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Mohamed MR, Osman SA, Hassan AA, Raafat AI, Refaat MM, Fathy SA. Gemcitabine and synthesized silver nanoparticles impact on chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma in male rats. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2024; 38:3946320241263352. [PMID: 39046434 PMCID: PMC11271163 DOI: 10.1177/03946320241263352] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: Gemcitabine (GEM) is a deoxycytidine analog chemotherapeutic drug widely used to treat many cancers. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are important nanomaterials used to treat many diseases. Using gamma radiation in nanoparticle preparation is a new eco-friendly method. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of co-treating gemcitabine and silver nanoparticles in treating hepatocellular carcinoma. Method: The AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, and EDX. The MTT cytotoxicity in vitro assay of gemcitabine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide was assessed against Wi38 normal fibroblast and HepG2 HCC cell lines. After HCC development, rats received (10 µg/g b.wt.) of AgNPs three times a week for 4 weeks and/or GEM (5 mg/kg b.wt.) twice weekly for 4 weeks. Liver function enzymes were investigated. Cytochrome P450 and miR-21 genes were studied. Apoptosis was determined by using flow cytometry, and apoptotic modifications in signaling pathways were evaluated via Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-9, and SMAD-4. Results: The co-treatment of GEM and AgNPs increased apoptosis by upregulating Bax and caspase 9 while diminishing Bcl2 and SMAD4. It also improved cytochrome P450 m-RNA relative expression. The results also proved the cooperation between GEM and AgNPs in deactivating miR21. The impact of AgNPs as an adjuvant treatment with GEM was recognized. Conclusions: The study showed that co-treating AgNPs and GEM can improve the efficiency of GEM alone in treating HCC. This is achieved by enhancing intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways while diminishing some drawbacks of using GEM alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed R Mohamed
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Soheir A Osman
- Radiation Biology Department, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa A Hassan
- Radiation Biology Department, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amany I Raafat
- Polymer Chemistry Department, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M Refaat
- Radiation Biology Department, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shadia A Fathy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Dai CJ, Cao YT, Huang F, Wang YG. Multiple roles of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 in tumorigenesis, stem cells, drug resistance, and cancer therapy. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:41-53. [PMID: 35126827 PMCID: PMC8788178 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i1.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway controls many cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Abnormalities in the TGF-β signaling pathway and its components are closely related to the occurrence of many human diseases, including cancer. Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (Smad4), also known as deleted in pancreatic cancer locus 4, is a typical tumor suppressor candidate gene locating at q21.1 of human chromosome 18 and the common mediator of the TGF-β/Smad and bone morphogenetic protein/Smad signaling pathways. It is believed that Smad4 inactivation correlates with the development of tumors and stem cell fate decisions. Smad4 also interacts with cytokines, miRNAs, and other signaling pathways, jointly regulating cell behavior. However, the regulatory function of Smad4 in tumorigenesis, stem cells, and drug resistance is currently controversial. In addition, Smad4 represents an attractive therapeutic target for cancer. Elucidating the specific role of Smad4 is important for understanding the mechanism of tumorigenesis and cancer treatment. Here, we review the identification and characterization of Smad4, the canonical TGF-β/Smad pathway, as well as the multiple roles of Smad4 in tumorigenesis, stem cells, and drug resistance. Furthermore, we provide novel insights into the prospects of Smad4-targeted cancer therapy and the challenges that it will face in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Jing Dai
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yu-Ting Cao
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical University, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yi-Gang Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
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The Expression and Function of Circadian Rhythm Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:4044606. [PMID: 34697563 PMCID: PMC8541861 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4044606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most common and lethal form of cancer worldwide. However, its diagnosis and treatment are still dissatisfactory, due to limitations in the understanding of its pathogenic mechanism. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic targets for HCC. Circadian rhythm-related genes control a variety of biological processes. These genes play pivotal roles in the initiation and progression of HCC and are potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. This review gives an update on the research progress of circadian rhythms, their effects on the initiation, progression, and prognosis of HCC, in a bid to provide new insights for the research and treatment of HCC.
