1
|
Andaloro S, Mancuso F, Miele L, Addolorato G, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. Effect of Low-Dose Alcohol Consumption on Chronic Liver Disease. Nutrients 2024; 16:613. [PMID: 38474740 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Although alcohol is one of the most important etiologic agents in the development of chronic liver disease worldwide, also recognized as a promoter of carcinogenesis, several studies have shown a beneficial effect of moderate consumption in terms of reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Whether this benefit is also present in patients with liver disease due to other causes (viral, metabolic, and others) is still debated. Although there is no clear evidence emerging from guidelines and scientific literature, total abstention from drinking is usually prescribed in clinical practice. In this review, we highlight the results of the most recent evidence on this controversial topic, in order to understand the effect of mild alcohol use in this category of individuals. The quantification of alcohol intake, the composition of the tested populations, and the discrepancy between different works in relation to the outcomes represent important limitations emerging from the scientific literature. In patients with NAFLD, a beneficial effect is demonstrated only in a few works. Even if there is limited evidence in patients affected by chronic viral hepatitis, a clear deleterious effect of drinking in determining disease progression in a dose-dependent manner emerges. Poor data are available about more uncommon pathologies such as hemochromatosis. Overall, based on available data, it is not possible to establish a safe threshold for alcohol intake in patients with liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Andaloro
- Liver Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Mancuso
- Liver Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Miele
- Department of Abdominal, Endocrine and Metabolic Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Unit, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Internal Medicine and Liver Transplant Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Unit, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Internal Medicine and Alcohol Related Disease Unit, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Liver Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Liver Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zou JY, Huang YJ, He J, Tang ZX, Qin L. Glycolytic and fatty acid oxidation genes affect the treatment and prognosis of liver cancer. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:4737-4760. [PMID: 35801051 PMCID: PMC9198879 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i15.4737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming is a feature of tumour cells and is essential to support their rapid proliferation. The glycolytic activity of liver cancer cells is significantly higher than that of normal liver cells, and the rapidly proliferating tumour cells are powered by aerobic glycolysis. Lipid metabolism reprogramming enables tumour cells to meet their needs for highly proliferative growth and is an important driving force for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
AIM To explore the influence of different metabolic subtypes of HCC and analyse their significance in guiding prognosis and treatment based on the molecular mechanism of glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation (FAO).
METHODS By downloading related data from public databases including the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the Molecular Signatures Database, and International Cancer Genome Consortium, we utilised unsupervised consensus clustering to divide TCGA Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma samples into four metabolic subgroups and compared single nucleotide polymorphism, copy number variation, tumour microenvironment, and Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer and Tumour Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion between different metabolites. The differences and causes of survival and the clinical characteristics between them were analysed, and a prognostic model was established based on glycolysis and FAO genes. Combined with the clinical features, a Norman diagram was created to compare the pros and cons of each model.
RESULTS In the four metabolic subgroups, with the increase in glycolytic expression, the median survival of patients showed the worst results, while FAO showed the best. When comparing the follow-up analysis of each group, we considered that the differences between them might be related to reactive oxygen species, somatic copy number variation of key genes, and immune microenvironment. It was also found that the FAO group and the low-risk group had better efficacy and response to immune checkpoint blockade treatment and anti-tumour drugs.
CONCLUSION There are obvious differences in genes, chromosomes, and clinical characteristics between metabolic subgroups. The establishment of a prognostic model could predict patient prognosis and guide clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yue Zou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Jie Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jun He
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zu-Xiong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lei Qin
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sakai H, Yamada Y, Kubota M, Imai K, Shirakami Y, Tomita H, Hara A, Shimizu M. The phosphorylated retinoid X receptor-α promotes diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice through the activation of β-catenin signaling pathway. Carcinogenesis 2021; 43:254-263. [PMID: 34668523 PMCID: PMC9036992 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that phosphorylation of the retinoid X receptor-α (RXRα) is associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, these findings were revealed using HCC cell lines that express phosphorylated-RXRα (p-RXRα) proteins; therefore, it remains unclear whether p-RXRα affects hepatocarcinogenesis in vivo. Therefore, to investigate the biological function of p-RXRα in vivo, we developed a doxycycline-inducible ES cell line and transgenic mouse, both of which overexpress the phosphomimetic mutant form of RXRα, T82D/S260D, in a doxycycline-dependent manner. We found that the development of liver tumors, especially high-grade adenoma and HCC, was enhanced in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced T82D/S260D-inducible mice. Moreover, the increased incidence of liver tumors in the transgenic mice was attributable to the promotion of cell cycle progression. Interestingly, the expression of β-catenin protein and its target gene cyclin D1 was elevated in the liver tumors of DEN-treated T82D/S260D-inducible mice, concurrent with increased cytoplasmic and nuclear β-catenin protein expression, indicating its stabilization and transcriptional activation. These results indicate that p-RXRα promotes DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice through the activation of the β-catenin signaling pathway, suggesting that p-RXRα may serve as a possible therapeutic target for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyasu Sakai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yamada
- Division of Stem Cell Pathology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Kubota
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kenji Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yohei Shirakami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tomita
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Akira Hara
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jiang J, Zheng Q, Zhu W, Chen X, Lu H, Chen D, Zhang H, Shao M, Zhou L, Zheng S. Alterations in glycolytic/cholesterogenic gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:10300-10316. [PMID: 32479426 PMCID: PMC7346031 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We used data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the International Cancer Genome Consortium to assess the alterations in glycolytic and cholesterogenic genes in HCC and to determine their association with clinical features in HCC patients. Based on the gene expression profiles from these databases, we established four subtypes of HCC: cholesterogenic, glycolytic, mixed, and quiescent. The prognosis of the cholesterogenic subgroup was poorer than that of the glycolytic group. Tumors in the glycolytic group were more sensitive to chemotherapy. We also explored the relationships between these metabolic subtypes and previously established HCC subgroups. Glycolytic gene expression correlated strongly with poorer prognostic gene expression in the Hoshida classification of HCC. Whole-genome analyses indicated that aberrant amplification of TP53 and MYC in HCC were associated with abnormal anabolic cholesterol metabolism. The mRNA levels of mitochondrial pyruvate carriers 1 and 2 differed among the HCC metabolic subtypes. In a bioinformatics analysis we identified genomic characteristics of tumor metabolism that varied among different cancer types. These findings demonstrate that metabolic subtypes may be valuable prognostic indicators in HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianwen Jiang
- Department of Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Qiuxian Zheng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Weiwei Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xinhua Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Haifeng Lu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Deying Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Min Shao
- Department of Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li B, Chen Y, Wang F, Guo J, Fu W, Li M, Zheng Q, Liu Y, Fan L, Li L, Xu C. Bmi1 drives hepatocarcinogenesis by repressing the TGFβ2/SMAD signalling axis. Oncogene 2019; 39:1063-1079. [DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1043-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
6
|
Khalid A, Hussain T, Manzoor S, Saalim M, Khaliq S. PTEN: A potential prognostic marker in virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/1010428317705754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Khalid
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied BioSciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tabinda Hussain
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied BioSciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Manzoor
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied BioSciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saalim
- Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied BioSciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Saba Khaliq
- University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tu T, Budzinska MA, Shackel NA, Urban S. HBV DNA Integration: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. Viruses 2017; 9:v9040075. [PMID: 28394272 PMCID: PMC5408681 DOI: 10.3390/v9040075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. One peculiar observation in cells infected with HBV (or with closely‑related animal hepadnaviruses) is the presence of viral DNA integration in the host cell genome, despite this form being a replicative dead-end for the virus. The frequent finding of somatic integration of viral DNA suggests an evolutionary benefit for the virus; however, the mechanism of integration, its functions, and the clinical implications remain unknown. Here we review the current body of knowledge of HBV DNA integration, with particular focus on the molecular mechanisms and its clinical implications (including the possible consequences of replication-independent antigen expression and its possible role in hepatocellular carcinoma). HBV DNA integration is likely to influence HBV replication, persistence, and pathogenesis, and so deserves greater attention in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Tu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 345, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Magdalena A Budzinska
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Nicholas A Shackel
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
- Liverpool Hospital, Gastroenterology, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia.
