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Bravo-Jaimes K, Wu X, Reardon LC, Lluri G, Lin JP, Moore JP, van Arsdell G, Biniwale R, Si MS, Naini BV, Venick R, Saab S, Wray CL, Ponder R, Rosenthal C, Klomhaus A, Böstrom KI, Aboulhosn JA, Kaldas FM. Intrahepatic Transcriptomics Differentiate Advanced Fibrosis and Clinical Outcomes in Adults With Fontan Circulation. J Am Coll Cardiol 2024; 83:726-738. [PMID: 38355242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The molecular mechanisms underlying Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) remain largely unknown. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess intrahepatic transcriptomic differences among patients with FALD according to the degree of liver fibrosis and clinical outcomes. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included adults with the Fontan circulation. Baseline clinical, laboratory, imaging, and hemodynamic data as well as a composite clinical outcome (CCO) were extracted from medical records. Patients were classified into early or advanced fibrosis. RNA was isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded liver biopsy samples; RNA libraries were constructed with the use of an rRNA depletion method and sequenced on an Illumina Novaseq 6000. Differential gene expression and gene ontology analyses were performed with the use of DESeq2 and Metascape. RESULTS A total of 106 patients (48% male, median age 31 years [IQR: 11.3 years]) were included. Those with advanced fibrosis had higher B-type natriuretic peptide levels and Fontan, mean pulmonary artery, and capillary wedge pressures. The CCO was present in 23 patients (22%) and was not predicted by advanced liver fibrosis, right ventricular morphology, presence of aortopulmonary collaterals, or Fontan pressures on multivariable analysis. Samples with advanced fibrosis had 228 upregulated genes compared with early fibrosis. Samples with the CCO had 894 upregulated genes compared with those without the CCO. A total of 136 upregulated genes were identified in both comparisons and were enriched in cellular response to cytokine stimulus or oxidative stress, VEGFA-VEGFR2 signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and vasculature development. CONCLUSIONS Patients with FALD and advanced fibrosis or the CCO exhibited upregulated genes related to inflammation, congestion, and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Bravo-Jaimes
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xiuju Wu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Leigh C Reardon
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gentian Lluri
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jeannette P Lin
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jeremy P Moore
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Glen van Arsdell
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Division of Congenital Cardiovascular Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California USA; Department of Surgery, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Reshma Biniwale
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Division of Congenital Cardiovascular Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California USA; Department of Surgery, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ming-Sing Si
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Division of Congenital Cardiovascular Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California USA; Department of Surgery, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bita V Naini
- Department of Pathology and Lab Services, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Robert Venick
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of California, Los Angeles Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sammy Saab
- Pfleger Liver Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christopher L Wray
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Reid Ponder
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carl Rosenthal
- Dumont-UCLA Liver Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alexandra Klomhaus
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kristina I Böstrom
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jamil A Aboulhosn
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Fady M Kaldas
- Dumont-UCLA Liver Transplant Center, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Bravo-Jaimes K, Wu X, Reardon LC, Lluri G, Lin JP, Moore JP, Arsdell GV, Biniwale R, Si MS, Naini BV, Venick R, Saab S, Wray CL, Ponder R, Rosenthal C, Klomhaus A, Böstrom KI, Aboulhosn JA, Kaldas FM. Intrahepatic transcriptomics differentiate advanced fibrosis and clinical outcomes in adults with the Fontan circulation. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.06.05.23290997. [PMID: 37333414 PMCID: PMC10274997 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.05.23290997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Background The molecular mechanisms underlying Fontan associated liver disease (FALD) remain largely unknown. We aimed to assess intrahepatic transcriptomic differences among patients with FALD according to the degree of liver fibrosis and clinical outcomes. Methods This retrospective cohort study included adults with the Fontan circulation at the Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center. Clinical, laboratory, imaging and hemodynamic data prior to the liver biopsy were extracted from medical records. Patients were classified into early (F1-F2) or advanced fibrosis (F3-F4). RNA was isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded liver biopsy samples; RNA libraries were constructed using rRNA depletion method and sequencing was performed on Illumina Novaseq 6000. Differential gene expression and gene ontology analyses were carried out using DESeq2 and Metascape. Medical records were comprehensively reviewed for a composite clinical outcome which included decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, protein-losing enteropathy, chronic kidney disease stage 4 or higher, or death. Results Patients with advanced fibrosis had higher serum BNP levels and Fontan, mean pulmonary artery and capillary wedge pressures. The composite clinical outcome was present in 23 patients (22%) and was predicted by age at Fontan, right ventricular morphology and presence of aortopulmonary collaterals on multivariable analysis. Samples with advanced fibrosis had 228 up-regulated genes compared to early fibrosis. Samples with the composite clinical outcome had 894 up-regulated genes compared to those without it. A total of 136 up-regulated genes were identified in both comparisons and these genes were enriched in cellular response to cytokine stimulus, response to oxidative stress, VEGFA-VEGFR2 signaling pathway, TGF-beta signaling pathway, and vasculature development. Conclusions Patients with FALD and advanced liver fibrosis or the composite clinical outcome exhibit up-regulated genes including pathways related to inflammation, congestion, and angiogenesis. This adds further insight into FALD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Bravo-Jaimes
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases. Mayo Clinic Jacksonville Florida
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center. University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Xiuju Wu
- Division of Cardiology. Department of Medicine. University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Leigh C Reardon
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center. University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology. University of California, Los Angeles Mattel Children’s Hospital
| | - Gentian Lluri
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center. University of California, Los Angeles
- Division of Cardiology. Department of Medicine. University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Jeannette P Lin
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center. University of California, Los Angeles
- Division of Cardiology. Department of Medicine. University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Jeremy P Moore
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center. University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology. University of California, Los Angeles Mattel Children’s Hospital
| | - Glen Van Arsdell
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center. University of California, Los Angeles
- Division of Cardiology. Department of Medicine. University of California, Los Angeles
| | | | | | - Bita V Naini
- Department of Pathology and Lab Services. University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Robert Venick
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. University of California, Los Angeles Mattel Children’s Hospital
| | - Sammy Saab
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. University of California, Los Angeles Mattel Children’s Hospital
| | | | - Reid Ponder
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center. University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Carl Rosenthal
- Dumont-UCLA Liver Transplant Center. Department of Surgery. University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Alexandra Klomhaus
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core. David Geffen School of Medicine. University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Kristina I Böstrom
- Division of Cardiology. Department of Medicine. University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Jamil A Aboulhosn
- Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center. University of California, Los Angeles
- Division of Cardiology. Department of Medicine. University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Fady M Kaldas
- Dumont-UCLA Liver Transplant Center. Department of Surgery. University of California, Los Angeles
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Cytokines and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Biomarkers of a Deadly Embrace. J Pers Med 2022; 13:jpm13010005. [PMID: 36675666 PMCID: PMC9865677 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a worldwide health matter with a major care burden, high prevalence, and poor prognosis. Its pathogenesis mainly varies depending on the underlying etiological factors, although it develops from liver cirrhosis in the majority of cases. This review summarizes the role of the most interesting soluble factors as biomarkers for early diagnosis and as recommended targets for treatment in accordance with the new challenges in precision medicine. In the premalignant environment, inflammatory cells release a wide range of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, prostaglandins, and proangiogenic factors, making the liver environment more suitable for hepatocyte tumor progression that starts from acquired genetic mutations. A complex interaction of pro-inflammatory (IL-6, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-α and -β), pro-angiogenic molecules (including the Angiopoietins, HGF, PECAM-1, HIF-1α, VEGF), different transcription factors (NF-kB, STAT-3), and their signaling pathways are involved in the development of HCC. Since cytokines are expressed and released during the different stages of HCC progression, their measurement, by different available methods, can provide in-depth information on the identification and management of HCC.
