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Abdel-Tawab MS, Fouad H, Sedeak AY, Doudar NA, Rateb EE, Faruk E, Reyad HR. Effects of mesenchymal stem cells versus curcumin on sonic hedgehog signaling in experimental model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:740. [PMID: 38874802 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09613-3] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) is a fundamental signaling pathway that controls tissue reconstruction, stem cell biology, and differentiation and has a role in gut tissue homeostasis and development. Dysregulation of SHH leads to the development of HCC. METHODS, AND RESULTS The present study was conducted to compare the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and curcumin on SHH molecular targets in an experimental model of HCC in rats. One hundred rats were divided equally into the following groups: control group, HCC group, HCC group received MSCs, HCC group received curcumin, and HCC group received MSCs and curcumin. Histopathological examinations were performed, and gene expression of SHH signaling target genes (SHH, PTCH1, SMOH, and GLI1) was assessed by real-time PCR in rat liver tissue. Results showed that SHH target genes were significantly upregulated in HCC-untreated rat groups and in MSC-treated groups, with no significant difference between them. Administration of curcumin with or without combined administration of MSCs led to a significant down-regulation of SHH target genes, with no significant differences between both groups. As regards the histopathological examination of liver tissues, both curcumin and MSCs, either through separate use or their combined use, led to a significant restoration of normal liver pathology. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, SHH signaling is upregulated in the HCC experimental model. MSCs do not inhibit the upregulated SHH target genes in HCC. Curcumin use with or without MSCs administration led to a significant down-regulation of SHH signaling in HCC and a significant restoration of normal liver pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Sayed Abdel-Tawab
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt.
| | - Hanan Fouad
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, POB 12613, Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Medicine, Galala University, POB 43711, Attaka, Suez Governorate, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Yahia Sedeak
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Noha A Doudar
- Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Enas Ezzat Rateb
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Eman Faruk
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Hoda Ramadan Reyad
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Ali FEM, Ibrahim IM, Althagafy HS, Hassanein EHM. Role of immunotherapies and stem cell therapy in the management of liver cancer: A comprehensive review. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:112011. [PMID: 38581991 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112011] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer (LC) is the sixth most common disease and the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality. The WHO predicts that more than 1 million deaths will occur from LC by 2030. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common form of primary LC. Today, the management of LC involves multiple disciplines, and multimodal therapy is typically selected on an individual basis, considering the intricate interactions between the patient's overall health, the stage of the tumor, and the degree of underlying liver disease. Currently, the treatment of cancers, including LC, has undergone a paradigm shift in the last ten years because of immuno-oncology. To treat HCC, immune therapy approaches have been developed to enhance or cause the body's natural immune response to specifically target tumor cells. In this context, immune checkpoint pathway inhibitors, engineered cytokines, adoptive cell therapy, immune cells modified with chimeric antigen receptors, and therapeutic cancer vaccines have advanced to clinical trials and offered new hope to cancer patients. The outcomes of these treatments are encouraging. Additionally, treatment using stem cells is a new approach for restoring deteriorated tissues because of their strong differentiation potential and capacity to release cytokines that encourage cell division and the formation of blood vessels. Although there is no proof that stem cell therapy works for many types of cancer, preclinical research on stem cells has shown promise in treating HCC. This review provides a recent update regarding the impact of immunotherapy and stem cells in HCC and promising outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt; Michael Sayegh, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aqaba University of Technology, Aqaba 77110, Jordan.
| | - Islam M Ibrahim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Hanan S Althagafy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
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3
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Sorafenib Alleviates Inflammatory Signaling of Tumor Microenvironment in Precancerous Lung Injuries. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/ph16020221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
According to population-based studies, lung cancer is the prominent reason for cancer-related mortality worldwide in males and is also rising in females at an alarming rate. Sorafenib (SOR), which is approved for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma, is a multitargeted protein kinase inhibitor. Additionally, SOR is the subject of interest for preclinical and clinical trials in lung cancer. This study was designed to assess in vivo the possible effects of sorafenib (SOR) in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced lung carcinogenesis and examine its probable mechanisms of action. A total of 30 adult male rats were divided into three groups (1) control, (2) DEN, and (3) DEN + SOR. The chemical induction of lung carcinogenesis was performed by injection of DEN intraperitoneally at 150 mg/kg once a week for two weeks. The DEN-administered rats were co-treated with SOR of 10 mg/kg by oral gavage for 42 alternate days. Serum and lung tissue samples were analyzed to determine SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX-2) levels. The tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels were measured in lung tissue supernatants. Lung sections were analyzed for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) histopathologically. In addition, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence methods, respectively. SOR reduced the level of SOX-2 that maintenance of cancer stemness and tumorigenicity, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels. Histopathological analysis demonstrated widespread inflammatory cell infiltration, disorganized alveolar structure, hyperemia in the vessels, and thickened alveolar walls in DEN-induced rats. The damage was markedly reduced upon SOR treatment. Further, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis also revealed increased expression of COX-2 and JNK expression in DEN-intoxicated rats. However, SOR treatment alleviated the expression of these inflammatory markers in DEN-induced lung carcinogenesis. These findings suggested that SOR inhibits DEN-induced lung precancerous lesions through decreased inflammation with concomitant in reduced SOX-2 levels, which enables the maintenance of cancer stem cell properties.
