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Ahmed M, Mäkinen VP, Lumsden A, Boyle T, Mulugeta A, Lee SH, Olver I, Hyppönen E. Metabolic profile predicts incident cancer: A large-scale population study in the UK Biobank. Metabolism 2023; 138:155342. [PMID: 36377121 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Analyses to predict the risk of cancer typically focus on single biomarkers, which do not capture their complex interrelations. We hypothesized that the use of metabolic profiles may provide new insights into cancer prediction. METHODS We used information from 290,888 UK Biobank participants aged 37 to 73 years at baseline. Metabolic subgroups were defined based on clustering of biochemical data using an artificial neural network approach and examined for their association with incident cancers identified through linkage to cancer registry. In addition, we evaluated associations between 38 individual biomarkers and cancer risk. RESULTS In total, 21,973 individuals developed cancer during the follow-up (median 3.87 years, interquartile range [IQR] = 2.03-5.58). Compared to the metabolically favorable subgroup (IV), subgroup III (defined as "high BMI, C-reactive protein & cystatin C") was associated with a higher risk of obesity-related cancers (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.26, 95 % CI = 1.21 to 1.32) and hematologic-malignancies (e.g., lymphoid leukemia: HR = 1.83, 95%CI = 1.44 to 2.33). Subgroup II ("high triglycerides & liver enzymes") was strongly associated with liver cancer risk (HR = 5.70, 95%CI = 3.57 to 9.11). Analysis of individual biomarkers showed a positive association between testosterone and greater risks of hormone-sensitive cancers (HR per SD higher = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.23 to 1.44), and liver cancer (HR = 2.49, 95%CI =1.47 to 4.24). Many liver tests were individually associated with a greater risk of liver cancer with the strongest association observed for gamma-glutamyl transferase (HR = 2.40, 95%CI = 2.19 to 2.65). CONCLUSIONS Metabolic profile in middle-to-older age can predict cancer incidence, in particular risk of obesity-related cancer, hematologic malignancies, and liver cancer. Elevated values from liver tests are strong predictors for later risk of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muktar Ahmed
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University Institute of Health, Jimma, Ethiopia; UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ville-Petteri Mäkinen
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Computational Systems Biology Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Amanda Lumsden
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Terry Boyle
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia; UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Anwar Mulugeta
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sang Hong Lee
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia; UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ian Olver
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Elina Hyppönen
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Badami E, Busà R, Douradinha B, Russelli G, Miceli V, Gallo A, Zito G, Conaldi PG, Iannolo G. Hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis C virus infection and miRNA involvement: Perspectives for new therapeutic approaches. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:2417-2428. [PMID: 35979260 PMCID: PMC9258280 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i22.2417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the principal etiology of cirrhosis and, ultimately, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). At present, approximately 71 million people are chronically infected with HCV, and 10%–20% of these are expected to develop severe liver complications throughout their lifetime. Scientific evidence has clearly shown the causal association between miRNAs, HCV infection and HCC. Although it is not completely clear whether miRNA dysregulation in HCC is the cause or the consequence of its development, variations in miRNA patterns have been described in different liver diseases, including HCC. Many studies have analyzed the importance of circulating miRNAs and their effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis. In this Review, we aim to summarize current knowledge on the association between miRNA, HCV and HCC from a diagnostic point of view, and also the potential implications for therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Badami
- Regenerative Medicine and Immunotherapy Area, Fondazione Ri.MED, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Rosalia Busà
- Department of Research, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Bruno Douradinha
- Regenerative Medicine and Immunotherapy Area, Fondazione Ri.MED, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Giovanna Russelli
- Department of Research, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Vitale Miceli
- Department of Research, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Alessia Gallo
- Department of Research, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zito
- Department of Research, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Department of Research, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Gioacchin Iannolo
- Department of Research, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo 90127, Italy
