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Elleithi Y, El-Gayar A, Amin MN. Autophagy modulation attenuates sorafenib resistance in HCC induced in rats. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:595. [PMID: 39152108 PMCID: PMC11329791 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06955-5] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has risen as the villain of cancer-related death globally, with a usual cruel forecasting. Sorafenib was officially approved by the FDA as first-line treatment for advanced HCC. Despite the brilliant promise revealed in research, actual clinical results are limited due to the widespread appearance of drug resistance. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has been correlated to pharmacological resistance, implying that existing cellular level strategies may be insufficient to improve therapy success. The role of autophagy in cancer is a two-edged sword. On one hand, autophagy permits malignant cells to overcome stress, such as hypoxic TME and therapy-induced starvation. Autophagy, on the other hand, plays an important role in damage suppression, which can reduce carcinogenesis. As a result, controlling autophagy is certainly a viable technique in cancer therapy. The goal of this study was to investigate at the impact of autophagy manipulation with sorafenib therapy by analyzing autophagy induction and inhibition to sorafenib monotherapy in rats with HCC. Western blot, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and quantitative-PCR were used to investigate autophagy, apoptosis, and the cell cycle. Routine biochemical and pathological testing was performed. Ultracellular features and autophagic entities were observed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Both regimens demonstrated significant reductions in chemotherapeutic resistance and hepatoprotective effects. According to the findings, both autophagic inhibitors and inducers are attractive candidates for combating sorafenib-induced resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yomna Elleithi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt.
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura National University, Gamasa, 7731168, Egypt.
| | - Amal El-Gayar
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Mohamed N Amin
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
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2
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Qin Y, Han S, Yu Y, Qi D, Ran M, Yang M, Liu Y, Li Y, Lu L, Liu Y, Li Y. Lenvatinib in hepatocellular carcinoma: Resistance mechanisms and strategies for improved efficacy. Liver Int 2024; 44:1808-1831. [PMID: 38700443 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most prevalent and destructive causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, approximately 70% of patients with HCC exhibit advanced disease at diagnosis, limiting the potential for radical treatment. For such patients, lenvatinib, a long-awaited alternative to sorafenib for first-line targeted therapy, has become a key treatment. Unfortunately, despite some progress, the prognosis for advanced HCC remains poor because of drug resistance development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying lenvatinib resistance and ways to relief drug resistance in HCC are largely unknown and lack of systematic summary; thus, this review not only aims to explore factors contributing to lenvatinib resistance in HCC, but more importantly, summary potential methods to conquer or mitigate the resistance. The results suggest that abnormal activation of pathways, drug transport, epigenetics, tumour microenvironment, cancer stem cells, regulated cell death, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and other mechanisms are involved in the development of lenvatinib resistance in HCC and subsequent HCC progression. To improve the therapeutic outcomes of lenvatinib, inhibiting acquired resistance, combined therapies, and nano-delivery carriers may be possible approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqing Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Shisong Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yahan Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Ding Qi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengnan Ran
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Mingqi Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunyi Li
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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3
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Shi Y, Li K, Yuan Y, Wang C, Yang Z, Zuo D, Niu Y, Qiu J, Li B, Yuan Y, He W. Comprehensive analysis of m6A modification in immune infiltration, metabolism and drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:138. [PMID: 38627760 PMCID: PMC11022358 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03307-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is important in regulating mRNA stability, splicing, and translation, and it also contributes to tumor development. However, there is still limited understanding of the comprehensive effects of m6A modification patterns on the tumor immune microenvironment, metabolism, and drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we utilized unsupervised clustering based on the expression of 23 m6A regulators to identify m6A clusters. We identified differential m6A modification patterns and characterized m6A-gene-cluster A, which exhibited poorer survival rates, a higher abundance of Treg cells, and increased expression of TGFβ in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, m6A-gene-cluster A demonstrated higher levels of glycolysis activity, cholesterol metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis. We also found that the m6A score was associated with prognosis and drug resistance. Patients with a low m6A score experienced worse prognoses, which were linked to an abundance of Treg cells, upregulation of TGFβ, and increased metabolic activity. HCC patients with a higher m6A score showed improved prognosis following sorafenib treatment and immunotherapy. In conclusion, we reveals the association between m6A modification patterns and the tumor immune microenvironment, metabolism, and drug resistance in HCC. Furthermore, the m6A score holds potential as a predictive factor for the efficacy of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxing Shi
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat- sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yichuan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chenwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhiwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Dinglan Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yi Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jiliang Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Binkui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yunfei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wei He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
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Solanki S, Shah YM. Hypoxia-Induced Signaling in Gut and Liver Pathobiology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 19:291-317. [PMID: 37832943 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-051122-094743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen (O2) is essential for cellular metabolism and biochemical reactions. When the demand for O2 exceeds the supply, hypoxia occurs. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are essential to activate adaptive and survival responses following hypoxic stress. In the gut (intestines) and liver, the presence of oxygen gradients or physiologic hypoxia is necessary to maintain normal homeostasis. While physiologic hypoxia is beneficial and aids in normal functions, pathological hypoxia is harmful as it exacerbates inflammatory responses and tissue dysfunction and is a hallmark of many cancers. In this review, we discuss the role of gut and liver hypoxia-induced signaling, primarily focusing on HIFs, in the physiology and pathobiology of gut and liver diseases. Additionally, we examine the function of HIFs in various cell types during gut and liver diseases, beyond intestinal epithelial and hepatocyte HIFs. This review highlights the importance of understanding hypoxia-induced signaling in the pathogenesis of gut and liver diseases and emphasizes the potential of HIFs as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeet Solanki
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
| | - Yatrik M Shah
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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5
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Han JE, Kim J, Cheong JY, Kim SS, Lim SG, Yang MJ, Noh CK, Lee GH, Eun JW, Park B, Cho HJ. The Impact of Statins on the Survival of Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Sorafenib or Lenvatinib. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:249. [PMID: 38254739 PMCID: PMC10813381 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the survival benefits of coadministering statins and multityrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in Korea (2010-2020) were utilized. Statin use (≥28 cumulative defined daily doses) was analyzed, with 1534 statin users matched to 6136 non-users (1:4 ratio) using propensity scores. Primary and secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Statin use significantly improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.82, p < 0.001) and PFS (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.74-0.84, p < 0.001). Continuous or post-TKI statin users had better OS, while discontinuation after TKI use led to poorer OS. Both lipophilic and hydrophilic statins improved OS and PFS, particularly with ≥730 cumulative defined daily doses. In conclusion, combining statins and TKIs in patients with advanced HCC yielded significant survival benefits, influenced by statin dosage and duration. Continuous statin administration post-TKI treatment is crucial for improving outcomes in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Eun Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Jisu Kim
- Office of Biostatistics, Medical Research Collaborating Center, Ajou Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (B.P.)
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Youn Cheong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Soon Sun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Sun Gyo Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Min Jae Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Choong-Kyun Noh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Gil Ho Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Jung Woo Eun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
| | - Bumhee Park
- Office of Biostatistics, Medical Research Collaborating Center, Ajou Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (B.P.)
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Cho
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (J.E.H.); (J.Y.C.); (S.S.K.); (S.G.L.); (M.J.Y.); (C.-K.N.); (G.H.L.); (J.W.E.)
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6
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Sweed D, Gammal SSE, Kilany S, Abdelsattar S, Elhamed SMA. The expression of VEGF and cyclin D1/EGFR in common primary liver carcinomas in Egypt: an immunohistochemical study. Ecancermedicalscience 2023; 17:1641. [PMID: 38414954 PMCID: PMC10898887 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2023.1641] [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: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The most common types of primary malignant liver tumours are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Treatment options for patients who are inoperable/advanced, or recurring are challenging. Cyclin D1, epidermal growth factor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGR) are common carcinogenic proteins that have potential therapeutic targets in various cancers. They have been implicated in the development of HCC and CCA. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the oncogenic function expression of cyclin D1, EGFR and VEGF in HCC and CCA of Egyptian patients. This could help to validate their therapeutic potential. Material and methods Tumour cases were selected from 82 cases of primary liver carcinomas, with 58 cases being from HCC and 24 cases from CCA compared to 51 non-tumour adjacent liver cases and 18 from normal liver tissue. The immunohistochemical study of cyclin D1, EGFR and VEGR was conducted. Results Cyclin D1, EGFR and VEGF are overexpressed in HCC and CCA as compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Cyclin D1 was related to well-differentiated grade and early pathologic stage in HCC (p = 0.016 and p = 0.042, respectively). The well-differentiated grade showed significantly higher VEGF levels (p = 0.04). In the CCA group, however, EGFR was strongly related to high tumour size (p = 0.047). EGFR and VEGF were overexpressed in HCC raised in the non-cirrhotic liver compared to those developed in post-hepatitic liver cirrhosis (p = 0.003 and p = 0.014). Conclusion Cyclin D1, EGFR and VEGF shared significant overexpression in HCC and CCA. EGFR and VEGF may play an oncogenic function in the development of HCC in non-cirrhotic liver. Furthermore, cyclin D1 and VEGF may play a good prognostic function in HCC, but EGFR may play a bad prognostic role in CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Sweed
- Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Shebin Elkom, Menofia University, Shebin Elkom 32511, Menoufia, Egypt
- https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6483-5056
| | - Shaymaa Sabry El Gammal
- Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Shebin Elkom, Menofia University, Shebin Elkom 32511, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Kilany
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom 32511, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Abdelsattar
- Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom 32511, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Sara Mohamed Abd Elhamed
- Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Shebin Elkom, Menofia University, Shebin Elkom 32511, Menoufia, Egypt
- https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0526-2627
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7
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Chen S, Du Y, Guan XY, Yan Q. The current status of tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cells in sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1204513. [PMID: 37576900 PMCID: PMC10412930 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1204513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous and aggressive liver cancer that presents limited treatment options. Despite being the standard therapy for advanced HCC, sorafenib frequently encounters resistance, emphasizing the need to uncover the underlying mechanisms and develop effective treatments. This comprehensive review highlights the crucial interplay between the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the context of sorafenib resistance. The tumor microenvironment, encompassing hypoxia, immune cells, stromal cells, and exosomes, exerts a significant impact on HCC progression and therapy response. Hypoxic conditions and immune cell infiltration create an immunosuppressive milieu, shielding tumor cells from immune surveillance and hindering therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the presence of CSCs emerges as a prominent contributor to sorafenib resistance, with CD133+ CSCs implicated in drug resistance and tumor initiation. Moreover, CSCs undergo EMT, a process intimately linked to tumor progression, CSC activation, and further promotion of sorafenib resistance, metastasis, and tumor-initiating capacity. Elucidating the correlation between the tumor microenvironment, CSCs, and sorafenib resistance holds paramount importance in the quest to develop reliable biomarkers capable of predicting therapeutic response. Novel therapeutic strategies must consider the influence of the tumor microenvironment and CSC activation to effectively overcome sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaqing Du
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qian Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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8
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Mohamed EH, Abo El-Magd NF, El Gayar AM. Carvacrol enhances anti-tumor activity and mitigates cardiotoxicity of sorafenib in thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma model through inhibiting TRPM7. Life Sci 2023; 324:121735. [PMID: 37142088 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Sorafenib (Sora) represents one of the few effective drugs for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while resistance and cardiotoxicity limit its therapeutic efficacy. This study investigated the effect of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) inhibitor, carvacrol (CARV), on overcoming Sora resistance and cardiotoxicity in thioacetamide (TAA) induced HCC in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS TAA (200 mg/kg/twice weekly, intraperitoneal) was administered for 16 weeks to induce HCC. Rats were treated with Sora (10 mg/Kg/day; orally) and CARV (15 mg/kg/day; orally) alone or in combination, for six weeks after HCC induction. Liver and heart functions, antioxidant capacity, and histopathology were performed. Apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance were assessed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry. KEY FINDINGS CARV/Sora combination significantly improved survival rate, and liver functions, reduced Alpha-Fetoprotein level, and attenuated HCC progression compared with Sora group. CARV coadministration almost obviated Sora-induced changes in cardiac and hepatic tissues. The CARV/Sora combination suppressed drug resistance and stemness by downregulating ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2, NOTCH1, Spalt like transcription factor 4, and CD133. CARV boosted Sora antiproliferative and apoptotic activities by decreasing cyclin D1 and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 and increasing BCL2-Associated X and caspase-3. SIGNIFICANCE CARV/Sora is a promising combination for tumor suppression and overcoming Sora resistance and cardiotoxicity in HCC by modulating TRPM7. To our best knowledge, this study represents the first study to investigate the efficiency of CARV/ Sora on the HCC rat model. Moreover, no previous studies have reported the effect of inhibiting TRPM7 on HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman H Mohamed
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, Damietta 34511, Egypt.
