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Mei J, Yu C, Shi F, Guan R, Li S, Zhong C, Guo R, Wei W. The ARH score, a practical guide to decision-making for retreatment with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112551. [PMID: 38950459 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic arterial infusionchemotherapy (HAIC) is a promising option for large unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Identifying patients who could benefit from continuous HAIC remains a challenge. We aimed to establish an objective model to guide the decision for retreatment with HAIC. METHODS Between 2015 and 2020, the data of patients with large unresectable HCC without macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic spread undergoing multiple HAIC cycles from 3 different centers were retrieved. We investigated the basic tumor parameters and the effect of HAIC on liver function and tumor response, and their impact on overall survival (OS). A point score (ARH, Assessment for Retreatment with HAIC) was built by using a stepwise Cox regression model in the training cohort (n = 112) and was validated in an independent validation cohort (n = 71). RESULTS The high α-fetoprotein before the second cycle of HAIC, an increase in Child-Pugh score, and undesirable radiologic tumor responses remained independent negative prognostic factors and were used to create the ARH score. The prognosis of HCC patients deteriorated significantly with the increase in ARH score. The median OS of patients with ARH score 0-2 points and ≥ 2.5 points were 19.37 months and 11.60 months (P < 0.001). All of these results had been confirmed in the external validation cohort and demonstrated significance across multiple subgroups. CONCLUSIONS The ARH score makes an excellent prediction of the prognosis of HCC patients who received retreatment of HAIC. Patients with an ARH score ≥ 2.5 prior to the second cycle of HAIC may not profit from further sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Mei
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengyou Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China. Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Rod, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Feng Shi
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Renguo Guan
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chong Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong, China.
| | - Rongping Guo
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
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Sun J, Huang L, Liu Y. Leveraging SEER data through machine learning to predict distant lymph node metastasis and prognosticate outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3732. [PMID: 39188041 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to develop and validate machine learning-based diagnostic and prognostic models to predict the risk of distant lymph node metastases (DLNM) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to evaluate the prognosis for this cohort. DESIGN Utilizing a retrospective design, this investigation leverages data extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, specifically the January 2024 subset, to conduct the analysis. PARTICIPANTS The study cohort consists of 15,775 patients diagnosed with HCC as identified within the SEER database, spanning 2016 to 2020. METHOD In the construction of the diagnostic model, recursive feature elimination (RFE) is employed for variable selection, incorporating five critical predictors: age, tumor size, radiation therapy, T-stage, and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. These variables are the foundation for a stacking ensemble model, which is further elucidated through Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP). Conversely, the prognostic model is crafted utilizing stepwise backward regression to select pertinent variables, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, tumor size, and age. This model culminates in the development of a prognostic nomogram, underpinned by the Cox proportional hazards model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The outcome of the diagnostic model is the occurrence of DLNM in patients. The outcome of the prognosis model is determined by survival time and survival status. RESULTS The integrated model developed based on stacking demonstrates good predictive performance and high interpretative variability and differentiation. The area under the curve (AUC) in the training set is 0.767, while the AUC in the validation set is 0.768. The nomogram, constructed using the Cox model, also demonstrates consistent and strong predictive capabilities. At the same time, we recognized elements that have a substantial impact on DLNM and the prognosis and extensively discussed their significance in the model and clinical practice. CONCLUSION Our study identified key predictive factors for DLNM and elucidated significant prognostic indicators for HCC patients with DLNM. These findings provide clinicians with valuable tools to accurately identify high-risk individuals for DLNM and conduct more precise risk stratification for this patient subgroup, potentially improving management strategies and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxuan Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yahui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Xu J, Liu K, Gong Z, Liu J, Lin H, Lin B, Li W, Zhu M, Li M. IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway induces prostate apoptosis response protein-4(PAR-4) to stimulate malignant behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101538. [PMID: 39147129 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Prostate apoptosis response protein-4 (PAR-4) is considered a tumor suppressor. However, the role of PAR-4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has rarely been reported. The study explores the role of PAR-4 in the malignant behaviors of HCC cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS TCGA database was applied to analyze the expression of PAR-4 in HCC. Evaluated PAR-4 relationship with clinical parameters and prognosis by tissue microarray; expression of STAT3, p-STAT3, Src and Ras was detected by Western blotting or laser confocal microscopy. Cell scratch and flow cytometry assays were used to observe IL-6 regulation of the malignant behaviors of HCC cells. The tumorigenic potential of HCC cells in vivo was evaluated in a nude mouse tumor model. RESULTS Analysis indicated that the expression of PAR-4 in HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in normal liver tissues; and PAR-4 interacted with STAT3. KEGG analysis showed that PAR-4 plays a role in the Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT signaling pathway. The positive expression rate of PAR-4 in HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues. Positive correlation between IL-6 and PAR-4 expression in the HCC tissues. Exogenous IL-6 significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of HCC cells and up-regulated the expression of PAR-4 and p-STAT3 in HCC cells. Interference of the expression of PAR-4 could reduce the malignant behaviors of HCC cells and inhibit tumorigenesis in a nude mouse tumor model. CONCLUSIONS PAR-4 expression is positively correlated with HCC; PAR-4 promotes malignant behavior of HCC cells mediated by the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junnv Xu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical University, Hiakou 571199, Hainan Province, PR China; Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570311,Hainan Province, PR China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical University, Hiakou 571199, Hainan Province, PR China
| | - Zhixun Gong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical University, Hiakou 571199, Hainan Province, PR China
| | - Jinchen Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical University, Hiakou 571199, Hainan Province, PR China
| | - Haifeng Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570311,Hainan Province, PR China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical University, Hiakou 571199, Hainan Province, PR China
| | - Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical University, Hiakou 571199, Hainan Province, PR China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical University, Hiakou 571199, Hainan Province, PR China.
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical University, Hiakou 571199, Hainan Province, PR China; Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570311,Hainan Province, PR China; Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical University, Hiakou 570102, Hainan Province, PR China.
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Pak VN, Sherman IA. Comprehensive approach to cancer immunotherapy - Simultaneous targeting of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and cancer cells with AFP conjugates. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 200:104407. [PMID: 38834093 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a pivotal role in combating diseases, including cancer, with monocytes emerging as key regulators of immune response dynamics. This article describes a novel strategy for cancer treatment centered on depleting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), to enhance the overall immune response while simultaneously targeting cancer cells directly. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an oncofetal protein that plays an important role in delivering nutrients to immature monocytes, embryonic, and cancer cells in a targeted manner. AFP can be repurposed, making it a vehicle for delivering toxins, rather than nutrients to kill cancer cells and deplete MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Depleting monocytes not only stimulates the immune system but also improves the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), often low in cancer patients. AFP combined with cytotoxic drugs, offers dual benefit-immune stimulation and targeted chemotherapy. Studies in xenograft models demonstrated high efficacy and safety of AFP-toxin conjugates, surpassing conventional targeted chemotherapy. Such conjugates have also been reported to provide superior efficacy and safety in cancer patients compared to chemotherapy. This approach, using AFP conjugated with toxins, either covalently or non-covalently, presents a safe and highly effective option for cancer immuno/chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N Pak
- Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc., 795 Pharmacy Avenue, Toronto, On, M1L 3K2 Canada
| | - Igor A Sherman
- Alpha Cancer Technologies Inc., MaRS Discovery District, South Tower 200 - 101 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada.
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Yeo YH, Lee YT, Tseng HR, Zhu Y, You S, Agopian VG, Yang JD. Alpha-fetoprotein: Past, present, and future. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0422. [PMID: 38619448 PMCID: PMC11019827 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein that plays an important role in immune regulation with critical involvement in early human development and maintaining the immune balance during pregnancy. Postfetal development, the regulatory mechanisms controlling AFP undergo a shift and AFP gene transcription is suppressed. Instead, these enhancers refocus their activity to maintain albumin gene transcription throughout adulthood. During the postnatal period, AFP expression can increase in the setting of hepatocyte injury, regeneration, and malignant transformation. It is the first oncoprotein discovered and is routinely used as part of a screening strategy for HCC. AFP has been shown to be a powerful prognostic biomarker, and multiple HCC prognosis models confirmed the independent prognostic utility of AFP. AFP is also a useful predictive biomarker for monitoring the treatment response of HCC. In addition to its role as a biomarker, AFP plays important roles in immune modulation to promote tumorigenesis and thus has been investigated as a therapeutic target in HCC. In this review article, we aim to provide an overview of AFP, encompassing the discovery, biological role, and utility as an HCC biomarker in combination with other biomarkers and how it impacts clinical practice and future direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Hui Yeo
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yi-Te Lee
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hsian-Rong Tseng
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yazhen Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Ronald Reagan Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sungyong You
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vatche G. Agopian
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ju Dong Yang
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Lu Y, Lin B, Li M. The role of alpha-fetoprotein in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1363695. [PMID: 38660138 PMCID: PMC11039944 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1363695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignant cancer worldwide, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein synthesized by the liver and yolk sac during fetal development. However, the serum levels of AFP exhibit a significant correlation with the onset and progression of HCC in adults. Extensive research has demonstrated that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the malignant transformation of HCC, and AFP is a key factor in the TME, promoting HCC development. The objective of this review was to analyze the existing knowledge regarding the role of AFP in the TME. Specifically, this review focused on the effect of AFP on various cells in the TME, tumor immune evasion, and clinical application of AFP in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. These findings offer valuable insights into the clinical treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
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7
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Leng G, Gong H, Liu G, Kong Y, Guo L, Zhang Y. Alpha-fetoprotein upregulates hepatocellular carcinoma cell-intrinsic PD-1 expression through the LATS2/YAP/TEAD1 pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130592. [PMID: 38395204 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2024.130592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell-intrinsic programmed death 1 (PD-1) promotes tumor progression. However, the mechanisms that regulate its expression are unclear. This study investigated the impact of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) on HCC cell-intrinsic PD-1 expression. METHODS The expression of PD-1 and AFP at the gene and protein levels was detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting (WB). Proteins interacting with AFP were examined by co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual luciferase reporter assays were used to identify transcription-enhanced association domain 1 (TEAD1) binding to the promoter of PD-1. RESULTS The expression of HCC cell-intrinsic PD-1 was positively correlated with AFP. Mechanistically, AFP inhibited the phosphorylation of large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2) and yes-associated protein (YAP). As a result, YAP is transferred to the nucleus and forms a transcriptional complex with TEAD1, promoting PD-1 transcription by binding to its promoter. CONCLUSION AFP is an upstream regulator of the HCC cell-intrinsic PD-1 and increases PD-1 expression via the LATS2/YAP/TEAD1 axis. GENERAL Our findings provide insight into the mechanisms of HCC development and offer new ideas for further in-depth studies of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxian Leng
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu Province, China
| | - Hongxia Gong
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and Study on Prevention and Treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Guiyuan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu Province, China; People's Hospital affiliated with Chongqing Three Gorges Medical Higher Specialized School, Chongqing 404100, China
| | - Yin Kong
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu Province, China; Department of Hepatology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu Province, China
| | - Liuqing Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu Province, China
| | - Youcheng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu Province, China.