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 345, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg Partner Site, Im Neuenheimer Feld 345, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tu T, Mason WS, Clouston AD, Shackel NA, McCaughan GW, Yeh MM, Schiff ER, Ruszkiewicz AR, Chen JW, Harley HAJ, Stroeher UH, Jilbert AR. Clonal expansion of hepatocytes with a selective advantage occurs during all stages of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. J Viral Hepat 2015; 22:737-53. [PMID: 25619231 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocyte clone size was measured in liver samples of 21 patients in various stages of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and from 21 to 76 years of age. Hepatocyte clones containing unique virus-cell DNA junctions formed by the integration of HBV DNA were detected using inverse nested PCR. The maximum hepatocyte clone size tended to increase with age, although there was considerable patient-to-patient variation in each age group. There was an upward trend in maximum clone size with increasing fibrosis, inflammatory activity and with seroconversion from HBV e-antigen (HBeAg)-positive to HBeAg-negative, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. Maximum hepatocyte clone size did not differ between patients with and without a coexisting hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, large hepatocyte clones containing integrated HBV DNA were detected during all stages of chronic HBV infection. Using laser microdissection, no significant difference in clone size was observed between foci of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and HBsAg-negative hepatocytes, suggesting that expression of HBsAg is not a significant factor in clonal expansion. Laser microdissection also revealed that hepatocytes with normal-appearing histology make up a major fraction of the cells undergoing clonal expansion. Thus, preneoplasia does not appear to be a factor in the clonal expansion detected in our assays. Computer simulations suggest that the large hepatocyte clones are not produced by random hepatocyte turnover but have an as-yet-unknown selective advantage that drives increased clonal expansion in the HBV-infected liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Tu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - W S Mason
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A D Clouston
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - N A Shackel
- Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,A. W. Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - G W McCaughan
- Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,A. W. Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M M Yeh
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - E R Schiff
- Schiff Liver Institute and Center for Liver Diseases, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - A R Ruszkiewicz
- Department of Anatomical Pathology and Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - J W Chen
- South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - H A J Harley
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - U H Stroeher
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - A R Jilbert
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tu T, Budzinska MA, Shackel NA, Jilbert AR. Conceptual models for the initiation of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2015; 35:1786-800. [PMID: 25640596 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a known risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the steps involved in the progression from normal liver to HCC are poorly understood. In this review, we apply five conceptual models, previously proposed by Vineis et al. to explain carcinogenesis in general, to explore the possible steps involved in the initiation and evolution of HBV-associated HCC. Available data suggest that the most suitable and inclusive model is based on evolution of hepatocyte subpopulations. In this evolutionary model, HCC-associated changes are driven by selection and subsequent clonal expansion of phenotypically altered hepatocyte subpopulations in the microenvironment of the HBV-infected liver. This model can incorporate the wide range of mechanisms proposed to play a role in the initiation of HCC including oncogenic HBV proteins, integration of HBV DNA and chronic inflammation of the liver. The model may assist in the early prevention, detection and treatment of HCC and may guide future studies of the initiation of HBV-associated HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Tu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Liver Cell Biology, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Magdalena A Budzinska
- Liver Cell Biology, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Shackel
- Liver Cell Biology, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,A.W. Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Allison R Jilbert
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Qi S, Li B, Yang T, Liu Y, Cao S, He X, Zhang P, Li L, Xu C. Validation of Bmi1 as a therapeutic target of hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:20004-21. [PMID: 25372945 PMCID: PMC4264152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151120004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2014] [Revised: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bmi1 is a member of the polycomb group family of proteins, and it drives the carcinogenesis of various cancers and governs the self-renewal of multiple types of stem cells. Our previous studies have revealed that Bmi1 acts as an oncogene in hepatic carcinogenesis in an INK4a/ARF locus independent manner. However, whether Bmi1 can be used as a potential target for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment has not been fully confirmed yet. Here, we show that perturbation of Bmi1 expression by using short hairpin RNA can inhibit the tumorigenicity and tumor growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, Bmi1 knockdown can block the tumor growth, both in the initiating stages and the fast growing stages. Cellular biology analysis revealed that Bmi1 knockdown induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Our findings verify Bmi1 as a qualified treatment target for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and support Bmi1 targeting treatment with chemotherapeutic agents.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/pharmacology
- Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/therapeutic use
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Doxorubicin/pharmacology
- Doxorubicin/therapeutic use
- Female
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/mortality
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Polycomb Repressive Complex 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Polycomb Repressive Complex 1/genetics
- Polycomb Repressive Complex 1/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- RNA Interference
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/therapeutic use
- Transplantation, Heterologous
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shibo Qi
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Bin Li
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Tan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Yong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Shanshan Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Xingxing He
- Department of Hepatology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Oncology of Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Lei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Chuanrui Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Advances in sequencing technologies have enabled the examination of liver cancer genomes at high resolution; somatic mutations, structural alterations, HBV integration, RNA editing and retrotransposon changes have been comprehensively identified. Furthermore, integrated analyses of trans-omics data (genome, transcriptome and methylome data) have identified multiple critical genes and pathways implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis. These analyses have uncovered potential therapeutic targets, including growth factor signalling, WNT signalling, the NFE2L2-mediated oxidative pathway and chromatin modifying factors, and paved the way for new molecular classifications for clinical application. The aetiological factors associated with liver cancer are well understood; however, their effects on the accumulation of somatic changes and the influence of ethnic variation in risk factors still remain unknown. The international collaborations of cancer genome sequencing projects are expected to contribute to an improved understanding of risk evaluation, diagnosis and therapy for this cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuhiro Shibata
- Division of Cancer Genomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Aburatani
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1, Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu Y, Zhang J, Qian W, Dong Y, Yang Y, Liu Z, Feng Y, Ma D, Zhang Z, Wu S. Gankyrin is frequently overexpressed in cervical high grade disease and is associated with cervical carcinogenesis and metastasis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95043. [PMID: 24751719 PMCID: PMC3994022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies have showed that Gankyrin expression is correlated with a malignant phenotype in endometrial carcinoma. Here, we investigated the possible role of Gankyrin in cervical disease. The increasing protein level of Gankyrin was observed in high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and carcinoma compared with benign cervical tissues and low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. In para-carcinoma tissues, it was found interestingly that there was no lymph node metastasis when nuclei Gankyrin was positively expressed, but lymph node metastasis rate was 30% (6/20) when nuclei Gankyrin was negatively expressed. In vitro, the transfection of Gankyrin resulted in markedly up-regulating of Vimentin, β-catenin and Twist2, as well as down-regulating of E-cadherin in cervical carcinoma cells. Our results suggested that Gankyrin may be functional in cervical carcinogenesis and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiawen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyan Qian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongbin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, Center for Cancer Immunology Research, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Youji Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Cancer Biology Medical Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenbo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (SW); (ZZ)