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Kawut SM, Krowka MJ, Forde KA, Al-Naamani N, Krok KL, Patel M, Bartoli CR, Doyle M, Moutchia J, Lin G, Oh JK, Mottram CD, Scanlon PD, Fallon MB. Impact of hepatopulmonary syndrome in liver transplantation candidates and the role of angiogenesis. Eur Respir J 2022; 60:2102304. [PMID: 34949701 PMCID: PMC10967655 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02304-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatopulmonary syndrome affects 10-30% of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. We evaluated the serum angiogenic profile of hepatopulmonary syndrome and assessed the clinical impact of hepatopulmonary syndrome in patients evaluated for liver transplantation. METHODS The Pulmonary Vascular Complications of Liver Disease 2 study was a multicentre, prospective cohort study of adults undergoing their first liver transplantation evaluation. Hepatopulmonary syndrome was defined as an alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient ≥15 mmHg (≥20 mmHg if age >64 years), positive contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography and absence of lung disease. RESULTS We included 85 patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome and 146 patients without hepatopulmonary syndrome. Patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome had more complications of portal hypertension and slightly higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Na score compared to those without hepatopulmonary syndrome (median (interquartile range) 15 (12-19) versus 14 (10-17), p=0.006). Hepatopulmonary syndrome patients had significantly lower 6-min walk distance and worse functional class. Hepatopulmonary syndrome patients had higher circulating angiopoietin 2, Tie2, tenascin C, tyrosine protein kinase Kit (c-Kit), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and von Willebrand factor levels, and lower E-selectin levels. Patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome had an increased risk of death (hazard ratio 1.80, 95% CI 1.03-3.16, p=0.04), which persisted despite adjustment for covariates (hazard ratio 1.79, 95% CI 1.02-3.15, p=0.04). This association did not vary based on levels of oxygenation, reflecting the severity of hepatopulmonary syndrome. CONCLUSION Hepatopulmonary syndrome was associated with a profile of abnormal systemic angiogenesis, worse exercise and functional capacity, and an overall increased risk of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Kawut
- Dept of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dept of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Kimberly A Forde
- Dept of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dept of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nadine Al-Naamani
- Dept of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karen L Krok
- Dept of Medicine, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Mamta Patel
- Dept of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dept of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carlo R Bartoli
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dept of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dept of Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Margaret Doyle
- Dept of Pathology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Jude Moutchia
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dept of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Grace Lin
- Dept of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jae K Oh
- Dept of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Kumagai M, Nagahama M, Akamine Y, Ozeki T, Suzuki A, Sugino K, Ito K, Miura M. Associations Between Plasma Concentrations of Lenvatinib and Angiopoietin and Clinical Responses to Lenvatinib Therapy in Japanese Patients With Thyroid Cancer. CANCER DIAGNOSIS & PROGNOSIS 2022; 2:336-344. [PMID: 35530647 PMCID: PMC9066539 DOI: 10.21873/cdp.10114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between the plasma concentration of Lenvatinib (C0), the levels of angiopoietin (Ang)-1 and Ang-2, and clinical responses to lenvatinib therapy in patients with thyroid cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Lenvatinib C 0 and Ang were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RESULTS The median decrease rates of Ang-1 and Ang-2 at 1 month after treatment from baseline were -15.3% and -48.4%, respectively. However, the decrease in the levels of Ang-1 and Ang-2 at 1 month from baseline did not correlate with C0. In patients with partial response (PR) and stable disease, Ang-2 at 1 month was significantly lower than Ang-2 at baseline. The area under the ROC for PR prediction was 0.667, giving the best sensitivity (69.2%) and specificity (73.9%) at a threshold of decrease rate of Ang-2 of -49.83%. CONCLUSION The decrease in Ang-2 at 1 month of treatment from baseline may be important as a biomarker of the inhibitory effect of lenvatinib on angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maho Kumagai
- Department of Pharmacy, Akita University Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | | | - Yumiko Akamine
- Department of Pharmacy, Akita University Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ozeki
- Department of Pharmacy, Akita University Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | | | | | - Koichi Ito
- Department of Surgery, Ito Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masatomo Miura
- Department of Pharmacy, Akita University Hospital, Akita, Japan
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
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Plasma angiopoietin 2 as a novel prognostic biomarker in alcohol-related cirrhosis and hepatitis. LIVER RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Cucarull B, Tutusaus A, Rider P, Hernáez-Alsina T, Cuño C, García de Frutos P, Colell A, Marí M, Morales A. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Advances. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030621. [PMID: 35158892 PMCID: PMC8833604 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, continues to be a serious medical problem with poor prognosis, without major therapeutic improvement for years and increasing incidence. Fortunately, advances in systemic treatment options are finally arriving for HCC patients. After a decade of sorafenib as a standard therapy for advanced HCC, several tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), antiangiogenic antibodies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors have reached the clinic. Although infections by hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus remain principal factors for HCC development, the rise of non- alcoholic steatohepatitis from diabetes mellitus or metabolic syndrome is impeding HCC decline. Knowledge of specific molecular mechanisms, based on the etiology and the HCC microenvironment that influence tumor growth and immune control, will be crucial for physician decision-making among a variety of drugs to prescribe. In addition, markers of treatment efficacy are needed to speed the movement of patients towards other potentially effective treatments. Consequently, research to provide scientific data for the evidence-based management of liver cancer is guaranteed in the coming years and discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Cucarull
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
| | - Anna Tutusaus
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
| | - Patricia Rider
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
| | | | - Carlos Cuño
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
| | - Pablo García de Frutos
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
- Unidad Asociada (IMIM), IIBB-CSIC, CIBERCV, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Colell
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
- Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.M.); Tel.: +34-932558314 (M.M. & A.M.)
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (A.T.); (P.R.); (C.C.); (P.G.d.F.); (A.C.)
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.M.); Tel.: +34-932558314 (M.M. & A.M.)
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Pocino K, Napodano C, Marino M, Di Santo R, Miele L, De Matthaeis N, Gulli F, Saporito R, Rapaccini GL, Ciasca G, Basile U. A Comparative Study of Serum Angiogenic Biomarkers in Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010011. [PMID: 35008171 PMCID: PMC8750498 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The progression of liver disease is accompanied by pathological angiogenesis, a prerequisite for the development of HCC. In this paper, we analyzed the clinical significance of serum angiogenic markers VEGF, Ang-1, Ang-2, angiopoietin receptor Tie1/2, HGF, and PECAM-1 in 62 patients with liver disease, out of which 33 were diagnosed with HCC and 29 with liver cirrhosis without signs of neoplasia. Biomarkers levels were investigated as a function of “Model for End-Stage Liver Disease” (MELD) score and Fibrosis Index (FI). HCC patients showed higher HGF levels than ones with cirrhosis, while high Ang-1 levels appeared to have a protective role in HCC as well as prognostic significance; we also found a strong correlation between HGF levels, Ang-2, and VEGF levels, further supporting their role in tumor angiogenesis. Due to the complexity of angiogenesis and the small size of the study group, further investigations are widely desired especially in the era of immunotherapy and HCC-targeted anti-angiogenic drugs. Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health problem associated with chronic liver disease. Its pathogenesis varies according to the underlying etiological factors, although in most cases it develops from liver cirrhosis. The disease progression is accompanied by pathological angiogenesis, which is a prerequisite that favors the development of HCC. Aims: This study aims at contributing to our understanding of the role of angiogenic factors in the progression of liver disease. For this purpose, we evaluate the clinical significance of serum angiogenic markers (VEGF, Ang-1, Ang-2, the angiopoietin receptor Tie1/2, HGF, and PECAM-1) first in cirrhotic and HCC patients separately, and then comparing cirrhotic patients with and without HCC. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 62 patients, out of whom 33 were diagnosed with HCC and 29 with liver cirrhosis without signs of neoplasia. Patients underwent venous blood sampling before and after receiving treatments for the diagnosed disease. Serum markers were evaluated using ELISA assays for Tie1 and the Bio-Plex Multiplex system for the remaining ones. Biomarker levels were investigated as a function of clinical scores for disease staging (MELD and Fibrosis Index, FI). Results: In cirrhotic patients, Ang-1 and Ang-2 correlate with MELD (ρAng-1 = −0.73, p = 2E−5) and FI (ρAng-1 = −0.52, p = 7E−3, ρAng-2 = 0.53, p = 3E−3). A reduction of Ang-2 levels (p = 0.047) and of the Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio (p = 0.031) is observed in cirrhotic patients diagnosed with viral hepatitis after antiviral treatments. In HCC patients, Ang-1 negatively correlates with FI (ρ = −0.63, p = 1E−4), and PECAM-1 positively correlates with MELD (ρ = 0.44, p = 0.01). A significant Ang-1 reduction was observed in deceased patients during the study compared to ones who survived (p = 0.01). In HCC patients, VEGF levels were increased after tumor treatment (p = 0.037). Notably, HGF levels in cirrhotic patients with HCC are significantly raised (p = 0.017) compared to that in those without HCC. Conclusions: Our results suggest that serum angiogenic markers, with emphasis on Ang-1/2, can contribute to the development of quantitative tools for liver disease staging and therapy monitoring. The comparison between cirrhotic patients with and without HCC suggests that HGF levels are potentially useful for monitoring the insurgence of HCC after a cirrhosis diagnosis. High Ang-1 levels in HCC patients appear to have a protective role as well as prognostic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krizia Pocino
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Patologia Clinica, Ospedale Generale di Zona San Pietro Fatebenefratelli, 00189 Rome, Italy; (K.P.); (R.S.)
| | | | - Mariapaola Marino
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Sezione di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (U.B.)
| | - Riccardo Di Santo
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (R.D.S.); (G.C.)
| | - Luca Miele
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Sezione di Medicina Interna, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (N.D.M.); (G.L.R.)
| | - Nicoletta De Matthaeis
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Sezione di Medicina Interna, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (N.D.M.); (G.L.R.)
| | - Francesca Gulli
- Laboratorio di Patologia Clinica, Ospedale Madre Giuseppina Vannini, 00177 Rome, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Saporito
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Patologia Clinica, Ospedale Generale di Zona San Pietro Fatebenefratelli, 00189 Rome, Italy; (K.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Gian Ludovico Rapaccini
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Sezione di Medicina Interna, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (N.D.M.); (G.L.R.)
| | - Gabriele Ciasca
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione di Fisica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (R.D.S.); (G.C.)
| | - Umberto Basile
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (U.B.)
