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Su L, Luo H, Yan Y, Yang Z, Lu J, Xu D, Du L, Liu J, Yang G, Chi H. Exploiting gender-based biomarkers and drug targets: advancing personalized therapeutic strategies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1433540. [PMID: 38966543 PMCID: PMC11222576 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1433540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This review systematically examines gender differences in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), identifying the influence of sex hormones, genetic variance, and environmental factors on the disease's epidemiology and treatment outcomes. Recognizing the liver as a sexually dimorphic organ, we highlight how gender-specific risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and obesity, contribute differently to hepatocarcinogenesis in men and women. We explore molecular mechanisms, including the differential expression of androgen and estrogen receptors, which mediate diverse pathways in tumor biology such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA repair. Our analysis underscores the critical need for gender-specific research in liver cancer, from molecular studies to clinical trials, to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic effectiveness. By incorporating a gender perspective into all facets of liver cancer research, we advocate for a more precise and personalized approach to cancer treatment that acknowledges gender as a significant factor in both the progression of HCC and its response to treatment. This review aims to foster a deeper understanding of the biological and molecular bases of gender differences in HCC and to promote the development of tailored interventions that enhance outcomes for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanqian Su
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Huanyu Luo
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yalan Yan
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhongqiu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Jiaan Lu
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Danqi Xu
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Linjuan Du
- Department of Oncology, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Smiriglia A, Lorito N, Serra M, Perra A, Morandi A, Kowalik MA. Sex difference in liver diseases: How preclinical models help to dissect the sex-related mechanisms sustaining NAFLD and hepatocellular carcinoma. iScience 2023; 26:108363. [PMID: 38034347 PMCID: PMC10682354 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108363] [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: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Only a few preclinical findings are confirmed in the clinic, posing a critical issue for clinical development. Therefore, identifying the best preclinical models can help to dissect molecular and mechanistic insights into liver disease pathogenesis while being clinically relevant. In this context, the sex relevance of most preclinical models has been only partially considered. This is particularly significant in NAFLD and HCC, which have a higher prevalence in men when compared to pre-menopause women but not to those in post-menopausal status, suggesting a role for sex hormones in the pathogenesis of the diseases. This review gathers the sex-relevant findings and the available preclinical models focusing on both in vitro and in vivo studies and discusses the potential implications and perspectives of introducing the sex effect in the selection of the best preclinical model. This is a critical aspect that would help to tailor personalized therapies based on sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Smiriglia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Nicla Lorito
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marina Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea Morandi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
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Nuermaimaiti A, Chang L, Yan Y, Sun H, Xiao Y, Song S, Feng K, Lu Z, Ji H, Wang L. The role of sex hormones and receptors in HBV infection and development of HBV-related HCC. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29298. [PMID: 38087447 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29298] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Gender disparity in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related diseases has been extensively documented. Epidemiological studies consistently reported that males have a higher prevalence of HBV infection and incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Further investigations have revealed that sex hormone-related signal transductions play a significant role in gender disparity. Sex hormone axes showed significantly different responses to virus entry and replication. The sex hormones axes change the HBV-specific immune responses and antitumor immunity. Additionally, Sex hormone axes showed different effects on the development of HBV-related disease. But the role of sex hormones remains controversial, and researchers have not reached a consensus on the role of sex hormones and the use of hormone therapies in HCC treatment. In this review, we aim to summarize the experimental findings on sex hormones and provide a comprehensive understanding of their roles in the development of HCC and their implications for hormone-related HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abudulimutailipu Nuermaimaiti
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Le Chang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yan
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huizhen Sun
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yingzi Xiao
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Song
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kaihao Feng
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuoqun Lu
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Ji