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Daneshimehr F, Barabadi Z, Abdolahi S, Soleimani M, Verdi J, Ebrahimi-Barough S, Ai J. Angiogenesis and Its Targeting in Glioblastoma with Focus on Clinical Approaches. CELL JOURNAL 2022; 24:555-568. [PMID: 36259473 PMCID: PMC9617020 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2022.8154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a characteristic of glioblastoma (GBM), the most fatal and therapeutic-resistant brain tumor. Highly expressed angiogenic cytokines and proliferated microvascular system made anti-angiogenesis treatments a thoroughly plausible approach for GBM treatment. Many trials have proved to be not only as a safe but also as an effective approach in GBM retardation in a certain time window as seen in radiographic response rates; however, they have failed to implement significant improvements in clinical manifestation whether alone or in combination with radio/chemotherapy. Bevasizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) antibody, is the only agent that exerts meaningful clinical influence by improving progression-free survival (PFS) and partially alleviate clinical symptoms, nevertheless, it could not prolong the overall survival (OS) in patients with GBM. The data generated from phase II trials clearly revealed a correlation between elevated reperfusion, subsequent to vascular normalization induction, and improved clinical outcomes which explicitly indicates anti-angiogenesis treatments are beneficial. In order to prolong these initial benefits observed in a certain period of time after anti-angiogenesis targeting, some aspects of the therapy should be tackled: recognition of other bypass angiogenesis pathways activated following antiangiogenesis therapy, identification of probable pathways that induce insensitivity to shortage of blood supply, and classifying the patients by mapping their GBM-related gene profile as biomarkers to predict their responsiveness to therapy. Herein, the molecular basis of brain vasculature development in normal and tumoral conditions is briefly discussed and it is explained how "vascular normalization" concept opened a window to a better comprehension of some adverse effects observed in anti-angiogenesis therapy in clinical condition. Then, the most targeted angiogenesis pathways focused on ligand/receptor interactions in GBM clinical trials are reviewed. Lastly, different targeting strategies applied in anti-angiogenesis treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Daneshimehr
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Barabadi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Hamadan University of
Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Abdolahi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Hematology, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran,Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Verdi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Ebrahimi-Barough
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,P.O.Box: 14177-55469Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell SciencesSchool of Advanced Technologies
in MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Hajighasemlou S, Nikbakht M, Pakzad S, Azadbakht A, Muhammadnejad S, Mirmoghtadaei M, Gharibzadeh S, Seyhoun I, Verdi J. Anti-inflammatory effect of mesenchymal stem cells on hepatocellular carcinoma in the xenograft mice model. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:2086-2091. [PMID: 35838746 PMCID: PMC9514506 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Sorafenib is the standard treatment used in the advanced stages of HCC. Cell therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based cell therapy has proven effective in immune regulation and tumour growth inhibition. OBJECTIVES In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of MSCs on HCC xenografts. METHODS Human HepG2 cell lines were subcutaneously implanted into the flank of 12 nude mice, divided into three groups: the control group, the IV group (intravenous MSCs injection) and the local group (local MSCs injection). Mice were sacrificed 6 weeks after tumour implantation, and tumours were resected entirety. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) measured the gene expression of inflammatory markers, including tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-10. Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and urea levels were measured using spectrophotometry to ensure the safety of MSC therapy. RESULTS Gene expressions for all three inflammatory markers were reduced in both MSCs groups compared to the control group. AST, ALT and urea levels remained in normal ranges. CONCLUSIONS MSC therapy can reduce inflammation in HCC xenograft mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saieh Hajighasemlou
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied Cell SciencesTehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)TehranIran
- Food and Drug AdministrationMinistry of Health and Medical EducationTehranIran
| | - Mohsen Nikbakht
- Hematology, Oncology & Stem Cell Transplantation Research CenterTehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)TehranIran
| | - Saeedreza Pakzad
- Food and Drug AdministrationMinistry of Health and Medical EducationTehranIran
| | - Abdolnaser Azadbakht
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Central Tehran BranchIslamic Azad universityTehranIran
- Stem cells Research Center, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Central Tehran BranchIslamic Azad universityTehranIran
| | - Samad Muhammadnejad
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research InstituteTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Milad Mirmoghtadaei
- Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research InstituteTehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)TehranIran
- Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of ExcellenceTehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)TehranIran
| | - Safoora Gharibzadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious DiseasesPasteur instituteTehranIran
| | - Iman Seyhoun
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied Cell SciencesTehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)TehranIran
| | - Javad Verdi
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied Cell SciencesTehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)TehranIran