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9
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Abdel Ghafar MT, Elkhouly RA, Elnaggar MH, Mabrouk MM, Darwish SA, Younis RL, Elkholy RA. Utility of serum neuropilin-1 and angiopoietin-2 as markers of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Investig Med 2021; 69:1222-1229. [PMID: 33833047 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2020-001744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of two serum angiogenetic markers neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) and angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their relation to tumor characteristics. 149 subjects were recruited and divided into 50 patients with recently diagnosed HCC, 49 patients with cirrhosis on top of hepatitis C virus infection, and 50 healthy subjects. Serum NRP-1 and ANG-2 were estimated by ELISA. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were measured using fluorescence immunoassay. Serum NRP-1 and ANG-2 levels were significantly higher in patients with HCC (2221.8±1056.6 pg/mL and 3018.5±841.4 pg/mL) than healthy subjects (219.3±61.8 pg/mL and 2007.7±904.8 pg/mL) and patients with cirrhosis (1108.9±526.6 pg/mL and 2179.1±599.2 pg/mL), respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, NRP-1 and AFP were the only independent factors of HCC development and correlated positively with each other (r=0.781, p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of NRP-1 was higher than that of ANG-2 in discriminating HCC from patients with cirrhosis (0.801 vs 0.748, p=0.250) and healthy subjects (0.992 vs 0.809, p<0.001). The AUC of NRP-1 was detected to be increased (0.994) when combined estimation with AFP was performed. Elevated serum NRP-1 and ANG-2 levels were detected in patients with HCC with tumor numbers >3, tumor size ≥5 cm, tumor stages B/C according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system, vascular invasion, and distant metastasis. In conclusion, NRP-1 is a potential serological marker for HCC diagnosis and is better than ANG-2. It is feasible to be estimated in combination with AFP to enhance its diagnostic power. High serum NRP-1 and ANG-2 levels are associated with advanced HCC tumor characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reham A Elkhouly
- Tropical Medicine, Tanta University Faculty of Medicine, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed M Mabrouk
- Internal Medicine, Tanta University Faculty of Medicine, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Sara A Darwish
- Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Tanta University Faculty of Medicine, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Reham L Younis
- Physiology, Tanta University Faculty of Medicine, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Rasha A Elkholy
- Clinical Pathology, Tanta University Faculty of Medicine, Tanta, Egypt
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10
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Ao J, Chiba T, Kanzaki H, Kanayama K, Shibata S, Kurosugi A, Iwanaga T, Kan M, Sakuma T, Qiang N, Ma Y, Kojima R, Kusakabe Y, Nakamura M, Kobayashi K, Kiyono S, Kanogawa N, Saito T, Nakagawa R, Kondo T, Ogasawara S, Suzuki E, Nakamoto S, Muroyama R, Tawada A, Kato J, Kanda T, Maruyama H, Kato N. Serum Angiopoietin 2 acts as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer 2021; 12:2694-2701. [PMID: 33854629 PMCID: PMC8040723 DOI: 10.7150/jca.56436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is typically accompanied by abundant arterial blood flow. Although angiogenic growth factors such as Angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) play a central role in tumor angiogenesis in HCC, the role of serum Ang2 as a biomarker in HCC remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of Ang2 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in HCC using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The median Ang2 levels in controls (n=20), chronic liver disease patients (n=98), and HCC patients (n=275) were 1.58, 2.33, and 3.53 ng/mL, respectively. The optimal cut-off value of Ang2 was determined as 3.5 ng/mL by receiver operating curve analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of Ang2 for HCC detection were 50.9, 83.7, and 59.5%, respectively. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis demonstrated only a weak correlation between Ang2 serum levels and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) or des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) serum levels. The diagnostic value of Ang2 was comparable to those of other existing markers. In addition, 24 out of 73 patients with normal AFP and DCP levels (32.9%) demonstrated abnormally high Ang2 levels (≥3.5 ng/mL). Although no significant difference in overall survival was found between Ang2high and Ang2low patients with curative ablation therapy, recurrence-free survival (RFS) in Ang2high patients was observed to be significantly shorter than those in Ang2low patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high serum Ang2 levels (≥3.5 ng/mL) and the presence of multiple tumors were poor prognostic factors. In conclusion, our findings indicate that serum Ang2 is a potential novel biomarker for both diagnosis and prognosis in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Ao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Chiba
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kanzaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kengo Kanayama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Shuhei Shibata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Akane Kurosugi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Terunao Iwanaga
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Motoyasu Kan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Takafumi Sakuma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Na Qiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yaojia Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Ryuta Kojima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yuko Kusakabe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Masato Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Soichiro Kiyono
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Naoya Kanogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Tomoko Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kondo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Sadahisa Ogasawara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Eiichiro Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Shingo Nakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Muroyama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Akinobu Tawada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Jun Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Kanda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-Kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Maruyama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Naoya Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
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11
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Abdelgawad ME, Darwish H, Nabawy MM, El-mezayen H. Development of novel score based on Angiogenic panel for accurate diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma among hepatitis C virus high-risk patients. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 85:104572. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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12
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Vanderborght B, Lefere S, Vlierberghe HV, Devisscher L. The Angiopoietin/Tie2 Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112382. [PMID: 33143149 PMCID: PMC7693961 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the usually late diagnosis and lack of effective therapies, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which poses a growing global health problem, is characterized by a poor prognosis. Angiogenesis plays an important role in HCC progression, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietins (Angs) are key drivers of HCC angiogenesis. VEGF-targeting strategies already represent an important component of today’s systemic treatment landscape of HCC, whereas targeting the Ang/Tie2 signaling pathway may harbor future potential in this context due to reported beneficial anticancer effects when targeting this pathway. In addition, a better understanding of the relation between Angs and HCC angiogenesis and progression may reveal their potential as predictive factors for post-treatment disease progression and prognosis. In this review, we give a comprehensive overview of the complex role of Ang/Tie2 signaling in HCC, pinpointing its potential value as biomarker and target for HCC treatments, aiding HCC diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Vanderborght
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.V.); (S.L.); (H.V.V.)
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.V.); (S.L.); (H.V.V.)
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.V.); (S.L.); (H.V.V.)
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-9-332-56-65
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13
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Chen J, Rong X, Liu X, Zheng D, Rong X, Chen F, Zhao P, Liu F, Ruan J. FOXC2 is a prognostic biomarker and contributes to the growth and invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:196. [PMID: 32508532 PMCID: PMC7249675 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01265-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Forkhead box C2 (FOXC2) is a crucial factor involving in various cancers. However, its functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. Here, we explored the role of FOXC2 in the progression of HCC and its potential mechanisms. Methods FOXC2 expression in HCC tissue and cells were detected by immunohistochemistry or western blot and real-time PCR. CCK8, wound healing and transwell assay were used to measure cell growth and invasion. Tumor formation experiment was carried out to assess the tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Regulation of FOXC2 on Ang-2 was validated by luciferase assay and complementary experiments. Results Increased FOXC2 expression was found to be associated positively with more aggressive clinicopathologic features. HCC patients with higher FOXC2 expression had significantly shorter overall survival. FOXC2 expression was indentified as an independent risk factor for resectable HCC. Increased FOXC2 expression accelerated the migration and invasion of HCC cells, accompanied by enhanced Ang-2 expression. Likewise, FOXC2 knockdown yielded opposite results. Moreover, FOXC2 stimulated the activation of the Ang-2 promoter. Suppression of Ang-2 expression hindered the FOXC2-mediated EMT processs, cell migration and invasion of HCC. Conclusions FOXC2 is a novel prognostic predictor for HCC and may facilitate the growth and invasion through Ang-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Hepatology Unit and Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000 People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiang Rong
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Dayong Zheng
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Rong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Fengsheng Chen
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003 Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiye Liu
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Hepatology Unit and Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000 People's Republic of China.,Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003 Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
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14
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Nicolini G, Forini F, Kusmic C, Iervasi G, Balzan S. Angiopoietin 2 signal complexity in cardiovascular disease and cancer. Life Sci 2019; 239:117080. [PMID: 31756341 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The angiopoietin signal transduction system is a complex of vascular-specific kinase pathways that plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and maintenance of vascular homeostasis. Angiopoietin1 (Ang1) and 2 (Ang2), the ligand proteins of the pathway, belong to a family of glycoproteins that signal primarily through the transmembrane Tyrosine-kinase-2 receptor. Despite a considerable sequence homology, Ang1 and Ang2 manifest antagonistic effects in pathophysiological conditions. While Ang1 promotes the activation of survival pathways and the stabilization of the normal mature vessels, Ang2 can either favor vessel destabilization and leakage or promote abnormal EC proliferation in a context-dependent manner. Altered Ang1/Ang2 balance has been reported in various pathological conditions in association with inflammation and deregulated angiogenesis. In particular, increased Ang2 levels have been documented in human cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD), including ischemic myocardial injury, heart failure and other cardiovascular complications secondary to diabetes, chronic renal damage and hypertension. Despite the obvious phenotypic differences, CVD and cancer share some common Ang2-dependent etiopathological mechanisms such as inflammation, epithelial (or endothelial) to mesenchymal transition, and adverse vascular network remodeling. Interestingly, both cancer and CVD are negatively affected by thyroid hormone dyshomeostasis. This review provides an overview of the complex Ang2-dependent signaling involved in CVD and cancer, as well as a survey of the related clinical literature. Moreover, on the basis of recent molecular acquisitions in an experimental model of post ischemic cardiac disease, the putative novel role of the thyroid hormone in the regulation of Ang1/Ang2 balance is also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Forini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Claudia Kusmic
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Iervasi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Silvana Balzan
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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15