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Chen S, Zhao J, Xu C, Shi B, Xu J, Hu S, Zhao S. Lysosomes Initiating and DNAzyme-Assisted Intracellular Signal Amplification Strategy for Quantification of Alpha-Fetoprotein in a Single Cell. Anal Chem 2024; 96:85-91. [PMID: 38128902 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Cellular trace proteins are critical for maintaining normal cell functions, with their quantitative analysis in individual cells aiding our understanding of the role of cell proteins in biological processes. This study proposes a strategy for the quantitative analysis of alpha-fetoprotein in single cells, utilizing a lysosome microenvironment initiation and a DNAzyme-assisted intracellular signal amplification technique based on electrophoretic separation. A nanoprobe targeting lysosomes was prepared, facilitating the intracellular signal amplification of alpha-fetoprotein. Following intracellular signal amplification, the levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in 20 HepG2 hepatoma cells and 20 normal HL-7702 hepatocytes were individually evaluated using microchip electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection (MCE-LIF). Results demonstrated overexpression of alpha-fetoprotein in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. This strategy represents a novel technique for single-cell protein analysis and holds significant potential as a powerful tool for such analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Urban Water Environment, Baise University, Baise 533000, China
| | - Jingjin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Chunhuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Bingfang Shi
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Urban Water Environment, Baise University, Baise 533000, China
| | - Jiayao Xu
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Shengqiang Hu
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Shulin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
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Chaudhuri AG, Samanta S, Dey M, Raviraja NS, Dey S. Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein in the Pathogenesis of Cancer. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 2024; 43:57-76. [PMID: 38505913 DOI: 10.1615/jenvironpatholtoxicoloncol.2023049145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) belongs to the albuminoid protein family and is considered as the fetal analog of serum albumin. This plasma protein is initially synthesized in the fetal liver and yolk sac and shows a maximum peak near the end of the first trimester. Later, concentrations begin to decline prenatally and drop precipitously after birth. This protein has three key ligand-binding pockets for interactions with various biomolecules. It contains multiple phosphorylation and acetylation sites for the regulation of physiological and pathophysiological states. High serum AFP titer is an established biomarker for yolk sac, embryonal and hepatocellular carcinoma. The present review critically analyzes the chemical nature, receptors, clinical implications, and therapeutic aspects of AFP, underpinning the development of different types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Ghosh Chaudhuri
- Department of Physiology, Vidyasagar College, Kolkata 700 006, West Bengal, India
| | - Saptadip Samanta
- Department of Physiology, Midnapore College, Midnapore, Paschim Medinipur 721101, West Bengal, India
| | - Monalisha Dey
- Department of Physiology, Vidyasagar College, Kolkata 700 006, West Bengal, India
| | - N S Raviraja
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, Karnataka, India
| | - Souvik Dey
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, Karnataka, India
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10
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Beaumont JEJ, Ju J, Barbeau LMO, Demers I, Savelkouls KG, Derks K, Bouwman FG, Wauben MHM, Zonneveld MI, Keulers TGH, Rouschop KMA. GABARAPL1 is essential in extracellular vesicle cargo loading and metastasis development. Radiother Oncol 2024; 190:109968. [PMID: 37898438 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hypoxia is a common feature of tumours, associated with poor prognosis due to increased resistance to radio- and chemotherapy and enhanced metastasis development. Previously we demonstrated that GABARAPL1 is required for the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EV) with pro-angiogenic properties during hypoxia. Here, we explored the role of GABARAPL1+ EV in the metastatic cascade. MATERIALS AND METHODS GABARAPL1 deficient or control MDA-MB-231 cells were injected in murine mammary fat pads. Lungs were dissected and analysed for human cytokeratin 18. EV from control and GABARAPL1 deficient cells exposed to normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (O2 < 0.02%) were isolated and analysed by immunoblot, nanoparticle tracking analysis, high resolution flow cytometry, mass spectrometry and next-generation sequencing. Cellular migration and invasion were analysed using scratch assays and transwell-invasion assays, respectively. RESULTS The number of pulmonary metastases derived from GABARAPL1 deficient tumours decreased by 84%. GABARAPL1 deficient cells migrate slower but display a comparable invasive capacity. Both normoxic and hypoxic EV contain proteins and miRNAs associated with metastasis development and, in line, increase cancer cell invasiveness. Although GABARAPL1 deficiency alters EV content, it does not alter the EV-induced increase in cancer cell invasiveness. CONCLUSION GABARAPL1 is essential for metastasis development. This is unrelated to changes in migration and invasion and suggests that GABARAPL1 or GABARAPL1+ EV are essential in other processes related to the metastatic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel E J Beaumont
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jinzhe Ju
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lydie M O Barbeau
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Imke Demers
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kim G Savelkouls
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kasper Derks
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Freek G Bouwman
- Department of Human Biology, NUTRIM - School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marca H M Wauben
- Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke I Zonneveld
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tom G H Keulers
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kasper M A Rouschop
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Ramadan WS, Alkarim S, Moulay M, Alrefeai G, Alkudsy F, Hakeem KR, Iskander A. Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment by Ellagic Acid in Rat Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Potential Target against Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4891. [PMID: 37835585 PMCID: PMC10571579 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The resistance to therapy and relapse in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly attributed to hepatic cancer stem cells (HCSCs). HCSCs are under microenvironment control. This work aimed to assess the systemic effect of ellagic acid (EA) on the HCC microenvironment to decline HCSCs. Fifty Wistar rats were divided into six groups: negative control (CON), groups 2 and 3 for solvents (DMSO), and (OVO). Group 4 was administered EA only. The (HCC-M) group, utilized as an HCC model, administered CCL4 (0.5 mL/kg in OVO) 1:1 v/v, i.p) for 16 weeks. HCC-M rats were treated orally with EA (EA + HCC) 50 mg/kg bw for five weeks. Biochemical, morphological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies, and gene analysis using qRT-PCR were applied. Results revealed elevated liver injury biomarkers ALT, AST, ALP, and tumor biomarkers AFP and GGT, and marked nodularity of livers of HCC-M. EA effectively reduced the biomarkers and restored the altered structure of the livers. At the mRNA level, EA downregulated the expression of TGF-α, TGF-β, and VEGF, and restored p53 expression. This induced an increase in apoptotic cells immunostained with caspase3 and decreased the CD44 immunostained HCSCs. EA could modulate the tumor microenvironment in the HCC rat model and ultimately target the HCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa S. Ramadan
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22384, Saudi Arabia;
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Embryonic and Cancer Stem Cell Research Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Alkarim
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Embryonic and Cancer Stem Cell Research Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Moulay
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Embryonic and Cancer Stem Cell Research Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, Abdelhamid ibn Badis University, Mostaganem 27000, Algeria
| | - Ghadeer Alrefeai
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Embryonic and Cancer Stem Cell Research Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23218, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatma Alkudsy
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Embryonic and Cancer Stem Cell Research Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Rehman Hakeem
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al-Saud Center for Excellence Research in Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1341, Bangladesh
| | - Ashwaq Iskander
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Samban SS, Hari A, Nair B, Kumar AR, Meyer BS, Valsan A, Vijayakurup V, Nath LR. An Insight Into the Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) in the Development and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00890-0. [PMID: 37782430 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary malignancy of hepatocytes and the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality across the globe. Despite significant advancements in screening, diagnosis, and treatment modalities for HCC, the mortality-to-incidence ratio remain unacceptably high. A recent study indicates that a minor population of HCCs are AFP negative or express the normal range of AFP levels. Although it is a gold standard and a more reliable biomarker in the advanced stage of HCC and poorly differentiated tumors, it does not serve as a suitable means for screening HCC. AFP plays a significant role in the development and progression of HCC and understanding its role is crucial. By examining the molecular mechanisms involved in AFP-mediated tumorigenesis, we can better understand HCC pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets. This article details the role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the carcinogenic transformation of hepatocytes. The article also focuses on information about the structure, biosynthesis, and regulation of AFP at the gene level. Additionally, it discusses the immune evasion, metastasis, and control of gene expression that AFP mediates during HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathy S Samban
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Aparna Hari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Ayana R Kumar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Benjamin S Meyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Arun Valsan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Science, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Vinod Vijayakurup
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India.