| | - Sufang Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (SW); (ZZ)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wu JC, Jia HL, Li ZR, Zhou KL, Qin LX, Dong QZ, Ren N. Genomic aberrations in the HTPAP promoter affect tumor metastasis and clinical prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90528. [PMID: 24603412 PMCID: PMC3946185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that the intronic tagSNP +357G/C in the metastasis suppressor HTPAP is associated with metastasis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to investigate whether SNPs in the HTPAP promoter modulate HTPAP expression and prognosis of HCC. Genomic DNA from 572 microdissected HCCs were genotyped by pyrosequencing and verified by direct sequencing. Haplotype blocks were analyzed. Reporter plasmids were constructed and transfected into HCC cell lines. Transcriptional activities of plasmids were analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter systems. HTPAP expression was measured by real-time quantitative PCR, western blots, and tissue microarrays. Invasion was assessed by Matrigel assays. The prognostic values of HTPAP promoter SNPs in HCC were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. We identified six SNPs, including -1053A/G and +64G/C, in the HTPAP promoter. The SNPs were in complete linkage disequilibrium, resulting in three promoter haplotypes (promoter I:-1053AA/+64GG, promoter II: -1053AG/+64GC, and promoter III: -1053GG/+64CC). Promoter I manifested the highest luciferase index (p<0.005). However, no significant difference was observed between promoters II and III. We consistently found that HTPAP mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in promoter I than that of promoter II+III (p<0.001). Invasion was increased in HCC cells transfected with promoters II+III compared to those transfected with promoter I (p<0.05). The HTPAP promoter II+III haplotype was associated with significantly increased metastasis compared to that of promoter I (p = 0.023). The postoperative five-year overall survival of patients with promoters II+III was lower than that of patients with promoter I (p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis showed that the promoter II+III haplotype was an adverse prognostic marker in HCC. The genetic variants at loci –1053 and +64 of the HTPAP promoter affect the expression of HTPAP, which might be a novel determinant and target for HCC prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Cai Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hainan Provincial People's Hospital, Nanhua University, Haikou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hu-Liang Jia
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Cancer Center, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo-Ri Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hainan Provincial People's Hospital, Nanhua University, Haikou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Lun Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hainan Provincial People's Hospital, Nanhua University, Haikou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Cancer Center, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong-Zhu Dong
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Cancer Center, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (Q-ZD); (NR)
| | - Ning Ren
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Cancer Center, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (Q-ZD); (NR)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tu T, Shackel NA, McCaughan G. "Testing your methyl": DNA methylation profiling of serum DNA of HCC patients. Hepatol Int 2013. [PMID: 26201912 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-013-9444-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Tu
- Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Shackel
- Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,A.W. Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffrey McCaughan
- Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,A.W. Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Liver Injury & Cancer, Centenary Institute, Locked Bag No. 6, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Guimei M, Baddour N, Elkaffash D, Abdou L, Taher Y. Gremlin in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma complicating chronic hepatitis C: an immunohistochemical and PCR study of human liver biopsies. BMC Res Notes 2012; 5:390. [PMID: 22839096 PMCID: PMC3506438 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The possible role of secretory products of fibrous tissue in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicating chronic hepatitis C was investigated. Our hypothesis was that gremlin, secreted by fibroblasts, inhibited bone morphogenic protein (BMP), which mediates stem cell maturation into adult functioning hepatocytes, and thus, arrest stem cell maturation and promoted their proliferation in an immature state possibly culminating into development of HCCs. Results Protein expression of cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), and mRNA expression of gremlin and BMP-7 were studied in 35 cases of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and HCC complicating chronic hepatitis C. CK19 expression was higher in cases of cirrhosis (0.004), which correlated with the grade (r = 0.64, p = 0.009) and stage (r = 0.71, p = 0.001). All HCCs were negative for CK19. Stem cell niche activation (as indicated as a ductular reaction) was highest in cases of cirrhosis (p = 0.001) and correlated with CK19 expression (r = 0.42, p = 0.012), the grade(r = 0.56, p = 0.024) and stage (0.66, p = 0.006). FGF-2 expression was highest in HCCs and correlated with the grade (r = 0.6, p = 0.013), stage (0.72, p = 0.002), CK19 expression (r = 0.71, p = 002) and ductular reaction (0.68, p = 0.004) in hepatitis cases. Higher numbers of cirrhosis cases and HCCs (p = 0.009) showed gremlin expression, which correlated with the stage (r = 0.7, p = 0.002). Gremlin expression correlated with that of CK19 (r = 0.699, p = 0.003) and FGF2 (r = 0.75, p = 0.001) in hepatitis cases. Conclusions Fibrosis promotes carcinogenesis by fibroblast-secreted gremlin that blocks BMP function and promotes stem cell activation and proliferation as well as possibly HCC development.
Collapse
|
16
|
Dong LW, Yang GZ, Pan YF, Chen Y, Tan YX, Dai RY, Ren YB, Fu J, Wang HY. The oncoprotein p28GANK establishes a positive feedback loop in β-catenin signaling. Cell Res 2011; 21:1248-61. [PMID: 21691299 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2011.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
p28(GANK) (also known as PSMD10 or gankyrin) is a novel oncoprotein that is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Through its interaction with various proteins, p28(GANK) mediates the degradation of the tumor suppressor proteins Rb and p53. Although p53 was reported to downregulate β-catenin, whether p28(GANK) is involved in the regulation of β-catenin remains uncertain. Here we report that both growth factors and Ras upregulate p28(GANK) expression through the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT pathway. Upregulation of p28(GANK) expression subsequently enhanced the transcription activity of β-catenin. This effect was observed in p53-deficient cells, suggesting a p53-independent mechanism for the p28(GANK)-mediated activation of β-catenin. p28(GANK) overexpression also reduced E-cadherin protein levels, leading to increased release of free β-catenin into the cytoplasm from the cadherin-bound pool. Interestingly, exogenous expression of p28(GANK) resulted in elevated expression of the endogenous protein. We also observed that both β-catenin and c-Myc were transcriptional activators of p28(GANK), and a correlation between p28(GANK) overexpression and c-Myc, cyclin D1 and β-catenin activation in primary human HCC. Together, these results suggest that p28(GANK) expression is regulated by a positive feedback loop involving β-catenin, which may play a critical role in tumorigenesis and the progression of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-wei Dong
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lu JW, Hsia Y, Tu HC, Hsiao YC, Yang WY, Wang HD, Yuh CH. Liver development and cancer formation in zebrafish. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 93:157-72. [DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.20205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
18
|
|
19
|
Mutation of herpesvirus Saimiri ORF51 glycoprotein specifically targets infectivity to hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2011:785158. [PMID: 21197456 PMCID: PMC3004438 DOI: 10.1155/2011/785158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Revised: 10/14/2010] [Accepted: 10/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpesvirus saimiri (HVS) is a gamma herpesvirus with several properties that make it an amenable gene therapy vector; namely its large packaging capacity, its ability to persist as a nonintegrated episome, and its ability to infect numerous human cell types. We used RecA-mediated recombination to develop an HVS vector with a mutated virion protein. The heparan sulphate-binding region of HVS ORF51 was substituted for a peptide sequence which interacts with somatostatin receptors (SSTRs), overexpressed on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. HVS mORF51 showed reduced infectivity in non-HCC human cell lines compared to wild-type virus. Strikingly, HVS mORF51 retained its ability to infect HCC cell lines efficiently. However, neutralisation assays suggest that HVS mORF51 has no enhanced binding to SSTRs. Therefore, mutation of the ORF51 glycoprotein has specifically targeted HVS to HCC cell lines by reducing the infectivity of other cell types; however, the mechanism for this targeting is unknown.