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Zhang L, Niu H, Ma J, Yuan BY, Chen YH, Zhuang Y, Chen GW, Zeng ZC, Xiang ZL. The molecular mechanism of LncRNA34a-mediated regulation of bone metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:120. [PMID: 31349837 PMCID: PMC6659280 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-1044-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bone metastasis (BM) has long been recognized as a major threat to the quality of life of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) patients. While LncRNA34a (Lnc34a) has been shown to regulate colon cancer stem cell asymmetric division, its effect on HCC BM remains unknown. Methods In situ hybridization and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of Lnc34a in HCC tissues and cell lines. Ventricle injection model was constructed to explore the effect of Lnc34a on BM in vivo. The methylation of miR-34a promoter and histones deacetylation were examined by using bisulfate-sequencing PCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. RNA pull down and RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to investigated the interaction between Lnc34a and epigenetic regulators. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to find miR-34a target. The involvement of TGF-β pathway in the BM from HCC was determined by qRT-PCR, western, and elisa assays. Results We found that Lnc34a was significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues and associated with BM. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that the restoration or knockdown of Lnc34a expression in HCC cells had a marked effect on cellular migration, invasion, and metastasis. Mechanistic analyses suggested that Lnc34a epigenetically suppresses miR-34a expression through recruiting DNMT3a via PHB2 to methylate miR-34a promoter and HDAC1 to promote histones deacetylation. On the other hand, miR-34a targets Smad4 via the TGF-β pathway, followed by altering the transcription of the downstream genes (i.e., CTGF and IL-11) that are associated with BM. Conclusions Our study is the first to document the pro-bone metastatic role of Lnc34a in BM of HCC and reveal a novel mechanism for the activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway in HCC BM, providing evidence of a potential therapeutic strategy in HCC BM. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12943-019-1044-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hao Niu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bao-Ying Yuan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yu-Han Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Gen-Wen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhao-Chong Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zuo-Lin Xiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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Moussa MM, Helal NS, Youssef MM. Significance of pSmad2/3 and Smad4 in hepatitis C virus-related liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. APMIS 2018; 126:477-485. [PMID: 29924446 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a major public health problem, especially in Egypt. Risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development increases as hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver diseases progress. Smads act as substrates for the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) family of receptors. This study aims to assess hepatic expression of pSmad2/3 and Smad4 in CHC with different stages of fibrosis and grades of necro-inflammation as well as in HCC on top of CHC. This study was done on 33 core liver biopsies from patients with CHC (15 with early fibrosis and 18 with late fibrosis), 15 liver specimens from HCC cases on top of CHC, as well as five normal controls. pSmad2/3 and Smad4 show more immunopositivity, higher percentage of positive hepatocytes and stronger staining intensity in CHC with late fibrosis compared to early fibrosis. pSmad2/3 shows increase of the previous parameters in CHC with high grade activity than those with low activity. Smad4 shows increase of the previous parameters in HCC compared to CHC cases. pSmad2/3 and Smad4 can be used as diagnostic and/or prognostic markers for progression of HCV-related fibrosis to cirrhosis and further progression to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noha Said Helal
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohieldin Magdy Youssef
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Egyptian-Russian University, Cairo, Egypt.,Graduate School, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
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Abstract
Smad4 or DPC4 belongs to a family of signal transduction proteins that are phosphorylated and activated by transmembrane serine-threonine receptor kinases in response to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling via several pathways. The gene acts as a tumour suppressor gene and inactivation of smad4/DPC4 is best recognised in pancreatic cancer. However, smad4/DPC4 is also mutated in other conditions and cancers such as juvenile polyposis syndrome with and without hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, colorectal and prostate cancers.Immunohistochemistry for smad4/DPC4 protein is most useful in separating benign/reactive conditions from pancreatic cancer in needle/core biopsies. In normal and reactive states, the protein is localised to the cytoplasm and nucleus, while the protein is lost in high-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia/carcinoma in situ and pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife J McCarthy
- Laboratory Medicine Program, Department of Anatomical Pathology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Runjan Chetty