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Tang Y, Wu P, Li L, Xu W, Jiang J. Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Small Extracellular Vesicles as Crucial Immunological Efficacy for Hepatic Diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:880523. [PMID: 35603168 PMCID: PMC9121380 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.880523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell small extracellular vesicles (MSC-sEVs) are a priority for researchers because of their role in tissue regeneration. sEVs act as paracrine factors and carry various cargos, revealing the state of the parent cells and contributing to cell–cell communication during both physiological and pathological circumstances. Hepatic diseases are mainly characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatocyte necrosis and fibrosis, bringing the focus onto immune regulation and other regulatory mechanisms of MSCs/MSC-sEVs. Increasing evidence suggests that MSCs and their sEVs protect against acute and chronic liver injury by inducing macrophages (MΦ) to transform into the M2 subtype, accelerating regulatory T/B (Treg/Breg) cell activation and promoting immunosuppression. MSCs/MSC-sEVs also prevent the proliferation and differentiation of T cells, B cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and natural killer (NK) cells. This review summarizes the potential roles for MSCs/MSC-sEVs, including immunomodulation and tissue regeneration, in various liver diseases. There is also a specific focus on the use of MSC-sEVs for targeted drug delivery to treat hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Tang
- Aoyang Institute of Cancer, Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Suzhou, China
- Zhenjiang Key Laboratory of High Technology Research on Exosome Foundation and Transformation Application, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Peipei Wu
- Aoyang Institute of Cancer, Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Suzhou, China
- Zhenjiang Key Laboratory of High Technology Research on Exosome Foundation and Transformation Application, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Linli Li
- Aoyang Institute of Cancer, Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Suzhou, China
- Zhenjiang Key Laboratory of High Technology Research on Exosome Foundation and Transformation Application, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Wenrong Xu
- Aoyang Institute of Cancer, Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Suzhou, China
- Zhenjiang Key Laboratory of High Technology Research on Exosome Foundation and Transformation Application, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Wenrong Xu, ; Jiajia Jiang,
| | - Jiajia Jiang
- Aoyang Institute of Cancer, Affiliated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Suzhou, China
- Zhenjiang Key Laboratory of High Technology Research on Exosome Foundation and Transformation Application, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Wenrong Xu, ; Jiajia Jiang,
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Zhang X, Li N, Zhu Y, Wen W. The role of mesenchymal stem cells in the occurrence, development, and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2022; 11:931-943. [PMID: 34981659 PMCID: PMC8855904 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver malignant tumor, with high recurrence and mortality rates. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that can be recruited into the tumor microenvironment (TME). What is known, TME plays a vital part in tumor progression. In recent years, accumulating studies have found that MSCs have a dual role of promotion and inhibition in the occurrence and development of HCC. In this review, we analyzed the role of MSCs in TME and summarized the relationship between MSCs and liver cancer stem cells, the molecular signaling pathway mechanisms of MSCs promoting and inhibiting HCC, and the latest research progress of MSCs in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhang
- Liver Disease Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Na Li
- Liver Disease Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Liver Disease Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Wei Wen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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Combined Inhibition of TGF-β1-Induced EMT and PD-L1 Silencing Re-Sensitizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Sorafenib Treatment. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10091889. [PMID: 33925488 PMCID: PMC8123871 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary hepatic malignancy. HCC is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. The oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sorafenib is the standard first-line therapy in patients with advanced unresectable HCC. Despite the significant survival benefit in HCC patients post treatment with Sorafenib, many patients had progressive disease as a result of acquiring drug resistance. Circumventing resistance to Sorafenib by exploring and targeting possible molecular mechanisms and pathways is an area of active investigation worldwide. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process allowing epithelial cells to assume mesenchymal traits. HCC tumour cells undergo EMT to become immune evasive and develop resistance to Sorafenib treatment. Immune checkpoint molecules control immune escape in many tumours, including HCC. The aim of this study is to investigate whether combined inhibition of EMT and immune checkpoints can re-sensitise HCC to Sorafenib treatment. Post treatment with Sorafenib, HCC cells PLC/PRF/5 and Hep3B were monitored for induction of EMT and immune checkpoint molecules using quantitative reverse transcriptase (qRT)- PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, and motility assays. The effect of combination treatment with SB431542, a specific inhibitor of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β receptor kinase, and siRNA mediated knockdown of programmed cell death protein ligand-1 (PD-L1) on Sorafenib resistance was examined using a cell viability assay. We found that three days of Sorafenib treatment activated EMT with overexpression of TGF-β1 in both HCC cell lines. Following Sorafenib exposure, increase in the expression of PD-L1 and other immune checkpoints was observed. SB431542 blocked the TGF-β1-mediated EMT in HCC cells and also repressed PD-L1 expression. Likewise, knockdown of PD-L1 inhibited EMT. Moreover, the sensitivity of HCC cells to Sorafenib was enhanced by combining a blockade of EMT with SB431542 and knockdown of PD-L1 expression. Sorafenib-induced motility was attenuated with the combined treatment of SB431542 and PD-L1 knockdown. Our findings indicate that treatment with Sorafenib induces EMT and expression of immune checkpoint molecules, which contributes to Sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. Thus, the combination treatment strategy of inhibiting EMT and immune checkpoint molecules can re-sensitise HCC cells to Sorafenib.
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