| | - Nada F Abo El-Magd
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Amal M El Gayar
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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9
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Kam CS, Ho DWH, Ming VSI, Tian L, Sze KMF, Zhang VX, Tsui YM, Husain A, Lee JMF, Wong CCL, Chan ACY, Cheung TT, Chan LK, Ng IOL. PFKFB4 Drives the Oncogenicity in TP53-Mutated Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Phosphatase-Dependent Manner. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:1325-1350. [PMID: 36806581 PMCID: PMC10140800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Metabolic reprogramming is recognized as a cancer hallmark intimately linked to tumor hypoxia, which supports rapid tumor growth and mitigates the consequential oxidative stress. Phosphofructokinase-fructose bisphosphatase (PFKFB) is a family of bidirectional glycolytic enzymes possessing both kinase and phosphatase functions and has emerged as important oncogenes in multiple types of cancer. However, its clinical relevance, functional significance, and underlying mechanistic insights in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the primary malignancy that develops in the most important metabolic organ, has never been addressed. METHODS PFKFB4 expression was examined by RNA sequencing in The Cancer Genome Atlas and our in-house HCC cohort. The up-regulation of PFKFB4 expression was confirmed further by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in an expanded hepatitis B virus-associated HCC cohort followed by clinicopathologic correlation analysis. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated PFKFB4 knockout cells were generated for functional characterization in vivo, targeted metabolomic profiling, as well as RNA sequencing analysis to comprehensively examine the impact of PFKFB4 loss in HCC. RESULTS PFKFB4 expression was up-regulated significantly in HCC and correlated positively with TP53 and TSC2 loss-of-function mutations. In silico transcriptome-based analysis further revealed PFKFB4 functions as a critical hypoxia-inducible gene. Clinically, PFKFB4 up-regulation was associated with more aggressive tumor behavior. Functionally, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated PFKFB4 knockout significantly impaired in vivo HCC development. Targeted metabolomic profiling revealed that PFKFB4 functions as a phosphatase in HCC and its ablation caused an accumulation of metabolites in downstream glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway. In addition, PFKFB4 loss induced hypoxia-responsive genes in glycolysis and reactive oxygen species detoxification. Conversely, ectopic PFKFB4 expression conferred sorafenib resistance. CONCLUSIONS PFKFB4 up-regulation supports HCC development and posed therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Shing Kam
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Daniel Wai-Hung Ho
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vanessa Sheung-In Ming
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lu Tian
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Karen Man-Fong Sze
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vanilla Xin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Abdullah Husain
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Joyce Man-Fong Lee
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Carmen Chak-Lui Wong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Albert Chi-Yan Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tan-To Cheung
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lo-Kong Chan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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10
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Jiang Z, Dai C. Potential Treatment Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Sensitization to Sorafenib. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:257-266. [PMID: 36815094 PMCID: PMC9939808 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s396231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is highly malignant, has a low sensitivity to chemotherapy, and is associated with poor patient prognosis. The last 3 years have seen the emergence of promising targeted therapies for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For over 10 years, before the discovery of lenvatinib, sorafenib was only first-line therapeutic agent available for the treatment of advanced HCC. However, several clinical studies have shown that a considerable proportion liver cancer patients are insensitive to sorafenib. Very few patients actually substantially benefit from treatment with sorafenib, and the overall efficacy of the drug has not been satisfactory; therefore, sorafenib has attracted considerable research attention. This study, which is based on previous studies and reports, reviews the potential mechanisms underlying sorafenib resistance and summarizes combination therapies and potential drugs that can be used to sensitize HCC cells to sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghao Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaoliu Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Chaoliu Dai, Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China, Email
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11
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Oura K, Morishita A, Hamaya S, Fujita K, Masaki T. The Roles of Epigenetic Regulation and the Tumor Microenvironment in the Mechanism of Resistance to Systemic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2805. [PMID: 36769116 PMCID: PMC9917861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major histologic type with a poor prognosis owing to the difficulty in early detection, the chemotherapy resistance, and the high recurrence rate of the disease. Despite recent advancements in HCC prevention and diagnosis, over 50% of patients are diagnosed at Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage B or C. Systemic therapies are recommended for unresectable HCC (uHCC) with major vascular invasion, extrahepatic metastases, or intrahepatic lesions that have a limited response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, but the treatment outcome tends to be unsatisfactory due to acquired drug resistance. Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the resistance to systemic therapies and the appropriate response strategies to solve this issue will contribute to improved outcomes in the multidisciplinary treatment of uHCC. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the mechanisms of resistance to drugs such as sorafenib, regorafenib, and lenvatinib in molecularly targeted therapy, with a focus on epigenetic regulation and the tumor microenvironment and outline the approaches to improve the therapeutic outcome for patients with advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Oura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan
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12
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Baccalini EA, Renne SL, Colombo P, Pasqualini F, Quagliuolo VL, Cananzi FCM, Grizzi F, Borroni EM. Exploring the CXCR4/CXCR7/CXCL12 Axis in Primary Desmoid Tumors. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2023; 23:2248-2253. [PMID: 36748819 DOI: 10.2174/1871520623666230207091429] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Desmoid tumors have an extremely variable natural history. The uncertainty behind desmoid behavior reflects the complexity, which subtends its development and non-linear advancement. Apart from Wnt- βcatenin mutation, estrogen receptors, and COX-2 overexpression, little is known about the ability of desmoids to grow and recur while being unable to metastasize. Several tumors have been shown to express the CXCR4/CXCR7/CXCL12 axis, whose functions are essential for tumoral development. AIMS This study aimed to investigate the expression of the CXCR4/CXCR7/CXCL12 axis in primary desmoid tumors and discuss the potential role of this key-signaling as an antiangiogenic therapeutic strategy. METHODS In this study, 3 μm-thick consecutive sections from each formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue block were treated with mouse monoclonal antibodies developed against CD34, CXCR4, CXCR7, and CXCL12. RESULTS Two distinct vessel populations: CXCR4+ and CXCR4- vessels, have been found. Similarly, chemokine receptor CXCR7 expression in the entire desmoid tumor series positively stained a portion of tumor-associated vessels, identifying two distinct subpopulations of vessels: CXCR7+ and CXCR7- vessels. All 8 neoplastic tissue samples expressed CXCL12. Immunohistochemical positivity was identified in both stromal and endothelial vascular cells. Compared to CXCR4 and CXCR7, the vast majority of tumor-associated vessels were found to express this chemokine. CONCLUSION It is the first time, as per our knowledge, that CXCR4/CXCR7/CXCL12 axis expression has been identified in a desmoid type-fibromatosis series. CXCL12 expression by neoplastic cells, together with CXCR4 and CXCR7 expression by a subgroup of tumor-associated vessels, was detected in all desmoid tumor tissue samples examined. Since chemokines are known contributors to neovascularization, CXCR4/CXCR7/CXCL12 axis may play a role in angiogenesis in this soft-tissue tumor histotype, thereby supporting its growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Andrea Baccalini
- Sarcoma, Melanoma and Rare Tumors Surgery Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy
| | - Salvatore Lorenzo Renne
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, 20090, Italy
| | - Piergiuseppe Colombo
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, 20090, Italy
| | - Fabio Pasqualini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, 20090, Italy
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lorenzo Quagliuolo
- Sarcoma, Melanoma and Rare Tumors Surgery Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Carlo Maria Cananzi
- Sarcoma, Melanoma and Rare Tumors Surgery Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, 20090, Italy
| | - Fabio Grizzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, 20090, Italy
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy
| | - Elena Monica Borroni
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate, 20054, Italy
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13
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Liu ZY, Zhang DY, Lin XH, Sun JL, Abuduwaili W, Zhang GC, Xu RC, Wang F, Yu XN, Shi X, Deng B, Dong L, Weng SQ, Zhu JM, Shen XZ, Liu TT. Nalidixic acid potentiates the antitumor activity in sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma via the tumor immune microenvironment analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:952482. [PMID: 36071851 PMCID: PMC9441713 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.952482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib resistance is often developed and impedes the benefits of clinical therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the relationship between sorafenib resistance and tumor immune environment and adjuvant drugs for sorafenib-resistant HCC are not systemically identified. This study first analyzed the expression profiles of sorafenib-resistant HCC cells to explore immune cell infiltration levels and differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs). The prognostic value of DEIRGs was analyzed using Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas. The primary immune cells infiltrated in sorafenib-resistant HCC mice were explored using flow cytometry (FCM). Finally, small-molecule drugs for sorafenib-resistant HCC treatment were screened and validated by experiments. The CIBERSORT algorithm and mice model showed that macrophages and neutrophils are highly infiltrated, while CD8+ T cells are downregulated in sorafenib-resistant HCC. Totally, 34 DEIRGs were obtained from sorafenib-resistant and control groups, which were highly enriched in immune-associated biological processes and pathways. NR6A1, CXCL5, C3, and TGFB1 were further identified as prognostic markers for HCC patients. Finally, nalidixic acid was identified as a promising antagonist for sorafenib-resistant HCC treatment. Collectively, our study reveals the tumor immune microenvironment changes and explores a promising adjuvant drug to overcome sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan-Ying Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia-Hui Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Lei Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Weinire Abuduwaili
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang-Cong Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Ru-Chen Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Nan Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ling Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Qiang Weng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Min Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Zhong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xi-Zhong Shen, ; Tao-Tao Liu,
| | - Tao-Tao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Disease, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xi-Zhong Shen, ; Tao-Tao Liu,
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14
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Chen H, Chen J, Yuan H, Li X, Li W. Hypoxia‑inducible factor‑1α: A critical target for inhibiting the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 24:284. [PMID: 35814827 PMCID: PMC9260738 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is one of the major reasons for patient mortality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the progression of HCC to a metastatic state depends on the local microenvironment. Hypoxia is a key condition affecting the microenvironment of HCC. Currently, various studies have shown that the expression of hypoxia-ainducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is associated with the invasion and metastasis of HCC. High expression of HIF-1α often leads to poor prognosis in patients with HCC. In this review, the molecular structure of HIF-1α is described, and the expression pattern of HIF-1α in HCC under hypoxia, which is associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in HCC, is explained. The molecular mechanisms of HIF-1α function and the metastasis of HCC are further discussed. The modulation of HIF-1α can reduce sorafenib resistance and improve the prognosis of patients after TACE. Therefore, HIF-1α may be a critical target for inhibiting HCC metastasis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Chen
