showed potent fibrotic modulation activity. Our study suggests that HABNs have the potential to serve as a targeted anti-hepatic-fibrosis therapy by modulating activated HSCs via CD44-targeting and antioxidant strategies. This strategy could also be applied to various ROS-related diseases in which CD44-overexpressing cells play a pivotal role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongyoon Shinn
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Seojeong Park
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Seonju Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Nayoon Park
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Seojeong Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Seohui Hwang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - James J Moon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Youngjoo Kwon
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Yonghyun Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
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Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Fallah F, Bashash D, Karimi A. Unleashing the potential of gene signatures as prognostic and predictive tools: A step closer to personalized medicine in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3913. [PMID: 38269520 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the growing malignancies globally, affecting a myriad of people and causing numerous cancer-related deaths. Despite therapeutic improvements in treatment strategies over the past decades, HCC still remains one of the leading causes of person-years of life lost. Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the characteristics of HCC with the aim of predicting its prognosis and responsiveness to treatment. However, the identified biomarkers have shown limited sensitivity, and the translation of these findings into clinical practice has faced challenges. The development of sequencing techniques has facilitated the exploration of a wide range of genes, leading to the emergence of gene signatures. Although several studies assessed differentially expressed genes in normal and HCC tissues to find the unique gene signature with prognostic value, to date, no study has reviewed the task, and to the best of our knowledge, this review represents the first comprehensive analysis of relevant studies in HCC. Most gene signatures focused on immune-related genes, while others investigated genes related to metabolism, autophagy, and apoptosis. Even though no identical gene signatures were found, NDRG1, SPP1, BIRC5, and NR0B1 were the most extensively studied genes with prognostic value. Finally, despite challenges such as the lack of consistent patterns in gene signatures, we believe that comprehensive analysis of pertinent gene signatures will bring us a step closer to personalized medicine in HCC, where treatment strategies can be tailored to individual patients based on their unique molecular profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fallah
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdollah Karimi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Yu Y, Lou Y, Zhu J, Wang X. Comprehensive analysis of diverse programmed cell death patterns in the prognosis, tumor microenvironment and drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36239. [PMID: 38050240 PMCID: PMC10695610 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment failure in patients with liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is primarily caused by tumor progression and therapy resistance. Tumor immunity plays a crucial role in regulating the homeostasis of cells through the process of programmed cell death (PCD). However, the expression profile and clinical significance of PCD-related genes in LIHC require further investigation. In this study, we analyzed twelve commonly observed PCD patterns to construct a prognostic model. We collected RNA-seq data, genomics, and clinical information from TCGA-LIHC and GSE14520 cohorts to validate the prognostic gene signature. We discovered 75 PCD-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with prognostic significance in LIHC. Using these genes, we constructed a PCD-related score (PCDscore) with an 11-gene signature through LASSO COX regression analysis. Validation in the GSE14520 cohort demonstrated that LIHC patients with high PCDscore had poorer prognoses. Unsupervised clustering based on the 11 model genes revealed 3 molecular subtypes of LIHC with distinct prognoses. By incorporating PCDscore with clinical features, we constructed a highly predictive nomogram. Additionally, PCDscore was correlated with immune checkpoint genes and immune cell infiltration. LIHC patients with high PCDscore exhibited sensitivity to common chemotherapy drugs (such as cisplatin and docetaxel). To summarize, our study developed a novel PCDscore model that comprehensively analyzed different cell death modes, providing an accurate prediction of clinical prognosis and drug sensitivity for LIHC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youlin Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanglieguang Lou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinlong Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
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6
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Meng F, Zhou Y, Wagner A, Bülow JM, Köhler K, Neunaber C, Bundkirchen K, Relja B. Impact of age on liver damage, inflammation, and molecular signaling pathways in response to femoral fracture and hemorrhage. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1239145. [PMID: 37691959 PMCID: PMC10484338 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1239145] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Trauma causes disability and mortality globally, leading to fractures and hemorrhagic shock. This can trigger an irregular inflammatory response that damages remote organs, including liver. Aging increases the susceptibility to dysregulated immune responses following trauma, raising the risk of organ damage, infections, and higher morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. This study investigates how aging affects liver inflammation and damage post-trauma. Methods 24 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups. Twelve young (17-26 weeks) and 12 aged (64-72 weeks) mice were included. Mice further underwent either hemorrhagic shock (trauma/hemorrhage, TH), and femoral fracture (osteotomy) with external fixation (Fx) (THFx, n=6) or sham procedures (n=6). After 24 hours, mice were sacrificed. Liver injury and apoptosis were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin staining and activated caspase-3 immunostaining. CXCL1 and infiltrating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) in the liver were assessed by immunostaining, and concentrations of CXCL1, TNF, IL-1β, and IL-10 in the liver tissue were determined by ELISA. Gene expression of Tnf, Cxcl1, Il-1β, and Cxcl2 in the liver tissue was determined by qRT-PCR. Finally, western blot was used to determine protein expression levels of IκBα, Akt, and their phosphorylated forms. Results THFx caused liver damage and increased presence of active caspase-3-positive cells compared to the corresponding sham group. THFx aged group had more severe liver injury than the young group. CXCL1 and PMNL levels were significantly higher in both aged groups, and THFx caused a greater increase in CXCL and PMNL levels in aged compared to the young group. Pro-inflammatory TNF and IL-1β levels were elevated in aged groups, further intensified by THFx. Anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels were lower in aged groups. Tnf and Cxcl1 gene expression was enhanced in the aged sham group. Phosphorylation ratio of IκBα was significantly increased in the aged sham group versus young sham group. THFx-induced IκBα phosphorylation in the young group was significantly reduced in the aged THFx group. Akt phosphorylation was significantly reduced in the THFx aged group compared to the THFx young group. Conclusion The findings indicate that aging may lead to increased vulnerability to liver injury and inflammation following trauma due to dysregulated immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanshuai Meng
- Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Translational and Experimental Trauma Research, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yuzhuo Zhou
- Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Translational and Experimental Trauma Research, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alessa Wagner
- Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Translational and Experimental Trauma Research, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jasmin Maria Bülow
- Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Translational and Experimental Trauma Research, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kernt Köhler
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Claudia Neunaber
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katrin Bundkirchen
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Borna Relja
- Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Translational and Experimental Trauma Research, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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Zheng R, Pan Y, Liu X, Liu F, Li A, Zheng D, Luo Y. Comprehensive analysis of REST corepressors ( RCORs) in pan-cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1162344. [PMID: 37342230 PMCID: PMC10277624 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1162344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
REST corepressors (RCORs) are the core component of the LSD1/CoREST/HDACs transcriptional repressor complex, which have been revealed differently expressed in various cancers, but the therapeutic and prognostic mechanisms in cancer are still poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed expression, prognostic value, molecular subtypes, genetic alteration, immunotherapy response and drug sensitivity of RCORs in pan-cancer. Clinical correlation, stemness index, immune infiltration and regulatory networks of RCORs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were detected through TCGA and GSCA database. In-vitro experiments were conducted to explore the role of RCOR1 in HCC cells. The expression of RCORs varied among different cancers, and have prognostic values in several cancers. Cancer subtypes were categorized according to the expression of RCORs with clinical information. RCORs were significantly correlated with immunotherapy response, MSI, drug sensitivity and genetic alteration in pan-cancer. In HCC, RCORs were considered as potential predictor of stemness and also had association with immune infiltration. The ceRNA-TF-kinase regulatory networks of RCORs were constructed. Besides, RCOR1 acts as an oncogene in HCC and promotes the proliferation of HCC cells by inhibiting cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. Taken together, our study revealed the potential molecular mechanisms of RCORs in pan-cancer, offering a benchmark for disease-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zheng
- Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatology, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingying Pan
- Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatology, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatology, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feiye Liu
- Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatology, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Aimin Li
- Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatology, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dayong Zheng
- Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatology, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Luo
- Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatology, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Hao Y, Song K, Tan X, Ren L, Guo X, Zhou C, Li H, Wen J, Meng Y, Lin M, Zhang Y, Huang H, Wang L, Zheng W. Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive Polypeptide Drug Delivery System Targeted Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells to Ameliorate Liver Fibrosis. ACS NANO 2022; 16:20739-20757. [PMID: 36454190 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c07796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a chronic liver disease that lacks effective pharmacotherapeutic treatments. As part of the disease's mechanism, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are activated by damage-related stimuli to secrete excessive extracellular matrix, leading to collagen deposition. Currently, the drug delivery system that targets HSCs in the treatment of liver fibrosis remains an urgent challenge due to the poor controllability of drug release. Since the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increases sharply in activated HSCs (aHSCs), we designed ROS-responsive micelles for the HSC-specific delivery of a traditional Chinese medicine, resveratrol (RES), for treatment of liver fibrosis. The micelles were prepared by the ROS-responsive amphiphilic block copolymer poly(l-methionine-block-Nε-trifluoro-acetyl-l-lysine) (PMK) and a PEG shell modified with a CRGD peptide insertion. The CRGD-targeted and ROS-responsive micelles (CRGD-PMK-MCs) could target aHSCs and control the release of RES under conditions of high intracellular ROS in aHSCs. The CRGD-PMK-MCs treatment specifically enhanced the targeted delivery of RES to aHSCs both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro experiments show that CRGD-PMK-MCs could significantly promote ROS consumption, reduce collagen accumulation, and avert activation of aHSCs. In vivo results demonstrate that CRGD-PMK-MCs could alleviate inflammatory infiltration, prevent fibrosis, and protect hepatocytes from damage in fibrotic mice. In conclusion, CRGD-PMK-MCs show great potential for targeted and ROS-responsive controlled drug release in the aHSCs of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Faculty of Kidney Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Kaichao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaochuan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ling Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiuping Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Chuchu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - He Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jin Wen
- Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, Beijing 100022, China
| | - Ya Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Mingbao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yujia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hongdong Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Faculty of Kidney Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wensheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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Ramzy A, ElSafy S, Elshoky HA, Soliman A, Youness R, Mansour S, Sebak A. Drugless nanoparticles tune-up an array of intertwined pathways contributing to immune checkpoint signaling and metabolic reprogramming in triple-negative breast cancer. Biomed Mater 2022; 18. [PMID: 36541457 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/aca85d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming 'Warburg effect' and immune checkpoint signaling are immunosuppressive hallmarks of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) contributing to the limited clinical applicability of immunotherapy. Biomaterials arise as novel tools for immunomodulation of the tumor microenvironment that can be used alongside conventional immunotherapeutics. Chitosan and lecithin are examples of versatile biomaterials with interesting immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we aimed at investigation of the role of carefully designed hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) on common mediators of both programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and glycolytic metabolism. Hybrid lecithin-chitosan NPs were prepared and characterized. Their intracellular concentration, localization and effect on the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells were assessed. Glycolytic metabolism was quantified by measuring glucose consumption, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation, lactate production and extracellular acidification. Nitric oxide production was quantified using Greiss reagent. Gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (PKB or Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α) and PD-L1 was quantified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR). Chitosan, lecithin and the NPs-formulated forms have been shown to influence the 'Warburg effect' and immune checkpoint signaling of TNBC cells differently. The composition of the hybrid systems dictated their subcellular localization and hence the positive or negative impact on the immunosuppressive characteristics of TNBC cells. Carefully engineered hybrid lecithin-chitosan NPs could convert the immune-suppressive microenvironment of TNBC to an immune-active microenvironment via reduction of PD-L1 expression and reversal of the Warburg effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Ramzy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.,Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences & Engineering, The American University in Cairo, AUC Avenue, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Sara ElSafy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Hisham A Elshoky
- Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Central Lab. (NAMCL), Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.,Regional Center for Food and Feed, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.,Department of Research, Tumor Biology Research Program, Basic Research Unit, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo 11441, Egypt
| | - Aya Soliman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Rana Youness
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.,Department of Biology and Biochemistry, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, New Administrative Capital, Cairo 11578, Egypt
| | - Samar Mansour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Aya Sebak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.,Immunopharmacology of Cancer, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
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10
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Zhang L, Fan S, Vera J, Lai X. A network medicine approach for identifying diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and exploring drug repurposing in human cancer. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 21:34-45. [PMID: 36514340 PMCID: PMC9732137 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease mainly driven by abnormal gene perturbations in regulatory networks. Therefore, it is appealing to identify the common and specific perturbed genes from multiple cancer networks. We developed an integrative network medicine approach to identify novel biomarkers and investigate drug repurposing across cancer types. We used a network-based method to prioritize genes in cancer-specific networks reconstructed using human transcriptome and interactome data. The prioritized genes show extensive perturbation and strong regulatory interaction with other highly perturbed genes, suggesting their vital contribution to tumorigenesis and tumor progression, and are therefore regarded as cancer genes. The cancer genes detected show remarkable performances in discriminating tumors from normal tissues and predicting survival times of cancer patients. Finally, we developed a network proximity approach to systematically screen drugs and identified dozens of candidates with repurposable potential in several cancer types. Taken together, we demonstrated the power of the network medicine approach to identify novel biomarkers and repurposable drugs in multiple cancer types. We have also made the data and code freely accessible to ensure reproducibility and reusability of the developed computational workflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhang
- College of Computer Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiwei Fan
- College of Computer Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Julio Vera
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany,Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xin Lai
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany,Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany,BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland,Corresponding author at: Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
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11
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Artemzhongdianolides A1-A21, antihepatic fibrosis guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers from Artemisia zhongdianensis. Bioorg Chem 2022; 128:106056. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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Wang X, Ji C. Construction of a prognostic risk model based on apoptosis-related genes to assess tumor immune microenvironment and predict prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:400. [PMID: 36028814 PMCID: PMC9414141 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02481-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious malignant disease with high incidence, high mortality and poor prognosis. This study aimed to establish a novel signature based on apoptosis-related genes (ARGs) to predict the prognosis of HCC. METHODS Expression data of HCC from TCGA database and the list of 160 ARGs from MSigDB were downloaded. The genes included in apoptosis-related signature were selected by univariate Cox regression analysis and lasso Cox regression analysis. Subsequently, a prognostic risk model for scoring patients was developed, and then separates patients into two groups. Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristic analysis were performed to evaluate the prognostic value of the model in TCGA, GEO and ICGC databases. The characteristics of immune cell infiltration between two groups of HCC were investigated. Finally, a nomogram was plotted to visualize the prognosis prediction. RESULTS Nine genes (CDC25B, DAP3, ETF1, GSR, LGALS3, MGMT, PPP2R5B, SQSTM1 and VDAC2) were included in the prognostic risk model. Survival was lower in the high-risk group. Surprisingly, the high-risk group was significantly more in immune cell infiltration and with higher immunoscore and stromalscore than in the low-risk group. In addition, the risk score was an independent prognostic factor for HCC. CONCLUSIONS Prognostic signature comprising nine ARGs could be used as a potential prognostic factor for HCC. It also provides an important idea for further understanding the immunotherapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiqin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215, Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China.,Internal Medicine, Yuhua Yunfang Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Clinic, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chenguang Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 215, Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China.
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13
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Han X, Li B. The emerging role of noncoding RNAs in the Hedgehog signaling pathway in cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113581. [PMID: 36037783 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH), a conserved signaling pathway, is involved in embryo development, organogenesis, and other biological functions. Dysregulation and abnormal activation of HH are involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. With the emergence of interest in noncoding RNAs, studies on their involvement in abnormal regulation of biological processes in tumors have been published one after another. In this review, we focus on the crosstalk between noncoding RNAs and the HH pathway in tumors and elaborate the mechanisms by which long noncoding RNAs and microRNAs regulate or are regulated by HH signaling in cancer. We also discuss the interaction between noncoding RNAs and the HH pathway from the perspective of cancer hallmarks, presenting this complex network as concisely as possible and organizing ideas for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China. libo--
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14
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Tan L, Xu Z, Mao Q, Zhou S, Zhu J, Zhang X, Li H. Purified PTEN-Long Induces Liver Cancer Cells to Undergo Autophagy and Apoptosis. Front Surg 2022; 9:767611. [PMID: 35647006 PMCID: PMC9130590 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.767611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background PTEN-Long is a translational variant of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN). This tumor suppressor is frequently lost or mutated and even it has been shown as the determinant in several human tumors. Therefore, we will determine the significant roles of PTEN-Long in the development of liver cancer. Methods In the present study, we characterized the antitumor effects of PTEN-Long and PTEN in proliferation, migration of HepG2 cells, apoptosis and autophagy in liver cancer cells. To extends, we have also measured the effects of purified PTEN and PTEN-Long in the above index of HepG2 cells. Results PTEN and PTEN-Long were ectopic-expressed in HepG2 cells, and their phenotypic effects were recorded. As expected, there was less expression of PTEN-Long and PTEN in liver cancer samples than in paired normal tissues. Ectopic expression of PTEN-Long or PTEN significantly decreased the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells and increased apoptosis. PTEN ectopic-expression increased the number of GFP-/RFP+-LC3 puncta and levels of beclin-1 and LC3BII/LC3BI, suggesting autophagy induction. Purified PTEN-Long freely entered cells, decreased proliferation, and increased autophagy and apoptosis, while purified PTEN did not. Conclusions Our results identify an antitumor function of purified PTEN-Long and suggest its potential utility for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, LiHuiLi Hospital, Ningbo, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Zeping Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, LiHuiLi Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Qiqi Mao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, LiHuiLi Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Shaocheng Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, LiHuiLi Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, LiHuiLi Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Xie Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, LiHuiLi Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, LiHuiLi Hospital, Ningbo, China
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15
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Ramachandran B, Jeyarajpandian C, Jeyaseelan JM, Prabhu D, Rajamanikandan S, Boomi P, Venkateswari R, Jeyakanthan J. Quercetin-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells and identification of quercetin derivatives as potent inhibitors for Caspase-3 through computational methods. Struct Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11224-022-01933-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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16
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Fan Q, Yu Y, Zhou Y, Zhang S, Wu C. An emerging role of radiation‑induced exosomes in hepatocellular carcinoma progression and radioresistance (Review). Int J Oncol 2022; 60:46. [PMID: 35266016 PMCID: PMC8923655 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide are increasing, and the role of radiotherapy is currently under discussion. Radioresistance is one of the most important challenges in the therapy of HCC compared with other local advanced, recurrent and metastatic cancers. The mechanisms of radioresistance are complex and remain to be fully understood; however, extracellular vesicles have been investigated in recent studies. Exosomes, which are 40- to 150-nm extracellular vesicles released by cancer cells, contain multiple pathogenic components, including proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, and play critical functions in cancer progression. Emerging data indicate a diagnosis potential for exosomes in HCC, since radiation-derived exosomes promote radioresistance. Radiation-based therapy alters the contents and components of exosomes, suggesting that exosomes and their components may serve as prognostic and predictive biomarkers to monitor radiation response. Therefore, understanding the roles and mechanisms of exosomes in HCC progression and radiation response during HCC therapy may increase our knowledge concerning the roles of exosomes in radioresistance, and may lead to novel approaches for HCC prognosis and treatment. The current review summarizes recent studies on exosome involvement in HCC and the molecular changes in exosome components during HCC progression. It also discusses the functions of exosomes in HCC therapy, and highlights the importance of exosomes in HCC progression and resistance for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Fan
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, P.R. China
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, P.R. China
| | - Yueling Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, P.R. China
| | - Chunli Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, P.R. China
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The Bright and the Dark Side of TGF-β Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanisms, Dysregulation, and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040940. [PMID: 35205692 PMCID: PMC8870127 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling is a preeminent regulator of diverse cellular and physiological processes. Frequent dysregulation of TGF-β signaling has been implicated in cancer. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, the autocrine and paracrine effects of TGF-β have paradoxical implications. While acting as a potent tumor suppressor pathway in the early stages of malignancy, TGF-β diverts to a promoter of tumor progression in the late stages, reflecting its bright and dark natures, respectively. Within this context, targeting TGF-β represents a promising therapeutic option for HCC treatment. We discuss here the molecular properties of TGF-β signaling in HCC, attempting to provide an overview of its effects on tumor cells and the stroma. We also seek to evaluate the dysregulation mechanisms that mediate the functional switch of TGF-β from a tumor suppressor to a pro-tumorigenic signal. Finally, we reconcile its biphasic nature with the therapeutic implications. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with genetic and nongenetic aberrations that impact multiple genes and pathways, including the frequently dysregulated transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. The regulatory cytokine TGF-β and its signaling effectors govern a broad spectrum of spatiotemporally regulated molecular and cellular responses, yet paradoxically have dual and opposing roles in HCC progression. In the early stages of tumorigenesis, TGF-β signaling enforces profound tumor-suppressive effects, primarily by inducing cell cycle arrest, cellular senescence, autophagy, and apoptosis. However, as the tumor advances in malignant progression, TGF-β functionally switches to a pro-tumorigenic signal, eliciting aggressive tumor traits, such as epithelial–mesenchymal transition, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and immune evasion of cancer cells. On this account, the inhibition of TGF-β signaling is recognized as a promising therapeutic strategy for advanced HCC. In this review, we evaluate the functions and mechanisms of TGF-β signaling and relate its complex and pleiotropic biology to HCC pathophysiology, attempting to provide a detailed perspective on the molecular determinants underlying its functional diversion. We also address the therapeutic implications of the dichotomous nature of TGF-β signaling and highlight the rationale for targeting this pathway for HCC treatment, alone or in combination with other agents.