- Laboratory Medicine Program, Department of Anatomical Pathology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Xu Q, Tong JL, Zhang CP, Xiao Q, Lin XL, Xiao XY. miR-27a induced by colon cancer cells in HLECs promotes lymphangiogenesis by targeting SMAD4. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186718. [PMID: 29065177 PMCID: PMC5655427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Metastasis of tumor cells occurs through lymphatic vessels, blood vessels and transcoelomic spreading. Growing evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies has indicated that tumor lymphangiogenesis facilitates metastasis. However, the regulation of lymphangiogenesis in colon cancer remains unclear. The aims of this study were to identify key miRNAs in colon cancer lymphangiogenesis and to investigate its target and mechanism. Methods miRNA microarray analysis was conducted to identify miRNAs in human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs) that were regulated by co-cultured human colon cancer cells. Gain- and loss-of-function studies were performed to determine the function of miR-27a, a top hint, on lymphangiogenesis and migration in HLECs. Furthermore, bioinformatics prediction and experimental validation were performed to identify miR-27a target genes in lymphangiogenesis. Results We found that expression of miR-27a in HLECs was induced by co-culturing with colon cancer cells. Over-expression of miR-27a in HLECs enhanced lymphatic tube formation and migration, whereas inhibition of miR-27a reduced lymphatic tube formation and migration. Luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-27a directly targeted SMAD4, a pivotal component of the TGF-β pathway. In addition, gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments showed that SMAD4 negatively regulated the length of lymphatic vessels formed by HLECs and migration. Conclusions Our data indicated that colon cancer cell induced the expression of miR-27a in HLECs, which promoted lymphangiogenesis by targeting SMAD4. Our finding implicated miR-27a as a potential target for new anticancer therapies in colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xu
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Lu Tong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-Peng Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Xiao-Lin Lin
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiu-Ying Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
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Yu M, Lin Y, Zhou Y, Jin H, Hou B, Wu Z, Li Z, Jian Z, Sun J. MiR-144 suppresses cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting SMAD4. Onco Targets Ther 2016; 9:4705-14. [PMID: 27536132 PMCID: PMC4973778 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s88233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/aim Increasing evidence show microRNAs (miRNAs) are engaged in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-144 in HCC, as well as to identify its underlying mechanism. Methods The expression levels of miR-144 were assessed in multiple HCC cell lines, as well as in liver tissues from patients with HCC. We further examined the effects of miR-144 on HCC. The molecular target of miR-144 was identified using a computer algorithm and confirmed experimentally. Results We found that the levels of miR-144 were frequently downregulated in human HCC tissues and cell lines, and overexpression of miR-144 dramatically inhibited HCC metastasis, invasion, cell cycle, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and chemoresistance. We further verified the SMAD4 as a novel and direct target of miR-144 in HCCs. Conclusion Taken together, overexpression of miR-144 or downregulation of SMAD4 may prove beneficial as therapeutic strategies for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Haosheng Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Baohua Hou
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongshi Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhide Li
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhixiang Jian
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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Effects of TGF-beta signalling inhibition with galunisertib (LY2157299) in hepatocellular carcinoma models and in ex vivo whole tumor tissue samples from patients. Oncotarget 2016; 6:21614-27. [PMID: 26057634 PMCID: PMC4673290 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Galunisertib (LY2157299) is a selective ATP-mimetic inhibitor of TGF-β receptor (TβR)-I activation currently under clinical investigation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Our study explored the effects of galunisertib in vitro in HCC cell lines and ex vivo on patient samples. Galunisertib was evaluated in HepG2, Hep3B, Huh7, JHH6 and SK-HEP1 cells as well as in SK-HEP1-derived cells tolerant to sorafenib (SK-Sora) and sunitinib (SK-Suni). Exogenous stimulation of all HCC cell lines with TGF-β yielded downstream activation of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 that was potently inhibited with galunisertib treatment at micromolar concentrations. Despite limited antiproliferative effects, galunisertib yielded potent anti-invasive properties. Tumor slices from 13 patients with HCC surgically resected were exposed ex vivo to 1 μM and 10 μM galunisertib, 5 μM sorafenib or a combination of both drugs for 48 hours. Galunisertib but not sorafenib decreased p-Smad2/3 downstream TGF-β signaling. Immunohistochemistry analysis of galunisertib and sorafenib-exposed samples showed a significant decrease of the proliferative marker Ki67 and increase of the apoptotic marker caspase-3. In combination, galunisertib potentiated the effect of sorafenib efficiently by inhibiting proliferation and increasing apoptosis. Our data suggest that galunisertib may be active in patients with HCC and could potentiate the effects of sorafenib.