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Jing Chen
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Huixin Yuan
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhui Li
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Weihua Li
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
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15
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Yan X, Tian R, Sun J, Zhao Y, Liu B, Su J, Li M, Sun W, Xu X. Sorafenib-Induced Autophagy Promotes Glycolysis by Upregulating the p62/HDAC6/HSP90 Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:788667. [PMID: 35250553 PMCID: PMC8888828 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.788667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib has attracted much attention as the first drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because of the drug tolerance, the overall outcomes were far from satisfactory. Current studies suggest that changes in glucose metabolism induced by sorafenib are the pivotal resistant mechanism of HCC cells, but the specific regulatory mechanism remains unclear, which makes it difficult to increase drug sensitivity by targeting glycolysis. As a metabolic-recycling pathway, autophagy regulates multiple important pathways involved in cell survival and death. In this study, we found the expression of key autophagy proteins were closely related to the prognosis and progression of HCC patients. Based on in vitro experiments, our studies showed sorafenib induced autophagy in HCC cells. Inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine could significantly increase the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib and reverse the enhancement of glycolysis. Furthermore, sorafenib-induced autophagy promoted the deacetylase activity of HDAC6 by degrading p62, which promoted the activity of PKM2 by regulating the acetylation of its critical substrate HSP90. In this study, we investigated the role of autophagy-induced HDAC6 in regulating the key glycolytic enzyme PKM2, which may be helpful to clarify the relationship between autophagy and glycolysis in a sorafenib-resistant mechanism. Targeting p62/HDAC6/HSP90 could herald a potential improvement in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Yan
- China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rui Tian
- China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jicheng Sun
- China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuanxin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Buhan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Su
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Minghua Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Zebrafish Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Jilin, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Zebrafish Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Jilin, China
| | - Xuesong Xu
- China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xuesong Xu,
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16
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Modulation of the tumour microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma by tyrosine kinase inhibitors: from modulation to combination therapy targeting the microenvironment. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:73. [PMID: 35148789 PMCID: PMC8840552 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02435-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remain the backbone of systematic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Sorafenib and lenvatinib are currently approved as first-line therapeutic drugs, and regorafenib and cabozantinib are applied as second-line treatments. With inhibition of angiogenesis as the main target, TKIs exert a profound effect on the tumour microenvironment (TME). The TME is a complex mixture of cellular and noncellular components surrounding the tumour mass, and is associated with tumour progression partially through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Specifically, the TME of HCC is characterized by profound extracellular matrix remodelling and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of TME remodelling mediated by four Food and Drug Administration approved TKIs in HCC and thus summarize the rationale and potential targets for combination therapy. The modulatory effect of TKIs on the TME of HCC was reported to enhance the antitumour effect of TKIs through pyroptosis of macrophages and subsequent natural killer cell activation, T cell activation, regulatory T cell reduction in HCC. Meanwhile, TKIs also induce drug resistance via M2 polarization and accumulation, recruitment of tumour-associated neutrophils, and induction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In conclusion, the effect of TKIs on TME can enhance its antitumour effect, but might also partially contribute to the drug resistance that hinders the progression of TKIs as treatment for HCC. Additionally, the effect of TKIs also provides the rationale for combination therapy, including combining TKIs with immune checkpoint inhibitors, to facilitate increased drug efficacy of TKIs.
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17
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Pang Y, Lin Y, Wang X, Wang J, Liu Q, Ding N, Huang L, Xiang Q, Fang J, Tan G, Lyu J, Wang Z. Inhibition of abnormally activated HIF-1α-GLUT1/3-glycolysis pathway enhances the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma to 5-caffeoylquinic acid and its derivatives. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 920:174844. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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18
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Altaf S, Saleem F, Sher AA, Ali A. Potential therapeutic strategies to combat HCC. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2022; 15:929-942. [PMID: 34979895 DOI: 10.2174/1874467215666220103111009] [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: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex, life threatening and most common neoplasm in the world. HCC tumors are genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous and involve various molecular mechanisms and stimulation of several signaling pathways such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFR), Insulin growth factor, Ras/extracellular signal-stimulated kinase, mammalian goal of rapamycin (mTOR), c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor-1 (c-Met), Hedgehog, Wnt and apoptotic signaling. Lately, in patient's multi-kinase cascade blockers such as sorafenib, selumetinib and regorafenib have increased survival rate of progressive HCC. This development presents a step forward towards the therapy of liver cancer infection and attests that molecular systemic rehabilitations can be useful in HCC treatment. The development of these systemic therapeutic agents has further expanded the research area for surplus molecular mediators to auxiliary increase cure rate of patients. This article reviews the complete consideration of focus on cascades, current enduring clinical tests by means of HCC therapeutic mediators, and imminent prospects in the cure of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Altaf
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Faiza Saleem
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Azam Ali Sher
- Department of Epidemiology, Michigan State University, Michigan, USA
| | - Ashiq Ali
- Department of Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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19
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de Keijzer MJ, de Klerk DJ, de Haan LR, van Kooten RT, Franchi LP, Dias LM, Kleijn TG, van Doorn DJ, Heger M. Inhibition of the HIF-1 Survival Pathway as a Strategy to Augment Photodynamic Therapy Efficacy. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2451:285-403. [PMID: 35505024 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2099-1_19] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-to-minimally invasive treatment modality that utilizes photoactivatable drugs called photosensitizers to disrupt tumors with locally photoproduced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Photosensitizer activation by light results in hyperoxidative stress and subsequent tumor cell death, vascular shutdown and hypoxia, and an antitumor immune response. However, sublethally afflicted tumor cells initiate several survival mechanisms that account for decreased PDT efficacy. The hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) pathway is one of the most effective cell survival pathways that contributes to cell recovery from PDT-induced damage. Several hundred target genes of the HIF-1 heterodimeric complex collectively mediate processes that are involved in tumor cell survival directly and indirectly (e.g., vascularization, glucose metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis). The broad spectrum of biological ramifications culminating from the activation of HIF-1 target genes reflects the importance of HIF-1 in the context of therapeutic recalcitrance. This chapter elaborates on the involvement of HIF-1 in cancer biology, the hypoxic response mechanisms, and the role of HIF-1 in PDT. An overview of inhibitors that either directly or indirectly impede HIF-1-mediated survival signaling is provided. The inhibitors may be used as pharmacological adjuvants in combination with PDT to augment therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J de Keijzer
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel J de Klerk
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lianne R de Haan
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert T van Kooten
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Leonardo P Franchi
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB) 2, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
- Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences, and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, epartment of Chemistry, Center of Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering-Photobiology and Photomedicine Research Group,University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lionel M Dias
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tony G Kleijn
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Diederick J van Doorn
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michal Heger
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory for Photonanomedicine and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Yu X, Su Q, Chang X, Chen K, Yuan P, Liu T, Tian R, Bai Y, Zhang Y, Chen X. Multimodal obstruction of tumorigenic energy supply via bionic nanocarriers for effective tumor therapy. Biomaterials 2021; 278:121181. [PMID: 34653932 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sufficient energy generation based on effective transport of nutrient via abundant blood vessels in tumor tissue and subsequent oxidative metabolism in mitochondria is critical for growth, proliferation and migration of tumor. Thus the strategy to cut off this transport pathway (blood vessels) and simultaneously close the power house (mitochondria) is highly desired for tumor treatment. Herein, we fabricated a bionic nanocarrier with core-shell-corona structure to give selective and effective tumor therapy via stepwise destruction of existed tumor vessel, inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and dysfunction of tumor mitochondria. The core of this bionic nanocarrier consists of combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P) and vitamin K2 (VK2) co-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSNs), which is in charge of the vasculature destruction and mitochondrial dysfunction after cargos release. The N-tert-butylacrylamide (TBAM) and tri-sulfated N-acetylglucosamine (TSAG) shell served as artificial affinity reagent against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for angiogenesis inhibition. As to guarantee that these actions only happened in tumor, the hyaluronic acid (HA) corona was introduced to endow the nanocarrier with tumor targeting property and stimuli-responsiveness for accurate therapy. Both in vitro and in vivo results indicated that the CA4P/VK2-MSNs-TBAM/TSAG-HA (CVMMGH for short) nanocarrier combined well-controllable manipulation of tumor vasculature and tumor mitochondria to effectivly cut off the tumorigenic energy supply, which performed significant inhibition of tumor growth, demonstrating the great candidate of our strategy for effective tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Yu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, Institute of Polymer Science in Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Qi Su
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, Institute of Polymer Science in Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Kun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Pingyun Yuan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, Institute of Polymer Science in Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, Institute of Polymer Science in Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Ran Tian
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, Institute of Polymer Science in Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Yongkang Bai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, Institute of Polymer Science in Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China.