Collapse
|
20
|
Braicu C, Burz C, Berindan-Neagoe I, Balacescu O, Graur F, Cristea V, Irimie A. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Tumorigenesis and Prediction Markers. Gastroenterology Res 2009; 2:191-199. [PMID: 27942274 PMCID: PMC5139741 DOI: 10.4021/gr2009.07.1304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies. Although many advances have been made in the clinical study of HCC, the prognosis remains poor. Despite the discoveries in cancer biology in respect with physiological and pathological factors in relation to prognosis, HCC remains still a fatal disease due to late diagnosis. For improving the outcomes of patients with HCC, it is important to identify the factors predisposing to patient death. In recent years, based on cellular and molecular biology techniques, many tumor markers related to invasion, metastasis, recurrence and survival have been explored. However, routine biomarkers for the prediction of HCC evolution and prognosis are available in small number and less specific. These reviews focus on the recent advances in HCC tumorigenesis, revealing those biomarkers with prognosis significance or can be used for early detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Burz
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Cancer Institute "I Chiricuta", Cluj-Napoca, Romania; University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Florin Graur
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Victor Cristea
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandru Irimie
- Cancer Institute "I Chiricuta", Cluj-Napoca, Romania; University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Köhle C, Schwarz M, Bock KW. Promotion of hepatocarcinogenesis in humans and animal models. Arch Toxicol 2008; 82:623-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-007-0273-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2007] [Accepted: 12/10/2007] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
|
22
|
Pang RWC, Poon RTP. From molecular biology to targeted therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma: the future is now. Oncology 2007; 72 Suppl 1:30-44. [PMID: 18087180 DOI: 10.1159/000111705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized as a highly chemoresistant cancer with no effective systemic therapy. Despite surgical or locoregional therapies, prognosis remains poor because of high tumor recurrence or tumor progression, and currently there are no well-established effective adjuvant therapies. The molecular biology of carcinogenesis and tumor progression of HCC has been increasingly understood with intense research in recent years. Several important intracellular signaling pathways such as the Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk pathway and PI3k/Akt/mTOR pathway have been recognized, and the role of several growth factors and angiogenic factors such as EGF and VEGF has been confirmed. Effective agents targeting these molecular abnormalities have been developed and widely tested in preclinical studies of HCC cell lines or xenograft models. Several agents have entered clinical trials in HCC patients, and recent data indicated that a multikinase inhibitor targeting Ras kinase and VEGFR-2, sorafenib, is effective in prolonging survival of patients with advanced HCC. The management of advanced HCC is entering the era of molecular targeting therapy, which is of particular significance for HCC in view of the lack of existing effective systemic therapy for this cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta W C Pang
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Cancer Research, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Elchuri S, Naeemuddin M, Sharpe O, Robinson WH, Huang TT. Identification of biomarkers associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in CuZn superoxide dismutase deficient mice. Proteomics 2007; 7:2121-9. [PMID: 17514684 PMCID: PMC2729784 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200601011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
To identify biomarkers associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD, Sod1) deficient mice, 2-DE followed by MS analysis was carried out with liver samples obtained from 18-month-old Sod1-/- and +/+ mice. The intracellular Ca binding protein, regucalcin (RGN), showed a divergent alteration in Sod1-/- samples. Whereas elevated RGN levels were observed in -/- samples with no obvious neoplastic changes, marked reduction in RGN was observed in -/- samples with fully developed HCC. GST mu1 (GSTM1), on the other hand, showed a significant increase only in the neoplastic regions obtained from Sod1-/- livers. No change in GSTM1 was observed in the surrounding normal tissues. Marked reduction was observed in two intracellular lipid transporters, fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1) and major urinary protein 11 and 8 (MUP 11&8), in Sod1-/- samples. Analysis of additional samples at 18-22 months of age showed a three-fold increase in enolase activities in Sod1-/- livers. Consistent with previous findings, carbonic anhydrase 3 (CAIII) levels were significantly reduced in Sod1-/- samples, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the reduction was not homogenous throughout the lobular structure in the liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sailaja Elchuri
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mohammed Naeemuddin
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Orr Sharpe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - William H. Robinson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- GRECC, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Ting-Ting Huang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- GRECC, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kremer-Tal S, Narla G, Chen Y, Hod E, DiFeo A, Yea S, Lee JS, Schwartz M, Thung SN, Fiel IM, Banck M, Zimran E, Thorgeirsson SS, Mazzaferro V, Bruix J, Martignetti JA, Llovet JM, Friedman SL. Downregulation of KLF6 is an early event in hepatocarcinogenesis, and stimulates proliferation while reducing differentiation. J Hepatol 2007; 46:645-54. [PMID: 17196295 PMCID: PMC3533246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2006.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2006] [Revised: 09/19/2006] [Accepted: 10/09/2006] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has the most rapidly rising cancer incidence in the US and Europe. The KLF6 tumor suppressor is frequently inactivated in HCC by loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH) and/or mutation. METHODS Here we have analyzed 33 HBV- and 40 HCV-related HCCs for mRNA expression of wildtype KLF6 (wtKLF6) as well as the KLF6 variant 1 (SV1), a truncated, growth-promoting variant that antagonizes wtKLF6 function. The HCV-related tumors analyzed represented the full histologic spectrum from cirrhosis and dysplasia to metastatic cancer. RESULTS Expression of KLF6 mRNA is decreased in 73% of HBV-associated HCCs compared to matched surrounding tissue (ST), with reductions of approximately 80% in one-third of the patients. KLF6 mRNA expression is also reduced in dysplastic nodules from patients with HCV compared to cirrhotic livers (p<0.005), with an additional, marked decrease in the very advanced, metastatic stage (p<0.05). An increased ratio of KLF6SV1/wt KLF6 is present in a subset (6/33, 18%) of the HBV-related HCCs compared to matched ST. Reconstituting KLF6 in HepG2 cells by retroviral infection decreased proliferation and related markers including cyclin D1 and beta-catenin, increased cellular differentiation based on induction of albumin, E-cadherin, and decreased alpha fetoprotein. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that reduced KLF6 expression is common in both HBV- and HCV-related HCCs and occurs at critical stages during cancer progression. Effects of KLF6 are attributable to regulation of genes controlling hepatocyte growth and differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sigal Kremer-Tal
- Division of Liver Diseases and Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Goutham Narla
- Division of Liver Diseases and Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yingbei Chen
- Division of Liver Diseases and Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eldad Hod
- Division of Liver Diseases and Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Analisa DiFeo
- Department of Human Genetics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven Yea
- Division of Liver Diseases and Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Laboratory of Experimental Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Myron Schwartz
- Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Swan N. Thung
- Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Isabel M. Fiel
- Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michaela Banck
- Division of Liver Diseases and Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eran Zimran
- Division of Liver Diseases and Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Ben-Gurion Medical School, Beer-Sheba, Israel
| | - Snorri S. Thorgeirsson
- Laboratory of Experimental Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Jordi Bruix
- BCLC group, Liver Unit, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - John A. Martignetti
- Department of Human Genetics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Josep M. Llovet
- Division of Liver Diseases and Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- BCLC group, Liver Unit, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases and Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 212 659 9501; fax: +1 212 849 2574., (S.L. Friedman)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Moghaddam SJ, Haghighi EN, Samiee S, Shahid N, Keramati AR, Dadgar S, Zali MR. Immunohistochemical analysis of p53, cyclinD1, RB1, c-fos and N-ras gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma in Iran. World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13:588-93. [PMID: 17278226 PMCID: PMC4065982 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i4.588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To study the effect of some genes especially those involved in cell cycle regulation on hepatocellular carcinoma.