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13
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Xu Y, Zhang X, Zhang R, Sun Y, Liu J, Luo C, Yang J, Fang W, Guo Q, Wei L. AFP deletion leads to anti-tumorigenic but pro-metastatic roles in liver cancers with concomitant CTNNB1 mutations. Cancer Lett 2023; 566:216240. [PMID: 37217071 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
HCC remains one of the most prevalent and deadliest cancers. Serum AFP level is a biomarker for clinical diagnosis of HCC, instead the contribution of AFP to HCC development is clearly highly complex. Here, we discussed the effect of AFP deletion in the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC. AFP deletion in HepG2 cells inhibited the cell proliferation by inactivating PI3K/AKT signaling. Surprisingly, AFP KO HepG2 cells appeared the increasing metastatic capacity and EMT phenotype, which was attributed to the activation of WNT5A/β-catenin signal. Further studies revealed that the activating mutations of CTNNB1 was closely related with the unconventional pro-metastatic roles of AFP deletion. Consistently, the results of DEN/CCl4-induced HCC mouse model also suggested that AFP knockout suppressed the growth of HCC primary tumors, but promoted lung metastasis. Despite the discordant effect of AFP deletion in HCC progression, a drug candidate named OA showed the potent suppression of HCC tumor growth by interrupting AFP-PTEN interaction and, importantly, reduced the lung metastasis of HCC via angiogenesis suppression. Thus, this study demonstrates an unconventional effect of AFP in HCC progression, and suggests a potent candidate strategy for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Tripod Preclinincal Research Laboratories Co., Ltd., No. 9 Xinglong Road, Nanjing, 211800, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruitian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuening Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengju Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiming Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinglong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Libin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Qiu ZC, Li C, Zhang Y, Xie F, Yu Y, Leng SS, Chen TH, Wen TF. Tumor burden score-AFP-albumin-bilirubin grade score predicts the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver resection. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2023; 408:250. [PMID: 37382724 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-023-02993-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is little information regarding the overall survival (OS) predictive ability of the combination of tumor burden score (TBS), α-fetoprotein (AFP), and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we aimed to develop a model including TBS, AFP, and ALBI grade to predict HCC patient OS following liver resection. METHODS Patients (N = 1556) from six centers were randomly divided 1:1 into training and validation sets. The X-Tile software was used to determine the optimal cutoff values. The time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated to assess the prognostic ability of the different models. RESULTS In the training set, tumor differentiation, TBS, AFP, ALBI grade, and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage were independently related to OS. According to the coefficient values of TBS, AFP, and ALBI grade, we developed the TBS-AFP-ALBI (TAA) score using a simplified point system (0, 2 for low/high TBS, 0, 1 for low/high AFP and 0,1 for ALBI grade 1/2). Patients were further divided into low TAA (TAA ≤ 1), medium TAA (TAA = 2-3), and high TAA (TAA= 4) groups. TAA scores (low: referent; medium, HR = 1.994, 95% CI = 1.492-2.666; high, HR = 2.413, 95% CI = 1.630-3.573) were independently associated with patient survival in the validation set. The TAA scores showed higher AUROCs than BCLC stage for the prediction of 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS in both the training and validation sets. CONCLUSION TAA is a simple score that has better OS prediction performance than the BCLC stage in predicting OS for HCC patients after liver resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Cheng Qiu
- Department of liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chuan Li
- Department of liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of HPB Surgery, Sichuan Province People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Fei Xie
- Department of HPB Surgery, the First People's Hospital of Neijiang, Neijiang, 641099, China
| | - Yu Yu
- Department of HPB Surgery, the Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, 644002, China
| | - Shu-Sheng Leng
- Department of HPB Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Ting-Hao Chen
- Department of HPB Surgery, the First People's Hospital of Ziyang, Ziyang, 641399, China
| | - Tian-Fu Wen
- Department of liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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15
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Li M, Mei YX, Wen JH, Jiao YR, Pan QR, Kong XX, Li J. Hepatoid adenocarcinoma-Clinicopathological features and molecular characteristics. Cancer Lett 2023; 559:216104. [PMID: 36863507 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) is a rare, malignant, extrahepatic tumor with histologic features similar to those of hepatocellular carcinoma. HAC is most often associated with elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). HAC can occur in multiple organs, including the stomach, esophagus, colon, pancreas, lungs, and ovaries. HAC differs greatly from typical adenocarcinoma in terms of its biological aggression, poor prognosis, and clinicopathological characteristics. However, the mechanisms underlying its development and invasive metastasis remain unclear. The purpose of this review was to summarize the clinicopathological features, molecular traits, and molecular mechanisms driving the malignant phenotype of HAC, in order to support the clinical diagnosis and treatment of HAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, China
| | - Yan-Xia Mei
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, China
| | - Ji-Hang Wen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, China
| | - Yu-Rong Jiao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, China
| | - Qiang-Rong Pan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, China
| | - Xiang-Xing Kong
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, China.
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16
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Głowska-Ciemny J, Szymański M, Kuszerska A, Malewski Z, von Kaisenberg C, Kocyłowski R. The Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) in Contemporary Oncology: The Path from a Diagnostic Biomarker to an Anticancer Drug. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032539. [PMID: 36768863 PMCID: PMC9917199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This article presents contemporary opinion on the role of alpha-fetoprotein in oncologic diagnostics and treatment. This role stretches far beyond the already known one-that of the biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma. The turn of the 20th and 21st centuries saw a significant increase in knowledge about the fundamental role of AFP in the neoplastic processes, and in the induction of features of malignance and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. The impact of AFP on the creation of an immunosuppressive environment for the developing tumor was identified, giving rise to attempts at immunotherapy. The paper presents current and prospective therapies using AFP and its derivatives and the gene therapy options. We directed our attention to both the benefits and risks associated with the use of AFP in oncologic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Głowska-Ciemny
- PreMediCare New Med Medical Center, ul. Czarna Rola 21, 61-625 Poznań, Poland
- Correspondence: (J.G.-C.); (R.K.)
| | - Marcin Szymański
- PreMediCare New Med Medical Center, ul. Czarna Rola 21, 61-625 Poznań, Poland
| | - Agata Kuszerska
- PreMediCare New Med Medical Center, ul. Czarna Rola 21, 61-625 Poznań, Poland
| | - Zbyszko Malewski
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznań, Poland
| | - Constantin von Kaisenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Rafał Kocyłowski
- PreMediCare New Med Medical Center, ul. Czarna Rola 21, 61-625 Poznań, Poland
- Correspondence: (J.G.-C.); (R.K.)
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17
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Zhang M, Liu K, Zhang Q, Xu J, Liu J, Lin H, Lin B, Zhu M, Li M. Alpha fetoprotein promotes polarization of macrophages towards M2-like phenotype and inhibits macrophages to phagocytize hepatoma cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1081572. [PMID: 36911723 PMCID: PMC9995430 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1081572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) is a cancer biomarker for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC); however, its role in macrophage polarization and phagocytosis remains unclear. In the present study, we explored the correlation between AFP regulation of macrophage function and the possible regulatory mechanisms. Human mononuclear leukemia cells (THP-1) and monocytes from healthy donors were used to analyze the effect of AFP on the macrophages' phenotype and phagocytosis. THP-1 cells and healthy human donor-derived monocytes were polarized into M0 macrophages induced by phorbol ester (PMA), and M0 macrophages were polarized into M1 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ). Interleukin-4(IL-4) and interleukin-13(IL-13) were used to induce M0 macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages. Tumor-derived AFP(tAFP) stimulated M0 macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages and inhibited M1 macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells. The role of AFP in promoting macrophage polarization into M2 macrophages and inhibiting the M1 macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells may be involved in activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. AFP could also enhanced the migration ability of macrophages and inhibited the apoptosis of HCC cells when co-cultured with M1-like macrophages. AFP is a pivotal cytokine that inhibits macrophages to phagocytize HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minni Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Qiuyue Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Junnv Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jinchen Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Haifeng Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China.,Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou, Hainan, China
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18
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Fahim SA, Ibrahim S, Tadros SA, Badary OA. Protective effects of butylated hydroxytoluene on the initiation of N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in albino rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2023; 42:9603271231165664. [PMID: 36943693 DOI: 10.1177/09603271231165664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Diethylnitrosamine (DEN), a hepatocarcinogen, is found in a variety of smoked and fried foods and was reported to be hepatotoxic in mice. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a potent antioxidant used in cosmetic formulations and as a food additive and preservative. As a result, BHT was studied as a potential inhibitor in the early stages of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC. Male Wistar albino rats (n = 24) were equally subdivided. Group 1 was the negative control; Group 2 and 3 administered BHT and DEN, respectively; Group 4 received BHT followed by DEN. Blood samples and rat livers were taken for biochemical and histological investigation. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by increased liver enzymes and HCC indicators, along with reduced antioxidant and pro-apoptotic factors. AFP, AFPL3, GPC3, GSH, SOD, MDA, CASP3 and BAX expression increased significantly after DEN treatment. DEN also reduced GPx, CAT, and CYP2E1 activity, and BCl-2 expression. Moreover, in the hepatic parenchyma, the DEN caused histological alterations. Pretreatment with BHT enhanced antioxidant status while preventing histopathological and most biochemical alterations. BHT pretreatment suppresses DEN-initiated HCC by decreasing oxidative stress, triggering intrinsic mitotic apoptosis, and preventing histopathological changes in liver tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally A Fahim
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, 485624Newgiza University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Samar Ibrahim
- Clinical Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, 267119Ahram Canadian University, 6th of October City, Egypt
| | - Samer A Tadros
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 110123October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October City, Egypt
| | - Osama A Badary
- Clinical Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, 120633The British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, Egypt
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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19
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Punuch K, Wongwan C, Jantana S, Somboonyosdech C, Rodponthukwaji K, Kunwong N, Nguyen KT, Sirivatanauksorn V, Sirivatanauksorn Y, Srisawat C, Punnakitikashem P. Study of siRNA Delivery via Polymeric Nanoparticles in Combination with Angiogenesis Inhibitor for The Treatment of AFP-Related Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012666. [PMID: 36293521 PMCID: PMC9604025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis inhibitor drugs have been explored as important pharmacological agents for cancer therapy, including hepatocellular carcinoma. These agents have several drawbacks, such as drug resistance, nonspecific toxicity, and systemic side effects. Therefore, combination therapy of the drug and small interfering RNA could be a promising option to achieve high therapeutic efficacy while allowing a lower systemic dose. Therefore, we studied adding an alpha-fetoprotein siRNA (AFP-siRNA) incorporated on polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) along with angiogenesis inhibitor drugs. The AFP siRNA-loaded NPs were successfully synthesized at an average size of 242.00 ± 2.54 nm. Combination treatment of AFP-siRNA NPs and a low dose of sunitinib produced a synergistic effect in decreasing cell viability in an in vitro hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model. AFP-siRNA NPs together with sorafenib or sunitinib greatly inhibited cell proliferation, showing only 39.29 ± 2.72 and 44.04 ± 3.05% cell viability, respectively. Moreover, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) demonstrated that AFP-siRNA incorporated with NPs could significantly silence AFP-mRNA expression compared to unloaded NPs. Interestingly, the expression level of AFP-mRNA was further decreased to 28.53 ± 5.10% when sunitinib was added. Therefore, this finding was considered a new promising candidate for HCC treatment in reducing cell proliferation and enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kittiporn Punuch
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Chamaiphorn Wongwan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Saranrat Jantana
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Research Network NANOTEC—MU in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Chayapol Somboonyosdech