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, Institute of Polymer Science in Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China.
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21
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Zeng Z, Lu Q, Liu Y, Zhao J, Zhang Q, Hu L, Shi Z, Tu Y, Xiao Z, Xu Q, Huang D. Effect of the Hypoxia Inducible Factor on Sorafenib Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:641522. [PMID: 34307125 PMCID: PMC8292964 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.641522] [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: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is the first-line drug for treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mechanistically, it suppresses tumor angiogenesis, cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis. Although sorafenib effectively prolongs median survival rates of patients with advanced HCC, its efficacy is limited by drug resistance in some patients. In HCC, this resistance is attributed to multiple complex mechanisms. Previous clinical data has shown that HIFs expression is a predictor of poor prognosis, with further evidence demonstrating that a combination of sorafenib and HIFs-targeted therapy or HIFs inhibitors can overcome HCC sorafenib resistance. Here, we describe the molecular mechanism underlying sorafenib resistance in HCC patients, and highlight the impact of hypoxia microenvironment on sorafenib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zeng
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiliang Lu
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Junjun Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China.,Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Linjun Hu
- The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhan Shi
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Tu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zunqiang Xiao
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiuran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
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22
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Fornari F, Giovannini C, Piscaglia F, Gramantieri L. Elucidating the Molecular Basis of Sorafenib Resistance in HCC: Current Findings and Future Directions. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:741-757. [PMID: 34239844 PMCID: PMC8260177 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s285726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Sorafenib is the first multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for HCC and it has represented the standard of care for advanced HCC for almost 10 years, offering a survival benefit when compared to placebo. However, this benefit is limited, showing rare objective responses and a disease control rate approaching 50–60%, with most patients experiencing disease progression at 6 months. These scant results dictate the urgent need for strategies to overcome both primary and acquired resistance. Herein we report several mechanisms supporting resistance to sorafenib in HCC patients, including activation of oncogenic pathways. Among these, the AKT/mTOR pathway plays a crucial role being at the crossroad of multiple driving events. Autophagy, multidrug-resistant phenotype, hypoxia-related mechanisms and endoplasmic reticulum stress are gaining more and more relevance as crucial events driving the response to anticancer drugs, including sorafenib. Several HCC-specific miRNAs take part to the regulation of these cellular processes. Remarkably, molecularly targeted strategies able to overcome resistance in these settings have also been reported. So far, the vast majority of data has been derived from laboratory studies, which means the need for an extensive validation. Indeed, most of the possible drug associations displaying promising effects in improving sorafenib efficacy herein described derive from preclinical explorations. Notably, data obtained in animal models can be inconsistent with regard to the human disease for efficacy, safety, side effects, best formulation and pharmacokinetics. However, they represent the necessary preliminary step to improve the management of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fornari
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Research - CRBA, University of Bologna, St. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Catia Giovannini
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Research - CRBA, University of Bologna, St. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Gramantieri
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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23
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El Shorbagy S, abuTaleb F, Labib HA, Ebian H, Harb OA, Mohammed MS, Rashied HA, Elbana KA, Haggag R. Prognostic Significance of VEGF and HIF-1 α in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Receiving Sorafenib Versus Metformin Sorafenib Combination. J Gastrointest Cancer 2021; 52:269-279. [PMID: 32212089 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-020-00389-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem. HCC burden has been increasing in Egypt in the past 10 years. Most HCC cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage with limited treatment options. Sorafenib is the standard therapy for advanced HCC, but the effectiveness is not satisfied. Metformin may decrease the risk of HCC development in diabetic patients, reduces tumor invasion, and augments sensitivity to sorafenib; however, safety and efficacy of combined treatment are still unclear. As HCC is characterized by high vascularity, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in vascularization, many studies questioned if VEGF and HIF-1 α could offer information about HCC response to sorafenib. We conducted this study to assess the benefits from adding metformin to HCC treatment, and appraise the role of VEGF and HIF-1 α in HCC prognosis. METHOD This was a prospective, randomized study in which 80 advanced measurable patients consecutively treated with sorafenib plus metformin (arm A) or sorafenib alone (arm B), prognostic value of plasma, and tissue levels of VEGF and HIF-1 α were evaluated. RESULTS We enrolled 61 men and 19 women with a median age of 60 years (range 49-68 years). Fifty-seven patients had Child-Pugh A while 23 had early B, the most common etiology of liver disease was hepatitis C (86%). Sixty percent of patients were diabetic. No significant difference was detected between arm A and arm B regarding response to treatment (p = 0.5), time to disease progression (p = 0.3), or overall survival (p = 0.6). Low VEGF and HIF-1 α plasma levels were significantly associated with better treatment response (p < 0.001 for both), and higher OS (p < 0.001). Patients with high expressions of VEGF and HIF in HCC tissue had significantly poor treatment outcome (p < 0.001, p = 0.03, respectively), and poor OS (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS No superior efficacy of adding metformin to sorafenib in HCC treatment. VEGF and HIF-1 α had promising prognostic value in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shereen El Shorbagy
- Medical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Fouad abuTaleb
- Medical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Hany A Labib
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Huda Ebian
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ola A Harb
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mona Saeed Mohammed
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Khaled A Elbana
- Internal Medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Rasha Haggag
- Medical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
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24
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Tang Y, Chen J, Li J, Zheng Y, Zhong X, Huang S, Chen B, Peng B, Zou X, Chen X. Pristimerin synergistically sensitizes conditionally reprogrammed patient derived-primary hepatocellular carcinoma cells to sorafenib through endoplasmic reticulum stress and ROS generation by modulating Akt/FoxO1/p27 kip1 signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 86:153563. [PMID: 33951569 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Sorafenib (SORA), as a first-line therapeutic drug, has been used to treat HCC, but resistance poses a major limitation on the efficacy of SORA chemotherapy. Pristimerin (PRIS), a natural bioactive component isolated from various plant species in the Celastraceae and Hippocrateaceae families, has been reported to exhibit outstanding antitumor effects in several types of cells in vitro. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate whether PRIS can exert synergistic anti-tumor effects with the combination of SORA, and if so, through what mechanism. METHODS Conditionally reprogrammed patient derived-primary hepatocellular carcinoma cells (CRHCs) were isolated from human liver cancer tissues and treated with SORA and PRIS. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and tube formation ability were detected by DNA content quantification, flow cytometry, transwell assay and Matrigel-based angiogenesis assay. Gene and protein expression were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot respectively. RESULTS Initially, we observed that the combination of the two drugs had a much stronger inhibitory effect on CRHCs growth than either drug alone. Moreover, the combination of 2 µM SORA and 1 µM PRIS exhibited a significant anti‑migrative and anti-invaded effect on CRHCs, and remarkably inhibited capillary structure formation of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, the combined treatment with SORA and PRIS synergistically induced intrinsic apoptosis in CRHCs, involving a caspase-4-dependent mechanism paralleled by an increased Bax/Bcl-xL ratio. These activities were mediated through ROS generation and the induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. GRP78 silencing or ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid administration was revealed to abolish the anticancer effects of PRIS, indicating the critical role of GRP78 in mediating the bioactivity of PRIS. The present study also provides mechanistic evidence that PRIS modulated the Akt/FoxO1/p27kip1 signaling pathway, which is required for mitochondrial-mediated intrinsic apoptosis, activation of ER stress, and stimulation of caspase-4 induced by PRIS, and, consequently resulting in suppressed cell viability, migration and angiogenesis co-treated with SORA in CRHCs. CONCLUSION Our results suggest the use of PRIS as sensitizers of chemotherapy paving the way for innovative and promising targeted chemotherapy-based therapeutic strategies in human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuxiu Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 510260 Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, China
| | - Baogang Peng
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuenong Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, China.