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Fang L, Yu Y, Li Y, Wang S, Zhang R, Guo Y, Li Y, Yan Y, Sun YP. Human chorionic gonadotropin-induced amphiregulin stimulates aromatase expression in human granulosa-lutein cells: a mechanism for estradiol production in the luteal phase. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:2018-2026. [PMID: 31553790 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does amphiregulin (AREG), the most abundant and important epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand in the follicular fluid, regulate aromatase expression in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells? SUMMARY ANSWER AREG mediates the hCG-induced up-regulation of aromatase expression and estradiol (E2) production in hGL cells. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY AREG expression and secretion are rapidly induced by hCG in hGL cells and mediate physiological functions of LH/hCG in the ovary. EGFR protein is expressed in follicles not only in the pre-ovulatory phase but also throughout the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. After the LH surge, the human corpus luteum secretes high levels of E2, which regulates various luteal cell functions. Aromatase is an enzyme responsible for a key step in the biosynthesis of E2. However, whether AREG regulates aromatase expression and E2 production in hGL cells remains unexplored. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study is an experimental study performed over a 1-year period. In vitro investigations examined the role of AREG in the regulation of aromatase expression and E2 production in primary hGL cells. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Primary hGL cells were obtained from women undergoing IVF treatment in an academic research center. Aromatase mRNA and protein levels were examined after exposure of hGL cells to recombinant human AREG, hCG or LH. The EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478, PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and siRNAs targeting EGFR, LH receptor, StAR and AREG were used to verify the specificity of the effects and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot were used to measure the specific mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Follicular fluid and serum were collected from 65 infertile women during IVF treatment. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to examine the correlation coefficient between two values. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Treatment of hGL cells with AREG-stimulated aromatase expression and E2 production. Using pharmacological inhibitors and specific siRNAs, we revealed that AREG-stimulated aromatase expression and E2 production via EGFR-mediated activation of the protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. In addition, inhibition of EGFR activity and AREG knockdown attenuated hCG-induced up-regulation of aromatase expression and E2 production. Importantly, the protein levels of AREG in the follicular fluid were positively correlated with the E2 levels in serum after 2 days of oocyte pick-up and in the follicular fluid of IVF patients. LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The in vitro setting of this study is a limitation that may not reflect the real intra-ovarian microenvironment. Clinical data were obtained from a small sample size. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results provide the first evidence that hCG-induced AREG contributes to aromatase expression and E2 production in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. A better understanding of the hormonal regulation of female reproductive function may help to develop new strategies for the treatment of clinical infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China for Young Scientists (81601253), the specific fund of clinical medical research of Chinese Medical Association (16020160632) and the Foundation from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University for Young Scientists to Lanlan Fang. This work was also supported by an operating grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81820108016) to Ying-Pu Sun. All authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yiping Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yiran Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Ruizhe Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yanjie Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yuxi Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yang Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
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Chinnici CM, Miceli V, Pampalone M, Lo Nigro A, Amico G, Conaldi PG. In vitro evidences of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in low cell-density cultured human fetal hepatocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017. [PMID: 28624456 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Culturing fetal hepatocytes in high cell-density allowed stabilization of the hepatocyte phenotype up to 8 weeks, including the maintenance of liver-specific functions. On the other hand, when cultured at low cell-density, fetal hepatocytes underwent morphological modifications and acquired fibroblastic morphology. Since a switch from E-cadherin to vimentin expression accompanied these changes, we hypothesized the occurrence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition when fetal hepatocytes were cultured at low cell-density. Changes in gene expressionsuch as up-regulation of fibrosis-related geneswere also observed, suggesting that the low cell-density culture system promoted the acquisition of a profibrotic phenotype in cultured hepatocytes. The origin of fibrogenic cells in the liver is not well known, and the role of hepatocytes as a source of fibrogenic cells is controversial. Therefore, we hypothesized that hepatocytes undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition could have a central role in liver fibrosis as a source of fibrogenic cells. To conclude, the high cell-density culture system could be a useful model for in vitro studies requiring long-term cultures of hepatocytes, such as the development of pharmaceutical drugs and mechanisms of viral infections. The low cell-density culture system may provide additional insights into the origin of fibrogenic cells in the liver, thus contributing to the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Maria Chinnici
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Palermo, Italy; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneano per I Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Vitale Miceli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneano per I Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy.