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Lefere S, Van de Velde F, Hoorens A, Raevens S, Van Campenhout S, Vandierendonck A, Neyt S, Vandeghinste B, Vanhove C, Debbaut C, Verhelst X, Van Dorpe J, Van Steenkiste C, Casteleyn C, Lapauw B, Van Vlierberghe H, Geerts A, Devisscher L. Angiopoietin-2 Promotes Pathological Angiogenesis and Is a Therapeutic Target in Murine Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Hepatology 2019; 69:1087-1104. [PMID: 30259536 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis contributes to the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and promotes inflammation, fibrosis, and progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is a key regulator of angiogenesis. We aimed to investigate the role of Ang-2 and its potential as a therapeutic target in NASH using human samples, in vivo mouse models, and in vitro assays. Serum Ang-2 levels were determined in 104 obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and concomitant liver biopsy. The effect of the Ang-2/Tie2 receptor inhibiting peptibody L1-10 was evaluated in the methionine-choline deficient (MCD) and streptozotocin-western diet nonalcoholic fatty liver disease mouse models, and in vitro on endothelial cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages. The hepatic vasculature was visualized with µCT scans and scanning electron microscopy of vascular casts. Serum Ang-2 levels were increased in patients with histological NASH compared with patients with simple steatosis and correlated with hepatic CD34 immunoreactivity as a marker of hepatic angiogenesis. Serum and hepatic Ang-2 levels were similarly increased in mice with steatohepatitis. Both preventive and therapeutic L1-10 treatment reduced hepatocyte ballooning and fibrosis in MCD diet-fed mice and was associated with reduced hepatic angiogenesis and normalization of the vascular micro-architecture. Liver-isolated endothelial cells and monocytes from MCD-fed L1-10-treated mice showed reduced expression of leukocyte adhesion and inflammatory markers, respectively, compared with cells from untreated MCD diet-fed mice. In the streptozotocin-western diet model, therapeutic Ang-2 inhibition was able to reverse NASH and attenuate HCC progression. In vitro, L1-10 treatment mitigated increased cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated endothelial cells but not in macrophages. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence for Ang-2 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to target pathological angiogenesis in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lefere
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Anne Hoorens
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Raevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sanne Van Campenhout
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Astrid Vandierendonck
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Christian Vanhove
- Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Debbaut
- Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Van Dorpe
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Steenkiste
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Casteleyn
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.,Applied Veterinary Morphology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bruno Lapauw
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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16
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Allegretti AS, Parada XV, Ortiz GA, Long J, Krinsky S, Zhao S, Fuchs BC, Sojoodi M, Zhang D, Karumanchi SA, Kalim S, Nigwekar SU, Thadhani RI, Parikh SM, Chung RT. Serum Angiopoietin-2 Predicts Mortality and Kidney Outcomes in Decompensated Cirrhosis. Hepatology 2019; 69:729-741. [PMID: 30141205 PMCID: PMC6351209 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acute kidney injury in decompensated cirrhosis has limited therapeutic options, and novel mechanistic targets are urgently needed. Angiopoietin-2 is a context-specific antagonist of Tie2, a receptor that signals vascular quiescence. Considering the prominence of vascular destabilization in decompensated cirrhosis, we evaluated Angiopoietin-2 to predict clinical outcomes. Serum Angiopoietin-2 was measured serially in a prospective cohort of hospitalized patients with decompensated cirrhosis and acute kidney injury. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were examined over a 90-day period and analyzed according to Angiopoietin-2 levels. Primary outcome was 90-day mortality. Our study included 191 inpatients (median Angiopoietin-2 level 18.2 [interquartile range 11.8, 26.5] ng/mL). Median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 23 [17, 30] and 90-day mortality was 41%. Increased Angiopoietin-2 levels were associated with increased mortality (died 21.9 [13.9, 30.3] ng/mL vs. alive 15.2 [9.8, 23.0] ng/mL; P < 0.001), higher Acute Kidney Injury Network stage (stage I 13.4 [9.8, 20.1] ng/mL vs. stage II 20.0 [14.1, 26.2] ng/mL vs. stage III 21.9 [13.0, 29.5] ng/mL; P = 0.002), and need for renal replacement therapy (16.5 [11.3, 23.6] ng/mL vs. 25.1 [13.3, 30.3] ng/mL; P = 0.005). The association between Angiopoietin-2 and mortality was significant in unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression models (P ≤ 0.001 for all models), and improved discrimination for mortality when added to MELD score (integrated discrimination increment 0.067; P = 0.001). Conclusion: Angiopoietin-2 was associated with mortality and other clinically relevant outcomes in a cohort of patients with decompensated cirrhosis with acute kidney injury. Further experimental study of Angiopoietin/Tie2 signaling is warranted to explore its potential mechanistic and therapeutic role in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S. Allegretti
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xavier Vela Parada
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Joshua Long
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott Krinsky
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sophia Zhao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bryan C. Fuchs
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mozhdeh Sojoodi
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dongsheng Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S. Ananth Karumanchi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA,Departments of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sahir Kalim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sagar U. Nigwekar
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ravi I. Thadhani
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Departments of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Samir M. Parikh
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raymond T. Chung
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Clinical and prognostic significance of circulating levels of angiopoietin-1 and angiopoietin-2 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 9:37721-37732. [PMID: 30701027 PMCID: PMC6340869 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) play critical roles in angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, recent data suggest that Ang-1/Ang-2 are involved in regulating the immune response. The aim of our study was to explore the clinical prognostic significance of plasma Ang-1 and Ang-2 in HCC. We prospectively enrolled and collected data and blood samples from 767 HCC patients treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center between 2001 and 2014. Controls consisted of cirrhotic patients (n = 75) and healthy volunteers (n = 200). The cutoff value was the median level of each angiogenic factor. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan–Meier curves and compared by the log-rank test. Higher plasma Ang-2 was significantly associated with advanced clinicopathologic features of advanced HCC and lower OS. Median OS was 61.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 45.1–78.5 months) for low Ang-2 compared with 28.5 months (95% CI, 24.8–32.1 months) for high Ang-2 (p < 0.001). In contrast, higher Ang-1 was associated with longer OS. Median OS was 37.2 months (95% CI, 31.0–43.4 months) for high Ang-1 compared with 26.2 months (95% CI, 22.2–30.3 months) for those with low Ang-1 (p = 0.043). In conclusion, our findings indicate that plasma Ang-1 and Ang-2 levels are potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in HCC.
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Chen Y, Wu Y, Zhang X, Zeng H, Liu Y, Wu Q, Chen Y, Zhu G, Pan Q, Jin L, Guo L, Sun F. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is a useful serum tumor marker for liver cancer in the Chinese population. Clin Chim Acta 2018; 478:18-27. [PMID: 29253494 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We estimated the diagnostic and prognostic value of serum angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) in liver cancer patients. METHODS Tissue Ang-2 was measured using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Cell localization of Ang-2 was tested using immunofluorescence (IF). Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using MTT and caspase3/7 assays, respectively. Colony-formation was measured using a soft agar assay. Serum Ang-2 was examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting. RESULTS Ang-2 was up-regulated in liver cancer compared to the levels in normal tissues. Serum Ang-2 concentrations were much higher in liver cancer patients than in healthy individuals and those with chronic liver disease (CLD). Inhibitions of Ang-2 using specific shRNA decreased cell proliferation. Serum Ang-2 decreased significantly after surgery. Serum Ang-2 was positively correlated with serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP; R=0.375, P=0.005). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves suggested that serum Ang-2 could be used with relatively high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating liver cancer patients from CLD patients or healthy controls, with corresponding AUC values of 0.742 and 0.924, respectively. Serum Ang-2 was negatively correlated with overall survival. Subgroup analysis also showed that Ang-2 retained its prognostic value in overall survival prediction in different risk subgroups. CONCLUSION Serum Ang-2 may be a useful tumor marker in predicting liver cancer prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yanping Wu
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhong Da Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Hong Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Ya Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Qi Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - GuoQing Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Qiuhui Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127,China
| | - Lei Jin
- College of Allied Health Professions, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Highway, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201318, China.
| | - Lin Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China..
| | - Fenyong Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China.
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Saharinen P, Eklund L, Alitalo K. Therapeutic targeting of the angiopoietin-TIE pathway. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2017; 16:635-661. [PMID: 28529319 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2016.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 332] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The endothelial angiopoietin (ANG)-TIE growth factor receptor pathway regulates vascular permeability and pathological vascular remodelling during inflammation, tumour angiogenesis and metastasis. Drugs that target the ANG-TIE pathway are in clinical development for oncological and ophthalmological applications. The aim is to complement current vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-based anti-angiogenic therapies in cancer, wet age-related macular degeneration and macular oedema. The unique function of the ANG-TIE pathway in vascular stabilization also renders this pathway an attractive target in sepsis, organ transplantation, atherosclerosis and vascular complications of diabetes. This Review covers key aspects of the function of the ANG-TIE pathway in vascular disease and describes the recent development of novel therapeutics that target this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pipsa Saharinen
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, P.O. Box 63, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri Eklund
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, Aapistie 5A, University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, P.O. Box 63, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Noninvasive estimation of liver fibrosis in biopsy-proven hepatitis C virus-infected patients: angiogenic fibrogenic link. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 29:199-207. [PMID: 27930387 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The assessment of liver fibrosis provides useful information not only for diagnosis but also for therapeutic decisions. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a predictive score named the angiogenic index (Angio-Index) for liver fibrosis staging and to compare Angio-Index by King, Gotebörg University Cirrhosis Index, Lok, FIB-4, and aspartate aminotranferase/alanine aminotranferase scores in hepatitis C virus-infected patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serum levels of angiopoietin-2, basic fibroblast growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and endostatin were assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 122 HCV patients represented in two sets (estimation group and validation group). Stepwise linear discriminant analysis and area under receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were utilized to produce a predictive score comprising significant angiogenic biomarkers. RESULTS A novel score named the Angio-Index score was created on the basis of a combination of angiopoietin-2, basic fibroblast growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and endostatin. Angio-Index produces an AUC of 0.90 for significant fibrosis, 0.865 for advanced fibrosis, and 0.857 for cirrhosis. The Angio-Index score correctly classified 71% of the significant fibrosis (F2-F4) with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 91%. The Angio-Index had a similar AUC in the validation study. The above six scores showed lower AUCs than Angio-Index. CONCLUSION Whereas liver biopsy is invasive, costly, and associated with complications, Angio-Index is simple, noninvasive, and more accurate; it may decrease the need for liver biopsy in Egyptian patients.