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25
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Day EK, Zhong Q, Purow B, Lazzara MJ. Data-Driven Computational Modeling Identifies Determinants of Glioblastoma Response to SHP2 Inhibition. Cancer Res 2021; 81:2056-2070. [PMID: 33574084 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-1756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic protein tyrosine phosphatases have long been viewed as drug targets of interest, and recently developed allosteric inhibitors of SH2 domain-containing phosphatase-2 (SHP2) have entered clinical trials. However, the ability of phosphatases to regulate many targets directly or indirectly and to both promote and antagonize oncogenic signaling may make the efficacy of phosphatase inhibition challenging to predict. Here we explore the consequences of antagonizing SHP2 in glioblastoma, a recalcitrant cancer where SHP2 has been proposed as a useful drug target. Measuring protein phosphorylation and expression in glioblastoma cells across 40 signaling pathway nodes in response to different drugs and for different oxygen tensions revealed that SHP2 antagonism has network-level, context-dependent signaling consequences that affect cell phenotypes (e.g., cell death) in unanticipated ways. To map specific signaling consequences of SHP2 antagonism to phenotypes of interest, a data-driven computational model was constructed based on the paired signaling and phenotype data. Model predictions aided in identifying three signaling processes with implications for treating glioblastoma with SHP2 inhibitors. These included PTEN-dependent DNA damage repair in response to SHP2 inhibition, AKT-mediated bypass resistance in response to chronic SHP2 inhibition, and SHP2 control of hypoxia-inducible factor expression through multiple MAPKs. Model-generated hypotheses were validated in multiple glioblastoma cell lines, in mouse tumor xenografts, and through analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data. Collectively, these results suggest that in glioblastoma, SHP2 inhibitors antagonize some signaling processes more effectively than existing kinase inhibitors but can also limit the efficacy of other drugs when used in combination. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings demonstrate that allosteric SHP2 inhibitors have multivariate and context-dependent effects in glioblastoma that may make them useful components of some combination therapies, but not others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan K Day
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Qing Zhong
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Benjamin Purow
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Matthew J Lazzara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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26
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Tran A, Koh TS, Prawira A, Ho RZW, Le TBU, Vu TC, Hartano S, Teo XQ, Chen WC, Lee P, Thng CH, Huynh H. Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging as Imaging Biomarker for Vascular Normalization Effect of Infigratinib in High-FGFR-Expressing Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenografts. Mol Imaging Biol 2021; 23:70-83. [PMID: 32909245 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-020-01531-7] [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: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Overexpression of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) contributes to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Infigratinib-a pan-FGFR inhibitor-potently suppresses the growth of high-FGFR-expressing HCCs in part via alteration of the tumor microenvironment and vessel normalization. In this study, we aim to assess the utility of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a non-invasive imaging technique to detect microenvironment changes associated with infigratinib and sorafenib treatment in high-FGFR-expressing HCC xenografts. PROCEDURES Serial DCE-MRIs were performed on 12 nude mice bearing high-FGFR-expressing patient-derived HCC xenografts to quantify tumor microenvironment pre- (day 0) and post-treatment (days 3, 6, 9, and 15) of vehicle, sorafenib, and infigratinib. DCE-MRI data were analyzed using extended generalized kinetic model and two-compartment distributed parameter model. After treatment, immunohistochemistry stains were performed on the harvested tumors to confirm DCE-MRI findings. RESULTS By treatment day 15, infigratinib induced tumor regression (70 % volume reduction from baseline) while sorafenib induced relative growth arrest (185 % volume increase from baseline versus 694 % volume increase from baseline of control). DCE-MRI analysis revealed different changes in microcirculatory parameters upon exposure to sorafenib versus infigratinib. While sorafenib induced microenvironment changes similar to those of rapidly growing tumors, such as a decrease in blood flow (F), fractional intravascular volume (vp), and permeability surface area product (PS), infigratinib induced the exact opposite changes as early as day 3 after treatment: increase in F, vp, and PS. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that DCE-MRI is a reliable non-invasive imaging technique to monitor tumor microcirculatory response to FGFR inhibition and VEGF inhibition in high-FGFR-expressing HCC xenografts. Furthermore, the microcirculatory changes from FGFR inhibition manifested early upon treatment initiation and were reliably detected by DCE-MRI, creating possibilities of combinatorial therapy for synergistic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Tran
- Department of Oncologic Imaging, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tong San Koh
- Department of Oncologic Imaging, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Aldo Prawira
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Research, National Cancer Centre, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Rebecca Zhi Wen Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Research, National Cancer Centre, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Thi Bich Uyen Le
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Research, National Cancer Centre, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Thanh Chung Vu
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Research, National Cancer Centre, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Septian Hartano
- Department of Oncologic Imaging, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xing Qi Teo
- Functional Metabolism Group, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore BioImaging Consortium, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Philip Lee
- Functional Metabolism Group, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore BioImaging Consortium, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Choon Hua Thng
- Department of Oncologic Imaging, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Hung Huynh
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Research, National Cancer Centre, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore, 169610, Singapore.
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Zhang Z, Shi J, Yang T, Liu T, Zhang K. Management of aggressive fibromatosis. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:43. [PMID: 33262835 PMCID: PMC7693298 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggressive fibromatosis or desmoid tumor is a rare disease resulting from fibroblasts which do not metastasize. However, desmoid tumors belong to low-grade malignant tumors since they have high potential to infiltrate surrounding tissues, causing high local recurrence rates and may affect surrounding organs, threatening life quality and expectancy. Although surgery, watch and wait, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, ablation techniques or several agents have all been frequently investigated for the treatment of this type of disease, none are deemed as standard therapy for high recurrence rates that have been supported by any data. The present review retrieved literature on treatment options for desmoids to summarize the latest treatment modalities and refine their efficacy, as well as their side effects, in order to provide a more comprehensive treatment reference for clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Zhang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P.R. China
| | - Jian Shi
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P.R. China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P.R. China
| | - Tongjun Liu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P.R. China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P.R. China
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28
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Wu H, Wang T, Liu Y, Li X, Xu S, Wu C, Zou H, Cao M, Jin G, Lang J, Wang B, Liu B, Luo X, Xu C. Mitophagy promotes sorafenib resistance through hypoxia-inducible ATAD3A dependent Axis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2020; 39:274. [PMID: 33280610 PMCID: PMC7720487 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of novel targets for recovering sorafenib resistance is pivotal for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Mitophagy is the programmed degradation of mitochondria, and is likely involved in drug resistance of cancer cells. Here, we identified hyperactivated mitophagy is essential for sorafenib resistance, and the mitophagy core regulator gene ATAD3A (ATPase family AAA domain containing 3A) was down regulated in hypoxia induced resistant HCC cells. Blocking mitophagy may restore the sorafenib sensitivity of these cells and provide a new treatment strategy for HCC patients. METHODS Hypoxia induced sorafenib resistant cancer cells were established by culturing under 1% O2 with increasing drug treatment. RNA sequencing was conducted in transfecting LM3 cells with sh-ATAD3A lentivirus. Subsequent mechanistic studies were performed in HCC cell lines by manipulating ATAD3A expression isogenically where we evaluated drug sensitivity, molecular signaling events. In vivo study, we investigated the combined treatment effect of sorafenib and miR-210-5P antagomir. RESULTS We found a hyperactivated mitophagy regulating by ATAD3A-PINK1/PARKIN axis in hypoxia induced sorafenib resistant HCC cells. Gain- and loss- of ATAD3A were related to hypoxia-induced mitophagy and sorafenib resistance. In addition, ATAD3A is a functional target of miR-210-5p and its oncogenic functions are likely mediated by increased miR-210-5P expression. miR-210-5P was upregulated under hypoxia and participated in regulating sorafenib resistance. In vivo xenograft assay showed that miR-210-5P antagomir combined with sorafenib abrogated the tumorigenic effect of ATAD3A down-regulation in mice. CONCLUSIONS Loss of ATAD3A hyperactivates mitophagy which is a core event in hypoxia induced sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. Targeting miR-210-5P-ATAD3A axis is a novel therapeutic target for sorafenib-resistant HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Human Disease Prevention, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, 518055, Shenzhen, China
- Integrative Cancer Center&Cancer Clinical Research Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, P. R. China
- Department of Experimental Research, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 510000, P. R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, P. R. China
| | - Yiqiang Liu
- Integrative Cancer Center&Cancer Clinical Research Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, P. R. China
- Department of Experimental Research, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 510000, P. R. China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Experimental Research, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 510000, P. R. China
| | - Senlin Xu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, P. R. China
| | - Changtao Wu
- Integrative Cancer Center&Cancer Clinical Research Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, P. R. China
- Department of Experimental Research, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 510000, P. R. China
| | - Hongbo Zou
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, P. R. China
| | - Mianfu Cao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, P. R. China
| | - Guoxiang Jin
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, P. R. China
| | - Jinyi Lang
- Integrative Cancer Center&Cancer Clinical Research Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, P. R. China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, P. R. China
| | - Baohua Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Human Disease Prevention, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, 518055, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xiaolin Luo
- Department of Experimental Research, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 510000, P. R. China.
| | - Chuan Xu
- Integrative Cancer Center&Cancer Clinical Research Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, P. R. China.
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Synthesis, in vitro, and in vivo evaluation of novel N-phenylindazolyl diarylureas as potential anti-cancer agents. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17969. [PMID: 33087745 PMCID: PMC7578069 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74572-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel N-phenylindazole based diarylureas have been designed, synthesized and evaluated as potential anticancer agents. In vitro cell viability studies of these derivatives illustrate good potency with IC50 values in the range of 0.4–50 μM in several cancer cell lines including murine metastatic breast cancer 4T1, murine glioblastoma GL261, human triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231, human pancreatic cancer MIAPaCa-2, and human colorectal cancer cell line WiDr. The ester group in the lead compound 8i was modified to incorporate amino-amides to increase solubility and stability while retaining biological activity. Further in vitro studies reveal that lead candidates inhibit tube length in HUVEC cells. In vivo systemic toxicity studies indicate that these candidate compounds are well tolerated in mice without any significant side effects. Anticancer efficacy studies in WiDr tumor xenograft and 4T1 tumor syngraft models demonstrate that the lead candidate 11 exhibits significant antitumor properties as a single agent in these tumor models.
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30
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Crezee T, Rabold K, de Jong L, Jaeger M, Netea-Maier RT. Metabolic programming of tumor associated macrophages in the context of cancer treatment. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1028. [PMID: 32953828 PMCID: PMC7475452 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-1114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are important components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). They are characterized by a remarkable functional plasticity, thereby mostly promoting cancer progression. Changes in immune cell metabolism are paramount for this functional adaptation. Here, we review the functional consequences of the metabolic programming of TAMs and the influence of local and systemic targeted therapies on the metabolic characteristics of the TME that shape the functional phenotype of the TAMs. Understanding these metabolic changes within the context of the cross-talk between the different components of the TME including the TAMs and the tumor cells is an essential step that can pave the way towards identifications of ways to improve responses to different treatments, to overcome resistance to treatments, tumor progression and reduce treatment-specific toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Crezee
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Katrin Rabold
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisanne de Jong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Jaeger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 8, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Romana T Netea-Maier
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 8, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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31
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The mechanisms of sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma: theoretical basis and therapeutic aspects. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:87. [PMID: 32532960 PMCID: PMC7292831 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0187-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 473] [Impact Index Per Article: 118.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor capable of facilitating apoptosis, mitigating angiogenesis and suppressing tumor cell proliferation. In late-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sorafenib is currently an effective first-line therapy. Unfortunately, the development of drug resistance to sorafenib is becoming increasingly common. This study aims to identify factors contributing to resistance and ways to mitigate resistance. Recent studies have shown that epigenetics, transport processes, regulated cell death, and the tumor microenvironment are involved in the development of sorafenib resistance in HCC and subsequent HCC progression. This study summarizes discoveries achieved recently in terms of the principles of sorafenib resistance and outlines approaches suitable for improving therapeutic outcomes for HCC patients.