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Shugang X, Hongfa Y, Jianpeng L, Xu Z, Jingqi F, Xiangxiang L, Wei L. Prognostic Value of SMAD4 in Pancreatic Cancer: A Meta-Analysis. Transl Oncol 2016; 9:1-7. [PMID: 26947875 PMCID: PMC4800056 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE: The prognostic value of SMAD4 in pancreatic cancer has been evaluated in several studies. However, the conclusions remain controversial. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between SMAD4 expression and the outcome of pancreatic cancer patients by performing a meta-analysis. METHODS: We systematically searched for relevant studies evaluating the relationship between SMAD4 expression and the outcome of pancreatic cancer patients until May 2015. A meta-analysis was performed using STATA 12.0, and pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the strength of the association between SMAD4 expression and the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. RESULTS: The analysis included 1762 patients from 14 studies, with 1401 patients from 11 studies and 927 patients from 8 studies included in the univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively. Loss of SMAD4 expression was found to be significantly correlated with poor overall survival, with the combined HR (95% CI) of 1.20 (1.03-1.40). After adjusting for potential confounders using the Cox regression model, the pooled HR (95% CI) was 1.88 (1.31-2.70). In subgroup analysis, study region, number of patients, follow-up duration, and cutoff value were found to affect the significance of the association between loss of SMAD4 expression and poor prognosis. In addition, there was no evidence of publication bias, as suggested by Begg’s and Egger’s test. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of SMAD4 was associated with poor survival and was a negative prognostic indicator in patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Shugang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, the College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yang Hongfa
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Clinical Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Liu Jianpeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Clinical Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Clinical Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Feng Jingqi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, the College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Li Xiangxiang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, the College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Li Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, the College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China.
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Downregulation of betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) in hepatocellular carcinoma associates with poor prognosis. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:5911-7. [PMID: 26592251 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4443-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) catalyzes the synthesis of methionine using betaine and homocysteine (Hcy), which is restricted to the liver and kidney. Impaired BHMT pathway has been associated with hepatocellular carcinogenesis in Bhmt-/- mice model, and decreased BHMT was observed in a small sample of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the prognostic significance of BHMT in HCC has not been elucidated. This study aimed to examine the expression of BHMT in HCC and investigate the relationship between its expression and prognosis of HCC patients. BHMT expression was analyzed in 68 paired HCC samples (HCC tissues vs matched adjacent non-cancerous liver tissues), 115 paraffin-embedded HCC sections (primary cohort), and 65 paraffin-embedded HCC sections (validation cohort) using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The results of IHC analysis showed that BHMT was decreased in tumorous tissues in 85.2 % (58/68) of cases compared to the corresponding adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues. Further correlation analyses indicated that the decreased BHMT expression was closely correlated with serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) (p = 0.011), tumor size (p = 0.039), and vascular invasion (p = 0.017). Moreover, HCC patients with low BHMT expression had shorter overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence (TTR) than those with high BHMT expression in both primary cohort (p < 0.0001) and validation cohort (p < 0.05) assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. In addition, multivariate analysis showed that BHMT was an independent prognostic factor for OS and TTR in the two cohorts (all p < 0.005). Collectively, our study demonstrated that BHMT could be served as a potential prognostic marker for HCC patients.