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lunan Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Nakamura T, Sasaki K, Kojima L, Teo R, Inaba Y, Yamamoto T, Kimura S, Dageforde LA, Yeh H, Elias N, Bozorgzadeh A, Kawai T, Markmann JF. Impact of donor sex on hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplantation after brain death. Clin Transplant 2023; 37:e14989. [PMID: 37039506 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14989] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is predominantly seen in males but has a better prognosis in females. No prior studies have investigated HCC recurrence based on sex combination following liver transplant donated after brain death (DBDLT). This study sought to elucidate the effects of donor and recipient sex on HCC recurrence rates. METHODS 9232 adult recipients from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database who underwent DBDLT for HCC from 2012 to 2018 were included. Donor-recipient pairs were divided into (1) female donor/female recipient (F-F) (n = 1089); (2) male donor/female recipient (M-F) (n = 975); (3) female donor/male recipient (F-M) (n = 2691); (4) male donor/male recipient (M-M) (n = 4477). The primary prognostic outcome was HCC recurrence. A multivariable competing risk regression analysis was used to assess prognostic influences. RESULTS The median recipient age and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores were similar among the four groups. Livers of male recipients demonstrated greater in size and number of HCC (both p-values were <.0001). There was also a higher rate of vascular invasion in male recipients compared to female (p < .0001). Competing risk analyses showed that the cumulative HCC recurrence rate was significantly lower in the M-F group (p = .013). After adjusting for tumor characteristics, liver grafts from male donors were associated with a lower HCC recurrence rate in female recipients (HR: .62 95%CI: .42-.93) (p = .021). CONCLUSION In DBDLT, male donor to female recipient pairing exhibited lower HCC recurrence rates. SUMMARY Lowest rates of HCC recurrence were confirmed among the female recipients of male donor grafts group in the deceased donor LT cohort. A competing risk multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that male donor sex was significantly associated with low HCC recurrence in female but not male recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Nakamura
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kazunari Sasaki
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Lisa Kojima
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Richard Teo
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yosuke Inaba
- Biostatistics Section, Chiba University Hospital Clinical Research Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takayuki Yamamoto
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shoko Kimura
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Leigh Anne Dageforde
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Heidi Yeh
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nahel Elias
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adel Bozorgzadeh
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tatsuo Kawai
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James F Markmann
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Wu Z, Petrick JL, Florio AA, Guillemette C, Beane Freeman LE, Buring JE, Bradwin G, Caron P, Chen Y, Eliassen AH, Engel LS, Freedman ND, Gaziano JM, Giovannuci EL, Hofmann JN, Huang WY, Kirsh VA, Kitahara CM, Koshiol J, Lee IM, Liao LM, Newton CC, Palmer JR, Purdue MP, Rohan TE, Rosenberg L, Sesso HD, Sinha R, Stampfer MJ, Um CY, Van Den Eeden SK, Visvanathan K, Wactawski-Wende J, Zeleniuch-Jacquotte A, Zhang X, Graubard BI, Campbell PT, McGlynn KA. Endogenous sex steroid hormones and risk of liver cancer among US men: Results from the Liver Cancer Pooling Project. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100742. [PMID: 37425211 PMCID: PMC10326694 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Incidence rates of liver cancer in most populations are two to three times higher among men than women. The higher rates among men have led to the suggestion that androgens are related to increased risk whereas oestrogens are related to decreased risk. This hypothesis was investigated in the present study via a nested case-control analysis of pre-diagnostic sex steroid hormone levels among men in five US cohorts. Methods Concentrations of sex steroid hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin were quantitated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and a competitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, respectively. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for associations between hormones and liver cancer among 275 men who subsequently developed liver cancer and 768 comparison men. Results Higher concentrations of total testosterone (OR per one-unit increase in log2 = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.38-2.29), dihydrotestosterone (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.21-2.57), oestrone (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.08-2.79), total oestradiol (OR = 1.58, 95% CI=1.22-20.05), and sex hormone-binding globulin (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.27-2.11) were associated with increased risk. Higher concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), however, were associated with a 53% decreased risk (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.33-0.68). Conclusions Higher concentrations of both androgens (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone) and their aromatised oestrogenic metabolites (oestrone, oestradiol) were observed among men who subsequently developed liver cancer compared with men who did not. As DHEA is an adrenal precursor of both androgens and oestrogens, these results may suggest that a lower capacity to convert DHEA to androgens, and their subsequent conversion to oestrogens, confers a lower risk of liver cancer, whereas a greater capacity to convert DHEA confers a greater risk. Impact and implications This study does not fully support the current hormone hypothesis as both androgen and oestrogen levels were associated with increased risk of liver cancer among men. The study also found that higher DHEA levels were associated with lower risk, thus suggesting the hypothesis that greater capacity to convert DHEA could be associated with increased liver cancer risk among men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeni Wu
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Andrea A. Florio
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Chantal Guillemette