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | | | - Natsuda Kunwong
- Research Network NANOTEC—MU in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Kytai T. Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Vorapan Sirivatanauksorn
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Research Network NANOTEC—MU in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Yongyut Sirivatanauksorn
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Chatchawan Srisawat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Research Network NANOTEC—MU in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Primana Punnakitikashem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Research Network NANOTEC—MU in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence in Theranostic Nanomedicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-2-419-9133
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Zhu MY, Gong ZS, Feng HP, Zhang QY, Liu K, Lin B, Zhang MN, Lin HF, Li MS. Vincosamide Has a Function for Inhibiting Malignant Behaviors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. World J Oncol 2022; 13:272-288. [PMID: 36406198 PMCID: PMC9635790 DOI: 10.14740/wjon1514] [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: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vincosamide (Vinco) was first identified in the methanolic extract of the leaves of Psychotria leiocarpa, and Vinco has important anti-inflammatory effects and activity against cholinesterase, Vinco also has a trait to anti-tumor. However, whether Vinco can inhibit the malignant behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells is still unclear. In the present study, we explored the role of Vinco in suppressing the malignant behaviors of HCC cells. METHODS MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide), trypan blue exclusion assay, the Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 and flow cytometric analysis were applied to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cells; electron microscopy was performed to observe the change of cellular mitochondrial morphology; scratch repair and Transwell assays were used to analyze the migration and invasion of HCC cells; expression and localization of proteins were detected by laser confocal microscopy and Western blotting; the growth of the cancer cells in vivo was assessed in a mouse tumorous model. RESULTS At a dose of 10 - 80 µg/mL, Vinco inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner but had low cytotoxicity effect on normal liver cells. Additionally, 80 µg/mL of Vinco could significantly disrupt the morphology of mitochondria, suppress the migration and invasion of HCC cells. The growth of HCC cells in the animal tumorous model was significantly inhibited after treatment with Vinco (10 mg/kg/day) for 3 days. The results of the present study indicated that Vinco (10 - 80 µg/mL) played a role in activating caspase-3, promoting the expression of phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), and inhibiting the phosphorylation of AKT (Ser473) and mTOR (Thr2448); Vinco also has a trait for suppressing the expression of CXCR4, Src, MMP9, EpCAM, Ras, Oct4 and cancer stem cell "stemness markers" CD133 and CD44 in HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS Vinco has a role in inhibiting the malignant behaviors of HCC cells; the role molecular mechanism of Vinco may be involved in restraining expression of the growth-, metastasis-related factors, such as Src, Ras, MMP9, EpCAM, CXCR4; activating the activity of caspase-3 and blocking PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Thus, Vinco should be considered as a new chemotherapy agent for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work and are co-first authors
| | - Zhi Sun Gong
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work and are co-first authors
| | - Hai Peng Feng
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work and are co-first authors
| | - Qiu Yue Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Min Ni Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Hai Feng Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Meng Sen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
- Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Hiakou 570102, Hainan Province, China
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21
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Liang H, Chen Z, Yang R, Huang Q, Chen H, Chen W, Zou L, Wei P, Wei S, Yang Y, Zhang Y. Methyl Gallate Suppresses the Migration, Invasion, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via the AMPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in vitro and in vivo. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:894285. [PMID: 35770085 PMCID: PMC9234279 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.894285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl gallate (MG), a polyphenolic compound found in plants, is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. MG is known to alleviate several cancer symptoms. However, most studies that have reported the antitumor effects of MG have done so at the cellular level, and the inhibitory effect and therapeutic mechanism of MG in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been extensively explored in vivo. We aimed to understand the therapeutic mechanism of MG in HCC in vitro and in vivo. MTT and colony formation assays were used to determine the impact of MG on the proliferation of a human HCC cell line, BEL-7402; wound healing and transwell assays were used to quantify the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Western blotting was used to quantify the expression of the AMPK/NF-κB signaling pathway proteins. In vivo tumor growth was measured in a xenograft tumor nude mouse model treated with MG, and hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to visualize the histological changes in the tumor tissue. We found that MG showed anti-proliferative effects both in vitro and in vivo. MG downregulated the protein expression of AMPK, NF-κB, p-NF-κB, and vimentin and upregulated the expression of E-cadherin in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, MG inhibited the migration and invasion of HCC cells by decreasing MMP9 and MMP2 expression and increasing TIMP-2 expression. These were consistent with the results of IHC in vivo. MG inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. This effect potentially involves the regulation of the AMPK/NF-κB pathway, which in turn impacts epithelial-mesenchymal transition and MMP expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaguo Liang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Construction and Application of New Drug Screening Model Systems, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zexin Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Construction and Application of New Drug Screening Model Systems, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruihui Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Construction and Application of New Drug Screening Model Systems, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingsong Huang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongmei Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanting Chen
- School of Medical Information Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Wei
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shijie Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongxia Yang
- School of Medical Information Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yongxia Yang, ; Yongli Zhang,
| | - Yongli Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Construction and Application of New Drug Screening Model Systems, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yongxia Yang, ; Yongli Zhang,
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Wei X, Su R, Yang M, Pan B, Lu J, Lin H, Shu W, Wang R, Xu X. Quantitative proteomic profiling of hepatocellular carcinoma at different serum alpha-fetoprotein level. Transl Oncol 2022; 20:101422. [PMID: 35430532 PMCID: PMC9034393 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum AFP equal to 400 ng/mL is a pivotal turning point not only in prognosis but also metabolic and invasion associated pathways. Adjacent noncancerous tissues are not biological normal components at protein level. Four druggable targets (C1QBP, HSPE1, CHDH, ITGAL) are identified as potential prognostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Purpose Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a poor long-term prognosis and high mortality rate. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels show great prognostic value in patients undergoing hepatectomy. This study aims to explore proteomic profiling in HCC samples based on AFP subgroups and identify potential key targets involved in HCC progression. Methods Twelve paired tumor and adjacent noncancerous tissue samples were collected from patients with HCC who underwent primary curative resection from January 2012 to December 2013. Clinical information was curated from four tissue microarrays to conduct survival analysis based on serum AFP levels. TMT-based quantitative proteomic analyses and bioinformatics analyses were performed to comprehensively profile molecular features. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to validate protein expression of identified targets. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess the overall survival and recurrence-free survival based on protein expressions. Results AFP (400 ng/mL) was a turning point in prognosis, metabolic- and invasion-associated pathways. The mass spectrometry analysis yielded a total of 5573 identified proteins. Annotations of 151 differentially expressed proteins in tumors and 95 proteins in paracancerous tissues (1.2-fold) showed similarities in biological processes, cellular components, molecular functions. Furthermore, differentially expressed hub proteins with five innovatively nominated druggable targets (C1QBP, HSPE1, GLUD2 for tumors and CHDH, ITGAL for paracancerous tissues), of which four (C1QBP, HSPE1, CHDH, ITGAL) targets were associated with poor overall survival (all Log-rank P < 0.05). Conclusions Our quantitative proteomics analyses identified four key prognostic biomarkers in HCC and provide opportunities for translational medicine and new treatment.
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Wu Y, Peng W, Shen J, Zhang X, Li C, Wen T. The impact of tumor burden at the initial hepatectomy on the recurrence-to-death survival after repeat surgical resection/radiofrequency ablation: a retrospective study. BMC Surg 2022; 22:193. [PMID: 35585534 PMCID: PMC9118788 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-022-01643-7] [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: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have reported the surgical resection (SR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) could achieve comparable recurrence-to-death survival (RTDS). However, the impact of primary tumor burden on RTDS of patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following SR or RFA has not been clarified. Methods From January 2009 to March 2015, 171 patients who underwent initial hepatectomy and second curative treatments in West China Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan–Meier method. Risk factors were identified using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results At initial hepatectomy, 96 patients (56.1%) were diagnosed with HCC within the Milan criteria (MC), and 75 patients (43.9%) were HCC beyond the MC. The clinicopathological features and re-treatment methods of recurrent HCC were similar between patients with primary HCC within or beyond the MC. Patients with primary HCC within the MC had longer recurrence time (31.4 ± 24.2 months vs. 20.2 ± 16 months, P < 0.001). The 1- and 3- year RTDS within and beyond the MC group were 88.8%, 57.6% and 79.0%, 46.3%, respectively (P = 0.093). In multivariate analysis, the recurrence time, tumor size and AFP > 400 ng/mL at the time of recurrence were associated with RTDS. Conclusions The primary tumor burden had no impact on RTDS, but had an impact on recurrence time. The recurrence time had an impact on RTDS and might be a good index to reflect the biology of recurrent HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youwei Wu
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Peng
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Junyi Shen
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuan Li
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianfu Wen
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Li JH, Chen T, Xing H, Li RD, Shen CH, Zhang QB, Tao YF, Wang ZX. The AGH score is a predictor of disease-free survival and targeted therapy efficacy after liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2022; 22:245-252. [PMID: 35534342 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation (LT) is the "cure" therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, some patients encounter HCC recurrence after LT. Unfortunately, there is no effective methods to identify the LT patients who have high risk of HCC recurrence and would benefit from adjuvant targeted therapy. The present study aimed to establish a scoring system to predict HCC recurrence of HCC patients after LT among the Chinese population, and to evaluate whether these patients are suitable for adjuvant targeted therapy. METHODS Clinical data of HCC patients who underwent LT from March 2015 to June 2019 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 201 patients were included in the study. The multivariate Cox analysis suggested that preoperative alpha fetoprotein (AFP) > 200 µg/L (HR = 2.666, 95% CI: 1.515-4.690; P = 0.001), glutamyl transferase (GGT) > 96 U/L (HR = 1.807, 95% CI: 1.012-3.224; P = 0.045), and exceeding the Hangzhou criteria (HR = 2.129, 95% CI: 1.158-3.914; P = 0.015) were independent risk factors for poor disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with HCC who underwent LT. We established an AFP-GGT-Hangzhou (AGH) scoring system based on these factors, and divided cases into high-, moderate-, and low-risk groups. The differences in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates among the three groups were significant (P < 0.05). The efficacy of the AGH scoring system to predict DFS was better than that of the Hangzhou criteria, UCSF criteria, Milan criteria, and TNM stage. Only in the high-risk group, we found that lenvatinib significantly improved prognosis compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The AGH scoring system provides a convenient and effective way to predict HCC recurrence after LT in HCC patients in China. Patients with a high-risk AGH score may benefit from lenvatinib adjuvant therapy after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Li
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road(M), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Tuo Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road(M), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Hao Xing
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road(M), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Rui-Dong Li
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road(M), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Cong-Huan Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road(M), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Quan-Bao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road(M), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yi-Feng Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road(M), Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zheng-Xin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road(M), Shanghai 200040, China.