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Caligaris C, Vázquez-Victorio G, Sosa-Garrocho M, Ríos-López DG, Marín-Hernández A, Macías-Silva M. Actin-cytoskeleton polymerization differentially controls the stability of Ski and SnoN co-repressors in normal but not in transformed hepatocytes. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1850:1832-41. [PMID: 26002202 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ski and SnoN proteins function as transcriptional co-repressors in the TGF-β pathway. They regulate cell proliferation and differentiation, and their aberrant expression results in altered TGF-β signalling, malignant transformation, and alterations in cell proliferation. METHODS We carried out a comparative characterization of the endogenous Ski and SnoN protein regulation by TGF-β, cell adhesion disruption and actin-cytoskeleton rearrangements between normal and transformed hepatocytes; we also analyzed Ski and SnoN protein stability, subcellular localization, and how their protein levels impact the TGF-β/Smad-driven gene transcription. RESULTS Ski and SnoN protein levels are lower in normal hepatocytes than in hepatoma cells. They exhibit a very short half-life and a nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution in normal hepatocytes opposed to a high stability and restricted nuclear localization in hepatoma cells. Interestingly, while normal cells exhibit a transient TGF-β-induced gene expression, the hepatoma cells are characterized by a strong and sustained TGF-β-induced gene expression. A novel finding is that Ski and SnoN stability is differentially regulated by cell adhesion and cytoskeleton rearrangements in the normal hepatocytes. The inhibition of protein turnover down-regulated both Ski and SnoN co-repressors impacting the kinetic of expression of TGF-β-target genes. CONCLUSION Normal regulatory mechanisms controlling Ski and SnoN stability, subcellular localization and expression are altered in hepatocarcinoma cells. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE This work provides evidence that Ski and SnoN protein regulation is far more complex in normal than in transformed cells, since many of the normal regulatory mechanisms are lost in transformed cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandre Caligaris
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. México D.F., 04510, México
| | - Genaro Vázquez-Victorio
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. México D.F., 04510, México
| | - Marcela Sosa-Garrocho
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. México D.F., 04510, México
| | - Diana G Ríos-López
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. México D.F., 04510, México
| | - Alvaro Marín-Hernández
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, México D.F., 14080, México
| | - Marina Macías-Silva
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. México D.F., 04510, México.
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SMAD4 exerts a tumor-promoting role in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncogene 2014; 34:5055-68. [PMID: 25531314 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Further understanding of the molecular biology and pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial for future therapeutic development. SMAD4, recognized as an important tumor suppressor, is a central mediator of transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. This study investigated the role of SMAD4 in HCC. Nuclear localization of SMAD4 was observed in a cohort of 140 HCC patients using tissue microarray. HCC cell lines were used for functional assay in vitro and in immune-deficient mice. Nuclear SMAD4 levels were significantly increased in patient HCC tumors as compared with adjacent tissues. Knockdown of SMAD4 significantly reduced the efficiency of colony formation and migratory capacity of HCC cells in vitro and was incompatible with HCC tumor initiation and growth in mice. Knockdown of SMAD4 partially conferred resistance to the anti-growth effects of BMP ligand in HCC cells. Importantly, simultaneous elevation of SMAD4 and phosphorylated SMAD2/3 is significantly associated with poor patient outcome after surgery. Although high levels of SMAD4 can also mediate an antitumor function by coupling with phosphorylated SMAD1/5/8, this signaling, however, is absent in majority of our HCC patients. In conclusion, this study revealed a highly non-canonical tumor-promoting function of SMAD4 in HCC. The drastic elevation of nuclear SMAD4 in sub-population of HCC tumors highlights its potential as an outcome predictor for patient stratification and a target for personalized therapeutic development.