METHODS: Paraffin-embedded tissue samples of 25 patients (18 males and 7 females) with hepatocellular carcinoma were collected from 22 pathology centers in Tehran during 2000-2001, and stained using immunohistochemistry method (avidin-biotin-peroxidase) for detection of p53, cyclinD1, RB1, c-fos and N-ras proteins.
RESULTS: Six (24%), 5 (20%), 12 (48%) and 2 samples (8%) were positive for p53, cyclinD1, C-fos and N-ras expression, respectively. Twenty-two (88%) samples had alterations in the G1 cell-cycle checkpoint protein expression (RB1 or cyclinD1). P53 positive samples showed a higher (9 times) risk of being positive for RB1 protein than p53 negative samples. Loss of expression of RB1 in association with p53 over-expression was observed in 4 (66.7%) of 6 samples. Loss of expression of RB1 was seen in all cyclinD1 positive, 20 (90.9%) N-ras negative, and 11 (50%) C-fos positive samples, respectively. CyclinD1 positive samples showed a higher (2.85 and 4.75 times) risk of being positive for c-fos and N-ras expression than cyclinD1 negative samples.
CONCLUSION: The expression of p53, RB1 and c-fos genes appears to have a key role in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma in Iran. Simultaneous overexpression of these genes is significantly associated with their loss of expression during development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S J Moghaddam
- Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Tehran 19857, Iran
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Crawford DR, Ostrowski S, Vakharia D, Ilic Z, Sell S. Separate origins of hepatitis B virus surface antigen-negative foci and hepatocellular carcinomas in transgenic HBsAg (alb/psx) mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2006; 169:223-32. [PMID: 16816375 PMCID: PMC1698773 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2006.051284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We have examined the development and transgene expression in liver lesions of transgenic mice bearing the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) gene of hepatitis B virus under the control of the albumin promoter (alb/psx) to study liver regeneration and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with hepatitis B virus infection. Storage of the HBsAg in the endoplasmic reticulum precedes loss of liver cells and regenerative hyperplastic nodules that do not express HBsAg. Histological analysis indicated that HBsAg-negative foci and nodules arose from liver progenitor cells in the portal zone and lacked mRNA expression. Genomic DNA from eight of nine HBsAg-negative laser capture-excised liver foci showed loss of part of the alb/psx gene, whereas no loss of the actin gene was observed. The alb/psx DNA was intact in adjacent HBsAg-positive tissue. Sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products suggested that alterations in the HBsAg transgene in HBsAg-negative foci occurred via large-scale deletions as opposed to single-site mutations. Southern blot analysis of HCC from 2-year-old transgenic HBsAg mice, however, revealed an intact alb/psx gene. Thus, HBsAg-negative progenitor cells with deletions in the transgene appear to be responsible for compensatory regeneration of the liver, whereas HCCs arise from clonal expansion of hepatocytes with intact alb/psx transgenes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana R Crawford
- Center for Immunology and Microbial Disease, The Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Fong CW, Chua MS, McKie AB, Ling SHM, Mason V, Li R, Yusoff P, Lo TL, Leung HY, So SKS, Guy GR. Sprouty 2, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, is down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Res 2006; 66:2048-58. [PMID: 16489004 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-05-1072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The Sprouty proteins are increasingly being recognized to be deregulated in various types of cancers. This deregulation is often associated with aberrant signaling of receptor tyrosine kinases and its downstream effectors, leading to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. In human hepatocellular carcinoma, where the MAPK activity is enhanced via multiple hepatocarcinogenic factors, we observed a consistent reduced expression of the sprouty 2 (Spry2) transcript and protein in malignant hepatocytes compared with normal or cirrhotic hepatocytes. The expression pattern of Spry2 in hepatocellular carcinoma resembles that of several potential tumor markers of hepatocellular carcinoma and also that of several angiogenic factors and growth factor receptors. In contrast to previous studies of Spry2 down-regulation in other cancers, we have ruled out loss of heterozygosity or the methylation of promoter sites, two common mechanisms responsible for the silencing of genes with tumor suppressor properties. Functionally, we show that Spry2 inhibits both extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling as well as proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, whereas knocking down Spry2 levels in NIH3T3 cells causes mild transformation. Our study clearly indicates a role for Spry2 in hepatocellular carcinoma, and an understanding of the regulatory controls of its expression could provide new means of regulating the angiogenic switch in this hypervascular tumor, thereby potentially controlling tumor growth.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- DNA Methylation
- Down-Regulation
- Fibroblast Growth Factors/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Genes, Tumor Suppressor
- Hepatocyte Growth Factor/pharmacology
- Humans
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Liver Cirrhosis/genetics
- Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Loss of Heterozygosity
- MAP Kinase Signaling System/physiology
- Membrane Proteins
- Mice
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- NIH 3T3 Cells
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
- Proteins/genetics
- Proteins/metabolism
- Proteins/physiology
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chee Wai Fong
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Proteos, Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Pang R, Tse E, Poon RTP. Molecular pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2005; 240:157-69. [PMID: 16239065 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2005.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2005] [Accepted: 08/31/2005] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Research over the past decade has unraveled important molecular pathways involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and several chromosomal and genetic aberrations have been identified to be responsible for initiation of the carcinogenic process. HBx protein and HCV core protein appear to play a pivotal role in hepatocarcinogenesis related to hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, respectively. These viral oncoproteins allow cells to bypass some of the multi-steps in hepatocarcinogenesis, accounting for the etiological role of the two viruses in HCC. Understanding of the molecular pathways of HCC facilitates the development of novel molecular strategies for chemoprevention and therapy of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Pang
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Budhu AS, Zipser B, Forgues M, Ye QH, Sun Z, Wang XW. The molecular signature of metastases of human hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncology 2005; 69 Suppl 1:23-7. [PMID: 16210873 DOI: 10.1159/000086628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The current metastasis paradigm suggests that the primary tumor starts off benign but over time slowly acquires changes that provide a few rare cells within the tumor the ability to metastasize. However, this concept has been challenged by several recent studies using the microarray-based approach. We have recently found that the molecular signature of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is very similar to that of their corresponding metastases, while it differs significantly in primary HCCs with or without metastasis. Similar findings are also evident in primary cancers of the lung, breast, and prostate. Such a signature can be used to predict the prognosis of HCC patients. Moreover, there are significant differences in the gene expression profiles of liver parenchyma among HCC patients with or without intrahepatic metastases. These findings imply that many of the metastasis-promoting genes are embedded in the primary tumors and that the ability to metastasize may be an inherent quality of the tumor from the beginning. In addition, the condition of liver parenchyma may dictate the intrahepatic metastasis potential, which is consistent with the hypothesis that the degree of viral-hepatitis-mediated liver damage or possibly the genetic makeup of individuals may play an important role in metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha S Budhu