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Heterogeneity of Synchronous Lung Metastasis Calls for Risk Stratification and Prognostic Classification: Evidence from a Population-Based Database. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071608. [PMID: 35406378 PMCID: PMC8996888 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidemiology and associated potential heterogeneity of synchronous lung metastasis (sLM) have not been reported at a population-based level. Cancer patients with valid information about sLM status in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were enrolled. The prevalence of sLM, with a 95% confidential interval, and median survival of sLM, with interquartile range, were calculated and compared by Chi-square analyses and log-rank tests by primary cancer type and clinicopathological factors. Furthermore, the risk factors of sLM development were identified by multivariate logistic regression. Among 1,672,265 enrolled cases, 3.3% cases were identified with sLM, with a median survival of 7 months. Heterogeneity in prevalence and prognosis in sLM was observed among different primary cancers, with the highest prevalence in main bronchus cancer and best survival in testis cancer. Higher prevalence and poorer prognosis were observed in the older population, male population, African American, patients with lower socioeconomic status, and cases with advanced T stage, N stage, or more malignant pathological characteristics. Race, age, T stage, N stage, metastasis to other sites, insurance status and marital status were associated with sLM development (p < 0.001). The current study highlights the heterogeneity of the prevalence and prognosis in patients with sLM.
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Motawi TMK, Sadik NAH, Sabry D, Fahim SA, Shahin NN. rs62139665 Polymorphism in the Promoter Region of EpCAM Is Associated With Hepatitis C Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Egyptians. Front Oncol 2022; 11:754104. [PMID: 35070966 PMCID: PMC8766815 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.754104] [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: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a universal health problem that is particularly alarming in Egypt. The major risk factor for HCC is hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection which is a main burden in Egypt. The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a stem cell marker involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of many malignancies, including HCC. We investigated the association of -935 C/G single nucleotide polymorphism in EpCAM promoter region (rs62139665) with HCC risk, EpCAM expression and overall survival in Egyptians. A total of 266 patients (128 HCV and 138 HCC cases) and 117 age- and sex-matched controls participated in this study. Genotyping, performed using allelic discrimination and confirmed by sequencing, revealed a significant association between EpCAM rs62139665 and HCC susceptibility, with higher GG genotype and G allele distribution in HCC patients than in non-HCC subjects. Such association was not detected in HCV patients compared to controls. EpCAM gene expression levels, determined in blood by RT-qPCR, and its serum protein expression levels, determined by ELISA, were significantly higher in GG relative to GC+CC genotype carriers in HCV and HCC patients in a recessive model. ROC analysis of EpCAM protein levels revealed significant discriminatory power between HCC patients and non-HCC subjects, with improved diagnostic accuracy when combining α-fetoprotein and EpCAM compared to that of α-fetoprotein alone. Altogether, EpCAM rs62139665 polymorphism is significantly associated with HCC and with EpCAM gene and protein expression levels in the Egyptian population. Moreover, serum EpCAM levels may hold promise for HCC diagnosis and for improving the diagnostic accuracy of α-fetoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dina Sabry
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Badr University in Cairo, Badr City, Egypt.,Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sally Atef Fahim
- Biochemistry Department, School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University (NGU), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nancy Nabil Shahin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Clinical Value of EZH2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Potential for Target Therapy. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58020155. [PMID: 35208478 PMCID: PMC8877936 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives: EZH2 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is correlated with poor prognosis. However, its clinical significance and molecular mechanism have not been studied in HCC. In this study, clinical and prognostic values of EZH2 was studied using Total Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data and then, these data were confirmed in Huh1 and HepG2 cell lines. Materials and Methods: We used the TCGA database from cBioPortal. In addition, we analyzed EZH2 mRNA levels in HCC cell lines and its correlation with STAT3 and EZH2. Results: According to TCGA, EZH2 had a prognostic value in various cancers, especially in HCC. Furthermore, EZH2 in HCC was correlated with N stage (p = 0.045) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 20 ng/mL (p < 0.01). However, a negative association between EZH2 and age (p = 0.027) was found. The overall survival result of HCC was significantly poorer in patients with high EZH2 expression. In addition, the recurrence rate was also significantly higher in patients with high expression of EZH2 than those with low expression (χ2 = 16.10, p < 0.001). EZH2 expression was negatively correlated with STAT3 expression among EZH2-associated genes (R = −0.163, p = 0.002). EZH2 expression level was down-regulated to 50% or less compared to the control group treated negative siRNA. MTT assays showed that EZH2-siRNA affected on the viability of HCC cell line significantly. Conclusions: In conclusion, the overexpression of EZH2 was an independent biomarker for poor outcomes of HCC. However, more in vivo studies are required to identify the downstream target genes in HCC to improve our understanding of the biological role of EZH2 in HCC.
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Shimamura T, Goto R, Watanabe M, Kawamura N, Takada Y. Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: How Should We Improve the Thresholds? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020419. [PMID: 35053580 PMCID: PMC8773688 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The ideal treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is liver transplantation (LT), which both eliminates the HCC and cures the diseased liver. Once considered an experimental treatment with dismal survival rates, LT for HCC entered a new era with the establishment of the Milan criteria over 20 years ago. However, over the last two decades, the Milan criteria, which are based on tumor morphology, have come under intense scrutiny and are now largely regarded as too restrictive, and limit the access of transplantation for many patients who would otherwise achieve good clinical outcomes. The liver transplant community has been making every effort to reach a goal of establishing more reliable selection criteria. This article addresses how the criteria have been extended, as well as the concept of pre-transplant down-staging to maximize the eligibility. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third highest cause of cancer-related mortality, and liver transplantation is the ideal treatment for this disease. The Milan criteria provided the opportunity for HCC patients to undergo LT with favorable outcomes and have been the international gold standard and benchmark. With the accumulation of data, however, the Milan criteria are not regarded as too restrictive. After the implementation of the Milan criteria, many extended criteria have been proposed, which increases the limitations regarding the morphological tumor burden, and incorporates the tumor’s biological behavior using surrogate markers. The paradigm for the patient selection for LT appears to be shifting from morphologic criteria to a combination of biologic, histologic, and morphologic criteria, and to the establishment of a model for predicting post-transplant recurrence and outcomes. This review article aims to characterize the various patient selection criteria for LT, with reference to several surrogate markers for the biological behavior of HCC (e.g., AFP, PIVKA-II, NLR, 18F-FDG PET/CT, liquid biopsy), and the response to locoregional therapy. Furthermore, the allocation rules in each country and the present evidence on the role of down-staging large tumors are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Shimamura
- Division of Organ Transplantation, Hokkaido University Hospital, N-14, W-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8648, Hokkaido, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Ryoichi Goto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, N-15, W-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Hokkaido, Japan;
| | - Masaaki Watanabe
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, N-15, W-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Hokkaido, Japan; (M.W.); (N.K.)
| | - Norio Kawamura
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, N-15, W-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Hokkaido, Japan; (M.W.); (N.K.)
| | - Yasutsugu Takada
- Department of HBP and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon 791-0295, Ehime, Japan;
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Ridder DA, Weinmann A, Schindeldecker M, Urbansky LL, Berndt K, Gerber TS, Lang H, Lotz J, Lackner KJ, Roth W, Straub BK. Comprehensive clinicopathologic study of alpha fetoprotein-expression in a large cohort of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Cancer 2021; 150:1053-1066. [PMID: 34894400 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is the most widely used diagnostic and prognostic serum biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its wide clinical use, a systematic clinicopathologic study comparing AFP expression in HCC in situ with serum AFP concentrations has not yet been conducted. To analyze AFP expression in a large cohort of patients by immunohistochemistry, we employed a comprehensive tissue microarray with 871 different HCCs of overall 561 patients. AFP immunoreactivity was detected in only about 20% of HCC core biopsies, whereas 48.9% of the patients displayed increased serum values (>12 ng/mL). Immunostaining of whole tumor slides revealed that lack of detectable immunoreactivity in core biopsies in a subgroup of patients with elevated AFP serum concentrations is due to heterogeneous intratumoral AFP expression. Serum AFP concentrations and AFP expression in situ were moderately correlated (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient .53, P = 1.2e - 13). High AFP expression detected in serum (>227.3 ng/mL) or in situ predicted unfavorable prognosis and was associated with vascular invasion, higher tumor grade and macrotrabecular-massive tumor subtype. Multivariate and ROC curve analysis demonstrated that high AFP concentrations in serum is an independent prognostic parameter and represents the more robust prognostic predictor in comparison to AFP immunostaining of core biopsies. The previously published vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) pattern turned out as an additional, statistically independent prognostic parameter. AFP-positivity was associated with increased tumor cell apoptosis, but not with increased vascular densities. Additionally, AFP-positive tumors displayed increased proliferation rates, urea cycle dysregulation and signs of genomic instability, which may constitute the basis for their increased aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Andreas Ridder
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Arndt Weinmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mario Schindeldecker
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,Tissue Biobank, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lana Louisa Urbansky
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kristina Berndt
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tiemo Sven Gerber
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hauke Lang
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Johannes Lotz
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Karl J Lackner
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Wilfried Roth
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Beate Katharina Straub
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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GP73-mediated secretion of AFP and GP73 promotes proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:69. [PMID: 34650031 PMCID: PMC8516944 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00358-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Golgi protein 73 (GP73) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and their serum levels correlate with patients’ outcomes. However, the mechanisms underlying these correlations are unknown. Here we show that GP73 increased the secretion of AFP through direct binding to AFP, thereby promoting the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells that expressed AFP and its receptor (AFPR). Extracellular GP73 contributed to the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells independent of AFP and AFPR. Moreover, extracellular AFP and GP73 synergized to enhance the malignant phenotype of HCC cells. Furthermore, extracellular GP73 and AFP inhibited the antitumor effects of sorafenib and synergistically increased the drug resistance of HCC cells. These findings, which reveal the mechanism of GP73-mediated secretion of AFP and its effects on the malignant phenotype of HCC cells, provide a comprehensive theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC and identify potential drug targets.