- Pharmacogenomics Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-(CHU de Québec) Research Center–Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Cancer Research Center, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Laura E. Beane Freeman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Julie E. Buring
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gary Bradwin
- Clinical and Epidemiologic Research Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick Caron
- Pharmacogenomics Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-(CHU de Québec) Research Center–Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - A. Heather Eliassen
- Department of Epidemiology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Nutrition, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lawrence S. Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Neal D. Freedman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - J. Michael Gaziano
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward L. Giovannuci
- Department of Epidemiology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Nutrition, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan N. Hofmann
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Wen-Yi Huang
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Victoria A. Kirsh
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Epidemiology Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cari M. Kitahara
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jill Koshiol
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - I-Min Lee
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Linda M. Liao
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Julie R. Palmer
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark P. Purdue
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Thomas E. Rohan
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lynn Rosenberg
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Howard D. Sesso
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rashmi Sinha
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Meir J. Stampfer
- Department of Epidemiology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Nutrition, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caroline Y. Um
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Kala Visvanathan
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jean Wactawski-Wende
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Xuehong Zhang
- Department of Nutrition, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Barry I. Graubard
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Katherine A. McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
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Li M, Wu L, Luo S, Liu Y, Sun C, Li E, Wang J, Li B, Huang Z, Ge J, Lei J, Zhou F, Liao W. Validation of a supplementary condition of eighth AJCC staging system for stage II hepatocellular carcinoma. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2023; 49:1217-1225. [PMID: 36690533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2023.01.019] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system was flawed regarding the prognosis of stage II hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aims of this study were to reveal the defect and make updates. METHODS Clinical and survival data of HCC patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were used. We re-classified stage II into T2aN0M0 (tumors >2 cm with vascular invasion) and T2bN0M0 (multiple tumors ≤5 cm). The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to estimate differences in overall survival (OS). Three propensity score matching analyses without (PSM1) or with (PSM2 and PSM3) consideration of surgical treatment were performed. Cox regression was used to reveal risk factors. RESULTS HCC patients identified as T1bN0M0, T2aN0M0, T2bN0M0, and T3N0M0 were recruited. OS in T2N0M0 was consistent with the eighth AJCC staging system after PSM1. T2bN0M0 had increased OS compared with T2aN0M0 after PSM2 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-1.73; P = 0.0141) or PSM3 (HR = 1.18; 95%CI = 1.01-1.37; P = 0.0283). No survival benefit existed between T1bN0M0 and T2bN0M0 after PSM2 (HR = 0.92; 95%CI = 0.80-1.05; P = 0.2171) or PSM3 (HR = 0.92; 95%CI = 0.84-1.01; P = 0.0888). Compared with T2aN0M0, T3N0M0 had shorter OS after PSM2 (HR = 0.64; 95%CI = 0.50-0.82; P = 0.0003) or PSM3 (HR = 0.63; 95%CI = 0.54-0.73; P < 0.0001). Cox regression analysis revealed that surgical treatment was associated with better prognosis (HR = 0.3; 95%CI = 0.3-0.4; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The current staging for T2N0M0 is imprecise because surgical treatment is not adequately evaluated and would be ineffective if the proportion of T2bN0M0 patients with surgical treatment was increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Linquan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Shuaiwu Luo
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yaran Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, No.999, University Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Chi Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Enliang Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jiakun Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Zhihao Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jin Ge
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jun Lei
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Wenjun Liao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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7