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32
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Synergistic interaction between thioredoxin inhibitor 1-methylpropyl 2-imidazolyl disulfide and sorafenib in liver cancer cells. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2020; 19:295-298. [PMID: 32247719 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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33
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Fan G, Wei X, Xu X. Is the era of sorafenib over? A review of the literature. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920927602. [PMID: 32518599 PMCID: PMC7252361 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920927602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most severe diseases worldwide. For the different stages of HCC, there are different clinical treatment strategies, such as surgical therapy for the early stage, and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) for intermediate-stage disease. Systemic treatment, which uses mainly targeted drugs, is the standard therapy against advanced HCC. Sorafenib is an important first-line therapy for advanced HCC. As a classically effective drug, sorafenib can increase overall survival markedly. However, it still has room for improvement because of the heterogeneity of HCC and acquired resistance. Scientists have reported the acquired sorafenib resistance is associated with the anomalous expression of certain genes, most of which are also related with HCC onset and development. Combining sorafenib with inhibitors targeting these genes may be an effective treatment. Combined treatment may not only overcome drug resistance, but also inhibit the expression of carcinoma-related genes. This review focuses on the current status of sorafenib in advanced HCC, summarizes the inhibitors that can combine with sorafenib in the treatment against HCC, and provides the rationale for clinical trials of sorafenib in combination with other inhibitors in HCC. The era of sorafenib in the treatment of HCC is far from over, as long as we find better methods of medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghan Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, CAMS; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, CAMS; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, CAMS; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, 79 QingChun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
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34
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Rodríguez-Hernández MA, de la Cruz-Ojeda P, López-Grueso MJ, Navarro-Villarán E, Requejo-Aguilar R, Castejón-Vega B, Negrete M, Gallego P, Vega-Ochoa Á, Victor VM, Cordero MD, Del Campo JA, Bárcena JA, Padilla CA, Muntané J. Integrated molecular signaling involving mitochondrial dysfunction and alteration of cell metabolism induced by tyrosine kinase inhibitors in cancer. Redox Biol 2020; 36:101510. [PMID: 32593127 PMCID: PMC7322178 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells have unlimited replicative potential, insensitivity to growth-inhibitory signals, evasion of apoptosis, cellular stress, and sustained angiogenesis, invasiveness and metastatic potential. Cancer cells adequately adapt cell metabolism and integrate several intracellular and redox signaling to promote cell survival in an inflammatory and hypoxic microenvironment in order to maintain/expand tumor phenotype. The administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) constitutes the recommended therapeutic strategy in different malignancies at advanced stages. There are important interrelationships between cell stress, redox status, mitochondrial function, metabolism and cellular signaling pathways leading to cell survival/death. The induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest widely related to the antitumoral properties of TKIs result from tightly controlled events involving different cellular compartments and signaling pathways. The aim of the present review is to update the most relevant studies dealing with the impact of TKI treatment on cell function. The induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and Ca2+ disturbances, leading to alteration of mitochondrial function, redox status and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways that involve cell metabolism reprogramming in cancer cells will be covered. Emphasis will be given to studies that identify key components of the integrated molecular pattern including receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) downstream signaling, cell death and mitochondria-related events that appear to be involved in the resistance of cancer cells to TKI treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- María A Rodríguez-Hernández
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), IBiS/Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - P de la Cruz-Ojeda
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), IBiS/Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Mª José López-Grueso
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Elena Navarro-Villarán
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), IBiS/Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Requejo-Aguilar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Beatriz Castejón-Vega
- Research Laboratory, Oral Medicine Department, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - María Negrete
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), IBiS/Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Paloma Gallego
- Unit for the Clinical Management of Digestive Diseases, Hospital University "Nuestra Señora de Valme", Sevilla, Spain
| | - Álvaro Vega-Ochoa
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), IBiS/Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Victor M Victor
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain; Service of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital University "Doctor Peset", Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain; Department of Physiology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mario D Cordero
- Research Laboratory, Oral Medicine Department, University of Seville, Seville, Spain; Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix", Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), University of Granada, Armilla, Spain
| | - José A Del Campo
- Unit for the Clinical Management of Digestive Diseases, Hospital University "Nuestra Señora de Valme", Sevilla, Spain
| | - J Antonio Bárcena
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
| | - C Alicia Padilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Jordi Muntané
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), IBiS/Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain; Department of General Surgery, Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/IBiS/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
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35
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Fu C, An N, Liu J, A J, Zhang B, Liu M, Zhang Z, Fu L, Tian X, Wang D, Dong JT. The transcription factor ZFHX3 is crucial for the angiogenic function of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α in liver cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:7060-7074. [PMID: 32277050 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.012131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a hallmark of tumorigenesis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is hypervascular and therefore very dependent on angiogenesis for tumor development and progression. Findings from previous studies suggest that in HCC cells, hypoxia-induced factor 1α (HIF1A) and zinc finger homeobox 3 (ZFHX3) transcription factors functionally interact in the regulation of genes in HCC cells. Here, we report that hypoxia increases the transcription of the ZFHX3 gene and enhances the binding of HIF1A to the ZFHX3 promoter in the HCC cell lines HepG2 and Huh-7. Moreover, ZFHX3, in turn, physically associated with and was functionally indispensable for HIF1A to exert its angiogenic activity, as indicated by in vitro migration and tube formation assays of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and microvessel formation in xenograft tumors of HCC cells. Mechanistically, ZFHX3 was required for HIF1A to transcriptionally activate the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) gene by binding to its promoter. Functionally, down-regulation of ZFHX3 in HCC cells slowed their tumor growth, and addition of VEGFA to conditioned medium from ZFHX3-silenced HCC cells partially rescued the inhibitory effect of this medium on HUVEC tube formation. In human HCC, ZFHX3 expression was up-regulated, and this up-regulation correlated with both HIF1A up-regulation and worse patient survival, confirming a functional association between ZFHX3 and HIF1A in human HCC. We conclude that ZFHX3 is an angiogenic transcription factor that is integral to the HIF1A/VEGFA signaling axis in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changying Fu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China.,School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Na An
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China.,School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jun A
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China.,School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Baotong Zhang
- Winship Cancer Institute, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Mingcheng Liu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China.,School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Zhiqian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Liya Fu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xinxin Tian
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Dan Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jin-Tang Dong
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
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36
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Yamazaki H, Tanaka T, Mie K, Nishida H, Miura N, Akiyoshi H. Assessment of postoperative adjuvant treatment using toceranib phosphate against adenocarcinoma in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:1272-1281. [PMID: 32267594 PMCID: PMC7255667 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toceranib phosphate (TOC) could be made widely available for treating tumors in dogs if evidence shows that TOC inhibits recurrence after surgery. Objectives To investigate how postoperative adjuvant treatment with TOC modulates the tumor microenvironment (TME), by assessing effects on angiogenic activity, tumor‐infiltrating regulatory T cells (Tregs), and intratumoral hypoxia. Animals Ninety‐two client‐owned dogs were included: 28 with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma, 24 with small intestinal adenocarcinoma, 22 with lung adenocarcinoma, and 18 with renal cell carcinoma. Methods Retrospective, multicenter study comparing time to progression (TTP) between 42 dogs treated by surgery and TOC and 50 dogs treated by surgery alone. Differences were analyzed in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR2) and the number of Foxp3+ Tregs and hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α+ cells in tumor tissues sampled at the first and second (recurrence) surgeries. Results Median TTP for dogs treated by surgery and TOC (360 days) was higher than that for dogs treated by surgery alone (298 days; hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65‐0.96; P = .02). In dogs treated by surgery and TOC, VEGFR2 expression and the number of Tregs and HIF‐1α+ cells were significantly lower in tissues sampled at the second surgery than in those sampled after the first surgery. In dogs treated by surgery alone, significant differences were found between samples from the 2 surgeries. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Toceranib phosphate could prove to be a useful postoperative adjuvant treatment because of its modulation of the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Yamazaki
- Veterinary Medical Center, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan.,Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-oraikita, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Tanaka
- Veterinary Medical Center, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan.,Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-oraikita, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Mie
- Veterinary Medical Center, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan.,Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-oraikita, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Nishida
- Veterinary Medical Center, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan.,Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-oraikita, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoki Miura
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Hideo Akiyoshi
- Veterinary Medical Center, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan.,Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-58 Rinku-oraikita, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
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37
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Chemokines and their receptors promoting the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells into the tumor. Mol Immunol 2019; 117:201-215. [PMID: 31835202 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) expand in tumor-bearing host. They suppress anti-tumor immune response and promote tumor growth. Chemokines play a vital role in recruiting MDSCs into tumor tissue. They can also induce the generation of MDSCs in the bone marrow, maintain their suppressive activity, and promote their proliferation and differentiation. Here, we review CCL2/CCL12-CCR2, CCL3/4/5-CCR5, CCL15-CCR1, CX3CL1/CCL26-CX3CR1, CXCL5/2/1-CXCR2, CXCL8-CXCR1/2, CCL21-CCR7, CXCL13-CXCR5 signaling pathways, their role in MDSCs recruitment to tumor tissue, and their correlation with tumor development, metastasis and prognosis. Targeting chemokines and their receptors may serve as a promising strategy in immunotherapy, especially combined with other strategies such as chemotherapy, cyclin-dependent kinase or immune checkpoints inhibitors.