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Targets and Potential Mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis in Treatment of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Bioinformatics Analysis. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:8762717. [PMID: 35190740 PMCID: PMC8858046 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8762717] [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: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Objective To analyze the target and potential mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) in the treatment of HCC based on bioinformatics, so as to provide suggestions for the diagnosis, treatment, and drug development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The regulated gene targets of SB were screened by gene expression pattern clustering and differential analysis of gene expression data of HepG2 cells treated with SB at 0 h, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. The module genes related to HCC were identified by the weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). KEGG and GO enrichment were used to analyze the molecular function and structure of the module, and GSEA was used to evaluate the different functional pathways between normal people and patients with HCC. Then, the module gene was used for univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis to build a prognostic model. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was used to analyze the core genes regulated by SB (CGRSB) of the module, and the survival curve revealed the CGRSB impact on patient survival. The CIBERSORT algorithm combined with correlation analysis to explore the relationship between CGRSB and immune infiltration. Finally, the single-cell sequencing technique was used to analyze the distribution of CGRSB at the cellular level. Results SB could regulate 903 genes, of which 234 were related to the occurrence of HCC. The prognosis model constructed by these genes has a good effect in evaluating the survival of patients. KEGG and GO enrichment analysis showed that the regulation of SB on HCC mainly focused on some cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune-related functions. GSEA enrichment analysis showed that these functions are related to the occurrence of HCC. A total of 24 CGRSB were obtained after screening, of which 13 were significantly related to survival, and most of them were unfavorable factors for patient survival. The correlation analysis of gene expression showed that most of CGRSB was significantly correlated with T cells, macrophages, and other functions. The results of single-cell analysis showed that the distribution of CGRSB in macrophages was the most. Conclusion SB has high credibility in the treatment of HCC, such as CDK2, AURKB, RRM2, CENPE, ESR1, and PRIM2. These targets can be used as potential biomarkers for clinical diagnosis. The research also shows that the p53 signal pathway, MAPK signal pathway, apoptosis pathway, T cell receptor pathway, and macrophage-mediated tumor immunity play the most important role in the mechanism of SB in treating HCC.
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Li C, Salmen SH, Awad Alahmadi T, Priya Veeraraghavan V, Krishna Mohan S, Natarajan N, Subramanian S. Anticancer effect of Selenium/Chitosan/Polyethylene glycol/Allyl isothiocyanate nanocomposites against diethylnitrosamine-induced liver cancer in rats. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:3354-3365. [PMID: 35844425 PMCID: PMC9280227 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nano-based drug delivery systems have shown several advantages in cancer treatment like specific targeting of cancer cells, good pharmacokinetics, and lesser adverse effects. Liver cancer is a fifth most common cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related mortalities worldwide. Objective The present study focusses to formulate the selenium (S)/chitosan (C)/polyethylene glycol (Pg)/allyl isothiocyanate (AI) nanocomposites (SCPg-AI-NCs) and assess its therapeutic properties against the diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver cancer in rats via inhibition of oxidative stress and tumor markers. Methodology The SCPg-AI-NCs were synthesized by ionic gelation technique and characterized by various characterization techniques. The liver cancer was induced to the rats by injecting a DEN (200 mg/kg) on the 8th day of experiment. Then DEN-induced rats treated with 10 mg/kg of formulated SCPg-AI-NCs an hour before DEN administration for 16 weeks. The 8-hydroxy-2′ -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) content, albumin, globulin, and total protein were examined by standard methods. The level of glutathione (GSH), vitamin-C & -E, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were examined using assay kits. The liver marker enzymes i.e., alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate tansaminase (AST), γ-glutamyl transaminase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), Bax, and Bcl-2 levels, and caspase-3&9 activities was examined using assay kits and the liver histopathology was assessed microscopically by hematoxylin and eosin staining method. The effect of formulated SCPg-AI-NCs on the viability and apoptotic cell death on the HepG2 cells were examined using MTT and dual staining assays, respectively. Results The results of different characterization studies demonstrated the formation of SCPg-AI-NCs with tetragonal shape, narrowed distribution, and size ranging from 390 to 450 nm. The formulated SCPg-AI-NCs treated liver cancer rats indicated the reduced levels of 8-OHdG, albumin, globulin, and total protein. The SCPg-AI-NCs treatment appreciably improved the GSH, vitamin-C & -E contents, and SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR activities in the serum of liver cancer rats. The SCPg-AI-NCs treatment remarkably reduced the liver marker enzyme activities in the DEN-induced rats. The SCPg-AI-NCs treatment decreased the AFP and CEA contents and enhanced the Bax and caspase 3&9 activities in the DEN-induced rats. The SCPg-AI-NCs effectively decreased the cell viability and induced apoptosis in the HepG2 cells. Conclusion The present findings suggested that the formulated SCPg-AI-NCs remarkably inhibited the DEN-induced liver carcinogenesis in rats. These findings provide an evidence that SCPg-AI-NCs can be a promising anticancer nano-drug in the future to treat the liver carcinogenesis.
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System Analysis of ROS-Related Genes in the Prognosis, Immune Infiltration, and Drug Sensitivity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6485871. [PMID: 34795841 PMCID: PMC8593590 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6485871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in tumors; however, the role of ROS-related genes is still unclear in HCC. Therefore, we analyzed the role of ROS-related genes in HCC via bioinformatics methods. Firstly, a prognosis model was constructed using LASSO Cox regression and multivariate analyses. We also investigated the potential function of the ROS-related genes and the correlation with immune infiltration, tumor stemness, and drug sensitivity. ICGC database was used for validation. Secondly, we further analyzed the role of 11 ROS-related genes in HCC. As a member of ROS gene family, the role of STK25 has remained unclear in HCC. We explored the biological function of STK25 using in vitro experiments. The present study was the first to construct a ROS-related prognostic model in HCC. The correlation of ROS-related genes with immune infiltration, tumor stemness, and drug sensitivity was dissected. Furthermore, we demonstrated that STK25 knockdown could increase the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacity of HCC cells.