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Neuzillet C, de Gramont A, Tijeras-Raballand A, de Mestier L, Cros J, Faivre S, Raymond E. Perspectives of TGF-β inhibition in pancreatic and hepatocellular carcinomas. Oncotarget 2014; 5:78-94. [PMID: 24393789 PMCID: PMC3960190 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are non-curable diseases with a particularly poor prognosis. Over the last decade, research has increasingly focused on the microenvironment surrounding cancer cells, and its role in tumour development and progression. PDAC and HCC differ markedly regarding their pathological features: PDAC are typically stromal-predominant, desmoplastic, poorly vascularized tumours, whereas HCC are cellular and highly vascularized. Despite these very different settings, PDAC and HCC share transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) as a common key-signalling mediator, involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and stroma-tumour dialogue. Recently, novel drugs blocking the TGF-β pathway have entered clinical evaluation demonstrating activity in patients with advanced PDAC and HCC. TGF-β signalling is complex and mediates both pro- and anti-tumoural activities in cancer cells depending on their context, in space and time, and their microenvironment. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the role of the TGF-β pathway and its deregulation in PDAC and HCC development and progression at the cellular and microenvironment levels. We also summarize key preclinical and clinical data on the role of TGF-β as a target for therapeutic intervention in PDAC and HCC, and explore perspectives to optimize TGF-β inhibition therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Neuzillet
- INSERM U728 and U773 and Department of Medical Oncology, Beaujon University Hospital (AP-HP - PRES Paris 7 Diderot), 100 boulevard du Général Leclerc, Clichy, France
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Du Y, Zhou X, Huang Z, Qiu T, Wang J, Zhu W, Wang T, Liu P. Meta-analysis of the prognostic value of smad4 immunohistochemistry in various cancers. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110182. [PMID: 25333693 PMCID: PMC4198206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulating evidence indicates that Smad4 (DPC4) plays a fundamental role in the development and prognosis of several types of cancer. The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate whether the loss of Smad4 staining could serve as a prognostic marker. Methods A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted using major useful databases to determine the relationship between the immunohistochemical detection of Smad4 and the survival of patients with various cancers. We used hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs) as the effect estimation to evaluate the association of Smad4 with overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS). The relationship between the clinical characteristics of patients and Smad4 was also evaluated using the odds ratio (OR). Results A total of 7570 patients from 26 studies were included in the analysis. The pooled results showed that loss of Smad4 staining was a negative predictor of OS with an HR of 1.97 (95% CI: 1.55–2.51; Pheterogeneity<0.001) and CSS/RFS (HR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.30–2.54; Pheterogeneity<0.001). In addition, loss of Smad4 staining was more likely to be found in older (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.09–2.61; Pheterogeneity = 0.648) colorectal cancer patients with a late tumor stage (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.71–3.10; Pheterogeneity = 0.218) and in gastric cancer patients with lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.03–4.34; Pheterogeneity = 0.038). Conclusion Based on these results, our meta-analysis provided evidence that loss of Smad4 staining could act as an unfavorable biomarker in the prognosis of various cancers and should be used as a powerful tool in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Du
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zebo Huang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianzhu Qiu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tongshan Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (TSW); (PL)
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Cancer Center of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (TSW); (PL)
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Hashiguchi M, Ueno S, Sakoda M, Iino S, Hiwatashi K, Minami K, Ando K, Mataki Y, Maemura K, Shinchi H, Ishigami S, Natsugoe S. Clinical implication of ZEB-1 and E-cadherin expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). BMC Cancer 2013; 13:572. [PMID: 24304617 PMCID: PMC4235016 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-13-572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background While recent research has shown that expression of ZEB-1 in a variety of tumors has a crucial impact on patient survival, there is little information regarding ZEB-1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study investigated the co-expression of ZEB-1 and E-cadherin in HCC by immunohistochemistry and evaluated its association with clinical factors, including patient prognosis. Methods A total of 108 patients with primary HCC treated by curative hepatectomy were enrolled. ZEB-1 expression was immunohistochemically categorized as positive if at least 1% cancer cells exhibited nuclear staining. E-cadherin expression was divided into preserved and reduced expression groups and correlations between ZEB-1 and E-cadherin expression and clinical factors were then evaluated. Results With respect to ZEB-1 expression, 23 patients were classified into the positive group and 85 into the negative group. Reduced E-cadherin expression was seen in 44 patients and preserved expression in the remaining 64 patients. ZEB-1 positivity was significantly associated with reduced expression of E-cadherin (p = 0.027). Moreover, significant associations were found between ZEB-1 expression and venous invasion and TNM stage. ZEB-1 positivity was associated with poorer prognosis (p = 0.025). Reduced E-cadherin expression was significantly associated with intrahepatic metastasis and poorer prognosis (p = 0.047). In particular, patients with both ZEB-1 positivity and reduced E-cadherin expression had a poorer prognosis (p = 0.005). Regardless of E-cadherin status, ZEB-1 was not a significant prognostic factor by multivariate analysis. There was no statistical difference in overall survival when E-cadherin expression was reduced in the ZEB-1 positive group (p = 0.24). Conclusions Positive ZEB-1 expression and loss of E-cadherin expression are correlated with poor prognosis in HCC patients and malignancy of ZEB-1 positive tumors involves EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoyuki Hashiguchi
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medicine and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.