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Hernández-Bartolomé A, López-Rodríguez R, Borque MJ, González-Moreno L, Real-Martínez Y, García-Buey L, Moreno-Otero R, Sanz-Cameno P. Angiopoietin-2/angiopoietin-1 as non-invasive biomarker of cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis C. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:9744-9751. [PMID: 27956798 PMCID: PMC5124979 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i44.9744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the efficacy of peripheral blood concentrations of angiopoietins (Ang) as cirrhosis biomarkers of chronic hepatitis C (CHC).
METHODS Ang1 and Ang2 serum levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in samples from 179 cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic CHC patients, classified according to the METAVIR system. Groups were compared by non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Subsequently, the association of peripheral concentrations of angiopoietins with the stage of fibrosis was analyzed using Spearman correlation test. Finally, the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of circulating angiopoietins for cirrhosis diagnosis were determined by the study of the respective area under the curve of receiver operator characteristics (AUC-ROC).
RESULTS Peripheral blood concentrations of Ang1 and Ang2 in CHC patients were significantly related to fibrosis. While Ang1 was decreased in cirrhotic subjects compared to non-cirrhotic (P < 0.0001), Ang2 was significantly increased as CHC progressed to the end stage of liver disease (P < 0.0001). Consequently, Ang2/Ang1 ratio was notably amplified and significantly correlated with fibrosis (P < 0.0001). Interestingly, the individual performance of each angiopoietin for the diagnosis of cirrhosis reached notable AUC-ROC values (above 0.7, both), but the Ang2/Ang1 ratio was much better (AUC-ROC = 0.810) and displayed outstanding values of sensitivity (71%), specificity (84%) and accuracy (82.1%) at the optimal cut-off (10.33). Furthermore, Ang2/Ang1 ratio improved the performance of many other previously described biomarkers or scores of liver cirrhosis in CHC.
CONCLUSION Ang2/Ang1 ratio might constitute a useful tool for monitoring the progression of chronic liver disease towards cirrhosis and play an important role as therapeutic target.
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Chauhan R, Lahiri N. Tissue- and Serum-Associated Biomarkers of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOMARKERS IN CANCER 2016; 8:37-55. [PMID: 27398029 PMCID: PMC4933537 DOI: 10.4137/bic.s34413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the world, is offering a challenge to human beings, with the current modes of treatment being a palliative approach. Lack of proper curative or preventive treatment methods encouraged extensive research around the world with an aim to detect a vaccine or therapeutic target biomolecule that could lead to development of a drug or vaccine against HCC. Biomarkers or biological disease markers have emerged as a potential tool as drug/vaccine targets, as they can accurately diagnose, predict, and even prevent the diseases. Biomarker expression in tissue, serum, plasma, or urine can detect tumor in very early stages of its development and monitor the cancer progression and also the effect of therapeutic interventions. Biomarker discoveries are driven by advanced techniques, such as proteomics, transcriptomics, whole genome sequencing, micro- and micro-RNA arrays, and translational clinics. In this review, an overview of the potential of tissue- and serum-associated HCC biomarkers as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets for drug development is presented. In addition, we highlight recently developed micro-RNA, long noncoding RNA biomarkers, and single-nucleotide changes, which may be used independently or as complementary biomarkers. These active investigations going on around the world aimed at conquering HCC might show a bright light in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjit Chauhan
- Molecular Virology and Hepatology Research Group, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.; Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Kaseb AO, Morris JS, Iwasaki M, Al-Shamsi HO, Raghav KPS, Girard L, Cheung S, Nguyen V, Elsayes KM, Xiao L, Abdel-Wahab R, Shalaby AS, Hassan M, Hassabo HM, Wolff RA, Yao JC. Phase II trial of bevacizumab and erlotinib as a second-line therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2016; 9:773-80. [PMID: 26929648 PMCID: PMC4760665 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s91977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Trial registry Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01180959. Background Early clinical studies of bevacizumab and erlotinib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have a tolerable toxicity and a promising clinical outcome. We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of this combination as a second-line therapy for HCC refractory to sorafenib. Methods For this single-arm, Phase II study, we recruited patients with Child–Pugh class A or B liver disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0–2, and advanced HCC that was not amenable to surgical or regional therapies and treatment with sorafenib had failed (disease progressed or patient could not tolerate sorafenib). Patients received 10 mg/kg intravenous bevacizumab every 14 days and 150 mg oral erlotinib daily for 28-day cycles until progression. Tumor response was evaluated every two cycles using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The primary end point was the 16-week progression-free survival rate. Secondary end points included time to progression and overall survival. Results A total of 44 patients were enrolled and had a median follow-up time of 33.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.5 months – not defined). The 16-week progression-free survival rate was 43% (95% CI: 28%–59%), median time to progression was 3.9 months (95% CI: 2.0–8.3 months), and median overall survival duration was 9.9 months (95% CI: 8.3–15.5 months). Grade 3–4 adverse events included fatigue (13%), acne (11%), diarrhea (9%), anemia (7%), and upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (7%). Conclusion Bevacizumab plus erlotinib was tolerable and showed a signal of survival benefit in the second-line setting for patients with advanced HCC. Because standard-of-care options are lacking in this setting, further studies to identify predictors of response to this regimen are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed O Kaseb
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Morris
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michiko Iwasaki
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Humaid O Al-Shamsi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kanwal Pratap Singh Raghav
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lauren Girard
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sheree Cheung
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Van Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Khaled M Elsayes
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lianchun Xiao
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Reham Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Clinical Oncology, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Shalaby
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Manal Hassan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hesham M Hassabo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert A Wolff
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James C Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Karakus S, Bozoklu Akkar O, Yildiz C, Sancakdar E, Cetin M, Cetin A. Serum levels of ET-1, M30, and angiopoietins-1 and -2 in HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia compared to controls. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2015; 293:351-9. [PMID: 26138305 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-015-3803-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to compare the serum levels of ET-1, M30, and Angs-1 and -2 in patients with preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, and normal controls. METHODS In this cross-sectional study of 74 pregnant women, serum levels of ET-1, M30, and Angs-1 and -2 were measured in preeclamptic patients with or without HELLP syndrome. 74 pregnant women; 37 had healthy pregnancies, 25 had preeclampsia (PE), and 12 had HELLP syndrome. RESULTS The age, body mass index, gravidity, and parity of patients with normal pregnancy, PE, and HELLP syndrome were comparable (p > 0.05). In HELLP syndrome, compared to healthy or preeclamptic pregnancies, platelet count was lower (p < 0.05) and the values of hepatic function tests were higher (p < 0.05). In HELLP syndrome, ET-1, M30, and Ang-2 were higher compared to healthy or preeclamptic pregnancies (p < 0.05); however, they increased in preeclamptic pregnancies compared to healthy pregnancies though not significant (p > 0.05). In PE or HELLP syndrome, Ang-1 was higher compared to a healthy pregnancy (p < 0.05); however, in HELLP syndrome, it was also higher than in PE though not significant (p > 0.05). We found no significant correlation among these biomarkers and hematological and biochemical parameters (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION For the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome, increased levels of ET-1, M30, and Angs-1 and -2 appear as promising biomarkers after determination of their standardized threshold levels after further studies. As an apoptosis-related biomarker, serum M30 level has a merit to be the most promising test for prediction or differential diagnosis of HELLP syndrome in PE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savas Karakus
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, 58140, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Ozlem Bozoklu Akkar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, 58140, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Caglar Yildiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, 58140, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Enver Sancakdar
- Department of Biochemistry, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, 58140, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Meral Cetin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, 58140, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Ali Cetin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, 58140, Sivas, Turkey.