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Liu R, Wang G, Zhang C, Bai D. A prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma based on apoptosis-related genes. World J Surg Oncol 2021; 19:70. [PMID: 33712023 PMCID: PMC7955636 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-021-02175-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dysregulation of the balance between proliferation and apoptosis is the basis for human hepatocarcinogenesis. In many malignant tumors, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there is a correlation between apoptotic dysregulation and poor prognosis. However, the prognostic values of apoptosis-related genes (ARGs) in HCC have not been elucidated. Methods To screen for differentially expressed ARGs, the expression levels of 161 ARGs from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (https://cancergenome.nih.gov/) were analyzed. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed to evaluate the underlying molecular mechanisms of differentially expressed ARGs in HCC. The prognostic values of ARGs were established using Cox regression, and subsequently, a prognostic risk model for scoring patients was developed. Kaplan–Meier (K-M) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to determine the prognostic value of the model. Results Compared with normal tissues, 43 highly upregulated and 8 downregulated ARGs in HCC tissues were screened. GO analysis results revealed that these 51 genes are indeed related to the apoptosis function. KEGG analysis revealed that these 51 genes were correlated with MAPK, P53, TNF, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, while Cox regression revealed that 5 ARGs (PPP2R5B, SQSTM1, TOP2A, BMF, and LGALS3) were associated with prognosis and were, therefore, obtained to develop the prognostic model. Based on the median risk scores, patients were categorized into high-risk and low-risk groups. Patients in the low-risk groups exhibited significantly elevated 2-year or 5-year survival probabilities (p < 0.0001). The risk model had a better clinical potency than the other clinical characteristics, with the area under the ROC curve (AUC = 0.741). The prognosis of HCC patients was established from a plotted nomogram. Conclusion Based on the differential expression of ARGs, we established a novel risk model for predicting HCC prognosis. This model can also be used to inform the individualized treatment of HCC patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-021-02175-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjie Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Guifu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dousheng Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Sangaran PG, Ibrahim ZA, Chik Z, Mohamed Z, Ahmadiani A. Lipopolysaccharide Pre-conditioning Attenuates Pro-inflammatory Responses and Promotes Cytoprotective Effect in Differentiated PC12 Cell Lines via Pre-activation of Toll-Like Receptor-4 Signaling Pathway Leading to the Inhibition of Caspase-3/Nuclear Factor-κappa B Pathway. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:598453. [PMID: 33551748 PMCID: PMC7862565 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.598453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysacharide (LPS) pre-conditioning (PC), has been shown to exert protective effects against cytotoxic effects. Therefore, we hypothesized, the tolerance produced by LPS PC will be resulted by the alterations and modifications in gene and protein expression. With reference to the results of MTT assays, AO/PI staining, and Annexin V-FITC analyses of LPS concentration (0.7815-50 μg/mL) and time-dependent (12-72 h) experiments, the pre-exposure to 3 μg/mL LPS for 12 h protected the differentiated PC12 cells against 0.75 mg/mL LPS apoptotic concentration. LPS-treated cells secreted more inflammatory cytokines like IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α than LPS-PC cells. The production of inflammatory mediators ROS and NO was also higher in the LPS-induced cells compared to LPS-PC cells. Conversely, anti-inflammatory cytokines (like IL-10, IL-13, CNTF, and IL-1Ra) were upregulated in the LPS-PC cells but not in the LPS-induced cells. Meanwhile, the LPS initiated caspase-8 which in turn activates effector caspase 3/7. When the activities of caspases in the LPS-induced cells were inhibited using z-VADfmk and z-DEVDfmk, the expressions of c-MYC and Hsp70 were increased, but p53 was reduced. The potential molecules associated with protective and destructive effect was measured by RT2 Profiler PCR array to elucidate the signaling pathways and suggested inhibition NF-κB/caspase-3 signaling pathway regulates the cytoprotective genes and proto-oncogenes. In conclusion, this study provides a basis for future research to better understand the molecular mechanism underlying LPS pre-conditioning /TLR4 pre-activation and its functional role in offering cytoprotective response in neuronal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpa Gandi Sangaran
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zaridatul Aini Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zamri Chik
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zahurin Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abolhassan Ahmadiani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Evin, Tehran, Iran
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Dang YF, Yang SH, Jiang XN, Gong FL, Yang XX, Cheng YN, Guo XL. Combination treatment strategies with a focus on rosiglitazone and adriamycin for insulin resistant liver cancer. J Drug Target 2021; 29:336-348. [PMID: 33115283 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2020.1844216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Insulin resistance promotes the occurrence of liver cancer and decreases its chemosensitivity. Rosiglitazone (ROSI), a thiazolidinedione insulin sensitiser, could be used for diabetes with insulin resistance and has been reported to show anticancer effects on human malignant cells. In this paper, we investigated the combination of ROSI and chemotherapeutics on the growth and metastasis of insulin-resistant hepatoma. In vitro assay, ROSI significantly enhanced the inhibitory effects of adriamycin (ADR) on the proliferation, autophagy and migration of insulin-resistant hepatoma HepG2/IR cells via downregulation of EGFR/ERK and AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. In addition, ROSI promoted the apoptosis of HepG2/IR cells induced by ADR. In vivo assay, high fat and glucose diet and streptozotocin (STZ) induced insulin resistance in mice by increasing the body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, oral glucose tolerance, fasting insulin level and insulin resistance index. Both the growth of mouse liver cancer hepatoma H22 cells and serum FBG level in insulin resistant mice were significantly inhibited by combination of ROSI and ADR. Thus, ROSI and ADR in combination showed a stronger anti-tumour effect in insulin resistant hepatoma cells accompanying with glucose reduction and might represent an effective therapeutic strategy for liver cancer accompanied with insulin resistant diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Dang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Shao-Hui Yang
- Shandong Wendeng Osteopathic Hospital, Wendeng, PR China
| | - Xiao-Ning Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Fu-Lian Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xiao-Xia Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Yan-Na Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xiu-Li Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
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Zhang K, Zhang M, Luo Z, Wen Z, Yan X. The dichotomous role of TGF-β in controlling liver cancer cell survival and proliferation. J Genet Genomics 2020; 47:497-512. [PMID: 33339765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major form of primary liver cancer and one of the most prevalent and life-threatening malignancies globally. One of the hallmarks in HCC is the sustained cell survival and proliferative signals, which are determined by the balance between oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is an effective growth inhibitor of epithelial cells including hepatocytes, through induction of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, cellular senescence, or autophagy. The antitumorigenic effects of TGF-β are bypassed during liver tumorigenesis via multiple mechanisms. Furthermore, along with malignant progression, TGF-β switches to promote cancer cell survival and proliferation. This dichotomous nature of TGF-β is one of the barriers to therapeutic targeting in liver cancer. Thereafter, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms is a prerequisite for discovering novel antitumor drugs that may specifically disable the growth-promoting branch of TGF-β signaling or restore its tumor-suppressive arm. This review summarizes how TGF-β inhibits or promotes liver cancer cell survival and proliferation, highlighting the functional switch mechanisms during the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kegui Zhang
- School of Biological Engineering, Huainan Normal University, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Meiping Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Zhijun Luo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Zhili Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Xiaohua Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, 330031, China.
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25
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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.
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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.
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Nguyen PT, Kanno K, Pham QT, Kikuchi Y, Kakimoto M, Kobayashi T, Otani Y, Kishikawa N, Miyauchi M, Arihiro K, Ito M, Tazuma S. Senescent hepatic stellate cells caused by deoxycholic acid modulates malignant behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:3255-3268. [PMID: 32870388 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03374-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Deoxycholic acid (DCA), a secondary bile acid, is reportedly increased in the serum of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and animals with experimentally induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its contribution to malignant behaviors of HCC has not been precisely clarified. This study aimed to examine the effect of DCA on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a major component of nonparenchymal cells in the liver, and its subsequent indirect effect on HCC cells. METHODS LX2 cells, a human HSC line, were treated with DCA in vitro. Then, HuH7 cells, a human hepatoma cell line, were incubated in conditioned media of DCA-treated LX2 to investigate the subsequent effect focusing on malignant behaviors. RESULTS DCA resulted in cellular senescence in LX2 with the decreased cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest at G0/1 phase, together with the induction of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors. To investigate the influence of SASP factors secreted by HSCs in response to DCA, HCC cells were treated with conditioned media that promoted cell migration and invasion via induction of epithelial mesenchymal transition. These changes were attenuated in the presence of neutralizing antibody against IL8 or TGFβ. Pathological analysis of surgical specimens from HCC patients revealed that senescent HSCs were detected in the stroma surrounding HCC. CONCLUSION Our data suggest an important role of HSC senescence caused by DCA for the malignant biological behaviors of HCC via induction of SASP factors, particularly IL8 and TGFβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong Thao Nguyen
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Keishi Kanno
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
| | - Quoc Thang Pham
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
- Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Yuka Kikuchi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masaki Kakimoto
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Tomoki Kobayashi
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Otani
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Nobusuke Kishikawa
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Miyauchi
- Department of Oral Maxillo-Pathobiology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Koji Arihiro
- Department of Pathology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masanori Ito
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Susumu Tazuma
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
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27
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Li J, Liu ZY, Yu HB, Xue Q, Qu XS. Effects of oxymatrine on the proliferation of human liver cancer Bel-7404 cells: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e20181. [PMID: 32501970 PMCID: PMC7306290 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000020181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study will examine the effects of oxymatrine on the proliferation of human liver cancer Bel-7404 cells (HLCBC). METHODS This study will search electronic bibliographic databases available in PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, China Biology Medicine, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. We attempt to search case-controlled studies (CCSs) or randomized controlled studies (RCSs) pertaining to HLCBC from their inception to the February 29, 2020 without limitations of language and publication time. We will include any CCSs or RCSs on exploring oxymatrine on the proliferation of HLCBC. We will assess the methodological quality of CCSs by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and RCSs by Cochrane risk of bias tool. Review Manager 5.3 software will be utilized for statistical analysis. RESULTS The current study will summarize most recent eligible studies to investigate the effects of oxymatrine on the proliferation of HLCBC. CONCLUSION Its results may provide reliable scientific evidence on effects of oxymatrine on the proliferation of HLCBC. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION INPLASY202040026.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Physiology, Jiamusi University School of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Zhi-Ye Liu
- Department of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University
| | - Hai-Bo Yu
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University
| | - Qing Xue
- Clinical Medicine of Class 7 in Grade 2016, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Xiu-Sheng Qu
- Department of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University
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28
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Funk K, Czauderna C, Klesse R, Becker D, Hajduk J, Oelgeklaus A, Reichenbach F, Fimm-Todt F, Lauterwasser J, Galle PR, Marquardt JU, Edlich F. BAX Redistribution Induces Apoptosis Resistance and Selective Stress Sensitivity in Human HCC. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061437. [PMID: 32486514 PMCID: PMC7352885 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapies induce differential cell responses, ranging from efficient cell death to complete stress resistance. The BCL-2 proteins BAX and BAK govern the cellular decision between survival and mitochondrial apoptosis. Therefore, the status of BAX/BAK regulation can predict the cellular apoptosis predisposition. Relative BAX/BAK localization was analyzed in tumor and corresponding non-tumor samples from 34 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Key transcriptome changes and gene expression profiles related to the status of BAX regulation were applied to two independent cohorts including over 500 HCC patients. The prediction of apoptotic response was tested using cell lines and polyclonal tumor isolates. Cellular protection from BAX was confirmed by challenging cells with mitochondrial BAX. We discovered a subgroup of HCC with selective protection from BAX-dependent apoptosis. BAX-protected tumors showed enrichment of signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress response and DNA repair as well as increased genetic heterogeneity. Gene expression profiles characteristic to BAX-specific protection are enriched in poorly differentiated HCCs and show significant association to the overall survival of HCC patients. Consistently, addiction to DNA repair of BAX-protected cancer cells caused selective sensitivity to PARP inhibition. Molecular characteristics of BAX-protected HCC were enriched in cells challenged with mitochondrial BAX. Our results demonstrate that predisposition to BAX activation impairs tumor biology in HCC. Selective BAX inhibition or lack thereof delineates distinct subgroups of HCC patients with molecular features and differential response pattern to apoptotic stimuli and inhibition of DNA repair mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Funk
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Czauderna
- Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group, University Mainz, 55116 Mainz, Germany; (C.C.); (D.B.); (J.H.); (P.R.G.)