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38
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Méndez-Blanco C, Fondevila F, Fernández-Palanca P, García-Palomo A, van Pelt J, Verslype C, González-Gallego J, Mauriz JL. Stabilization of Hypoxia-Inducible Factors and BNIP3 Promoter Methylation Contribute to Acquired Sorafenib Resistance in Human Hepatocarcinoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1984. [PMID: 31835431 PMCID: PMC6966438 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite sorafenib effectiveness against advanced hepatocarcinoma (HCC), long-term exposure to antiangiogenic drugs leads to hypoxic microenvironment, a key contributor to chemoresistance acquisition. We aimed to study the role of hypoxia in the development of sorafenib resistance in a human HCC in vitro model employing the HCC line HepG2 and two variants with acquired sorafenib resistance, HepG2S1 and HepG2S3, and CoCl2 as hypoximimetic. Resistant cells exhibited a faster proliferative rate and hypoxia adaptive mechanisms, linked to the increased protein levels and nuclear translocation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). HIF-1α and HIF-2α overexpression was detected even under normoxia through a deregulation of its degradation mechanisms. Proapoptotic markers expression and subG1 population decreased significantly in HepG2S1 and HepG2S3, suggesting evasion of sorafenib-mediated cell death. HIF-1α and HIF-2α knockdown diminished resistant cells viability, relating HIFs overexpression with its prosurvival ability. Additionally, epigenetic silencing of Bcl-2 interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) was observed in sorafenib resistant cells under hypoxia. Demethylation of BNIP3 promoter, but not histone acetylation, restored BNIP3 expression, driving resistant cells' death. Altogether, our results highlight the involvement of HIFs overexpression and BNIP3 methylation-dependent knockdown in the development of sorafenib resistance in HCC. Targeting both prosurvival mechanisms could overcome chemoresistance and improve future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Méndez-Blanco
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (C.M.-B.); (F.F.); (P.F.-P.); (J.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Flavia Fondevila
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (C.M.-B.); (F.F.); (P.F.-P.); (J.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Fernández-Palanca
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (C.M.-B.); (F.F.); (P.F.-P.); (J.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés García-Palomo
- Service of Oncology, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Calle Altos de Nava, s/n, 24001 León, Spain;
| | - Jos van Pelt
- Laboratory of Clinical Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.v.P.)
| | - Chris Verslype
- Laboratory of Clinical Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.v.P.)
| | - Javier González-Gallego
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (C.M.-B.); (F.F.); (P.F.-P.); (J.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José L. Mauriz
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; (C.M.-B.); (F.F.); (P.F.-P.); (J.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Guo Y, Xiao Z, Yang L, Gao Y, Zhu Q, Hu L, Huang D, Xu Q. Hypoxia‑inducible factors in hepatocellular carcinoma (Review). Oncol Rep 2019; 43:3-15. [PMID: 31746396 PMCID: PMC6908932 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of an appropriate oxygen concentration is essential for the function of the liver. However, in many pathological conditions, and particularly in the tumor microenvironment, cells and tissues are frequently in a hypoxic state. In the presence of hypoxia, the cells adapt to the low oxygen levels through the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. Overgrowth of tumor cells restricts the diffusion of oxygen in tumors, leading to insufficient blood supply and the creation of a hypoxic microenvironment, and, as a consequence, activation of the expression of HIFs. HIFs possess a wide range of target genes, which function to control a variety of signaling pathways; thus, HIFs modulate cellular metabolism, immune escape, angiogenesis, metastasis, extracellular matrix remodeling, cancer stem cells and other properties of the tumor. Given their crucial role in the occurrence and development of tumors, HIFs are expected to become new targets of precise treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Guo
- Graduate Department, BengBu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Zunqiang Xiao
- The Second Clinical Medical Department, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Liu Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Yuling Gao
- Department of Genetics, Shaoxing Women and Children Hospital, Shaoxin, Zhejiang 312030, P.R. China
| | - Qiaojuan Zhu
- The Second Clinical Medical Department, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Linjun Hu
- Medical Department, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Qiuran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
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40
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CSCs in Breast Cancer-One Size Does Not Fit All: Therapeutic Advances in Targeting Heterogeneous Epithelial and Mesenchymal CSCs. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081128. [PMID: 31394796 PMCID: PMC6721464 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike other breast cancer subtypes, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has no specific targets and is characterized as one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer that disproportionately accounts for the majority of breast cancer-related deaths. Current conventional chemotherapeutics target the bulk tumor population, but not the cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are capable of initiating new tumors to cause disease relapse. Recent studies have identified distinct epithelial-like (E) ALDH+ CSCs, mesenchymal-like (M) CD44+/CD24- CSCs, and hybrid E/M ALDH+/CD44+/CD24- CSCs. These subtypes of CSCs exhibit differential signal pathway regulations, possess plasticity, and respond differently to treatment. As such, co-inhibition of different subtypes of CSCs is key to viable therapy. This review serves to highlight different pathway regulations in E and M CSCs in TNBC, and to further describe their role in disease progression. Potential inhibitors targeting E and/or M CSCs based on clinical trials are summarized for further investigation. Since future research needs to adopt suitable tumor models and take into account the divergence of E and M CSCs for the development of effective treatments, TNBC models for clinically translatable studies are further discussed.
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41
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Wang Y, Yu H, Zhang D, Wang G, Song W, Liu Y, Ma S, Tang Z, Liu Z, Sakurai K, Chen X. Co-administration of combretastatin A4 nanoparticles and sorafenib for systemic therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Biomater 2019; 92:229-240. [PMID: 31100462 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Effective systemic therapy is highly desired for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, a combination of nanoparticles of poly(L-glutamic acid)-graft-methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)/combretastatin A4 sodium salt (CA4-NPs) plus sorafenib is developed for the cooperative systemic treatment of HCC. The CA4-NPs leads to the disruption of established tumor blood vessels and extensive tumor necrosis, however, inducing increased expression of VEGF-A and angiogenesis. Sorafenib reduces the VEGF-A induced angiogenesis and further inhibits tumor proliferation, cooperating with the CA4-NPs. A significant decrease in tumor volume and prolonged survival time are observed in the combination group of CA4-NPs plus sorafenib compared with CA4-NPs or sorafenib monotherapy in subcutaneous and orthotopic H22 hepatic tumor models. Seventy-one percent of the mice are alive without residual tumor at 96 days post tumor inoculation for the subcutaneous models treated with CA4-NPs 30 or 35 mg·kg-1 plus sorafenib 30 mg·kg-1. Our findings suggest that co-administration of sorafenib and CA4-NPs possesses significant antitumor efficacy for HCC treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Effective systemic therapy is highly desired for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we demonstrate that a combination of nanoparticles of poly(L-glutamic acid)-graft-methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)/combretastatin A4 sodium salt (CA4-NPs) plus sorafenib is a promising synergistic approach for systemic treatment of HCC. The CA4-NPs leads to the disruption of established tumor blood vessels and extensive tumor necrosis, however, inducing increased expression of VEGF-A and angiogenesis. Sorafenib reduces the VEGF-A induced angiogenesis and further inhibits tumor proliferation, cooperating with the CA4-NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Wang
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Guanyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Wantong Song
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Yingmin Liu
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Sheng Ma
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Zhaohui Tang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China.
| | - Ziling Liu
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Kazuo Sakurai
- The University of Kitakyushu, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1-1, Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
| | - Xuesi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; Jilin Biomedical Polymers Engineering Laboratory, Changchun 130022, China
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Chen S, Cao Q, Wen W, Wang H. Targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Challenges and opportunities. Cancer Lett 2019; 460:1-9. [PMID: 31207320 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.114428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, which ranks as the sixth of cancer-related death. Despite the emergence of targeted therapy, advanced-stage HCC remains largely incurable due to low response rate and therapeutic resistance. In this review, we mainly focused on the current progression of multi-kinase inhibitors and immunotherapies in the treatment of HCC. We highlight the mechanism underlying the ineffectiveness of these targeted therapies, including oncogenic alterations in driver genes and downstream pathways, high heterogeneity of HCC, and the mutual interaction of tumor microenvironment that promotes therapeutic resistance. We also discussed how these previous studies suggested for future therapeutic strategies. Besides, the complexity of HCC heterogeneity and cancer revolution need to be recognized in personalized therapy. Establishment of a drug screening system and identification of biomarkers of response is also in urgent need to overcome drug resistance. Meanwhile, a combination of targeted therapies could also be explored as a promising strategy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhen Chen
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Qiqi Cao
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wen Wen
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 201805, China.
| | - Hongyang Wang
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 201805, China.
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43
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Cheng W, Cheng Z, Xing D, Zhang M. Asparagus Polysaccharide Suppresses the Migration, Invasion, and Angiogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Partly by Targeting the HIF-1 α/VEGF Signalling Pathway In Vitro. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2019; 2019:3769879. [PMID: 31239858 PMCID: PMC6556301 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3769879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) plays a key role by triggering the transcriptional activation of a number of genes involved in migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, suppressing tumour growth by targeting the HIF-1α/VEGF signalling pathway represents a promising strategy for the treatment of HCC. In our previous studies, we found that asparagus polysaccharide (ASP) suppressed the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells both in vivo and in vitro. To further explore the potential mechanisms of the antitumor effects of ASP in HCC, we investigated effects of ASP on the migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of HCC cells (SK-Hep1 and Hep-3B) using an in vitro experimental model. First, we found that ASP effectively suppressed the proliferation of the SK-Hep1 and Hep-3B cells but did not cause significant cytotoxicity in normal liver cells (L-O2). Then, we found that ASP inhibited the migration and invasion of the SK-Hep1 and Hep-3B cells and HCC cells-induced angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies revealed that the inhibition of migration, invasion, and angiogenesis by ASP in the SK-Hep1 and Hep-3B cells might occur via the downregulation of HIF-1α/VEGF signalling pathway. Finally, our results also showed that the inhibition of HIF-1α by ASP may be mediated through the downregulation of the phosphorylation levels of AKT, mTOR, and ERK. In conclusion, our results suggest that ASP suppresses the migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of HCC cells partly via inhibiting the HIF-1α/VEGF signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cheng
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China
| | - Ziwei Cheng
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China
| | - Dongwei Xing
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China
| | - Minguang Zhang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China
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44
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Xia J, Ozaki I, Matsuhashi S, Kuwashiro T, Takahashi H, Anzai K, Mizuta T. Mechanisms of PKC-Mediated Enhancement of HIF-1α Activity and its Inhibition by Vitamin K2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051022. [PMID: 30813635 PMCID: PMC6429062 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) plays important roles in cancer cell biology. HIF-1α is reportedly activated by several factors, including protein kinase C (PKC), in addition to hypoxia. We investigated the role of PKC isoforms and the effects of vitamin K2 (VK2) in the activation process of HIF-1α. Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-derived Huh7 cells were cultured under normoxic and hypoxic (1% O₂) conditions with or without the PKC stimulator TPA. The expression, transcriptional activity and nuclear translocation of HIF-1α were examined under treatment with PKC inhibitors, siRNAs against each PKC isoform and VK2. Hypoxia increased the expression and activity of HIF-1α. TPA increased the HIF-1α activity several times under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. PKC-δ siRNA-mediated knockdown, PKC-δ inhibitor (rottlerin) and pan-PKC inhibitor (Ro-31-8425) suppressed the expression and transcriptional activity of HIF-1α. VK2 significantly inhibited the TPA-induced HIF-1α transcriptional activity and suppressed the expression and nuclear translocation of HIF-1α induced by TPA without altering the HIF-1α mRNA levels. These data indicate that PKC-δ enhances the HIF-1α transcriptional activity by increasing the nuclear translocation, and that VK2 might suppress the HIF-1α activation through the inhibition of PKC in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghe Xia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saga Medical School, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan.
| | - Iwata Ozaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saga Medical School, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan.