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Bupathi M, Kaseb A, Meric-Bernstam F, Naing A. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Where there is unmet need. Mol Oncol 2015; 9:1501-9. [PMID: 26160430 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex and heterogeneous tumor most commonly associated with underlying chronic liver disease, especially hepatitis. It is a growing problem in the United States and worldwide. There are two potential ways to prevent HCC. Primary prevention which is based on vaccination or secondary prevention involving agents that slow down carcinogenesis. Several pathways have been thought to play a role in the development of HCC; specifically, those involving vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated angiogenesis, WNT, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and c-MET. Currently, there are only a limited number of drugs which have been proven as effective treatment options for HCC and several clinical trials are testing drugs which target aberrations in the pathways mentioned above. In this review, we discuss currently approved therapies, monotherapies and combination therapy for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manojkumar Bupathi
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ahmed Kaseb
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aung Naing
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Bupathi M, Kaseb A, Janku F. Angiopoietin 2 as a therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment: current perspectives. Onco Targets Ther 2014; 7:1927-32. [PMID: 25364263 PMCID: PMC4211614 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s46457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a hypervascular malignancy and is the third leading cause of death worldwide. The disease has multiple predisposing risk factors and limited treatment options. Although the precise mechanism(s) underlying HCC is unknown, several pathways have been implicated in its development. HCC is a vascular tumor and angiogenesis is believed to play an important role in its progression. Hypoxia is believed to increase the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through the expression of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. VEGF and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) are expressed on cancer cells, whereas angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) occurs predominantly in support cells of large blood cells as well as stromal, endothelial, and tumor cells. Ang2 is concomitantly an agonist and antagonist of angiopoietin 1 and is expressed during vascular remodeling. This prevents vascular stability and allows VEGF to stimulate endothelial cells. Ang2 is expressed along with growing blood vessels, destabilizing the vascular integrity. Inhibiting Ang2 can, on the other hand, promote vesicular stability and decrease angiogenesis. We discuss in this review angiopoietin as a therapeutic target alone or in combination with other therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manojkumar Bupathi
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ahmed Kaseb
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Filip Janku
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Angiogenesis-related biomarkers in patients with alcoholic liver disease: their association with liver disease complications and outcome. Mediators Inflamm 2014; 2014:673032. [PMID: 24959006 PMCID: PMC4052180 DOI: 10.1155/2014/673032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is believed to be implicated in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We aimed to explore the usefulness and accuracy of plasma angiogenic biomarkers for noninvasive evaluation of the severity of liver failure and ALD outcome. One hundred and forty-seven patients with ALD were prospectively enrolled and assessed based on their (1) gender, (2) age, (3) severity of liver dysfunction according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh and MELD scores, and (4) the presence of ALD complications. Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and angiopoietins 1 and 2 (Ang1 and Ang2) were investigated using ELISAs. Multivariable logistic regression was applied in order to select independent predictors of advanced liver dysfunction and the disease complications. Significantly higher concentrations of Ang2 and VEGF-A in ALD patients as compared to controls were found. There was no difference in Ang1 levels in both groups. A positive correlation of Ang2 levels with INR (Rho 0.66; P < 0.0001) and its inverse correlation with plasma albumin levels (Rho –0.62; P < 0.0001) were found. High Ang2 concentrations turned out to be an independent predictor of severe liver dysfunction, as well as hepatic encephalopathy and renal impairment. Ang2 possessed the highest diagnostic and prognostic potential among three studied angiogenesis-related molecules.
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Voigtländer T, David S, Thamm K, Schlué J, Metzger J, Manns MP, Lankisch TO. Angiopoietin-2 and biliary diseases: elevated serum, but not bile levels are associated with cholangiocarcinoma. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97046. [PMID: 24823366 PMCID: PMC4019663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is challenging especially in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and often delayed due to the lack of reliable markers. Angiopoietin-2 (Angpt-2) has been employed as a biomarker of angiogenesis and might be involved in tumor neoangiogenesis. Aim To evaluate the diagnostic potential of Angpt-2 as a biomarker to detect patients with CC. Methods Bile and serum Angpt-2 levels were measured in patients with CC (n = 45), PSC (n = 74), CC complicating PSC (CC/PSC) (n = 11) and patients with bile duct stones (n = 37) in a cross sectional study. Diagnostic accuracy of Angpt-2 was compared to carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9). Fluorescent immunohistochemistry from human CC liver tissue samples was performed to localize the origin of Angpt-2. Results Serum Angpt-2 concentration was significantly elevated in patients with CC compared to control patients (p<0.05). Diagnostic accuracy of Angpt-2 as determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis resulted in a higher area under the curve (AUC) value compared to CA19-9 (AUC: 0.85 versus 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74–0.93 versus 0.65–0.87, respectively). Angpt-2 was also detectable in bile, but was not associated with the presence of CC. Immunohistochemistry revealed a strong induction of Angpt-2 expression in the tumor vasculature. Conclusions Circulating Angpt-2 in serum might be a promising protein candidate locally derived from the tumor vasculature in patients with CC. Measurement of Angpt-2 in serum may be useful for diagnosis and further clinical management of patients with CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Voigtländer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center – Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sascha David
- Department of Nephrology & Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kristina Thamm
- Department of Nephrology & Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jerome Schlué
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Michael P. Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center – Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tim O. Lankisch
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center – Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Ozaki K, Toshikuni N, George J, Minato T, Matsue Y, Arisawa T, Tsutsumi M. Serum endocan as a novel prognostic biomarker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer 2014; 5:221-30. [PMID: 24665346 PMCID: PMC3963079 DOI: 10.7150/jca.7691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocan is a vascular endothelium-derived factor regulated by angiogenic factors. The aim of this study was to determine whether serum endocan levels are prognostic for survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Serum endocan levels were measured in 64 HCC patients who were naïve to treatment, eight apparently healthy subjects, and 68 patients with liver cirrhosis; the latter two groups served as controls. Prognostic factors for the survival of HCC patients were examined using a Cox proportional hazards model. The median serum endocan levels were 1.145 ng/mL (range, 0.93-1.68 ng/mL) in healthy subjects, 1.93 ng/mL (range, 0.45-8.47 ng/mL) in liver cirrhosis patients, and 3.73 ng/mL (range, 0.74-10.95 ng/mL) in HCC patients (P = 0.0001). In HCC patients, elevated serum endocan levels were significantly associated with poor hepatic function (P = 0.015), a greater number of tumors (P = 0.034), and vascular invasion (P = 0.043). The median follow-up period was 23.0 months, and 33 HCC patients died during follow up. Multivariate analysis showed that serum endocan levels ≥ 2.20 ng/mL (hazard ratio 2.36, 95% confidence interval 1.22-5.36, P = 0.008) as well as elevated serum α-fetoprotein and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin levels were independent prognostic biomarkers for poor survival. The combination of serum endocan and these two additional markers was significantly predictive of worse survival (P < 0.0001). Thus, serum endocan may be a prognostic biomarker for survival in HCC patients, and the combination of serum endocan, α-fetoprotein, and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin levels can result in better prognostic stratification of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Ozaki
- 1. Department of Hepatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Toshikuni
- 2. Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Joseph George
- 1. Department of Hepatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takahiro Minato
- 1. Department of Hepatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Matsue
- 1. Department of Hepatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tomiyasu Arisawa
- 2. Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Mikihiro Tsutsumi
- 1. Department of Hepatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
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He T, Qi F, Jia L, Wang S, Song N, Guo L, Fu Y, Luo Y. MicroRNA-542-3p inhibits tumour angiogenesis by targeting angiopoietin-2. J Pathol 2014; 232:499-508. [PMID: 24403060 DOI: 10.1002/path.4324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Revised: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Angiopoietin-2 (Angpt2) plays a critical role in angiogenesis and tumour progression. Therapeutic targeting of Angpt2 has been implicated as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Whereas miRNAs are emerging as important modulators of angiogenesis, regulation of Angpt2 by miRNAs has not been established. Here we firstly report that Ang2 is targeted by a microRNA, miRNA-542-3p, which inhibits tumour progression by impairing Ang2's pro-angiogenic activity. In cultured endothelial cells, miR-542-3p inhibited translation of Angpt2 mRNA by binding to its 3' UTR, and addition of miR-542-3p to cultured endothelial cells attenuated angiogenesis. Administration of miR-542-3p to tumour-bearing mice reduced tumour growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, the level of miR-542-3p in primary breast carcinomas correlated inversely with clinical progression in primary tumour samples from stage III and IV patients. Together, these findings uncover a novel regulatory pathway whereby an anti-angiogenic miR-542-3p directly targets the key angiogenesis-promoting protein Angpt2, suggesting that miR-542-3p may represent a promising target for anti-angiogenic therapy and a potential marker for monitoring disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting He
- National Engineering Laboratory for Anti-tumour Protein Therapeutics, Beijing Key Laboratory for Protein Therapeutics and Cancer Biology Laboratory, and School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Angiopoietin 1 and angiopoietin 2 are associated with medial thickening of hepatic arterial branches in biliary atresia. Pediatr Res 2014; 75:22-8. [PMID: 24126820 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2013.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biliary atresia (BA) is an infantile disorder characterized by progressive sclerosing cholangiopathy leading to biliary obstruction. First-line treatment of BA is hepatoportoenterostomy, the prognosis of which is related to age at surgery and to histological variables such as extent of fibrosis and ductular reaction. Hepatic arterial medial thickening (MT) suggests an arteriopathy in BA pathogenesis. We evaluated the expression of angiopoietin (ANGPT)/tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin-like and epidermal growth factor-like domains 2 (TIE2) system in liver samples obtained from patients with BA, correlating it with MT, variables associated with disease severity, and postoperative prognosis. METHODS ANGPT1, ANGPT2, and TIE2 expression levels were assessed by quantitative PCR in liver samples obtained from BA patients (n = 23) at portoenterostomy and age-matched infants with intrahepatic cholestasis (IHC; n = 7). Histological variables were morphometrically assessed. RESULTS ANGPT1 and ANGPT2 were overexpressed in BA in comparison with IHC (P = 0.024 and P = 0.029, respectively). In BA, ANGPTs expression was positively correlated with MT (ANGPT1: rs = 0.59, P = 0.013; ANGPT2: rs = 0.52, P = 0.032), not with the variables associated with disease severity. TIE2 and ANGPTs expression levels were negatively correlated (ANGPT1: rs = -0.73, P < 0.001; ANGPT2: rs = -0.54, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION In BA, there is overexpression of both ANGPT1 and ANGPT2, which is correlated with MT but not with age at portoenterostomy or with the histological variables associated with disease severity at the time of procedure.