| | - Ramona Klesse
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Diana Becker
- Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group, University Mainz, 55116 Mainz, Germany; (C.C.); (D.B.); (J.H.); (P.R.G.)
| | - Jovana Hajduk
- Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group, University Mainz, 55116 Mainz, Germany; (C.C.); (D.B.); (J.H.); (P.R.G.)
| | - Aline Oelgeklaus
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frank Reichenbach
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Fimm-Todt
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
| | - Joachim Lauterwasser
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
| | - Peter R. Galle
- Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group, University Mainz, 55116 Mainz, Germany; (C.C.); (D.B.); (J.H.); (P.R.G.)
| | - Jens U. Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Correspondence: (J.U.M.); (F.E.)
| | - Frank Edlich
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence: (J.U.M.); (F.E.)
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Jeng KS, Lu SJ, Wang CH, Chang CF. Liver Fibrosis and Inflammation under the Control of ERK2. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113796. [PMID: 32471201 PMCID: PMC7312875 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver injury could lead the formation of liver fibrosis, eventually some would develop to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the leading malignancies worldwide. The aim of the study is to dissect the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) signaling in liver fibrosis and inflammation. The choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented (CDE) diet could lead to fatty livers and generate oval cells, activate hepatocyte stellate cell (HSC) and recruit immune cells as the liver fibrosis model mice. WT and ERK2 deficient (ERK2−/−) mice were compared in terms of liver weight/body weight, liver function, liver fibrosis markers and the differential gene expression in hepatotoxicity. ERK2−/− mice display the less degree of liver fibrosis when compared to WT mice. The protein level of alpha smooth muscle (α-SMA) was reduced and several hepatocellular carcinoma-related genes such as MMP9, FoxM1 were down-regulated. In addition, the cell proliferation and the percentages of activated T cells were reduced in ERK2−/− mice upon liver injury. Therefore, ERK2 plays an important role in regulating liver cirrhosis and inflammation.
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30
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Targeted delivery of hyaluronic acid nanomicelles to hepatic stellate cells in hepatic fibrosis rats. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:693-710. [PMID: 32322471 PMCID: PMC7161713 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is one kind of liver diseases with a high mortality rate and incidence. The activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the most fundamental reason of hepatic fibrosis. There are no specific and effective drug delivery carriers for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis at present. We found that when hepatic fibrosis occurs, the expression of CD44 receptors on the surface of HSCs is significantly increased. Based on this finding, we designed silibinin-loaded hyaluronic acid (SLB-HA) micelles to achieve the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Meanwhile, we constructed liver fibrosis rat model using Sprague–Dawley rats. We demonstrated that HA micelles had specific uptake to HSCs in vitro while avoiding the distribution in normal liver cells and the phagocytosis of macrophages. Importantly, HA micelles showed a significant liver targeting effect in vivo, especially in fibrotic liver which highly expressed CD44 receptors. In addition, SLB-HA micelles could selectively kill activated HSCs, having an excellent anti-hepatic fibrosis effect in vivo and a significant sustained release effect, and also had a good biological safety and biocompatibility. Overall, HA micelles represented a novel nanomicelle system which showed great potentiality in anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs delivery.
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31
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dos Santos PWDS, Machado ART, De Grandis RA, Ribeiro DL, Tuttis K, Morselli M, Aissa AF, Pellegrini M, Antunes LMG. Transcriptome and DNA methylation changes modulated by sulforaphane induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, DNA damage, and suppression of proliferation in human liver cancer cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 136:111047. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.111047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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32
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Chen HQ, Zhao J, Li Y, Huang YJ, Chen DJ, He LX, Wang LQ, Zheng CF, Wang J, Cao J, Shu WQ, Liu JY, Liu WB. Epigenetic inactivation of LHX6 mediated microcystin-LR induced hepatocarcinogenesis via the Wnt/β-catenin and P53 signaling pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 252:216-226. [PMID: 31151060 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) have been shown to be carcinogenic by animal and cellular experiments and found to be associated with the development of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through epidemiological studies. However, the molecular mechanism of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) induced HCC is still unclear. This study is determined to clarify the role and mechanism of LHX6 in MC-LR-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Using the previously established MC-LR-induced malignant transformation model in L02 cells, we screened out LHX6, homeobox gene that was significantly changed. We found that LHX6 was significantly down-regulated in MC-LR treated L02 cells and the liver tissue of rats treated for 35 weeks with 10 μg/kg body weight of MC-LR. Expression of LHX6 in human tumor tissue was significantly down-regulated in high MC-LR-exposure group. LHX6 was hypermethylated in MC-LR treated L02 cells and up-regulated after treatment with 10 μM of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. Furthermore, overexpression of LHX6 inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration of malignantly transformed L02 cells in vitro and in vivo, while knockdown of LHX6 resulted in an opposite phenotype. In addition, we found that up-regulation of P53 and Bax resulted in apoptosis, and that down-regulation of CTNNB1 and MMP7 led to migration of MC-LR treated L02 cells. Blockade of P53 and CTNNB1 by its inhibitor significantly diminished the effect of LHX6. These genes were working together during the process of MC-LR-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Our study demonstrated for the first time that LHX6 gene expression is regulated by DNA methylation and can inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration through Wnt/β-catenin and P53 signaling pathways during the MC-LR-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. This result may suggest that LHX6 gene can be used as a potential target gene and a biomarker for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Qiang Chen
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Ji Zhao
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China; College of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China; The Calmette International Hospital, Kunming, 650224, PR China
| | - Yu-Jing Huang
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Dong-Jiao Chen
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China; College of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Li-Xiong He
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Ling-Qiao Wang
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Chuan-Fen Zheng
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Jia Cao
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Wei-Qun Shu
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Jin-Yi Liu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China.
| | - Wen-Bin Liu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China.