- Liver Carcinogenesis Group, LHC, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ozkal P, Ilgin-Ruhi H, Akdogan M, Elhan AH, Kaçar S, Sasmaz N. The genotoxic effects of hepatitis B virus to host DNA. Mutagenesis 2005; 20:147-50. [PMID: 15843391 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gei021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic viral hepatitis is the main cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma throughout the world. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has mutagenic effects on somatic cells. HBV may be showing these mutagenic effects through its viral proteins or through integrating into host DNA. The aim of this study was to determine whether HBV has a genotoxic effect on host DNA or not. Peripheral blood lymphocytes of 31 chronic HBV patients and 20 chronic HBV carriers were cultured in order to make cytogenetic evaluation by observing chromosome breakage and cytological evaluation by the micronucleus (MN) test. Their results were compared with 20 healthy controls. For each individual, 100 metaphase chromosome spreads were analysed. Around 190-1091 binucleated cells were observed and MN were scored for each individual. Our results showed significantly higher frequencies of chromosome breaks in chronic HBV patients and in HBV carriers than in the control group. There was no difference in MN scores among HBV patients, HBV carriers and healthy carriers. Based on our data, we conclude that chronic HBV patients and carriers have chromosomal instability and that HBV carriers are as affected as patients because of their same chromosome breakage levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Ozkal
- Department of Medical Biology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Tien LT, Ito M, Nakao M, Niino D, Serik M, Nakashima M, Wen CY, Yatsuhashi H, Ishibashi H. Expression of β-catenin in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2005; 11:2398-401. [PMID: 15832407 PMCID: PMC4305624 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i16.2398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: The β-catenin has been recognized as a critical member of the Wnt signaling pathway and plays an important role in the generation/differentiation of many tissues. Inappropriate activation of this pathway has been implicated in carcinogenesis. The mechanism underlying the development as well as its prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has remained unclear. The purpose of this study is to analyze the expression of β-catenin in HCC in relation to histological grades and viral hepatitis backgrounds.
METHODS: Thirty-two sections were selected at random from autopsy and surgical cases of HCC. Immuohistologically, the location and positivity of β-catenin expression in HCC was examined.
RESULTS: Normal hepatocytes did not express β-catenin. In 78% of HCC β-catenin was expressed at the membrane of the cells, with or without cytoplasmic and/or nuclear expression. The tumor cells with well- and moderately-differentiated grades expressed frequently at the membrane and cytoplasm compared with poorly-differentiated type. Nuclear expression of β-catenin was prone to occur in the tumor cells of poorly-differentiated grade. There were 15% of hepatitis C virus (HCV) backgrounds with nuclear expression. In contrast, there was 38% with nuclear expression in hepatitis B virus (HBV) backgrounds. In nonB-nonC hepatitis, no case expressed nuclear β-catenin.
CONCLUSION: The β-catenin expression in HCC cells was heterogenous among types of hepatitis viral infection. Wnt signaling pathway might be deeply involved in less-differentiated HCC and HBV background.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liem Thanh Tien
- Department of Pathology, National Nagasaki Medical Center, 2-1001-1 Kubara, Omura, Nagasaki 856-8562, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chung CY, Yeh KT, Hsu NC, Chang JHM, Lin JT, Horng HC, Chang CS. Expression of c-kit protooncogene in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2005; 217:231-6. [PMID: 15617841 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2004.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2004] [Revised: 06/15/2004] [Accepted: 06/20/2004] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The expression of the c-kit protooncogene in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was investigated. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and RT-PCR were employed to examine the protein and mRNA expression of c-kit protooncogene, respectively. IHC results demonstrated that 22 of 86 (25.6%) HCC tissue sections expressed c-kit protein. The c-kit mRNA transcript was further confirmed in all 22 IHC c-kit positive HCC tissue samples by RT-PCR. Moreover, the relationship between c-kit expression in HCC and prognosis of patients was statistically analyzed and a correlation was established. The group of patients whose HCC specimens showed positive c-kit staining exhibited better survival as compared to those patients with negative c-kit expression (p=0.021). These results suggest that c-kit expression may be a good prognostic indicator for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Yuan Chung
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, 135 Nanhsiao Street, Changhua 500, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Elchuri S, Oberley TD, Qi W, Eisenstein RS, Jackson Roberts L, Van Remmen H, Epstein CJ, Huang TT. CuZnSOD deficiency leads to persistent and widespread oxidative damage and hepatocarcinogenesis later in life. Oncogene 2005; 24:367-80. [PMID: 15531919 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1208207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 448] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Mice deficient in CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) showed no overt abnormalities during development and early adulthood, but had a reduced lifespan and increased incidence of neoplastic changes in the liver. Greater than 70% of Sod1-/- mice developed liver nodules that were either nodular hyperplasia or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cross-sectional studies with livers collected from Sod1-/- and age-matched +/+ controls revealed extensive oxidative damage in the cytoplasm and, to a lesser extent, in the nucleus and mitochondria from as early as 3 months of age. A marked reduction in cytosolic aconitase, increased levels of 8-oxo dG and F2-isoprostanes, and a moderate reduction in glutathione peroxidase activities and porin levels were observed in all age groups of Sod1-/- mice examined. There were also age-related reductions in Mn superoxide dismutase activities and carbonic anhydrase III. Parallel to the biochemical changes, there were progressive increases in the DNA repair enzyme APEX1, the cell cycle control proteins cyclin D1 and D3, and the hepatocyte growth factor receptor Met. Increased cell proliferation in the presence of persistent oxidative damage to macromolecules likely contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sailaja Elchuri
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gatza ML, Chandhasin C, Ducu RI, Marriott SJ. Impact of transforming viruses on cellular mutagenesis, genome stability, and cellular transformation. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2005; 45:304-325. [PMID: 15645440 DOI: 10.1002/em.20088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that 15% of all cancers are etiologically linked to viral infection. Specific cancers including adult T-cell leukemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, and uterine cervical cancer are associated with infection by human T-cell leukemia virus type I, hepatitis B virus, and high-risk human papilloma virus, respectively. In these cancers, genomic instability, a hallmark of multistep cancers, has been explicitly linked to the expression of oncoproteins encoded by these viruses. This review discusses mechanisms utilized by these viral oncoproteins, Tax, HBx, and E6/E7, to mediate genomic instability and cellular transformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Gatza
- Interdepartmental Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Fischer ANM, Herrera B, Mikula M, Proell V, Fuchs E, Gotzmann J, Schulte-Hermann R, Beug H, Mikulits W. Integration of Ras subeffector signaling in TGF-beta mediated late stage hepatocarcinogenesis. Carcinogenesis 2005; 26:931-42. [PMID: 15705598 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgi043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immortalized p19(ARF) null hepatocytes (MIM) feature a high degree of functional differentiation and are susceptible to transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta driven growth arrest and apoptosis. In contrast, polarized MIM hepatocytes expressing hyperactive Ha-Ras continue proliferation in cooperation with TGF-beta, and adopt an invasive phenotype by executing an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we analyzed the involvement of Ras subeffectors in TGF-beta mediated hepatocellular EMT by employing MIM hepatocytes, which express Ras mutants allowing selective activation of either mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling (V12-S35) or phosphoinositide 3-OH (PI3)3 kinase (PI3K) signaling (V12-C40). We found that MAPK signaling in MIM-S35 hepatocytes was necessary and sufficient to promote resistance to TGF-beta mediated inhibition of proliferation in vitro and in vivo. MIM-S35 hepatocytes showed also PI3K activation during EMT, however, MAPK signaling on its own protected hepatocytes from apoptosis. Yet, MIM-C40 hepatocytes failed to form tumors and required additional MAPK stimulation to overcome TGF-beta mediated growth arrest. In vivo, the collaboration of MAPK signaling and TGF-beta activity drastically accelerated the cell-cycle progression of the hepatocytes, leading to vast tumor formation. From these data we conclude that MAPK is crucial for the cooperation with TGF-beta to regulate the proliferation as well as the survival of hepatocytes during EMT, and causes the fatal increase in hepatocellular tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N M Fischer