| | - Mariangela Pampalone
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Palermo, Italy; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneano per I Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Lo Nigro
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Palermo, Italy; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneano per I Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Amico
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Palermo, Italy; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneano per I Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Palermo, Italy; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneano per I Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
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5
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Song J, Wu Z, Wangtrakuldee B, Choi SR, Zha Z, Ploessl K, Mach RH, Kung H. 4-(((4-Iodophenyl)methyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ylamino)-benzonitrile: A Potential Imaging Agent for Aromatase. J Med Chem 2016; 59:9370-9380. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Song
- Beijing
Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Department
of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Market Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Zehui Wu
- Beijing
Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Department
of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Market Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Beau Wangtrakuldee
- Department
of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics and the Center
for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 1315 BRBII/III, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6160, United States
| | - Seok Rye Choi
- Department
of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Market Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Five Eleven Pharma Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Zhihao Zha
- Department
of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Market Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Karl Ploessl
- Department
of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Market Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Five Eleven Pharma Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Robert H Mach
- Department
of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Market Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Hank Kung
- Beijing
Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Department
of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Market Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Five Eleven Pharma Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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Amphiregulin activates regulatory T lymphocytes and suppresses CD8+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor response in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:32138-53. [PMID: 26451607 PMCID: PMC4741664 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cell-mediated immune response plays an important role in inhibiting progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For strategic immunotherapy, it is critical to understand why some of the tumor cells escape from this immune attack. In this study, we investigated how HCC cells alter endogenous anti-tumor immunity and their related signaling pathways. We found that HCC cells, both in vitro and in vivo, substantially secret and express amphiregulin (AR). AR in turn activates immunosuppressive function of intratumoral CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), a major inhibitor of CD8+ T cells. Using either lentiviral siRNA, or AR neutralizing antibody, we blocked the expression and function of AR to test the specificity of AR mediated activation of Tregs, Biochemical and cell biology studies were followed and confirmed that blocking of AR inhibited Tregs activation. In addition, we found that AR can trigger the activation of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1) signaling in Tregs. The mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin treatment led to compromise Treg function and resulted in enhancing anti-tumor function of CD8+ T cells. Blocking AR/EGFR signaling in Tregs with Gefitinib also enhanced anti-tumor immunity and decreased tumor size in a mouse xenograft tumor model. Taken together, our study suggested a novel mechanism of functional interaction between HCC and Tregs for regulating anti-tumor function of CD8+ T cells.
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Biegon A. In vivo visualization of aromatase in animals and humans. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 40:42-51. [PMID: 26456904 PMCID: PMC4783227 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase catalyzes the last and obligatory step in the biosynthesis of estrogens across species. In vivo visualization of aromatase can be performed using positron emission tomography (PET) with radiolabeled aromatase inhibitors such as [(11)C]vorozole. PET studies in rats, monkeys and healthy human subjects demonstrate widespread but heterogeneous aromatase availability in brain and body, which appears to be regulated in a species, sex and region-specific manner. Thus, aromatase availability is high in brain amygdala and in ovaries of all species examined to date, with males demonstrating higher levels than females in all comparable organs. However, the highest concentrations of aromatase in the human brain are found in specific nuclei of the thalamus while the highest levels in rats and monkeys are found in the amygdala. Regional brain aromatase availability is increased by androgens and inhibited by nicotine. Future studies may improve diagnosis and treatment in brain disorders and cancers overexpressing aromatase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Biegon
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2565, United States.
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8