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Li WY, Zhou HZ, Chen Y, Cai XF, Tang H, Ren JH, Wai Wong VK, Kwan Law BY, Chen Y, Cheng ST, Yu HB, Cai HY, Chen WX, Tang N, Zhang WL, Tao NN, Yang QX, Ren F, He L, Jiang H, Huang AL, Chen J. NAD(P)H: Quinone oxidoreductase 1 overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma potentiates apoptosis evasion through regulating stabilization of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein. Cancer Lett 2019; 451:156-167. [PMID: 30867140 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.02.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is an antioxidant enzyme which is associated with poor prognosis in human breast, colon, lung and liver cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-tumorigenic function of NQO1 remains unclear. This study investigated the function of NQO1 in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. We found that NQO1 was frequently up-regulated in human liver cancer, and its high expression level was correlated with the tumor stage and low survival rate of HCC patients. Loss-of-function of NQO1 inhibited growth in HCC cells with increased apoptosis in vitro, and suppressed orthotopic tumorigenicity in vivo. Mechanistically, high level of NQO1 in HCC cells enhanced protein stability of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) by increasing its phosphorylation at Ser 87. Reintroduction of wile type XIAP and the phospho-mimic mutants XIAPS87D significantly reversed NQO1 knock-down/out induced growth inhibition and apoptosis. In mouse model with orthotopically implanted hepatocarcinoma, NQO1 suppression and NQO1 inhibitor suppressed tumor growth and induced apoptosis. NQO1 plays an important role in sustaining HCC cell proliferation and may thus act as a potential therapeutic target in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yu Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Zhong Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Medical Examination Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue-Fei Cai
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ji-Hua Ren
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Vincent Kam Wai Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Betty Yuen Kwan Law
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Hepatobliliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sheng-Tao Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hai-Bo Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao-Yang Cai
- Center of Growth, Metabolism, and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei-Xian Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ni Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Lu Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Na-Na Tao
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiu-Xia Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Ren
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin He
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ai-Long Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Juan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Lee SR, Kwon SW, Lee YH, Kaya P, Kim JM, Ahn C, Jung EM, Lee GS, An BS, Jeung EB, Park BK, Hong EJ. Dietary intake of genistein suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma through AMPK-mediated apoptosis and anti-inflammation. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:6. [PMID: 30606143 PMCID: PMC6318960 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-5222-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Women have a lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) than men, and the decreased possibility of HCC in women is thought to depend on estrogen levels. As a soybean-isoflavone product, genistein has estrogenic activity in various reproductive tissues, because it mimics 17β-estradiol and binds the estrogen receptor. Though genistein is a known liver cancer suppressor, its effects have not been studies in long-term experiment, where genistein is fed to a female animal model of HCC. Methods Mice were treated with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) to induce HCC at 2 weeks of age and fed with supplemental genistein for 5 months, from 40 to 62 weeks of age. Results The dietary intake of genistein decreased the incidence of HCC and suppressed HCC development. Genistein induced phospho-AMPK in total liver extracts, Hep3B cells, and Raw 264.7 cells, and phospho-AMPK promoted apoptosis in liver and Hep3B cells. Moreover, phospho-AMPK down-regulated pro-inflammatory responses and ameliorated liver damage. A suppressed pro-inflammatory response with increased mitochondrial respiration was concomitantly observed after genistein treatment. Conclusions Genistein-mediated AMPK activation increases hepatocyte apoptosis through energy-dependent caspase pathways, suppresses the inflammatory response in resident liver macrophages by increased cellular respiration, and consequently inhibits the initiation and progression of HCC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-5222-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang R Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Suite 401Veterinary medicine Bldg., Yuseong, Daejeon, 34134, South Korea
| | - Sun Woo Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Suite 401Veterinary medicine Bldg., Yuseong, Daejeon, 34134, South Korea
| | - Young Ho Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Suite 401Veterinary medicine Bldg., Yuseong, Daejeon, 34134, South Korea
| | - Pelin Kaya
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Suite 401Veterinary medicine Bldg., Yuseong, Daejeon, 34134, South Korea
| | - Jong Min Kim
- Translational Xenotransplantation Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Changhwan Ahn
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Man Jung
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Geun-Shik Lee
- Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Beum-Soo An
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Natural Resources & Life Science, Pusan National University, Miryang, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Bae Jeung
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Bae-Keun Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Suite 401Veterinary medicine Bldg., Yuseong, Daejeon, 34134, South Korea
| | - Eui-Ju Hong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Suite 401Veterinary medicine Bldg., Yuseong, Daejeon, 34134, South Korea.
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Gundogdu G, Dodurga Y, Elmas L, Tasci SY, Karaoglan ES. Investigation of the Anticancer Mechanism of Isoorientin Isolated from Eremurus Spectabilis Leaves via Cell Cycle Pathways in HT-29 Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells. Eurasian J Med 2018; 50:168-172. [PMID: 30515037 DOI: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2018.17403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Isoorientin (ISO) is a flavonoid compound extracted from plant species. The goal of this study was to determine the potential antiproliferative effects of ISO in HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line in vitro, specifically on cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle pathways. Materials and Methods The cytotoxic effect of ISO isolated from E. spectabilis was measured using 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay in HT-29 cell lines. Total RNA was isolated using Tri-Reagent protocol. The effects of ISO on apoptosis-related gene were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The findings were analyzed using "Delta-Delta CT" ΔΔCT method and evaluated using a computer program. Volcano plot analysis was used for comparing groups and the data obtained were statistically analyzed using Student t test. Results According to XTT result analysis, the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of ISO was 125 μM at the 48th h in HT-29 cells. The RT-PCR analysis in HT-29 cells showed that Cyclin D1 (CCND1 ), Cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), BAX, BCL-2, Checkpoint kinase 1-2 (CHEK1, CHEK2) and Excision repair cross-complementing 1 (ERCC1) expressions were reduced in ISO-treated cells compared with those in the control group of cells. P53, P21, Caspase-3 (CASP-3), Caspase-8 (CASP-8), and Caspase-9 (CASP-9) gene expressions were increased Ataxia Telengiectasia and Rad-3 related (ATR) was activated in the ISO-treated group of cells compared with those in the control group of cells (p<0.05). Conclusion ISO affected the proliferation of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells via cell cycle pathways. It also altered apoptosis gene expression. These results demonstrated that ISO can be a therapeutic agent for CRC treatment; however, more studies are needed to investigate its mechanism of actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulsah Gundogdu
- Department of Physiology, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Dodurga
- Department of Medical Biology, Pamukkale University School of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Levent Elmas
- Department of Medical Biology, Pamukkale University School of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey
| | | | - Esen Sezen Karaoglan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Atatürk University School of Pharmacy, Erzurum, Turkey
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36
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Caspase-Cleaved Cytokeratin 18 Fragment M30 as a Potential Biomarker of Macrovascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Gastrointest Cancer 2018; 49:260-267. [PMID: 28361205 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-017-9937-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Extremely poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with progressing disease was denoted by vascular invasion. Cytokeratin 18 (CK18) has been shown to be overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma so it is a valuable tumor marker; however, its role in vascular invasion is still unclear. This study aimed to predict CK18 as a predictive marker for macrovascular malignant invasion. METHODS The present study was conducted on three groups of patients: group I included 91 HCC patients without macrovascular invasion, group II included 34 HCC patients with radiological evidence of vascular invasion, and group III included 110 control individuals subdivided into IIIA as healthy blood donors and IIIB as post-HCV cirrhotic patients without HCC. RESULTS ROC curve of M30 fragments of CK18 was constructed for discrimination between HCC with and without macrovascular invasion. Optimum cutoff value was 304.5 ng/mL (AUC = 0.997, P < 0.001), sensitivity (100%) and specificity (98.8%). Regression analysis was conducted for prediction of macrovascular invasion within HCC patients. The following variables: higher levels of AST, M30, bilirubin, and AFP, lower levels of serum albumin, larger tumor size, child B score, and multiple lesions were associated with vascular invasion in univariate analysis. While in multivariate analysis, higher levels of AST and bilirubin and elevated levels of M30 and AFP serum were considered independent predictors for macrovascular invasion in HCC patients. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that increased M30 fragments of CK18 levels may be useful as a possible marker of early tumor invasiveness.