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31
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Xu Y, Guo Q, Wei L. The Emerging Influences of Alpha-Fetoprotein in the Tumorigenesis and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205096. [PMID: 34680245 PMCID: PMC8534193 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, and its mortality rate is the third-highest, after lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Currently, systematic targeted therapies for HCC mainly include multiple kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy. However, these drugs carry a black-box warning about the potential for inducing severe toxicity, and they do not significantly prolong the survival period of patients due to the highly heterogeneous characteristics of HCC etiology. In order to improve the prediction, effective treatment and prognosis of HCC, the tools and different biomarkers in clinical practices are recommended. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the earliest and the most widely used serum marker in the detection of HCC. Interestingly, serum AFP and cytoplasmic AFP show different, even opposite, roles in the cancer progression of HCC. This review focuses on biological characteristics, regulatory mechanisms for gene expression, emerging influences of AFP in HCC and its possible implications in HCC-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Libin Wei
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-25-83271055
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Feng L, Wang Y, Wang X, An S, Aizimuaji Z, Tao C, Zhang K, Cheng S, Wu J, Xiao T, Rong W. Integrated analysis of the rhesus monkey liver transcriptome during development and human primary HCC AFP-related gene expression. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 25:406-415. [PMID: 34484865 PMCID: PMC8403716 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic development and tumorigenesis have a certain degree of similarity. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein related to embryonic development, is a well-known biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we analyzed the differences in gene expression profiles and molecular mechanisms in human HCC tissues from patients in AFPhigh (serum AFP level ≥ 25 ng/mL) and AFPlow (serum AFP level < 25 ng/mL) groups. The results indicated that AFPhigh HCC has more malignant biological characteristics. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) showed significantly higher levels of genes expressed in dendritic cells, neutrophils, and natural killer cells in the AFPlow group than in the AFPhigh group. Then, we defined a rhesus monkey fetal liver developmental landscape and compared it to the HCC gene expression profile. The gene signatures of AFPhigh HCC tissues were similar to those of early embryonic liver tissues. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the rhesus monkey liver transcriptome during development and human primary HCC AFP-related gene expression profiles and clarified the function of AFP in the occurrence and development of HCC from the perspective of developmental biology, which might provide a new perspective on the pathogenesis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yaru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Xijun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Songlin An
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zulihumaer Aizimuaji
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Changcheng Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Shujun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jianxiong Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Corresponding author: Dr. Jianxiong Wu, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Ting Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Corresponding author: Dr. Ting Xiao, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Weiqi Rong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Corresponding author: Dr. Weiqi Rong, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
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Chen Y, Chen J, Zhang Y, Lin Z, Wang M, Huang L, Huang M, Tang M, Zhou X, Peng Z, Huang B, Feng ST. Preoperative Prediction of Cytokeratin 19 Expression for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Deep Learning Radiomics Based on Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:795-808. [PMID: 34327180 PMCID: PMC8314931 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s313879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cytokeratin 19 (CK19) expression is a proven independent prognostic predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to develop and validate the performance of a deep learning radiomics (DLR) model for CK19 identification in HCC based on preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients and Methods A total of 141 surgically confirmed HCCs with preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI from two institutions were included. Prediction models were established based on hepatobiliary phase (HBP) images using a training set (n=102) and validated using time-independent (n=19) and external (n=20) test sets. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the performance for CK19 prediction. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was also analyzed by incorporating the CK19 expression and other factors. Results For predicting CK19 expression, the area under the curve (AUC) of the DLR model was 0.820 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.732–0.907, P<0.001) with sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of 0.800, 0.766, and 0.775, respectively, and reached 0.781 in the external test set. Combined with alpha fetoprotein, the AUC increased to 0.833 (95% CI: 0.753–0.912, P<0.001) and the sensitivity was 0.960. Intratumoral hemorrhage and peritumoral hypointensity on HBP were independent risk factors for HCC recurrence by multivariate analysis. Based on predicted CK19 expression and the independent risk factors, a nomogram was developed to predict RFS and achieved C-index of 0.707. Conclusion This study successfully established and verified an optimal DLR model for preoperative prediction of CK19-positive HCCs based on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI. The prediction of CK19 expression in HCC using a non-invasive method can help inform preoperative planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Chen
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Chen
- Medical AI Lab, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Lin
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lifei Huang
- Medical AI Lab, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengqi Huang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Mimi Tang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqi Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenpeng Peng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingsheng Huang
- Medical AI Lab, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Ting Feng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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Jin H, Wang H, Li G, Hou Q, Wu W, Liu F. Risk factors for early postoperative recurrence in single and small hepatitis B virus-associated primary hepatocellular carcinoma. J Int Med Res 2021; 48:300060520961260. [PMID: 33044114 PMCID: PMC7556173 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520961260] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the risk factors of early postoperative recurrence in patients with single and small (≤3 cm) hepatitis B virus-associated primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC). Methods This retrospective study analyzed patients with single and small HBV-HCC. All patients were followed up for 1 year after surgery. Results Among 182 patients, 54 patients had early recurrence within 1 year. The recurrence group had higher proportions of men, drinking history, Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) class C, patients who underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) >10 ng/mL as well as higher gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels and lower total protein (TP) and CD8+ T lymphocyte levels than the no recurrence group. Cox multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that drinking history (HR, 1.312; 95% CI, 1.042–1.652), CTP class C (HR, 1.236; 95% CI, 1.037–1.473), TACE treatment (HR, 1.241; 95% CI, 1.026–1.501), GGT (HR, 1.138; 95% CI, 1.042–1.243), TP (HR, 0.729; 95% CI, 0.555–0.957), and AFP (HR, 2.519; 95% CI, 1.343–4.726) were independently associated with early postoperative recurrence. Conclusion Drinking history, CTP class C, TACE, serum AFP, GGT, and TP levels were independently associated with early postoperative recurrence in patients with single and small HBV-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Jin
- Department of Hepatology, Qingdao No. 6 People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Qingdao No. 6 People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Guanghao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary surgery, Qingdao No. 6 People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Qingshun Hou
- Department of Hepatology, Qingdao No. 6 People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Hepatology, Qingdao No. 6 People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Fuhui Liu
- Department of Hepatology, Qingdao No. 6 People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Jeong YH, Hwang S, Lee GD, Choi SH, Kim HR, Kim YH, Park SI, Kim DK. Surgical Outcome of Pulmonary Metastasectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence in Liver Transplant Patients. Ann Transplant 2021; 26:e930383. [PMID: 33972494 PMCID: PMC8122851 DOI: 10.12659/aot.930383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT) results in poor survival outcome. This study assessed the clinical outcomes of pulmonary metastasectomy in LT recipients with pulmonary metastasis of HCC in a high-volume transplant center and analyzed factors prognostic of survival following metastasectomy. Material/Methods This study analyzed outcomes in 52 patients who underwent pulmonary resection due to pulmonary metastasis as the first recurrence of HCC after LT from January 2004 to December 2017 in a single center. Results The 52 enrolled patients included 46 men and 6 women, aged 56.0±6.6 years. Their 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates after pulmonary resection were 75.0%, 43.5%, and 33.9%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 85.3%, 47.1%, and 34.2%, respectively, in patients with further metastases and 55.6%, 38.1%, and 38.1%, respectively, in patients without further metastases (P=0.45). The size and number of pulmonary metastatic nodules were unrelated to survival rates (all P>0.10). A shorter recurrence-free period after LT (hazard ratio [HR]=0.553, P=0.006), elevated alpha-fetoprotein concentration at metastasectomy (HR=2.142, P=0.03), and adjuvant chemotherapy after metastasectomy (HR=3.79, P=0.003) were independent risk factors for survival after metastasectomy. Conclusions Pulmonary metastasectomy for HCC recurrence in LT recipients showed favorable survival outcomes. Independent risk factors for survival after metastasectomy included recurrence-free survival after LT, alpha-fetoprotein level at metastasectomy, and adjuvant chemotherapy after metastasectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ho Jeong
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Shin Hwang
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Geun Dong Lee
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Se Hoon Choi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeong Ryul Kim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yong-Hee Kim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung-Il Park
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Kwan Kim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Li W, Liu K, Chen Y, Zhu M, Li M. Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Drug Resistance. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1126-1142. [PMID: 32729413 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327999200729151247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major type of primary liver cancer and a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide because of its high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Surgical resection is currently the major treatment measure for patients in the early and middle stages of the disease. Because due to late diagnosis, most patients already miss the opportunity for surgery upon disease confirmation, conservative chemotherapy (drug treatment) remains an important method of comprehensive treatment for patients with middle- and late-stage liver cancer. However, multidrug resistance (MDR) in patients with HCC severely reduces the treatment effect and is an important obstacle to chemotherapeutic success. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an important biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC. The serum expression levels of AFP in many patients with HCC are increased, and a persistently increased AFP level is a risk factor for HCC progression. Many studies have indicated that AFP functions as an immune suppressor, and AFP can promote malignant transformation during HCC development and might be involved in the process of MDR in patients with liver cancer. This review describes drug resistance mechanisms during HCC drug treatment and reviews the relationship between the mechanism of AFP in HCC development and progression and HCC drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
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Lin B, Dong X, Wang Q, Li W, Zhu M, Li M. AFP-Inhibiting Fragments for Drug Delivery: The Promise and Challenges of Targeting Therapeutics to Cancers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:635476. [PMID: 33898423 PMCID: PMC8061420 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.635476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) plays a key role in stimulating the growth, metastasis and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AFP is an important target molecule in the treatment of HCC. The application of AFP-derived peptides, AFP fragments and recombinant AFP (AFP-inhibiting fragments, AIFs) to inhibit the binding of AFP to intracellular proteins or its receptors is the basis of a new strategy for the treatment of HCC and other cancers. In addition, AIFs can be combined with drugs and delivery agents to target treatments to cancer. AIFs conjugated to anticancer drugs not only destroy cancer cells with these drugs but also activate immune cells to kill cancer cells. Furthermore, AIF delivery of drugs relieves immunosuppression and enhances chemotherapy effects. The synergism of immunotherapy and targeted chemotherapy is expected to play an important role in enhancing the treatment effect of patients with cancer. AIF delivery of drugs will be an available strategy for the targeted treatment of cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Xu Dong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Qiujiao Wang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China.,Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