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Zhang L, Wu J, Wu Q, Zhang X, Lin S, Ran W, Zhu L, Tang C, Wang X. Sex steroid axes in determining male predominance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2023; 555:216037. [PMID: 36563929 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.216037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death. The mechanisms for male propensity in HCC incidence, prognosis and treatment responses are complicated and remain inconclusive. Sex-biased molecular signatures in carcinogenesis, viral infections and immune responses have been studied predominantly within the context of sex hormones effects. This review integrates current knowledge on the mechanisms through which the hormones regulate HCC development in sexually dimorphic fashion. Firstly, the androgen/androgen receptor (AR) accelerate cell proliferation and virus infection, especially during the initial stage of HCC, while estrogen/estrogen receptor (ER) function in an opposite way to induce cell apoptosis and immune responses. Interestingly, the controversial effects of AR in late stage of HCC metastasis are summarized and the reasons are attributed to inconsistent cancer grading or experimental models between the studies. In addition, the new insights into these intricate cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphism are fully discussed. A detailed understanding of sex hormones-associated regulation to male predominance in HCC may help to develop personalized therapeutic strategies in high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - JinFeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - QiuMei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - XiangJuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - ShuaiCai Lin
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - WanLi Ran
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - ChengYan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
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Tian F, Cai D. Overexpressed GNAZ predicts poor outcome and promotes G0/G1 cell cycle progression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Gene 2022; 807:145964. [PMID: 34530087 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to investigate the role of G protein subunit alpha Z(GNAZ) in the progression and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Oncomine, GEO, TCGA, GEPIA2, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, TIMER2, Metascape, CCLE, LinkedOmics, and UALCAN databases were used to analyze the differential expression of GNAZ in HCC and normal liver tissues, relationship between GNAZ expression and prognosis of patients with HCC, and expression of GNAZ in common human HCC cell lines. Western blotting was performed to analyze GNAZ expression, while the Cell Counting Kit 8 assay was used to determine cell proliferation, and flow cytometry was used to evaluate the cell cycle and apoptosis. Wound healing and transwell invasion assays were used to investigate cell metastasis and invasion. RESULTS Using Oncomine, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and GEPIA2 databases, GNAZ was found to be overexpressed in HCC tissues compared with that in adjacent normal liver tissues, and western blotting analysis showed GNAZ overexpression in seven patients with HCC who underwent surgical resection of HCC and para-cancerous tissues (p < 0.01). Survival analysis revealed that high GNAZ expression was negatively associated with overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival, progression-free survival, and disease-specific survival in patients with HCC (p < 0.05). GNAZ overexpression was associated with worse 4- month, 6- month, 12- month, 24- month, 36- month, 48- month, and 60-month OS, as well as with different clinicopathological characteristics of patients with HCC, including hepatitis virus infection state; alcohol consumption state; male; female; Asian; microvascular invasion, Stage I-II, Stage II-III, and Stage III-IV; and grade II (Cox regression, p < 0.05). KEGG/GO biological process enrichment indicated that the genes similar to GNAZ in HCC were mainly enriched in the cell cycle, cell cycle phase transition, DNA replication checkpoint, and regulation of G0 to G1 transition. siRNA-GNAZ significantly reduced the viability of JHH-2 and SNU-761 cells from 12 to 96 h; increased the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase and decreased that of cells in the S and G2/M phases (p < 0.05); and markedly downregulated the expression of cyclin D, cyclin E, and CDK2 protein. siRNA-GNAZ also significantly increased the percentage of JHH-2 and SNU-761 cell apoptosis at late stages, while the number of surviving cells decreased (p < 0.05), and upregulated the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and caspase 3 protein. Furthermore, siRNA-GNAZ remarkably reduced the healing of scratch wounds in JHH-2 and SNU-761 cells and the number of invasive cells compared with that in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that GNAZ plays a pivotal role as a potential oncogene and predicts poor prognosis in patients with HCC. It promotes tumor proliferation via cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Thus, GNAZ may be a potential candidate biomarker providing useful insight into hepatocarcinogenesis and aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital, the Six Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Daxia Cai
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Research, Lishui Central Hospital, Zhejiang University Lishui Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Lishui, Zhejiang, China.
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Natural Killer Cells and Type 1 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169044. [PMID: 34445750 PMCID: PMC8396475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169044] [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: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells and type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1) are specific innate lymphoid cell subsets that are key for the detection and elimination of pathogens and cancer cells. In liver, while they share a number of characteristics, they differ in many features. These include their developmental pathways, tissue distribution, phenotype and functions. NK cells and ILC1 contribute to organ homeostasis through the production of key cytokines and chemokines and the elimination of potential harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition, they are equipped with a wide range of receptors, allowing them to detect “stressed cells’ such as cancer cells. Our understanding of the role of innate lymphoid cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is growing owing to the development of mouse models, the progress in immunotherapeutic treatment and the recent use of scRNA sequencing analyses. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of NK cells and ILC1 in hepatocellular carcinoma and discuss future strategies to take advantage of these innate immune cells in anti-tumor immunity. Immunotherapies hold great promise in HCC, and a better understanding of the role and function of NK cells and ILC1 in liver cancer could pave the way for new NK cell and/or ILC1-targeted treatment.