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Jiang P, Cao J, Bai WH. Lentivirus-Mediated siRNA Targeting ER-α Inhibits Tumorigenesis and Induces Apoptosis in Hepatocarcinoma Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:490681. [PMID: 26413526 PMCID: PMC4564599 DOI: 10.1155/2015/490681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 01/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) plays important roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. Recent studies have shown that ER-α could lead to cell cycle progression or inhibition of apoptosis. To better understand the role of ER-α, RNA interference (RNAi) was used to inhibit ER-α expression in the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. METHODS Lentivirus-mediated ER-α small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected into HCC cells Hep3B. ER-α expression was monitored by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion were examined by methyl thiazol tetrazolium (MTT), flow cytometry (FCM), and invasion assay, respectively. RESULTS ER-α siRNA efficiently downregulated the expression of ER-α in Hep3B cells at both mRNA and protein levels in a time-dependent manner. ER-α siRNA also inhibited cell proliferation and reduced cell invasion (compared with other groups, P < 0.05, resp.). Furthermore, knockdown of ER-α slowed down the cell population at S phase and increased the rate of apoptosis (P < 0.05, resp.). CONCLUSION ER-α knockdown suppressed the growth of HCC cells. Thus, ER-α may play a very important role in carcinogenesis of HCC and its knockdown may offer a new potential gene therapy approach for human liver cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Jun Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Wen-Hui Bai
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
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Biegon A, Alexoff DL, Kim SW, Logan J, Pareto D, Schlyer D, Wang GJ, Fowler JS. Aromatase imaging with [N-methyl-11C]vorozole PET in healthy men and women. J Nucl Med 2015; 56:580-5. [PMID: 25698781 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.114.150383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Aromatase, the last and obligatory enzyme catalyzing estrogen biosynthesis from androgenic precursors, can be labeled in vivo with (11)C-vorozole. Aromatase inhibitors are widely used in breast cancer and other endocrine conditions. The present study aimed to provide baseline information defining aromatase distribution in healthy men and women, against which its perturbation in pathologic situations can be studied. METHODS (11)C-vorozole (111-296 MBq/subject) was injected intravenously in 13 men and 20 women (age range, 23-67 y). PET data were acquired over a 90-min period. Each subject had 4 scans, 2 per day separated by 2-6 wk, including brain and torso or pelvis scans. Young women were scanned at 2 discrete phases of the menstrual cycle (midcycle and late luteal). Men and postmenopausal women were also scanned after pretreatment with a clinical dose of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole. Time-activity curves were obtained, and standardized uptake values (SUV) were calculated for major organs including brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, muscle, bone, and male and female reproductive organs (penis, testes, uterus, ovaries). Organ and whole-body radiation exposures were calculated using OLINDA software. RESULTS Liver uptake was higher than uptake in any other organ but was not blocked by pretreatment with letrozole. Mean SUVs were higher in men than in women, and brain uptake was blocked by letrozole. Male brain SUVs were also higher than SUVs in any other organ (ranging from 0.48 ± 0.05 in lungs to 1.5 ± 0.13 in kidneys). Mean ovarian SUVs (3.08 ± 0.7) were comparable to brain levels and higher than in any other organ. Furthermore, ovarian SUVs in young women around the time of ovulation (midcycle) were significantly higher than those measured in the late luteal phase, whereas aging and cigarette smoking reduced (11)C-vorozole uptake. CONCLUSION PET with (11)C-vorozole is useful for assessing physiologic changes in estrogen synthesis capacity in the human body. Baseline levels in breasts, lungs, and bones are low, supporting further investigation of this tracer as a new tool for detection of aromatase-overexpressing primary tumors or metastases in these organs and optimization of treatment in cancer and other disorders in which aromatase inhibitors are useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Biegon
- Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York
| | | | - Sung Won Kim
- National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jean Logan
- New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Deborah Pareto
- Institut de Recerca Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Alta Tecnologia, Barcelona, Spain; and
| | | | - Gene-Jack Wang
- National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Joanna S Fowler
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York
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Biegon A, Kim SW, Alexoff DL, Jayne M, Carter P, Hubbard B, King P, Logan J, Muench L, Pareto D, Schlyer D, Shea C, Telang F, Wang GJ, Xu Y, Fowler JS. Unique distribution of aromatase in the human brain: in vivo studies with PET and [N-methyl-11C]vorozole. Synapse 2011; 64:801-7. [PMID: 20842717 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase catalyzes the last step in estrogen biosynthesis. Brain aromatase is involved in diverse neurophysiological and behavioral functions including sexual behavior, aggression, cognition, and neuroprotection. Using positron emission tomography (PET) with the radiolabeled aromatase inhibitor [N-methyl-(11)C]vorozole, we characterized the tracer distribution and kinetics in the living human brain. Six young, healthy subjects, three men and three women, were administered the radiotracer alone on two separate occasions. Women were scanned in distinct phases of the menstrual cycle. Specificity was confirmed by pretreatment with a pharmacological (2.5 mg) dose of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole. PET data were acquired over a 90-min period and regions of interest placed over selected brain regions. Brain and plasma time activity curves, corrected for metabolites, were used to derive kinetic parameters. Distribution volume (V(T)) values in both men and women followed the following rank order: thalamus > amygdala = preoptic area > medulla (inferior olive) > accumbens, pons, occipital and temporal cortex, putamen, cerebellum, and white matter. Pretreatment with letrozole reduced V(T) in all regions, though the size of the reduction was region-dependent, ranging from ∼70% blocking in thalamus andpreoptic area to ∼10% in cerebellum. The high levels of aromatase in thalamus and medulla (inferior olive) appear to be unique to humans. These studies set the stage for the noninvasive assessment of aromatase involvement in various physiological and pathological processes affecting the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Biegon
- Medical Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.
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