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37
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Zhong L, Kong JN, Dinkins MB, Leanhart S, Zhu Z, Spassieva SD, Qin H, Lin HP, Elsherbini A, Wang R, Jiang X, Nikolova-Karakashian M, Wang G, Bieberich E. Increased liver tumor formation in neutral sphingomyelinase-2-deficient mice. J Lipid Res 2018; 59:795-804. [PMID: 29567647 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m080879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are key signaling lipids in cancer. Genome-wide studies have identified neutral SMase-2 (nSMase2), an enzyme generating ceramide from SM, as a potential repressor for hepatocellular carcinoma. However, little is known about the sphingolipids regulated by nSMase2 and their roles in liver tumor development. We discovered growth of spontaneous liver tumors in 27.3% (9 of 33) of aged male nSMase2-deficient (fro/fro) mice. Lipidomics analysis showed a marked increase of SM in the tumor. Unexpectedly, tumor tissues presented with more than a 7-fold increase of C16-ceramide, concurrent with upregulation of ceramide synthase 5. The fro/fro liver tumor, but not adjacent tissue, exhibited substantial accumulation of lipid droplets, suggesting that nSMase2 deficiency is associated with tumor growth and increased neutral lipid generation in the tumor. Tumor tissue expressed significantly increased levels of CD133 and EpCAM mRNA, two markers of liver cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and higher levels of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, an essential regulator of stemness. CD133(+) cells showed strong labeling for SM and ceramide. In conclusion, these results suggest that SMase-2 deficiency plays a role in the survival or proliferation of CSCs, leading to spontaneous tumors, which is associated with tumor-specific effects on lipid homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liansheng Zhong
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY.,Department of Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji Na Kong
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Michael B Dinkins
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Silvia Leanhart
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Zhihui Zhu
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
| | - Stefka D Spassieva
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
| | - Haiyan Qin
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
| | - Hsuan-Pei Lin
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
| | - Ahmed Elsherbini
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
| | | | - Xue Jiang
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY.,Rehabilitation Center, ShengJing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Guanghu Wang
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
| | - Erhard Bieberich
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY .,Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
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Gao X, Luo Z, Xiang T, Wang K, Li J, Wang P. Dihydroartemisinin Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis in HepG2 Human Hepatoma Cells. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 97:771-80. [DOI: 10.1177/030089161109700615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Aims and Background Previous studies showed that dihydroartemisinin (DHA) possessed antitumor activity in many human tumor cells through the induction of apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DHA on apoptosis in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 and the possible molecular mechanisms involved. Methods The inhibitory effect of DHA on HepG2 cells was measured by MTT assay. The percentage of apoptotic cells was detected by flow cytometry with double staining of fluorescein isothiocyanate-annexin V/propidium iodide. The intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were detected by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Protein expression of GADD153, Bcl-2 and Bax in HepG2 cells was examined by Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Results DHA significantly inhibited proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The apoptosis rates in HepG2 cells treated with 0, 50, 100 and 200 mol/L DHA for 24 hours were 2.53 ± 0.88%, 24.85 ± 3.63%, 35.27 ± 5.92% and 48.53 ± 7.76%, respectively. Compared with the control group, DHA significantly increased ROS generation and [Ca2+]i level (P <0.05), with the generation of ROS preceding the increase in [Ca2+]i. An increase in GADD153 and Bax expression and a decrease in Bcl-2 were observed in DHA-treated cells. Pretreatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine could attenuate the effects of DHA in the experiments. Conclusion DHA could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in HepG2 cell lines through increasing the intracellular production of ROS and [Ca2+]i. Endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis may contribute to this effect by regulating the expression of GADD153, proapoptotic Bax, and antiapoptotic Bcl-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Gao
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Ziguo Luo
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Tingxiu Xiang
- Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Kejian Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Jian Li
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Pilong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
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Bellomo C, Caja L, Fabregat I, Mikulits W, Kardassis D, Heldin CH, Moustakas A. Snail mediates crosstalk between TGFβ and LXRα in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Differ 2017; 25:885-903. [PMID: 29230000 PMCID: PMC5943406 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-017-0021-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the complexity of changes in differentiation and cell survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is essential for the design of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic modalities. In this context, we have analyzed the crosstalk between transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and liver X receptor α (LXRα) pathways. TGFβ is known to promote cytostatic and pro-apoptotic responses in HCC, and to facilitate mesenchymal differentiation. We here demonstrate that stimulation of the nuclear LXRα receptor system by physiological and clinically useful agonists controls the HCC response to TGFβ. Specifically, LXRα activation antagonizes the mesenchymal, reactive oxygen species and pro-apoptotic responses to TGFβ and the mesenchymal transcription factor Snail mediates this crosstalk. In contrast, LXRα activation and TGFβ cooperate in enforcing cytostasis in HCC, which preserves their epithelial features. LXRα influences Snail expression transcriptionally, acting on the Snail promoter. These findings propose that clinically used LXR agonists may find further application to the treatment of aggressive, mesenchymal HCCs, whose progression is chronically dependent on autocrine or paracrine TGFβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bellomo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 582, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 595, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Laia Caja
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 582, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 595, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, and Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, ES-08908, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dimitris Kardassis
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Crete Medical School and Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology of Hellas, GR-71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Carl-Henrik Heldin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 582, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 595, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 582, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden. .,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 595, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75124, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Ren J, Liu Y, Li L, Zhao Y, Li Z, Wu C, Chen L, Hu K. OAMDP, a novel podophyllotoxin derivative, induces apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and autophagy in hepatoma HepG2 cells. Cell Biol Int 2017; 42:194-204. [DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Life Science; Changzhou University; Changzhou Jiangsu 213164 P. R. China
| | - Yu Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Life Science; Changzhou University; Changzhou Jiangsu 213164 P. R. China
| | - Lixia Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Life Science; Changzhou University; Changzhou Jiangsu 213164 P. R. China
| | - Yuexin Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Life Science; Changzhou University; Changzhou Jiangsu 213164 P. R. China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Life Science; Changzhou University; Changzhou Jiangsu 213164 P. R. China
| | - Chao Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Life Science; Changzhou University; Changzhou Jiangsu 213164 P. R. China
| | - Lin Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Life Science; Changzhou University; Changzhou Jiangsu 213164 P. R. China
| | - Kun Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Life Science; Changzhou University; Changzhou Jiangsu 213164 P. R. China
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41
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Wang J, Tai G. Role of C-Jun N-terminal Kinase in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development. Target Oncol 2017; 11:723-738. [PMID: 27392951 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-016-0446-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most frequently occurring cancers and the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Identification of the signaling pathways regulating liver carcinogenesis is critical for developing novel chemoprevention and targeted therapies. C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a member of a larger group of serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinases known as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. JNK is an important signaling component that converts external stimuli into a wide range of cellular responses, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, as well as the development of inflammation, fibrosis, cancer growth, and metabolic diseases. Because of the essential roles of JNK in these cellular functions, deregulated JNK is often found to contribute to the development of HCC. Recently, the functions and molecular mechanisms of JNK in HCC development have been addressed using mouse models and human HCC cell lines. Furthermore, recent studies demonstrate that the activation of JNK by oncogenes can promote the development of cancers by regulating the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad pathway, which makes the oncogenes/JNK/Smad signaling pathway an attractive target for cancer therapy. Additionally, JNK-targeted therapy has a broad potential for clinical applications. In summary, we are convinced that promising new avenues for the treatment of HCC by targeting JNK are on the horizon, which will undoubtedly lead to better, more effective, and faster therapies in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Jilin, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Guixiang Tai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Jilin, Changchun, 130021, China.
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Lin J, Lin Y, Su L, Su Q, Guo W, Huang X, Wang C, Lin L. The role of Jagged1/Notch pathway-mediated angiogenesis of hepatocarcinoma cells in vitro, and the effects of the spleen-invigorating and blood stasis-removing recipe. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:3616-3622. [PMID: 28927121 PMCID: PMC5588019 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to observe the effect of Jagged1/Notch pathway-mediated angiogenesis on the in vitro proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and the effect and possible mechanism of the spleen-invigorating and blood stasis-removing recipe. Spleen-invigorating and blood stasis-removing recipe serum from SPF grade nude mice was prepared, and the fingerprint of the drugs of the spleen-invigorating and blood stasis-removing recipe and drug serum were identified by HPLC. SMMC-7721 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells were divided into the normal control group, DAPT inhibitor control group, and drug serum group according to the different treatments. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to determine cell proliferation ability, and angiogenesis was observed under an inverted microscope. The expression of Jagged1, Notch1, and VEGF was measured by qPCR and western blot analysis. The interaction of Jagged1 and Notch1 was detected by Co-IP. The CCK-8 assay indicated that cell proliferation was inhibited in response to drug treatment (P<0.01). The expression of Jagged1, Notch1, and VEGF in the drug serum group was significantly lower than in the normal control group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the new vascular area of the DAPT inhibitor control group and drug serum group was smaller, and the blood vessels of the DAPT inhibitor control group and drug serum group were more sparse. The levels of Jagged1, Notch1, VEGF protein and the interaction between Jagged1 and Notch1 in the DAPT inhibitor control group and drug serum group were significantly lower than in the control serum group (P<0.01). In conclusion, the spleen-invigorating and blood stasis-removing recipe can inhibit the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and tumor angiogenesis in vitro. The function is related to the reduced expression of Jagged1, reduced interaction between Jagged1 and Notch1, and the reduced expression and activity of VEGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juze Lin
- The First Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatric Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yongxin Lin
- Guangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Le Su
- Guangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Qiao Su
- Animal Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Wei Guo
- Tropical Medicine Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Xuhui Huang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatric Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Changjun Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatric Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Lizhu Lin
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
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De Matteis S, Granato AM, Napolitano R, Molinari C, Valgiusti M, Santini D, Foschi FG, Ercolani G, Vespasiani Gentilucci U, Faloppi L, Scartozzi M, Frassineti GL, Casadei Gardini A. Interplay Between SIRT-3, Metabolism and Its Tumor Suppressor Role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Dig Dis Sci 2017; 62:1872-1880. [PMID: 28527050 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-017-4615-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sirtuins (SIRT), first described as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent type III histone deacetylases, are produced by cells to support in the defense against chronic stress conditions such as metabolic syndromes, neurodegeneration, and cancer. SIRT-3 is one of the most studied members of the mitochondrial sirtuins family. In particular, its involvement in metabolic diseases and its dual role in cancer have been described. In the present review, based on the evidence of SIRT-3 involvement in metabolic dysfunctions, we aimed to provide an insight into the multifaceted role of SIRT-3 in many solid and hematological tumors with a particular focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). SIRT-3 regulatory effect and involvement in metabolism dysfunctions may have strong implications in HCC development and treatment. Research literature widely reports the relationship between metabolic disorders and HCC development. This evidence suggests a putative bridge role of SIRT-3 between metabolic diseases and HCC. However, further studies are necessary to demonstrate such interconnection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena De Matteis