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschke-Gasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Nelsen CJ, Kuriyama R, Hirsch B, Negron VC, Lingle WL, Goggin MM, Stanley MW, Albrecht JH. Short term cyclin D1 overexpression induces centrosome amplification, mitotic spindle abnormalities, and aneuploidy. J Biol Chem 2004; 280:768-76. [PMID: 15509582 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m407105200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In normal cells, cyclin D1 is induced by growth factors and promotes progression through the G(1) phase of the cell cycle. Cyclin D1 is also an oncogene that is thought to act primarily by bypassing the requirement for mitogens during the G(1) phase. Studies of clinical tumors have found that cyclin D1 overexpression is associated with chromosome abnormalities, although a causal effect has not been established in experimental systems. In this study, we found that transient expression of cyclin D1 in normal hepatocytes in vivo triggered dysplastic mitoses, accumulation of supernumerary centrosomes, abnormalities of the mitotic spindle, and marked chromosome changes within several days. This was associated with up-regulation of checkpoint genes p53 and p21 as well as hepatocyte apoptosis in the liver. Transient transfection of cyclin D1 also induced centrosome and mitotic spindle abnormalities in breast epithelial cells, suggesting that this may be a generalized effect. These results indicate that cyclin D1 can induce deregulation of the mitotic apparatus and aneuploidy, effects that could contribute to the role of this oncogene in malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Nelsen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Stiewe T, Tuve S, Peter M, Tannapfel A, Elmaagacli AH, Pützer BM. Quantitative TP73 transcript analysis in hepatocellular carcinomas. Clin Cancer Res 2004; 10:626-33. [PMID: 14760085 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-0153-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The p53 family member p73 displays significant homology to p53, but data from primary tumors demonstrating increased expression levels of p73 in the absence of any gene mutations argue against a classical tumor suppressor function. A detailed analysis of the p73 protein in tumor tissues has revealed expression of two classes of p73 isoforms. Whereas the proapoptotic, full-length, transactivation-competent p73 protein (TA-p73) has a putative tumor suppressor activity similar to p53, the antiapoptotic, NH(2)-terminally truncated, transactivation-deficient p73 protein (DeltaTA-p73) has been shown to possess oncogenic activity. The oncogenic proteins can be generated by the following two different mechanisms: (a) aberrant splicing (p73Deltaex2, p73Deltaex2/3, DeltaN'-p73) and (b) alternative promoter usage of a second intronic promoter (DeltaN-p73). The purpose of our study was to elucidate the origin of DeltaTA-p73 isoforms in hepatocellular carcinomas. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We analyzed the underlying mechanisms of p73 overexpression in cancer cells by quantification of p73 transcripts from 10 hepatocellular carcinoma patients using isoform-specific real-time reverse transcription-PCR. RESULTS Our data demonstrate that only aberrantly spliced DeltaTA-p73 transcripts from the TA promoter show significantly increased expression levels in the tumor whereas the DeltaN-p73 transcript generated from the second promoter is not significantly up-regulated. CONCLUSIONS Although we only analyzed 10 patient samples the results strongly suggest that the elevated activity of the first promoter (TA promoter) accounts for high-level expression of both full-length TA-p73 and aberrantly spliced DeltaTA-p73 isoforms in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Stiewe
- Center for Cancer Research and Cancer Therapy, Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Essen Medical School, Essen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Arakawa Y, Kajino K, Kano S, Tobita H, Hayashi J, Yasen M, Moriyama M, Arakawa Y, Hino O. Transcription of dbpA, a Y box binding protein, is positively regulated by E2F1: implications in hepatocarcinogenesis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 322:297-302. [PMID: 15313206 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.04.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Human hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers in the world. We previously showed that dbpA, a member of the Y box family of proteins, could accelerate the process of inflammation-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, and that dbpA is more abundantly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma than in non-tumorous tissue. In this study, to clarify the mechanism by which expression of dbpA is enhanced in the proliferative state, we examined the transcriptional activity of the dbpA promoter region. We focused on the sequence 5'-TTTGGGGC-3' (-8 to -1 in the promoter region) resembling the E2F binding site (one base mismatch, TFSEARCH score 86.2). By overexpressing E2F1 in Huh-7 cells, transcriptional activity of dbpA was significantly increased, and this increase was abolished by mutating or deleting this sequence. Thus, expression of dbpA was positively regulated by E2F1, suggesting that one of the effects of E2F1 on cell proliferation might be mediated by dbpA at the carcinogenesis step.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuo Arakawa
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Fundation of Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Bill CA, Summers J. Genomic DNA double-strand breaks are targets for hepadnaviral DNA integration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:11135-40. [PMID: 15258290 PMCID: PMC503752 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0403925101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrated hepadnaviral DNA in livers and tumors of chronic hepatitis B patients has been reported for many years. In this study, we investigated whether hepatitis B virus DNA integration occurs preferentially at sites of cell DNA damage. A single I-SceI homing endonuclease recognition site was introduced into the DNA of the chicken hepatoma cell line LMH by stable DNA transfection, and double-strand breaks were induced by transient expression of I-SceI after transfection of an I-SceI expression vector. Alteration of the target cleavage site by imprecise nonhomologous end joining occurred at a frequency of approximately 10(-3) per transfected cell. When replication of an avian hepadnavirus, duck hepatitis B virus, occurred at the time of double-strand break repair, we observed integration of viral DNA at the site of the break with a frequency of approximately 10(-4) per transfected cell. Integration depended on the production of viral double-stranded linear DNA and the expression of I-SceI, and integrated DNA was stable through at least 17 cell divisions. Integration appeared to occur through nonhomologous end joining between the viral linear DNA ends and the I-SceI-induced break, because small deletions or insertions were observed at the sites of end joining. The results suggest that integration of hepadnaviral DNA in infected livers occurs at sites of DNA damage and may indicate the presence of more widespread genetic changes beyond that caused by viral DNA integration itself [corrected].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin A Bill
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico, 915 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Affiliation(s)
- John K Wiencke
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 500 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, California 94143, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Cai RL, Meng W, Lu HY, Lin WY, Jiang F, Shen FM. Segregation analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma in a moderately high-incidence area of East China. World J Gastroenterol 2003; 9:2428-32. [PMID: 14606070 PMCID: PMC4656515 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v9.i11.2428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To explore the mode of inheritance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a moderately high-incidence area of East China.