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Cao Z, Cheng Y, Wang J, Liu Y, Yang R, Jiang W, Li H, Zhang X. HBP1-mediated transcriptional repression of AFP inhibits hepatoma progression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:118. [PMID: 33794968 PMCID: PMC8015059 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01881-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatoma is a common malignancy of the liver. The abnormal high expression of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is intimately associated with hepatoma progress, but the mechanism of transcriptional regulation and singularly activation of AFP gene in hepatoma is not clear. Methods The expression of transcription factor HBP1 and AFP and clinical significance were further analyzed in hepatoma tissues from the patients who received surgery or TACE and then monitored for relapse for up 10 years. HBP1-mediated transcriptional regulation of AFP was analyzed by Western blotting, Luciferase assay, Realtime-PCR, ChIP and EMSA. After verified the axis of HBP-AFP, its impact on hepatoma was measured by MTT, Transwell and FACS in hepatoma cells and by tumorigenesis in HBP1−/− mice. Results The relative expressions of HBP1 and AFP correlated with survival and prognosis in hepatoma patients. HBP1 repressed the expression of AFP gene by directly binding to the AFP gene promoter. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-encoded protein HBx promoted malignancy in hepatoma cells through binding to HBP1 directly. Icaritin, an active ingredient of Chinese herb epimedium, inhibited malignancy in hepatoma cells through enhancing HBP1 transrepression of AFP. The repression of AFP by HBP1 attenuated AFP effect on PTEN, MMP9 and caspase-3, thus inhibited proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells. The deregulation of AFP by HBP1 contributed to hepatoma progression in mice. Conclusions Our data clarify the mechanism of HBP1 in inhibiting the expression of AFP and its suppression in malignancy of hepatoma cells, providing a more comprehensive theoretical basis and potential solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatoma. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01881-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyi Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hematology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Yinghua East Street, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuning Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiyin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujuan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruixiang Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
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Ma E, Li J, Xing H, Li R, Shen C, Zhang Q, Ma Z, Tao Y, Qin L, Zhao J, Wang Z. Development of a predictive nomogram for early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients undergoing liver transplantation. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:468. [PMID: 33850865 PMCID: PMC8039665 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background An individual prognostic model that includes inflammation caused by the delayed recovery of liver function after surgery for the early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following liver transplantation (LT) has not been well determined. Our aim was to develop a nomogram model for predicting individual survival and early recurrence following LT for patients. Methods Retrospective data, including clinical pathology and follow-up data, on HCC patients were collected between October 2016 and October 2019 at Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University. A nomogram estimating recurrence post-transplantation was constructed using multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results A total of 210 patients were included in the present study. The multivariate estimators of recurrence consisted of age, maximum tumor diameter, tumor thrombus, microvascular invasion (MVI), alanine aminotransferase and alpha-fetoprotein on postoperative day 7. Nomogram of recurrence-free survival was developed. The calibration and discrimination of the novel model were assessed with the calibration curves and concordance index (C-index). Its reliability and advantages were evaluated by comparing it with the conventional American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition staging system using integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and net reclassification improvement (NRI). In comparison to the AJCC 8th edition staging system, the C-index (development set: 0.796 vs. 0.643, validation set: 0.741 vs. 0.563), the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the validation set (1-year AUC: 0.732 vs. 0.586, 2-year AUC: 0.705 vs. 0.504), the development set (1-year AUC: 0.799 vs. 0.551, 2-year AUC: 0.801 vs. 0.512), and this model’s calibration plots all showed improved performance. In addition, NRI and IDI verified that the nomogram is an accurate prognostic tool. Subsequently, a web calculator was generated to assess the risk of tumor recurrence post-LT. Conclusions The nomogram, based on clinical and pathological factors, showed good accuracy in estimating prognostic recurrence and can be used to guide individual patient follow-up and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ensi Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Xing
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruidong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Conghuan Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Quanbao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyu Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifeng Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lunxiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengxin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Identification of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:6115-6133. [PMID: 33617479 PMCID: PMC7950227 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The development of high-throughput technologies has yielded a large amount of data from molecular and epigenetic analysis that could be useful for identifying novel biomarkers of cancers. We analyzed Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) DataSet micro–ribonucleic acid (miRNA) profiling datasets to identify miRNAs that could have value as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We adopted several computing methods to identify the functional roles of these miRNAs. Ultimately, via integrated analysis of three GEO DataSets, three differential miRNAs were identified as valuable markers in HCC. Combining the results of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses and Kaplan–Meier Plotter (KM) survival analyses, we identified hsa-let-7e as a novel potential biomarker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis. Then, we found via quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) that let-7e was upregulated in HCC tissues and that such upregulation was significantly associated with poor prognosis in HCC. The results of functional analysis indicated that upregulated let-7e promoted tumor cell growth and proliferation. Additionally, via mechanistic analysis, we found that let-7e could regulate mitochondrial apoptosis and autophagy to adjust and control cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, the integrated results of our bioinformatics analyses of both clinical and experimental data showed that let-7e was a novel biomarker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis and might be a new treatment target.
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Carr BI, Guerra V, Donghia R, Farinati F, Giannini EG, Muratori L, Rapaccini GL, Di Marco M, Caturelli E, Zoli M, Sacco R, Celsa C, Campani C, Mega A, Guarino M, Gasbarrini A, Svegliati-Baroni G, Foschi FG, Biasini E, Masotto A, Nardone G, Raimondo G, Azzaroli F, Vidili G, Brunetto MR, Trevisani F. Identification of Clinical Phenotypes and Related Survival in Patients with Large HCCs. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040592. [PMID: 33546234 PMCID: PMC7913341 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) factors, especially maximum tumor diameter (MTD), tumor multifocality, portal vein thrombosis (PVT), and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), influence survival. AIM To examine patterns of tumor factors in large HCC patients. METHODS A database of large HCC patients was examined. RESULTS A multiple Cox proportional hazard model on death identified low serum albumin levels and the presence of PVT and multifocality, with each having a hazard ratio ≥2.0. All combinations of these three parameters were examined in relation to survival. Using univariate Cox analysis, the combination of albumin >3.5 g/dL and the absence of both PVT and multifocality had the best survival rate, while all combinations that included the presence of PVT had poor survival and hazard ratios. We identified four clinical phenotypes, each with a distinct median survival: patients with or without PVT or multifocality plus serum albumin ≥3.5 (g/dL), with each subgroup displaying high (≥100 IU/mL) or low (<100 IU/mL) blood AFP levels. Across a range of MTDs, we identified only two significant trends, blood AFP and platelets. CONCLUSIONS Patients with large HCCs have distinct phenotypes and survival, as identified by the combination of PVT, multifocality, and blood albumin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian I. Carr
- Translational HCC Research Department, Liver Transplant Institute, Inonu University, Malatya 44000, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +14-12-980-4518
| | - Vito Guerra
- Clinical Trials Department, National Institute of Digestive Diseases, IRCCS S. de Bellis Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (V.G.); (R.D.)
| | - Rossella Donghia
- Clinical Trials Department, National Institute of Digestive Diseases, IRCCS S. de Bellis Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (V.G.); (R.D.)
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy;
| | - Edoardo G. Giannini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Genova, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Luca Muratori
- Internal Medicine–Piscaglia Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Gian Ludovico Rapaccini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy;
| | - Maria Di Marco
- Medicine Unit, Bolognini Hospital, 24068 Seriate, Italy;
| | | | - Marco Zoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Internal Medicine–Zoli Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Rodolfo Sacco
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Foggia University Hospital, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Ciro Celsa
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother & Child Care, Internal Medicine & Medical Specialties, PROMISE, Gastroenterology & Hepatology Unit, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Claudia Campani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University of Firenze, 50121 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Andrea Mega
- Gastroenterology Unit, Bolzano Regional Hospital, 39100 Bolzano, Italy;
| | - Maria Guarino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80138 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Unit, Policlinico Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy;
| | | | | | - Elisabetta Biasini
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Alberto Masotto
- Gastroenterology Unit, Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, 37024 Negrar, Italy;
| | - Gerardo Nardone
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Hepato-Gastroenterology Unit, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 37024 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Francesco Azzaroli
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, Gastroenterology Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Gianpaolo Vidili
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, Clinica Medica Unit, University of Sassari, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Maurizia Rossana Brunetto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Hepatology and Liver Physiopathology Laboratory and Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Franco Trevisani
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
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AGLR is a novel index for the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients: a retrospective study. BMC Surg 2021; 21:72. [PMID: 33536005 PMCID: PMC7860009 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-020-01037-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Most hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients’ liver function indexes are abnormal. We aimed to investigate the relationship between (alkaline phosphatase + gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase)/lymphocyte ratio (AGLR) and the progression as well as the prognosis of HCC. Methods A total of 495 HCC patients undergoing radical hepatectomy were retrospectively analyzed. We randomly divided these patients into the training cohort (n = 248) and the validation cohort (n = 247). In the training cohort, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of AGLR for predicting postoperative survival of HCC patients, and the predictive value of AGLR was evaluated by concordance index (C-index). Further analysis of clinical and biochemical data of patients and the correlation analysis between AGLR and other clinicopathological factors were finished. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for HCC patients. Survival curves were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results According to the ROC curve analysis, the optimal predictive cut-off value of AGLR was 90. The C-index of AGLR was 0.637 in the training cohort and 0.654 in the validation cohort, respectively. Based on this value, the HCC patients were divided into the low-AGLR group (AGLR ≤ 90) and the high-AGLR group (AGLR > 90). Preoperative AGLR level was positively correlated with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), tumor size, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and microvascular invasion (MVI) (all p < 0.05). In the training and validation cohorts, patients with AGLR > 90 had significantly shorter OS than patients with AGLR ≤ 90 (p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses of the training cohort (HR, 1.79; 95% CI 1.21–2.69; p < 0.001) and validation cohort (HR, 1.82; 95% CI 1.35–2.57; p < 0.001) had identified AGLR as an independent prognostic factor. A new prognostic scoring model was established based on the independent predictors determined in multivariate analysis. Conclusions The elevated preoperative AGLR level indicated poor prognosis for patients with HCC; the novel prognostic scoring model had favorable predictive capability for postoperative prognosis of HCC patients, which may bring convenience for clinical management.