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Maroncelli, 40, 47014, Meldola, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Granato
- Immunotherapy and Cell Therapy Unit, IRST IRCCS, Via Maroncelli, 40, 47014, Meldola, Italy
| | - Roberta Napolitano
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Maroncelli, 40, 47014, Meldola, Italy
| | - Chiara Molinari
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Maroncelli, 40, 47014, Meldola, Italy
| | - Martina Valgiusti
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRST IRCCS, Via Maroncelli, 40, 47014, Meldola, Italy
| | - Daniele Santini
- Campus Bio-Medico, University of Rome, Via Àlvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Ercolani
- Department of General Surgery, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Via Carlo Forlanini, 34, 47121, Forlì, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Umberto Vespasiani Gentilucci
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico, Via Àlvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Faloppi
- Medical Oncology, University Hospital, University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4.500, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Medical Oncology, University Hospital, University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4.500, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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Pu M, Wang J, Huang Q, Zhao G, Xia C, Shang R, Zhang Z, Bian Z, Yang X, Tao K. High MRPS23 expression contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and indicates poor survival outcomes. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317709127. [PMID: 28714366 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317709127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most prevalent neoplasms and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 is encoded by a nuclear gene and participates in mitochondrial protein translation. Mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 overexpression has been found in many types of cancer. In this study, we explored mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 expression in primary hepatocellular carcinoma tissues compared with matched adjacent non-tumoral liver tissues using mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 messenger RNA and protein levels collected from public databases and clinical samples. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the relationship between mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 and various clinicopathological features. The results indicated that mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 was significantly overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma. High mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 expression was correlated with the tumor size and tumor–metastasis–node stage. Moreover, patients with high mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 expression levels presented poorer survival rates. Mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 was an independent prognostic factor for survival, especially at the early stage of hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, the downregulation of mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 decreased the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, we verified for the first time that mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 expression was upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma. High mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 levels can predict poor clinical outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma, and this protein plays a key role in tumor proliferation. Therefore, mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 may be a potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Pu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jianlin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qike Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ge Zhao
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Congcong Xia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Runze Shang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhuochao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhenyuan Bian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xishegn Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Kaishan Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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45
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Wu C, Li C, Zhou G, Yang L, Jiang G, Chen J, Li Q, Zhan Z, Xu X, Zhang X. Effects of electroacupuncture on the cortical extracellular signal regulated kinase pathway in rats with cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion. Acupunct Med 2017. [PMID: 28624772 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2016-011121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (p-ERK) pathway of the cerebral cortex in a rat model of focal cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R). METHODS 160 adult Sprague-Dawley rats underwent middle carotid artery occlusion (MCAO) to establish I/R injury and were randomly divided into four groups (n=40 each) that remained untreated (I/R group) or received EA at LU5, LI4, ST36 and SP6 (I/R+EA group), the ERK inhibitor PD98059 (I/R+PD group), or both interventions (I/R+PD+EA groups). An additional 40 rats undergoing sham surgery formed a healthy control group. Eight rats from each group were sacrificed at the following time points: 2 hours, 6 hours, 1 day, 3 days and 1 week. Neurological function was assessed using neurological deficit scores, morphological examination was performed following haematoxylin-eosin staining of cortical tissues, and apoptotic indices were calculated after terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated biotin-16-dUTP nick-end labelling. Cortical protein and mRNA expression of p-ERK and ERK were measured by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. RESULTS Compared with the I/R group, neurological deficit scores and apoptotic indices were lower in the I/R+EA group at 1 and 3 days, whereas mRNA/protein expression of ERK/p-ERK was higher in the EA group at all time points studied. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that EA can alleviate neurological deficits and reduce cortical apoptosis in rats with I/R injury. These anti-apoptotic effects may be due to upregulation of p-ERK. Moreover, apoptosis appeared to peak at 1 day after I/R injury, which might therefore represent the optimal time point for targeting of EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chun Li
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tui-na, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guoping Zhou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lu Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Guimei Jiang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jing Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qiushi Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhulian Zhan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiuhong Xu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tui-na, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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Athyrium multidentatum (Doll.) Ching extract induce apoptosis via mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2275. [PMID: 28536473 PMCID: PMC5442098 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02573-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Athyrium multidentatum (Doll.) Ching (AMC), a unique and nutritious potherb widely distributed in china, has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine. Previous studies indicated that AMC extract exhibited antioxidant and antitumor properties. However, the chemical composition of AMC and molecular mechanism of AMC toxicity to HepG2 cells have not yet been elucidated. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the chemical compositions and the underlying mechanisms of the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of AMC on HepG2. HPLC-MS analysis showed that AMC contain five compounds with chlorogenic acid accounting for 43 percent. Also, AMC strongly inhibited the cell growth and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells by significantly upregulating the protein expressions of Fas, Fas-L, Bax/Bcl-2, cyto-c, cleaved caspase-3, and PARP in a dose-dependent manner, which indicates AMC induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Moreover, AMC provoked the production of ROS, H2O2, and NO, modulating the PI3K/Akt, MAPK, NFκB and Nrf2 pathways and their downstream transcriptional cascades, ultimately evoked oxidative stress and apoptosis in HpeG2 cells. Further in vivo experiments demonstrated that AMC significantly suppressed the tumor growth, suggesting that AMC may be a novel promising agent for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
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47
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Li CH, Yen CH, Chen YF, Lee KJ, Fang CC, Zhang X, Lai CC, Huang SF, Lin HK, Arthur Chen YM. Characterization of the GNMT-HectH9-PREX2 tripartite relationship in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Cancer 2017; 140:2284-2297. [PMID: 28205209 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involves many molecular pathways. Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) is downregulated in almost all HCC and its gene knockout mice developed HCC with high penetrance. We identified PREX2, a novel PTEN inhibitor, as a GNMT-interacting protein. Such interaction enhanced degradation of PREX2 through an E3 ligase HectH9-mediated proteasomal ubiquitination pathway. Depletion of GNMT or HectH9 resulted in AKT activation in a PREX2 dependent manner and enhanced cell proliferation. An elevated PREX2 protein expression accompanied by activation of AKT was observed in the liver of Gnmt knockout mice. PREX2 protein expression was upregulated in 54.9% of human HCC samples, while its mRNA level was comparable in tumor and tumor-adjacent tissue, suggesting a post-translational alteration of PREX2 expression. Higher level of PREX2 in the tumor tissues was associated with poorer survival. These results reveal a novel mechanism in which GNMT participates in AKT signaling and HCC tumorigenesis by promoting HectH9-mediated PREX2 degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Hsien Li
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research (CICAR), Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hung Yen
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research (CICAR), Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Fu Chen
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research (CICAR), Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Jui Lee
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research (CICAR), Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chieh Fang
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research (CICAR), Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Cancer Center, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Chih-Chung Lai
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research (CICAR), Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Shiu-Feng Huang
- Division of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Kuan Lin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Cancer Center, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Yi-Ming Arthur Chen
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research (CICAR), Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
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Nevzorova YA, Grossmann J, Trautwein C. Anti-tumorigenic and anti-angiogenic effects of natural conifer Abies sibirica terpenoids in vivo and in vitro. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 89:386-395. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Attenuation of liver cancer development by oral glycerol supplementation in the rat. Eur J Nutr 2017; 57:1215-1224. [PMID: 28255652 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-017-1404-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glycerol usage is increasing in food industry for human and animal nutrition. This study analyzed the impact of glycerol metabolism when orally supplemented during the early stage of rat liver carcinogenesis. METHODS Wistar rats were subjected to a 2-phase model of hepatocarcinogenesis (initiated-promoted, IP group). IP animals also received glycerol by gavage (200 mg/kg body weight, IPGly group). RESULTS Glycerol treatment reduced the volume of preneoplastic lesions by decreasing the proliferative status of liver foci, increasing the expression of p53 and p21 proteins and reducing the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 1. Besides, apoptosis was enhanced in IPGly animals, given by an increment of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, Bad and PUMA mitochondrial expression, a concomitant increase in cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation. Furthermore, hepatic levels of glycerol phosphate and markers of oxidative stress were increased in IPGly rats. Oxidative stress intermediates act as intracellular messengers, inducing p53 activation and changes in JNK and Erk signaling pathways, with JNK activation and Erk inhibition. CONCLUSION The present work provides novel data concerning the preventive actions of glycerol during the development of liver cancer and represents an economically feasible intervention to treat high-risk individuals.
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50
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Chiang AWT, Wu WYL, Wang T, Hwang MJ. Identification of Entry Factors Involved in Hepatitis C Virus Infection Based on Host-Mimicking Short Linear Motifs. PLoS Comput Biol 2017; 13:e1005368. [PMID: 28129350 PMCID: PMC5302801 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Host factors that facilitate viral entry into cells can, in principle, be identified from a virus-host protein interaction network, but for most viruses information for such a network is limited. To help fill this void, we developed a bioinformatics approach and applied it to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which is a current concern for global health. Using this approach, we identified short linear sequence motifs, conserved in the envelope proteins of HCV (E1/E2), that potentially can bind human proteins present on the surface of hepatocytes so as to construct an HCV (envelope)-host protein interaction network. Gene Ontology functional and KEGG pathway analyses showed that the identified host proteins are enriched in cell entry and carcinogenesis functionalities. The validity of our results is supported by much published experimental data. Our general approach should be useful when developing antiviral agents, particularly those that target virus-host interactions. Viruses recruit host proteins, called entry factors, to help gain entry to host cells. Identification of entry factors can provide targets for developing antiviral drugs. By exploring the concept that short linear peptide motifs involved in human protein-protein interactions may be mimicked by viruses to hijack certain host cellular processes and thereby assist viral infection/survival, we developed a bioinformatics strategy to computationally identify entry factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which is a worldwide health problem. Analysis of cellular functions and biochemical pathways indicated that the human proteins we identified usually play a role in cell entry and/or carcinogenesis, and results of the analysis are generally supported by experimental studies on HCV infection, including the ~80% (15 of 19) prediction rate of known HCV hepatocyte entry factors. Because molecular mimicry is a general concept, our bioinformatics strategy is a timely approach to identify new targets for antiviral research, not only for HCV but also for other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Walt Y. L. Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jing Hwang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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