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Li T, Liu Z, Jiang K, Ruan Q. Angiopoietin2 enhances doxorubin resistance in HepG2 cells by upregulating survivin and Ref-1 via MSK1 activation. Cancer Lett 2013; 337:276-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Sharma BK, Srinivasan R, Kapil S, Singla B, Saini N, Chawla YK, Chakraborti A, Duseja A, Kalra N, Dhiman RK. Serum levels of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors: their prognostic relevance in locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Cell Biochem 2013; 383:103-12. [PMID: 23912396 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-013-1759-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prototype tumor wherein angiogenesis plays a vital role in its progression. The role of VEGF, a major angiogenic factor in HCC is known; however, the role of anti-angiogenic factors simultaneously with the angiogenic factors has not been studied before. Hence, in this study, the serum levels of major angiogenic [Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2)] and anti-angiogenic (endostatin, angiostatin) factors were analyzed and correlated with clinico-radiological features and with outcome. A total of 150 patients (50 HCC, 50 cirrhosis and 50 chronic hepatitis) and 50 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of VEGF, Ang-2, endostatin, and angiostatin were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HCC shows significantly elevated serum levels of angiogenic factors VEGF and Ang-2 and of anti-angiogenic factors endostatin and angiostatin. ROC curve analysis for serum VEGF yielded an optimal cut-off value of 225.14 pg/ml, with a sensitivity of 78 % and specificity of 84.7 % for a diagnosis of HCC and its distinction from other group. Using this value, the univariate and multivariate analysis revealed significantly poor outcome in patients with higher levels of serum VEGF (p = 0.009). Combinatorial analysis revealed that patients with higher levels of both angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors showed poor outcome. Serum VEGF correlates with poor survival of HCC patients and, therefore, serves as a non-invasive biomarker of poor prognosis. Moreover, elevated levels of anti-angiogenic factors occur endogenously in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bal Krishan Sharma
- Departments of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India
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Hernández-Bartolomé Á, López-Rodríguez R, Rodríguez-Muñoz Y, Martín-Vílchez S, Borque MJ, García-Buey L, González-Moreno L, Real Y, Moreno-Otero R, Sanz-Cameno P. Angiopoietin-2 Serum Levels Improve Noninvasive Fibrosis Staging in Chronic Hepatitis C: A Fibrogenic-Angiogenic Link. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66143. [PMID: 23823085 PMCID: PMC3688858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Accurate liver fibrosis staging is crucial for the management of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The invasiveness and cost burden of liver biopsy have driven the search for new noninvasive biomarkers of fibrosis. Based on the link between serum angiopoietin-1 and 2 levels and CHC progression, we aimed to determine the value of these angiogenic factors as noninvasive biomarkers of liver fibrosis. METHODS Serum levels of angiopoietin-1 and -2 were measured by ELISA in 108 CHC patients who underwent pretreatment liver biopsy. The correlation between angiopoietins and clinical and demographic variables with liver fibrosis was analyzed by univariate regression. Significant factors were then subjected to multivariate analysis, from which we constructed a novel noninvasive liver fibrosis index (AngioScore), whose performance was validated in an independent series of 71 CHC patients. The accuracy of this model was compared with other documented fibrosis algorithms by De Long test. RESULTS Angiopoietins correlated significantly with hepatic fibrosis; however, only angiopoietin-2 was retained in the final model, which also included age, platelets, AST, INR, and GGT. The model was validated and behaved considerably better than other fibrosis indices in discriminating all, significant, moderate and severe liver fibrosis (0.886, 0.920, 0.923). Using clinically relevant cutoffs, we classified CHC patients by discarding significant fibrosis and diagnosing moderate and severe fibrosis with greater accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. CONCLUSIONS Our novel noninvasive liver fibrosis model, based on serum angiopoietin-2 levels, outperforms other indices and should help substantially in managing CHC and monitoring long-term follow-up prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Hernández-Bartolomé
- Liver Unit, Gastroenterology Service, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Biology Unit, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosario López-Rodríguez
- Liver Unit, Gastroenterology Service, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Biology Unit, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Rodríguez-Muñoz
- Liver Unit, Gastroenterology Service, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Biology Unit, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Samuel Martín-Vílchez
- Liver Unit, Gastroenterology Service, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Biology Unit, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Borque
- Molecular Biology Unit, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luisa García-Buey
- Liver Unit, Gastroenterology Service, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leticia González-Moreno
- Liver Unit, Gastroenterology Service, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Real
- Liver Unit, Gastroenterology Service, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Moreno-Otero
- Liver Unit, Gastroenterology Service, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Paloma Sanz-Cameno
- Liver Unit, Gastroenterology Service, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Biology Unit, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
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Eroglu Z, Stein CA, Pal SK. Targeting angiopoietin-2 signaling in cancer therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2013; 22:813-25. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2013.793306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Diaz-Sanchez A, Matilla A, Nuñez O, Lorente R, Fernandez A, Rincón D, Campos R, Bañares R, Clemente G. Serum angiopoietin-2 level as a predictor of tumor invasiveness in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Scand J Gastroenterol 2013; 48:334-43. [PMID: 23249262 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2012.746391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has important angiogenic activity, the expression of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) may have a pathogenic role. The information about the influence of serum Ang-2 (sAng-2) in patients with HCC is scarce. AIMS The aim was to assess the association between sAng-2 levels and characteristics of tumor and liver disease in patients with HCC. METHODS sAng-2 concentrations in peripheral (sAng-2-P) and hepatic (sAng-2-H) veins were analyzed by ELISA in 33 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent a splanchnic hemodynamic study. Thirty-two patients received treatment for HCC. RESULTS The median age was 61 years and 79% were male. Hepatitis C infection (70%) was the main etiology. Most patients were Child-Pugh grade A (72.7%). sAng-2-P and sAng-2-H were well correlated (r = 0.95; p < 0.0001). A significant association was found between sAng-2-H and lobar tumor extension, vascular thrombosis, BCLC staging, infiltrating pattern, abnormal alpha-fetoprotein level, fulfillment of the Milan criteria, and performance of nonsystemic treatment. sAng-2-H also showed a significant correlation with the MELD score (r = 0.49; p = 0.007), albumin (r = -0.63; p < 0.001), and HVPG (r = 0.44; p = 0.02). Eleven patients received treatment with radiofrequency ablation and eight with transarterial chemoembolization. HCC treatment did not influence the sAng-2 concentration while the necrosis response to treatment was not influenced by previous sAng-2 levels. CONCLUSIONS Ang-2 seems to play an important role in the angiogenic processes of HCC and its serum levels are associated with tumor characteristics and invasive behavior. Our results suggest that Ang-2 is not related with treatment response and its level is not modified by treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Diaz-Sanchez
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario del Sureste, Arganda del Rey, Madrid, Spain.
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Woolnough C, Wang Y, Kan C, Morris J, Tasevski V, Ashton A. Source of angiopoietin-2 in the sera of women during pregnancy. Microvasc Res 2012; 84:367-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Revised: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Thurston G, Daly C. The complex role of angiopoietin-2 in the angiopoietin-tie signaling pathway. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2012; 2:a006550. [PMID: 22951441 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a006650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The angiopoietin-Tie signaling system is a vascular-specific receptor tyrosine kinase pathway that is essential for normal vascular development. Although the basic functioning of the pathway is understood, many uncertainties remain about the role of certain members of the pathway, particularly angiopoietin-2 (Ang2), in pathological vascular remodeling and angiogenesis. We summarize the components of the angiopoietin-Tie pathway and then focus on studies that highlight the role of Ang2 in disease settings, including cancer and inflammation. The expression of Ang2 is elevated in many cancers and types of inflammation, which prompted the development of specific reagents to block its interaction with the Tie2 receptor. The application of these reagents in preclinical models of inflammation and cancer has begun to elucidate the role of Ang2 in vascular remodeling and disease pathogenesis and has led to emerging clinical tests of Ang2 inhibitors.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Angiopoietin-2, an antagonistic ligand of the endothelial Tie2 receptor, has been identified as a gatekeeper of endothelial activation. We examined whether the release of Angiopoietin-2 correlates with surrogates of organ dysfunction and outcome in patients with acute liver failure. DESIGN Retrospective clinical and immunohistological study. SETTING Intensive care unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS Thirty-seven patients with acute liver failure and 20 healthy control subjects. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Angiopoietin-2 levels were measured in sera from 37 patients with acute liver failure on admission and from 20 healthy control subjects. Median age of patients with acute liver failure was 34 yrs, 29 were female, and 21 developed encephalopathy grade 3 or greater. Nine patients survived to day 28 without transplantation, five died without transplantation, and 23 received a transplant. Median (interquartile range) Angiopoietin-2 serum concentrations steadily increased across the following groups: healthy control subjects (1.4 [0.9-1.7] ng/mL), patients with transplant-free recovery (10.0 [4.7-12.1] ng/mL), and patients who reached the composite end point of death or emergency liver transplantation (16.8 [11.3-39.5] ng/mL). Angiopoietin-2 release correlated strongly with surrogate markers of organ dysfunction and disease severity measures (lactate, platelet count, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, and Simplified Acute Physiology Score III). Angiopoietin-2 levels were higher in patients with acute kidney injury and patients on mechanical ventilation. Furthermore, Angiopoietin-2 levels were closely associated with Bilirubin-Lactate-Etiology score but not with other liver-specific markers. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox's proportional hazards analyses identified Angiopoietin-2 as a predictor of the composite end point of death or transplantation. Finally, immunohistological studies showed that Angiopoietin-2 protein was upregulated in acute liver failure explants compared with matched liver biopsies obtained at baseline. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data show that circulating Angiopoietin-2, which potentially originates from the injured liver, correlates with several features of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and independently predicts outcome. Tie2 agonists may have potential as an endothelium-targeted therapy to ameliorate multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and improve outcome in acute liver failure.