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Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120576. [PMID: 33297335 PMCID: PMC7762241 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. HCC is highly heterogeneous, both within the tumor and among individuals, which is closely related to the HCC surveillance, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response. With the advances of next-generation sequencing, the genomic landscape of HCC has been identified which vastly improves our understanding of genetic and epigenetic changes and their interaction during HCC development. In particular, gene mutations, epigenetic modifications, aberrant expression of coding and non-coding RNAs have been extensively explored and many of them are considered as biomarkers for HCC. Most recently, the gut microbiome has been proposed as potential non-invasive biomarkers for HCC diagnosis. In this review, we summarize the current development of HCC biomarkers studies and provide insights on further steps towards precision medicine of HCC.
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Akbulut S, Koc C. Do We Need to Be Limited by Matching Milan Criteria for Survival in Living Donor Liver Transplantation? J Gastrointest Cancer 2020; 51:1107-1113. [PMID: 32857265 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-020-00482-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths and the 7th most common cancer. It has two characteristic features: being advanced stage at diagnosis and association with liver cirrhosis. Liver transplantation (LT) offers the only curative option to treat both components of the disease. The Milan criteria have been extensively used for selecting patients with HCC for LT. However, using Milan criteria, we can only transplant 30% of the patients. The aim of the present review is to evaluate the role of LT in HCC beyond the Milan criteria. METHODS We evaluated the studies that have introduced extended criteria to select patients with HCC beyond the Milan criteria. We evaluated the outcomes in terms of disease-free survival rates and HCC recurrences. RESULTS There are patients with tumors that are beyond Milan criteria that could benefit from LT. Selection of these patients has paramount importance in the era of living donor liver transplantation. Current expanded criteria depend on either the bulk of the tumor or the additional surrogate markers of tumor biology such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-gamma carboxyprothrombin (DCP). CONCLUSION There is no ideal marker or an extended criterion for selecting patients with HCC beyond the Milan criteria and it needs further research to find an effective biomarker that has prognostic significance to select patients with advanced tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Akbulut
- Department of Surgery and Liver Transplant Institute, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Elazig Yolu 10. Km, 244280, Malatya, Turkey.
| | - Cemalettin Koc
- Department of Surgery and Liver Transplant Institute, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Elazig Yolu 10. Km, 244280, Malatya, Turkey
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Long G, Shen J, Zhou L. A-G Score Associated With Outcomes in Solitary Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients After Hepatectomy. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1286. [PMID: 32850396 PMCID: PMC7427538 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: The study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of preoperative alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (A-G score) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Methods: A total of 474 solitary HCC patients were included. Survival analysis was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were analyzed in a multivariate model. The comparison of the predictive value of AFP, GGT, and A-G score was performed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: Of the 474 patients, 137(28.9%), 241(50.8%), and 96(20.3%) patients were assigned to A-G score 0, 1, and 2, respectively. In multivariate analysis, A-G score, tumor size, microvascular invasion, tumor differentiation, satellite lesion, and state of HBV infection were independently predictive factors for RFS of solitary HCC patients. The A-G score could significantly stratify solitary HCC patients with a distinguished prognosis. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS and OS among patients with A-G score 1 was better than that of patients with A-G score 2 and worse than that of patients with A-G score 0(all p < 0.05). Based on the result from the ROC analysis and DCA analysis, the A-G score appeared to be superior to either AFP or GGT alone in the prediction of prognosis of solitary HCC patients. In the subgroup analysis, the A-G score could accurately predict the prognosis of solitary HCC patients without MVI or with liver cirrhosis. Conclusions: Preoperative A-G score could effectively and simply predict prognosis of solitary HCC patients after hepatectomy, especially for those with non-MVI solitary HCC or those with liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Long
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Junyi Shen
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ledu Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Wang T, Zhang KH. New Blood Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of AFP-Negative Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1316. [PMID: 32923383 PMCID: PMC7456927 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) followed by effective treatment is currently critical for improving the prognosis and reducing the associated economic burden. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the most widely used biomarker for HCC diagnosis. Based on elevated serum AFP levels as well as typical imaging features, AFP-positive HCC (APHC) can be easily diagnosed, but AFP-negative HCC (ANHC) is not easily detected due to lack of ideal biomarkers and thus mainly reliance on imaging. Imaging for the diagnosis of ANHC is probably insufficient in sensitivity and/or specificity because most ANHC tumors are small and early-stage HCC, and it is involved in sophisticated techniques and high costs. Moreover, ANHC accounts for nearly half of HCC and exhibits a better prognosis compared with APHC. Therefore, the diagnosis of ANHC in clinical practice has been a critical issue for the early treatment and prognosis improvement of HCC. In recent years, tremendous efforts have been made to discover new biomarkers complementary to AFP for HCC diagnosis. In this review, we systematically review and discuss the recent advances of blood biomarkers for HCC diagnosis, including DNA biomarkers, RNA biomarkers, protein biomarkers, and conventional laboratory metrics, focusing on their diagnostic evaluation alone and in combination, in particular on their diagnostic performance for ANHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Institute of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Kun-He Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Institute of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Feng H, Lin B, Zheng Y, Xu J, Zhou Y, Liu K, Zhu M, Li M. Overexpression of GATA5 Stimulates Paclitaxel to Inhibit Malignant Behaviors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. CELL JOURNAL 2020; 22:89-100. [PMID: 32779438 PMCID: PMC7481888 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2020.6894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objective Explore the effect of GATA5 expression on Paclitaxel inhibiting growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Materials and Methods In the experimental study, HCC cell lines (HLE, Bel7402 and PLC/PRF/5) were treated with different concentrations of Paclitaxel (5-20 mg/ml) for 24 hours. HLE cells were transfected with GATA5-siRNA vector, while Bel7402 and PLC/PRF/5 cells were transfected with overexpressed GATA5 vector for 24 hours, followed by treatment of the cells with Paclitaxel (10 mg/ml) for 24 hours and subsequently 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to detect growth of HCC cells. Soft agar cultured was used to analyze formation of colony. Apoptosis of HCC cells were detected by Flow cytometer. Migration of HCC cells was observed by trawell assays. Western blotting and laser confocal microscopy were utilized to detect expression and location of the proteins. Results Inhibiting expression of GATA5 reduced sensitivity of HLE cells to Paclitaxel, while overexpression of GATA5 increased sensitivity of Bel7402 cells and PLC/PRF/5 cells to Paclitaxel. Overexpression of GATA5 played a role in stimulating Paclitaxel to inhibit growth, colony formation and migration, as well as enhance apoptosis in HCC cells. Overexpression of GATA5 also promoted Paclitaxel to inhibit expression of reprogramming genes, such as Nanog, EpCAM, c-Myc and Sox2 in Bel7402 and PLC/PRF/5 cells. Inhibited expression of GATA5 led to enhancement of the expression of CD44 and CD133, in HLE cells. Overexpression of GATA5 was not only alone but also synergized with Paclitaxel to inhibit expression of CD44 and CD133 in Bel7402 or PLC/PRF/5 cells. Conclusion Overexpression of GATA5 played a role in enhancing Paclitaxel to inhibit the malignant behaviors of HCC cells. It was involved in suppressing expression of the reprogramming genes and stemness markers. Targeting GATA5 is an available strategy for applying paclitaxel to therapy of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Feng
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yifei Zheng
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Junnv Xu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China.,Department of Tumor Internal Medicine, Second affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China. Electronic Address: .,Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
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Zheng Y, Zhu M, Li M. Effects of alpha-fetoprotein on the occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:2439-2446. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03331-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Jasirwan COM, Fahira A, Siregar L, Loho I. The alpha-fetoprotein serum is still reliable as a biomarker for the surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma in Indonesia. BMC Gastroenterol 2020; 20:215. [PMID: 32646378 PMCID: PMC7346661 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-020-01365-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide with an inferior prognosis. In Indonesia, the average life expectancy is less than 5 months, with most patients being in an advanced stage wherein the survival rate is very low. Early detection through surveillance program is very crucial. HCC guidelines worldwide have provided surveillance recommendation through the examination of α-fetoprotein (AFP) and ultrasound for patients at risk in developing HCC. However, there have been some controversies regarding the usage of AFP concerning its low sensitivity and specificity in detecting HCC. Therefore, the effectiveness of AFP in the surveillance of HCC patients and identifying the parameters most associated with the increase of AFP ≥ 10 ng/ml in Indonesia should be evaluated. Methods We analyzed medical records of HCC patients and those at high risk of developing HCC through cross-sectional study, including patients with cirrhosis and hepatitis B and C, from 2015 to 2017 who underwent treatment at the Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital and Dharmais National Cancer Hospital, Indonesia. Results The sensitivity and specificity of AFP in the surveillance of HCC in Indonesia with a cut-off of 10 ng/ml were 82.6 and 71.2%, respectively. The parameters most associated with the increase of AFP ≥10 ng/ml according to multivariate analysis were the etiology of hepatitis B, the stage of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) B and C, and the presence of cirrhosis, respectively. Conclusion AFP can still be used in the surveillance of HCC in Indonesia for its high sensitivity value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chyntia Olivia Maurine Jasirwan
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Alessa Fahira
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Lianda Siregar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Dharmais National Cancer Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Imelda Loho
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Dharmais National Cancer Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Lin Q, Li Z, Ji C, Yuan Q. Electronic structure engineering and biomedical applications of low energy-excited persistent luminescence nanoparticles. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2020; 2:1380-1394. [PMID: 36132298 PMCID: PMC9417836 DOI: 10.1039/c9na00817a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) are new luminescent materials that can store the excitation energy quickly and persistently emit it after ceasing excitation sources. Due to the advantages of long-lasting luminescence without constant excitation, PLNPs have been widely used in biomedical applications. Visible light excitable PLNPs (VPLNPs) and near-infrared excitable PLNPs (NPLNPs) are two kinds of novel and promising PLNPs. Compared to conventional PLNPs, VPLNPs and NPLNPs have the characteristics of low tissue damage, deep tissue penetration, and high signal-to-noise ratio. With these special features, they have great potential in applications such as long-term tracing, deep-tissue bioimaging, and precise treatment. In this review, we introduce the common strategy of constructing VPLNPs and NPLNPs based on electronic structure engineering and the applications of VPLNPs and NPLNPs in biomedicine. This review article aims to offer valuable information about the progress and development direction of VPLNPs and NPLNPs, promoting more applications in biomedicine, materials science, energy engineering, and environmental technologies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaosong Lin
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Zhihao Li
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Chenhui Ji
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University Changsha 410082 China
| | - Quan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University Changsha 410082 China
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