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10
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Mancini F, Giorgini L, Teveroni E, Pontecorvi A, Moretti F. Role of Sex in the Therapeutic Targeting of p53 Circuitry. Front Oncol 2021; 11:698946. [PMID: 34307167 PMCID: PMC8298065 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.698946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex profoundly affects cancer incidence and susceptibility to therapy, with sex hormones highly contributing to this disparity. Various studies and omics data suggest a relationship between sex and the oncosuppressor p53 circuitry, including its regulators MDM2 and MDM4. Association of this network with genetic variation underlies sex-related altered cancer risk, age of onset, and cancer sensitivity to therapy. Moreover, sex-related factors, mainly estrogenic hormones, can affect the levels and/or function of the p53 network both in hormone-dependent and independent cancer. Despite this evidence, preclinical and clinical studies aimed to evaluate p53 targeted therapy rarely consider sex and related factors. This review summarizes the studies reporting the relationship between sex and the p53 circuitry, including its associated regulators, MDM2 and MDM4, with particular emphasis on estrogenic hormones. Moreover, we reviewed the evaluation of sex/hormone in preclinical studies and clinical trials employing p53-target therapies, and discuss how patients’ sex and hormonal status could impact these therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mancini
- Research Unit on Human Reproduction, International Scientific Institute Paul VI, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovica Giorgini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy, Monterotondo, Italy.,Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Teveroni
- Research Unit on Human Reproduction, International Scientific Institute Paul VI, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola Moretti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy, Monterotondo, Italy
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11
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Guo Y, Wu G, Yi J, Yang Q, Jiang W, Lin S, Yang X, Cai X, Mao L. Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Effect and Molecular Mechanism of the Estrogen Signaling Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 11:763539. [PMID: 35096574 PMCID: PMC8789654 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.763539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There are significant gender differences in the incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Compared with men, the incidence and mortality of HCC in women are relatively low. The estrogen signaling pathway, composed of estrogen and estrogen receptors, has been postulated to have a protective effect on the occurrence and development of HCC. There have been multiple studies that have supported anti-HCC effects of the estrogen signaling pathways, including direct and indirect pathways such as genomic pathways, rapid transduction pathways, non-coding RNA, tumor microenvironment, estrogen metabolites, and inhibition of hepatitis infection and replication. Based on the evidence of an anti-HCC effect of the estrogen signaling pathway, a number of strategies have been investigated to determine the potential therapeutic effect. These have included estrogen replacement therapy, targeting the estrogen receptor, key molecules, inflammatory mediators, and regulatory pathways of the estrogen signaling pathway. In this review, we have systematically summarized the latest developments in the complex functions and molecular mechanisms of the estrogen signaling pathway in liver cancer. Furthermore, we have highlighted the potential targets of treatment strategies based on the estrogen signaling pathway in the treatment of liver cancer and the principal obstacles currently encountered for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Guo
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guohui Wu
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junrong Yi
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Nephrology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wengong Jiang
- Nephrology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoqiang Lin
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Yang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liufeng Mao, ; Xiangsheng Cai, ; Xiaorong Yang,
| | - Xiangsheng Cai
- Center for Medical Experiments, University of Chinese Academy of Science-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Liufeng Mao, ; Xiangsheng Cai, ; Xiaorong Yang,
| | - Liufeng Mao
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liufeng Mao, ; Xiangsheng Cai, ; Xiaorong Yang,
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12
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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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13
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Zhang W, Liu F, Huang J, Guo X, Dong W, Wei S, Li L, Zhu X, Zhou W, Liu H. Effect of menopausal status on the survival and recurrence of sex-classified hepatocellular carcinoma after liver resection: a case-matched study with propensity score matching. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:25895-25915. [PMID: 33232278 PMCID: PMC7803575 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202155] [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: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of menopausal status on the prognosis for sex-classified Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to establish prognostic nomograms for patients after liver resection. RESULTS After propensity score matching (PSM), statistically significant differences in both overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were found between men and women HCC patients. Based on Cox regression analysis, these differences were evident in the normal menstruation (N) group expanded with male patients, but not in either the expanded postmenopausal (P) or intermediate (I) groups. Sex disparity was also apparent in the recurrence-free survival (RFS) of the total HCC patients. Integrated with independent factors, nomograms for the OS and RFS of the expanded N group showed higher C-indices of 0.773 and 0.724, respectively, than those of nomograms for the total patients and BCLC stage (P<0.001). CONCLUSION Sex disparity appears to affect both the survival and recurrence of HCC only in normal menstruation women and their matched men. For predicting survival, prognostic nomograms derived from the expanded N group of HCC patients were more accurate for patients with the same clinical conditions. METHODS The patients (390 females and 1920 males), who underwent curative liver resection for HCC during 2008 to 2012, were screened. The 390 women were divided into three groups: normal menstruation, intermediate, and postmenopausal. To overcome selection bias, the three groups of females were matched with males at a ratio of 1:2, using propensity score matching. Based on further Cox regression analysis, independent factors were integrated into nomograms for OS and RFS by R rms. The accuracy and discrimination of the nomograms were evaluated by the C-index, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Zhang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Fuchen Liu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jian Huang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xinggang Guo