- Health Administration Center, Saga Medical School, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan.
| | - Sachiko Matsuhashi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saga Medical School, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan.
| | - Takuya Kuwashiro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saga Medical School, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan.
| | - Hirokazu Takahashi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saga Medical School, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan.
| | - Keizo Anzai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saga Medical School, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan.
| | - Toshihiko Mizuta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fujikawa Hospital, 1-2-6 Matsubara, Saga 840-0831, Japan.
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Méndez-Blanco C, Fondevila F, García-Palomo A, González-Gallego J, Mauriz JL. Sorafenib resistance in hepatocarcinoma: role of hypoxia-inducible factors. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:1-9. [PMID: 30315182 PMCID: PMC6185986 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0159-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor with antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and proapoptotic properties, constitutes the only effective first-line drug approved for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its capacity to increase survival in HCC patients, its success is quite low in the long term owing to the development of resistant cells through several mechanisms. Among these mechanisms, the antiangiogenic effects of sustained sorafenib treatment induce a reduction of microvessel density, promoting intratumoral hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs)-mediated cellular responses that favor the selection of resistant cells adapted to the hypoxic microenvironment. Clinical data have demonstrated that overexpressed HIF-1α and HIF-2α in HCC patients are reliable markers of a poor prognosis. Thus, the combination of current sorafenib treatment with gene therapy or inhibitors against HIFs have been documented as promising approaches to overcome sorafenib resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Because the depletion of one HIF-α subunit elevates the expression of the other HIF-α isoform through a compensatory loop, targeting both HIF-1α and HIF-2α would be a more interesting strategy than therapies that discriminate among HIF-α isoforms. In conclusion, there is a marked correlation between the hypoxic microenvironment and sorafenib resistance, suggesting that targeting HIFs is a promising way to increase the efficiency of treatment. Targeting hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), regulatory proteins induced by low oxygen levels, could increase the effectiveness of sorafenib, the only systemic therapy approved for advanced liver cancer. Long-term treatment with sorafenib starves tumors of oxygen, which can lead to the proliferation of cancer cells that are able to survive low oxygen levels. HIFs regulate genes involved in this adaptation and HIF levels are increased in sorafenib-resistant cells. José Mauriz at the University of León, Spain, and colleagues review recent studies on the effects of HIF inhibition on sorafenib efficacy. They conclude that HIF-1α and HIF-2α are predictive markers of sorafenib resistance and that using inhibitors of both these factors as an add-on therapy could improve patient survival. This strategy may be applicable to other types of cancer in which reduced oxygen conditions lead to drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Méndez-Blanco
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Flavia Fondevila
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés García-Palomo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain.,Service of Oncology, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, León, Spain
| | - Javier González-Gallego
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - José L Mauriz
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.
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46
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Li J, Zhou Y, Liu Y, Dai B, Zhang YH, Zhang PF, Shi XL. Sorafenib inhibits caspase-1 expression through suppressing TLR4/stat3/SUMO1 pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Biol Ther 2018; 19:1057-1064. [PMID: 30277836 PMCID: PMC6301813 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2018.1480280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib has been demonstrated to be a beneficial treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Emerging evidence indicates that caspase-1 activation plays a crucial role in HCC progression. However, the relationship between caspase-1 and sorafenib has rarely been reported. In this study, we showed that caspase-1 was essential for lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, sorafenib treatment could inhibit LPS-stimulated caspase-1 overexpression through restricting the nuclear transport of p65, which contributed to inactivation of NF-κB. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments and immunoblot analysis indicated that sorafenib treatment decreased the SUMOylation of p65 via inhibiting TLR4/stat3/SUMO1 signaling cascades. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that sorafenib inhibits caspase-1 expression through suppressing the nuclear translocation of p65 and provide new insights into the mechanisms of sorafenib treatment in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- a Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery , Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School , Nanjing , China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- a Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery , Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School , Nanjing , China
| | - Yang Liu
- a Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery , Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School , Nanjing , China
| | - Bo Dai
- a Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery , Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School , Nanjing , China
| | - Yu-Hen Zhang
- a Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery , Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School , Nanjing , China
| | - Peng-Fei Zhang
- a Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery , Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School , Nanjing , China
| | - Xiao-Lei Shi
- a Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery , Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School , Nanjing , China
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47
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Niu LL, Cheng CL, Li MY, Yang SL, Hu BG, Chong CCN, Chan SL, Ren J, Chen GG, Lai PBS. ID1-induced p16/IL6 axis activation contributes to the resistant of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to sorafenib. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:852. [PMID: 30154433 PMCID: PMC6113298 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0926-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib is the only approved drug for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its efficacy is limited by the emergence of primary and/or acquired resistance. Senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-mediated chemo-resistance, which depends on the secreted bioactive molecules, has attracted increasing attention but never revealed in HCC. In this study, we investigated the effect of SASP-related p16/IL6 axis on sorafenib resistance in HCC. Initially, we noticed that HCC cells with a high level of p16/IL6 axis exhibited a low sensitivity to sorafenib. Further in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that such a primary resistance resulted from ID1-mediated activation of p16/IL6 axis. Overexpression of ID1 or IL6 blocking in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells could increase the cytotoxicity of sorafenib. Moreover, SASP-related p16/IL6 axis contributed to the formation of acquired resistance in cells received long-term exposure to sorafenib. In acquired sorafenib-resistant cells, ID1 low expression, p16/IL6 axis up-regulation, and AKT phosphorylation activation were observed. A reduced cytotoxicity of sorafenib was detected when sorafenib-sensitive cells incubated with conditioned media from the resistant cells, accompanied by the stimulation of AKT phosphorylation. The reversal of sorafenib resistance could be achieved through ID1 overexpression, IL6 blocking, and AKT pathway inhibition. Our study reveals that SASP-related p16/IL6 axis activation is responsible for sorafenib resistance, which will be a novel strategy to prevent the drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Lei Niu
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chuan-le Cheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, China
| | - Ming-Yue Li
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Sheng-Li Yang
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.,Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Bao-Guang Hu
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Charing C N Chong
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephen L Chan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianwei Ren
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - George G Chen
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China. .,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Paul B S Lai
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.
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48
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Combined [18F]-Fluoroethylcholine PET/CT and 99mTc-Macroaggregated Albumin SPECT/CT Predict Survival in Patients With Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Nucl Med 2018; 43:477-481. [PMID: 29659390 DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0000000000002092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the prognostic value of combined Tc-macroaggregated albumin (MAA) SPECT/CT and [F]-fluoroethylcholine (FEC) PET/CT before radioembolization for survival of patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS Twenty-four patients with known hepatocellular carcinoma Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B were eligible for this analysis. All patients were scheduled for radioembolization and received a pretherapeutic [F]FEC PET/CT scan as well as Tc-MAA SPECT/CT for hepatopulmonary shunting. Laboratory and semiquantitative PET parameters and morphologic and metabolic (intersection) volumes of MAA and FEC were evaluated. Spearman correlation with overall survival, receiver operating curve analyses, univariate and multivariate Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier-analysis was applied. RESULTS All patients (5 female/19 male) are deceased within the observational period. Median survival was 395 days (±51 days; range, 23-1122 days). The percentage of hypervascularized metabolically active tumor volume (vascularized tumor ratio; defined as high MAA and FEC uptake) correlated significantly with survival. Vascularized tumor ratio was a significant predictor in univariate and multivariate analyses (P = 0.026; hazard ratio, 11.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.62-83.73; P = 0.015). Statistical significance was not reached by all other variables in multivariate analysis. Receiver operating curve analysis for 1-year survival revealed an area under the curve of 0.77 (P = 0.024) for vascularized tumor ratio. At a cutoff value of 9%, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative prediction were 83%, 67%, and 71% and 80% (P = 0.036). Patients with a higher tumor vascularization had a median survival of 274 ± 80 versus 585 ± 284 days (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Hepatocellular carcinoma with high vascularization in metabolic active areas as assessed by combined FEC PET/CT and Tc-MAA SPECT/CT represents an unfavorable subgroup with reduced overall survival after radioembolization.
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Yi H, Ye X, Long B, Ye T, Zhang L, Yan F, Yang Y, Li L. Inhibition of the AKT/mTOR Pathway Augments the Anticancer Effects of Sorafenib in Thyroid Cancer. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2018. [PMID: 28622037 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2017.2187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of patients with advanced 131iodine (131I) refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). However, the progression-free survival of patients with advanced 131I refractory DTC is short, and most DTC patients eventually acquire resistance to sorafenib. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies need to be developed. MATERIALS AND METHODS The thyroid cancer cell lines 8505C and FTC133 were treated with sorafenib in the presence or absence of BEZ235 or small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against AKT. A CCK8 kit was used to evaluate cell viability. Protein expression levels of relevant genes were determined by Western blotting analysis, whereas messenger RNA expression levels were determined by real-time PCR analysis. Flow cytometry was performed to assess the number of apoptotic cells. RESULTS The results indicate that sorafenib simultaneously inhibited the activities of the MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways in thyroid cancer cells. Treatment of 8505C and FTC133 cells with NVP-BEZ235, siRNA against AKT, or sorafenib induced tumor cell apoptosis and led to reduced tumor cell proliferation. Sorafenib in combination with PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibition by NVP-BEZ235 or AKT siRNA enhanced apoptosis and proliferation suppression. CONCLUSIONS The evidence of this study suggests that a combinatorial approach that inhibits both the MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways exerts a greater antitumor effect than sorafenib alone in thyroid cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heqing Yi
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital , Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Ye
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital , Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Long
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital , Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Ye
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital , Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital , Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengqin Yan
- 2 Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital , Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- 2 Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital , Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Linfa Li
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital , Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Rosenberg L, Yoon CH, Sharma G, Bertagnolli MM, Cho NL. Sorafenib inhibits proliferation and invasion in desmoid-derived cells by targeting Ras/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways. Carcinogenesis 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rosenberg
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charles H Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gaurav Sharma
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Nancy L Cho
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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