METHODS: A pedigree survey was conducted in 210 families (3315 individuals) ascertained through 210 HCC probands in Haimen, Jiangsu Province. Simple segregation analysis was conducted using SEGRANB software. The probability of ascertainment (π), segregation ratio (p), and the proportion of sporadic cases (x) were estimated. Complex segregation analysis was performed using the REGTL program of S.A.G.E. Models were fitted on the data of 3212 individuals that allowed for personal HBsAg status and variable age of onset in REGTL program.
RESULTS: The estimate of segregation ratio was 0.191 by SEGRANB. The probability of ascertainment was 0.0266, and the proportion of sporadic cases was 0.465. The results of complex segregation analysis showed that Mendelian autosomal recessive inheritance of a major gene that influenced the age of onset distribution of HCC, provided the best fit to the data. In the best-fitting recessive model, the frequency of the disease allele was 0.11138. HBsAg seropositive status would significantly increase the risk of developing HCC.
CONCLUSION: These results suggest that at least one major gene is involved in the genetic predisposition to develop HCC at an earlier age of onset. The seropositive HBsAg status can significantly increase the risk of developing HCC, which provides strong support for the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Lin Cai
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Nelsen CJ, Rickheim DG, Tucker MM, McKenzie TJ, Hansen LK, Pestell RG, Albrecht JH. Amino acids regulate hepatocyte proliferation through modulation of cyclin D1 expression. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:25853-8. [PMID: 12736274 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m302360200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which amino acids regulate the cell cycle are not well characterized. In this study, we examined the control of hepatocyte proliferation by amino acids and protein intake. In short-term culture, hepatocytes demonstrated normal entry into S phase and cell cycle protein expression in the absence of essential amino acids. However, deprivation of a set of nonessential amino acids (NEAA) potently inhibited cell cycle progression and selectively down-regulated the expression of proliferation-control proteins. Notably, NEAA withdrawal after the mitogen restriction point still inhibited entry into S phase, suggesting that these amino acids regulate a distinct checkpoint. Cyclin D1, an important mediator of hepatocyte proliferation, was markedly inhibited at the transcriptional level by NEAA deprivation, and transfection with cyclin D1 (but not cyclin E) overcame the cell cycle arrest. As previously shown, protein-deprived mice demonstrated impaired hepatocyte proliferation in vivo after 70% partial hepatectomy. The expression of cyclin D1 and downstream cell cycle proteins after partial hepatectomy was inhibited in these mice. Transfection with cyclin D1 in vivo triggered hepatocyte DNA synthesis and the expression of S phase proteins in the absence of dietary protein. Cyclin D1 also induced global protein synthesis in NEAA-deprived hepatocytes and promoted liver growth in vivo in the setting of protein deprivation. These results indicate that cyclin D1 is a key target of amino acid signaling in hepatocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Nelsen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Akhter S, Liu H, Prabhu R, DeLucca C, Bastian F, Garry RF, Schwartz M, Thung SN, Dash S. Epstein-Barr virus and human hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2003; 192:49-57. [PMID: 12637152 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3835(02)00695-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may act as a helper virus for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting replication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the infected liver. Detection of EBV DNA in a high percentage of HCV-positive human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) from Japanese patients has supported this concept. In order to determine whether EBV infection is associated with HCC, we examined paraffin-embedded tissues from 31 cases of non-cirrhotic livers with hepatocellular carcinoma for the presence of EBV, HCV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. RNA prepared from tumor samples were used as a template for reverse transcription followed by double-nested PCR with primers for the 5' untranslated region (NT) of HCV. DNA extracts of tumor samples were tested by single polymerase chain reaction for the detection of EBV and HBV (X- and/or S-gene) DNA sequences. To control for nucleic acid integrity, all tumor samples were amplified for human beta-globin DNA by polymerase chain reaction and subjected to Southern blot hybridization. None of the cases was found to be positive for EBV. Ten HCC cases (32%) tested positive for HCV and 12 HCC cases (38%) tested positive for HBV. Six of the surveyed patients had nucleic acids of both HCV and HBV in their tumor tissue. All HCC tumor samples were positive for beta-globin. Our study shows that HCV and HBV infections, but not EBV infection, are associated with hepatocarcinogenesis in non-cirrhotic livers. Other unknown risk factors seem to be in effect in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in non-cirrhotic livers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shamim Akhter
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the United States, and alcohol abuse leads to alcoholic liver disease, a long recognized major public health concern. The high prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, along with the clinical observation that HCV infection is common in alcoholic patients presenting with liver disease, has directed attention to the interaction between alcohol and HCV infection. Clinical studies have identified alcohol use as an independent risk factor for progression of fibrosis in chronic HCV infection. Experimental evidence suggests additive inhibitory effects between HCV and alcohol on antiviral immune responses. In addition, specific pathways have been identified by which HCV core protein and alcohol interact to activate hepatocytes. Nonspecific inflammatory cell recruitment and proinflammatory cytokine activation have also been implicated in both alcohol- and HCV-induced liver diseases. Further investigation of these and other pathways by which alcohol and HCV interact should unravel the mechanisms that accelerate the progression of liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gyongyi Szabo
- Hepatology and Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 365 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|