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China.,Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Wei Dong
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Shuxun Wei
- The First Department of General Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University and Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Nephrology, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuli Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Weiping Zhou
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Hui Liu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
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14
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Arfianti A, Pok S, Barn V, Haigh WG, Yeh MM, Ioannou GN, Teoh NCH, Farrell GC. Exercise retards hepatocarcinogenesis in obese mice independently of weight control. J Hepatol 2020; 73:140-148. [PMID: 32302728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Obesity and type 2 diabetes increase hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence in humans and accelerate diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice. We investigated whether exercise reduces HCC development in obese/diabetic Alms1 mutant (foz/foz) mice and studied protective mechanisms. METHODS We measured HCC development in DEN-injected male foz/foz and wild-type (WT) littermates housed with or without an exercise wheel from week 4 until 12 or 24 weeks, and in foz/foz mice pair-fed to WT littermates. We also studied HCC development in DEN-injected Jnk1-/-.foz/foz mice generated by cross breeding, as well as their genetic controls. Dysplastic hepatocytes were identified by glutathione-S-transferase pi form (GST-pi) immunohistochemistry, liver nodules were counted, and HCC was analysed by histopathology. RESULTS Exercising foz/foz mice maintained similar weight as WT mice up to 10 weeks, but then gained weight and were obese by 24 weeks; a similar body weight profile was obtained by pair-feeding foz/foz mice to WT. At 12 weeks, livers of exercising foz/foz mice exhibited fewer GST-pi positive hepatocytes than sedentary counterparts; by 24 weeks, fewer exercising foz/foz mice developed HCC (15% vs. 64%, p <0.05). Conversely, pair-feeding foz/foz mice failed to reduce HCC incidence. In these insulin-resistant foz/foz mice, exercise failed to activate hepatic AMPK or Akt/mTORC1. Instead, it improved insulin sensitivity, ameliorated steatosis and liver injury, activated p53 to increase p27 expression, and prevented JNK activation. This was associated with suppression of hepatocellular proliferation. DEN-injected Jnk1-/-.foz/foz mice failed to develop liver tumours or HCC at 24 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Direct effects of exercise dampen proliferation of dysplastic hepatocytes to reduce 3-month dysplastic foci and 6-month incidence of DEN-induced HCC in obese, insulin-resistant mice. The effects of exercise that potentially slow hepatocarcinogenesis include p53-mediated induction of p27 and prevention of JNK activation. LAY SUMMARY Fatty liver disease commonly occurs alongside obesity and diabetes, contributing to rapidly increasing rates of liver cancer throughout the world. Herein, we show that exercise reduces the incidence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma in mouse models. The effect of exercise on cancer risk was shown to be independent of changes in weight. Exercise could be a protective mechanism against liver cancer in at-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arfianti Arfianti
- Liver Research Group, ANU Medical School, Australian National University at The Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia
| | - Sharon Pok
- Liver Research Group, ANU Medical School, Australian National University at The Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT, Australia
| | - Vanessa Barn
- Liver Research Group, ANU Medical School, Australian National University at The Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT, Australia
| | - W Geoffrey Haigh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System and University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Matthew M Yeh
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - George N Ioannou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System and University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Narci C-H Teoh
- Liver Research Group, ANU Medical School, Australian National University at The Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT, Australia
| | - Geoffrey C Farrell
- Liver Research Group, ANU Medical School, Australian National University at The Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT, Australia.
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15
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Sex Hormone-Dependent Physiology and Diseases of Liver. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17082620. [PMID: 32290381 PMCID: PMC7216036 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism is associated not only with somatic and behavioral differences between men and women, but also with physiological differences reflected in organ metabolism. Genes regulated by sex hormones differ in expression in various tissues, which is especially important in the case of liver metabolism, with the liver being a target organ for sex hormones as its cells express estrogen receptors (ERs: ERα, also known as ESR1 or NR3A; ERβ; GPER (G protein-coupled ER, also known as GPR 30)) and the androgen receptor (AR) in both men and women. Differences in sex hormone levels and sex hormone-specific gene expression are mentioned as some of the main variations in causes of the incidence of hepatic diseases; for example, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more common in men, while women have an increased risk of autoimmune liver disease and show more acute liver failure symptoms in alcoholic liver disease. In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the distinction is less pronounced, but increased incidences are suggested among men and postmenopausal women, probably due to an increased tendency towards visceral fat accumulation.