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Kaseb AO, Garrett-Mayer E, Morris JS, Xiao L, Lin E, Onicescu G, Hassan MM, Hassabo HM, Iwasaki M, Deaton FL, Abbruzzese JL, Thomas MB. Efficacy of bevacizumab plus erlotinib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and predictors of outcome: final results of a phase II trial. Oncology 2012; 82:67-74. [PMID: 22327795 DOI: 10.1159/000335963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A phase II study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of bevacizumab and erlotinib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and to investigate clinical and molecular predictors of outcome. METHODS 59 patients with advanced HCC received 10 mg/kg i.v. of bevacizumab every 14 days and 150 mg p.o. of erlotinib daily. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) at 16 weeks. Clinical characteristics and plasma biomarkers expression levels were analyzed. RESULTS PFS at 16 weeks was 64% (95% CI 51-76): 14 patients achieved partial response (24%), 33 had stable disease (56%), 6 progressed (10%), and 6 were not evaluable (10%). Median overall survival was 13.7 months (95% CI 9.6-19.7), and median PFS was 7.2 months (95% CI 5.6-8.3). Grade 3-4 adverse events included fatigue (30%), diarrhea (17%), hypertension (14%), elevated transaminases (12%), and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (10%). High plasma angiopoietin-2, epidermal growth factor receptor, and endothelin-1, and lack of acneiform rash were associated with poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS The combination of bevacizumab with erlotinib achieved encouraging results in patients with advanced HCC. Current correlatives may help to guide future HCC studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed O Kaseb
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Detjen KM, Rieke S, Deters A, Schulz P, Rexin A, Vollmer S, Hauff P, Wiedenmann B, Pavel M, Scholz A. Angiopoietin-2 promotes disease progression of neuroendocrine tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 16:420-9. [PMID: 20068079 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-1924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inhibition of angiogenesis represents a promising therapeutic strategy in neuroendocrine tumors. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), a ligand of the endothelial tyrosine kinase Tie-2, is emerging as a key regulator of vascular remodeling during tumor angiogenesis. We therefore addressed the expression and biological significance of Ang-2 in human neuroendocrine tumors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Surgical specimens and serum from neuroendocrine tumor patients were used to determine Ang-2 expression by in situ hybridization or ELISA (circulating Ang-2). Ang-2 biological effects were evaluated following stable transfection into BON human pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cells. BON clones were grown as orthotopic xenografts in nude mice to determine tumor growth and abdominal metastatic spread. Further analyses included microvessel density, lymphatic vessel density, and nodal invasion. RESULTS Specimens from pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and nontransformed pancreatic tissue revealed uniform expression of Ang-2 mRNA in endothelial cells. In contrast, epithelial expression of Ang-2 mRNA occurred exclusively in neuroendocrine tumors. Overexpression of Ang-2 in BON orthotopic xenografts did not affect primary tumor growth, although successful Ang-2 induction was confirmed from elevated serum levels. However, increased microvessel density and enhanced lymphatic metastasis were evident in Ang-2-expressing tumors, indicating a functional role of Ang-2 in experimental neuroendocrine tumors. Consistent with this notion, circulating Ang-2 was significantly elevated in neuroendocrine tumor patients compared with healthy controls. Circulating Ang-2 furthermore correlated with metastatic versus localized disease. The highest Ang-2 concentrations occurred in patients with liver metastasis, and concentrations >or=75th percentile predicted shorter survival (P = 0.0003). CONCLUSION Induction of Ang-2 in neuroendocrine tumors represents a clinically relevant pathomechanism of disease progression and constitutes an adverse prognostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M Detjen
- Medizinische Klinik m. S. Hepatologie und Gastroenterologie, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
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Ojeda-Fernandez L, Barrios L, Rodriguez-Barbero A, Recio-Poveda L, Bernabeu C, Botella LM. Reduced plasma levels of Ang-2 and sEng as novel biomarkers in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Clin Chim Acta 2010; 411:494-9. [PMID: 20067780 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2009.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2009] [Revised: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 12/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT; OMIM 187300) is an autosomal dominant vascular disorder characterized by telangiectases and internal arteriovenous malformations caused by mutations in certain elements of the TGF-beta receptor complex. In the case of HHT1 mutations in the endoglin gene are responsible, whereas mutations in the ALK1 gene (an activin receptor-like kinase 1), lead to HHT2. Another two loci found at chromosome 5 and chromosome 7, whose target genes remain unidentified, lead to types 3 and 4 of the disease, respectively. Mutations in the MADH4/SMAD4 gene, another member of the TGF-beta signalling pathway, lead to a combined syndrome of familial juvenile polyposis associated with HHT. METHODS In an attempt to identify some soluble components differentially expressed in the plasma of HHT patients, angiopoietin-2 and soluble endoglin concentrations were analyzed with standard quantitative sandwich ELISA. RESULTS Angiopoietin-2 and soluble endoglin levels are reduced in plasma of HHT patients compared to control individuals, and a diagnostic algorithm for HHT based on these protein levels is proposed. CONCLUSIONS Down-regulated protein levels of angiopoietin-2 and soluble endoglin in plasma represent novel HHT biomarkers that could be useful in the biochemical diagnosis of HHT facilitating the rapid identification of potential HHT patients.
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Abstract
Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) is a member of the Ang family, which plays an important role in angiogenesis during the development and growth of human cancers. Ang2's role in angiogenesis generally is considered as an antagonist for Ang1, inhibiting Ang1-promoted Tie2 signaling, which is critical for blood vessel maturation and stabilization. Ang2 modulates angiogenesis in a cooperative manner with another important angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor A. Genetic studies have revealed that Ang2 also is critical in lymphangiogenesis during development. However, new evidence suggests more complicated roles for Ang2 in angiogenesis in physiologic processes and invasive phenotypes of cancer cells during progression of human cancers. This article discusses recent studies of Ang2 in angiogenesis and the implication of Ang2 as a therapeutic target as well as a potential inhibitor for antiangiogenesis treatment for cancer patients.
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van Meurs M, Kümpers P, Ligtenberg JJM, Meertens JHJM, Molema G, Zijlstra JG. Bench-to-bedside review: Angiopoietin signalling in critical illness - a future target? CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2009; 13:207. [PMID: 19435476 PMCID: PMC2689450 DOI: 10.1186/cc7153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) occurs in response to major insults such as sepsis, severe haemorrhage, trauma, major surgery and pancreatitis. The mortality rate is high despite intensive supportive care. The pathophysiological mechanism underlying MODS are not entirely clear, although several have been proposed. Overwhelming inflammation, immunoparesis, occult oxygen debt and other mechanisms have been investigated, and – despite many unanswered questions – therapies targeting these mechanisms have been developed. Unfortunately, only a few interventions, usually those targeting multiple mechanisms at the same time, have appeared to be beneficial. We clearly need to understand better the mechanisms that underlie MODS. The endothelium certainly plays an active role in MODS. It functions at the intersection of several systems, including inflammation, coagulation, haemodynamics, fluid and electrolyte balance, and cell migration. An important regulator of these systems is the angiopoietin/Tie2 signalling system. In this review we describe this signalling system, giving special attention to what is known about it in critically ill patients and its potential as a target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matijs van Meurs
- Department of Critical Care, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700RB Groningen, The Netherlands
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Helfrich I, Edler L, Sucker A, Thomas M, Christian S, Schadendorf D, Augustin HG. Angiopoietin-2 levels are associated with disease progression in metastatic malignant melanoma. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:1384-92. [PMID: 19228739 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-1615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The blood vessel-destabilizing Tie2 ligand angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) acts in concert with the vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor system to control vessel assembly during tumor progression. We hypothesized that circulating soluble Ang-2 (sAng-2) may be involved in melanoma progression. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Serum samples (n=98) from melanoma patients (American Joint Committee on Cancer stages I-IV), biopsies of corresponding patients, and human melanoma cell lines were analyzed for expression of Ang-2 and S100beta. Multiple sera of a subcohort of 33 patients were tested during progression from stage III to IV. Small interfering RNA-based loss-of-function experiments were done to assess effects of Ang-2 on melanoma cells. RESULTS Circulating levels of sAng-2 correlate with tumor progression in melanoma patients (P<0.0001) and patient survival (P=0.007). Analysis of serum samples during the transition from stage III to IV identified an increase of sAng-2 up to 400%. Comparative analyses revealed a 56% superiority of sAng-2 as predictive marker over the established marker S100beta. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-PCR confirmed the prominent expression of Ang-2 by tumor-associated endothelial cells but identified Ang-2 also as a secreted product of melanoma cells themselves. Corresponding cellular experiments revealed that human melanoma-isolated tumor cells were Tie2 positive and that Ang-2 acted as an autocrine regulator of melanoma cell migration and invasion. CONCLUSIONS The experiments establish sAng-2 as a biomarker of melanoma progression and metastasis correlating with tumor load and overall survival. The identification of an autocrine angiopoietin/Tie loop controlling melanoma migration and invasion warrants further functional experiments and validate the angiopoietin/Tie system as a promising therapeutic target for human melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Helfrich
- Joint Research Division of Vascular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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