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16
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A Concise Review on the Frequency, Major Risk Factors and Surveillance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in β-Thalassemias: Past, Present and Future Perspectives and the ICET-A Experience. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2020; 12:e2020006. [PMID: 31934316 PMCID: PMC6951357 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2020.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the recent alarming increase in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in thalassemias, the present report reviews briefly the frequency, the major risk factors, and the surveillance of HCC in β-thalassemias. Over the past 33 years, 153 cases of HCC were reported in patients with thalassemia, mainly in Italy and Greece. Among HCV-infected patients, additional factors promoting the development of HCC included: advanced age, male sex, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) co-infection, and iron overload. For early diagnosis of HCC, sequential ultrasound screening is recommended especially for thalassemia patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), which coincides with (one or more) additional risk factors for HCC. Here we report also the preliminary data from thalassemic patients, above the age of 30 years, followed in 13 ICET-A centers. The total number of enrolled patients was 1,327 (males: 624 and 703 females). The prevalence of HCC in thalassemia major patients [characterized by transfusion-dependency (TDT)] and thalassemia intermedia [characterized by nontransfusion dependency (NTDT)] was 1.66 % and 1.96 %, respectively. The lowest age at diagnosis of HCC was 36 years for TDT and 47 years for NTDT patients. We hope that this review can be used to develop more refined and prospective analyses of HCC magnitude and risk in patients with thalassemia and to define specific international guidelines to support clinicians for early diagnosis and treatment of HCC in thalassemic patients.
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17
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Marrero JA, Kulik LM, Sirlin CB, Zhu AX, Finn RS, Abecassis MM, Roberts LR, Heimbach JK. Diagnosis, Staging, and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: 2018 Practice Guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2018; 68:723-750. [PMID: 29624699 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2818] [Impact Index Per Article: 469.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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18
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Abstract
E-type cyclins (cyclins E1 and E2) are components of the core cell cycle machinery and are overexpressed in many human tumor types. E cyclins are thought to drive tumor cell proliferation by activating the cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). The cyclin E1 gene represents the site of recurrent integration of the hepatitis B virus in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma, and this event is associated with strong up-regulation of cyclin E1 expression. Regardless of the underlying mechanism of tumorigenesis, the majority of liver cancers overexpress E-type cyclins. Here we used conditional cyclin E knockout mice and a liver cancer model to test the requirement for the function of E cyclins in liver tumorigenesis. We show that a ubiquitous, global shutdown of E cyclins did not visibly affect postnatal development or physiology of adult mice. However, an acute ablation of E cyclins halted liver cancer progression. We demonstrated that also human liver cancer cells critically depend on E cyclins for proliferation. In contrast, we found that the function of the cyclin E catalytic partner, CDK2, is dispensable in liver cancer cells. We observed that E cyclins drive proliferation of tumor cells in a CDK2- and kinase-independent mechanism. Our study suggests that compounds which degrade or inhibit cyclin E might represent a highly selective therapeutic strategy for patients with liver cancer, as these compounds would selectively cripple proliferation of tumor cells, while sparing normal tissues.
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19
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Pok S, Vohra H, Wehbe C, Barn VA, Arfianti E, Dan YY, Farrell GC, Teoh NC. Deriving and testing of dysplastic murine hepatocytes: A new platform in liver cancer research. Exp Cell Res 2017; 356:48-56. [PMID: 28408319 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.04.009] [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: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Dysplastic hepatocytes (DH) represent altered hepatocytes with potential for malignant transformation. To date, most research on pathways to hepatocarcinogenesis has focused on use of "hepatoma" cell lines derived from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We describe a novel technique for deriving/culturing DH and demonstrate their utility for functional studies in vitro, compared to primary hepatocytes (PH) and HCC. PH and DH were prepared by portal vein collagenase perfusion from C57BL/6J mice. DH were subsequently subjected to FACS. HCC from diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-injected mice were mechanically isolated. Cell cycle analyses were performed by flow cytometry and PCNA immunohistochemistry. To establish utility of DH, we studied pathways of p53 turnover, apoptosis and cell proliferation using pfithrin-α (PFT) and nutlin-3. Like PH, DH were minimally proliferative compared to HCC. Only 30±0.03% of DH were in G2/M phase versus 51±0.01% of HCC; this difference corroborated with PCNA-immunostaining of dysplastic nodules from DEN-injected mice. In DH and HCC, nutlin-3 suppressed p53 mRNA, induced p53 and mdm2 activation but paradoxically resulted in increased anti-apoptotic and proliferative activity. Primary murine DH display distinctive biological characteristics compared with PH and HCC. As an intermediate cell type to HCC, they offer a new pathobiologically relevant primary cell culture system with which to interrogate the molecular changes in hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Pok
- Liver Research Group, Australian National University Medical School at The Canberra Hospital, Building 10 Level 5, Yamba Drive, Garran, Canberra, ACT 2605, Australia.
| | - Harpreet Vohra
- Imaging and Cytometry Facility, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Building 131, Garran Rd, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Charbel Wehbe
- Liver Research Group, Australian National University Medical School at The Canberra Hospital, Building 10 Level 5, Yamba Drive, Garran, Canberra, ACT 2605, Australia.
| | - Vanessa A Barn
- Liver Research Group, Australian National University Medical School at The Canberra Hospital, Building 10 Level 5, Yamba Drive, Garran, Canberra, ACT 2605, Australia.
| | - Evi Arfianti
- Liver Research Group, Australian National University Medical School at The Canberra Hospital, Building 10 Level 5, Yamba Drive, Garran, Canberra, ACT 2605, Australia.
| | - Yock-Young Dan
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 12 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117549, Singapore.
| | - Geoffrey C Farrell
- Liver Research Group, Australian National University Medical School at The Canberra Hospital, Building 10 Level 5, Yamba Drive, Garran, Canberra, ACT 2605, Australia.
| | - Narci C Teoh
- Liver Research Group, Australian National University Medical School at The Canberra Hospital, Building 10 Level 5, Yamba Drive, Garran, Canberra, ACT 2605, Australia.
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20
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Zheng B, Zhu YJ, Wang HY, Chen L. Gender disparity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): multiple underlying mechanisms. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2017; 60:575-584. [PMID: 28547581 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-9043-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
On the global scale, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the main cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) especially in regions of Asia where HBV infection is endemic. Epidemiological studies show that the incidence of inflammation-driven HCC in males is three times as high as in females. Recent studies suggest that sex hormones have a crucial role in the pathogenesis and development of HBV-induced HCC. We found that the estrogen/androgen signaling pathway is associated with decreased/increased transcription and replication of HBV genes and can promote the development of HBV infections by up/downregulating HBV RNA transcription and inflammatory cytokines levels, which in turn slow down the progression of HBV-induced HCC. Additionally, sex hormones can also affect HBV-related HCC by inducing epigenetic changes. The evidence that both morphology and function of the human liver are affected by sex hormones was found over 60 years ago. However, the underlying molecular mechanism largely remains to be elucidated. This review focuses mainly on the molecular mechanisms behind the sex difference in HCC associated with HBV and other factors. In addition, several potential treatment and therapeutic strategies for inflammation-driven HCC will be introduced in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zheng
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Yan-Jing Zhu
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hong-Yang Wang
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China. .,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 201805, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lei Chen
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China. .,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 201805, China.
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Sun J, Robinson L, Lee NL, Welles S, Evans AA. No contribution of lifestyle and environmental exposures to gender discrepancy of liver disease severity in chronic hepatitis b infection: Observations from the Haimen City cohort. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175482. [PMID: 28453511 PMCID: PMC5409078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have noted significant gender difference in the risk of liver cancer among hepatitis B chronic infection patients. Some indicated that it might be due to lifestyle-related differences. This paper tests whether or not such a gender discrepancy among the chronic hepatitis B population is confounded by lifestyle and environment related exposures. METHODS We retrieved a sample of 1863 participants from a prospective cohort in Haimen City, China in 2003. Liver disease severity was categorized as "normal", "mild", "moderate", and "severe" based on a clinical diagnosis. Lifestyle and environmental exposures were measured by questionnaires. We used factor analysis and individual variables to represent lifestyle and environmental exposures. We applied the cumulative logit models to estimate the effect of gender on liver disease severity and how it was impacted by lifestyle and environmental exposures. RESULTS Gender and HBeAg positivity were independent risk factors for more severe liver disease. Compared to females, males were 2.08 times as likely to develop more severe liver disease (95% CI: 1.66-2.61). Participants who were HBeAg positivite were 2.19 times (95% CI: 1.61-2.96) as likely to develop more severe liver disease compared to those who were negative. Controlling for lifestyle and environmental exposures did not change these estimations. CONCLUSIONS Males in the HBV infected population have an increased risk of severe liver disease. This gender effect is independent of the lifestyle and environmental exposures addressed in this study. Our findings support the hypothesis that gender discrepancies in HCC risk are attributable to intrinsic differences between males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lucy Robinson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Nesbitt Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Nora L. Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Nesbitt Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Seth Welles
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Nesbitt Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alison A. Evans
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Nesbitt Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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