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Somatic changes in primary liver cancer in Russia: A pilot study. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2013; 755:90-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2013.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Revised: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Yao L, Li FJ, Tang ZQ, Gao S, Wu QQ. Smad4 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma differs by hepatitis status. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2013; 13:1297-303. [PMID: 22799322 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2012.13.4.1297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy often related to hepatitis viral infection. Smad4 is known to mediate the TGF-β pathway to suppress tumorigenesis. However, the function of Smad4 in HCC is still controversial. In this study we compared levels of Smad4 in HCC tissues with or without hepatitis virus infection and adjacent normal-appearing liver. METHODS Samples from HCC patients were analyzed for Smad4 protein and mRNA expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC), RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS We found that tumor tissues expressed less Smad4 mRNA and protein than the adjacent tissues. Most HCC tumor tissues were negative for Smad4 in IHC staining, while the majority of adjacent tissues were positively stained. Interestingly, protein levels were higher in HCC tissues with viral hepatitis than those without virus infection. Suppression of expression appeared closely related to HCC, so that Smad4 appears to function as a tumor suppressor gene (TSG). CONCLUSION Patients with hepatitis viral infection, at higher risk for HCC, exhibited increased Smad4 protein expression suggesting hepatitis virus may modulate Smad4 expression, which is functionally distinct from its putative role as a TSG. Smad4 expression may thus be an applicable marker for diagnosis and/or a target to develop therapeutic agents for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Yamada D, Kobayashi S, Wada H, Kawamoto K, Marubashi S, Eguchi H, Ishii H, Nagano H, Doki Y, Mori M. Role of crosstalk between interleukin-6 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and chemoresistance in biliary tract cancer. Eur J Cancer 2013; 49:1725-40. [PMID: 23298711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The mechanisms of progression in biliary tract cancer (BTC) with inflammation, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), are not well understood. We focused on two inflammation-associated cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), and investigated their expression and activity, as well as their relationship to key features of malignancy, in tumour samples from patients with BTC and in cultured BTC cells. METHODS We employed five BTC cell lines (MzChA-1, gemcitabine-resistant MzChA-1, HuCCT-1, KMCH and CCLP-1) to evaluate IL-6/TGF-β1 expression, tumour cell invasion, EMT and chemoresistance to gemcitabine in the presence or absence of recombinant human (rh) IL-6 and TGF-β1. Possible pathways were evaluated with specific pathway inhibitors and small interfering RNA (siRNA). We also used 20 resected specimens from patients with BTC to verify the results in vitro. RESULTS IL-6 and TGF-β1 expression was associated with features of malignancy such as EMT and chemoresistance in the four BTC cell lines. Addition of rh IL-6 and TGF-β1 increased endogenous IL-6 and TGF-β1 expression through crosstalk and induced cell invasion, EMT and chemoresistance. Smad4 functioned in this process in a dominant manner, and inhibition by SMAD4 siRNA reduced IL-6 and TGF-β1 expression, blocked invasion, and reversed EMT and chemoresistance in cells exposed to rh IL-6 and TGF-β1 and in gemcitabine-resistant cells. Immunohistochemistry in resected specimens revealed IL6, TGF-β1, N-cadherin and Smad4 staining at the invasion front. CONCLUSION Crosstalk between IL-6 and TGF-β1 is associated with malignant features, including EMT, and Smad4 works in a dominant manner to promote these features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisaku Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2 (E2), Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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Kim SH, Ahn S, Park CK. Smad3 and its phosphoisoforms are prognostic predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative hepatectomy. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2012; 11:51-9. [PMID: 22251470 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(11)60125-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often leads to vascular invasion and intrahepatic metastasis, which correlate with recurrence after surgical treatment and poor prognosis. HCC may be an unusual cancer affected by continuous inflammation that can lead to consistent upregulation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Chronic inflammation shifts hepatocytic TGF-beta signaling from the tumor-suppressive pSmad3C pathway to the oncogenic pSmad3L pathway. In this study, we investigated the functional roles of Smad3 and its phosphoisoforms in the progression of HCC. METHODS Tumor tissue microarrays of samples from 272 HCC patients who underwent curative surgical resection were used to detect the expression of Smad3, Smad4, pSmad3C (S423/425), pSmad3L (T179), pSmad3L (S204), and pSmad3L (S213). Disease-specific death was defined as 1) tumor occupying more than 80% of the liver, 2) portal venous tumor thrombus (PVTT) proximal to the second bifurcation, 3) obstructive jaundice due to tumor, 4) distant metastases, or 5) variceal hemorrhage with PVTT proximal to the first bifurcation. At the time of analysis, tumor recurrence was detected in 184 (67.6%) patients, and 96 (35.3%) had died of HCC. RESULTS Nuclear and cytoplasmic localization of Smad3, and nuclear localization of Smad4 were observed in 18.0%, 9.9%, and 9.2% of HCCs, respectively. The rates of Smad3 phosphoisoform-immunoreactive HCC varied according to the location of phosphorylation: pSmad3C (S423/425) 8.1%, pSmad3L (T179) 2.6%, pSmad3L (S204) 2.2%, and pSmad3L (S213) 10.3%. Multivariate analyses revealed that pSmad3C (S423/425) (P=0.022) was an independent predictor of longer recurrence-free survival. pSmad3L (S213) (P=0.006), intrahepatic metastasis, multicentric occurrence, and liver cirrhosis were independent predictors of shorter recurrence-free survival. Cytoplasmic Smad3 (P=0.006), larger tumor size, and intrahepatic metastasis were independent predictors of shorter disease-specific survival. Only pSmad3L (S213) did not show an unfavorable influence on recurrence-free survival (P=0.331) on univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS pSmad3C (S423/425), pSmad3L (S213), and Smad3 may be predictors of prognosis in HCC patients after curative hepatectomy. pSmad3C (S423/425) and pSmad3L (S213) may be used as immunohistochemical biomarkers to identify patients with a high risk of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok-Hyung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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He SM, Zhao ZW, Wang Y, Zhao JP, Wang L, Hou F, Gao GD. Reduced expression of SMAD4 in gliomas correlates with progression and survival of patients. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2011; 30:70. [PMID: 21791112 PMCID: PMC3160899 DOI: 10.1186/1756-9966-30-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background To examine the expression of SMAD4 at gene and protein levels in glioma samples with different WHO grades and its association with survival. Methods Two hundreds fifty-two glioma specimens and 42 normal control tissues were collected. Immunochemistry assay, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were carried out to investigate the expression of SMAD4. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox's proportional hazards model were used in survival analysis. Results Immunohistochemistry showed that SMAD4 expression was decreased in glioma. SMAD4 mRNA and protein levels were both lower in glioma compared to control on real-time PCR and Western blot analysis (both P < 0.001). In addition, its expression levels decrease from grade I to grade IV glioma according to the results of real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry analysis and Western blot. Moreover, the survival rate of SMAD4-positive patients was higher than that of SMAD4-negative patients. We further confirmed that the loss of SMAD4 was a significant and independent prognostic indicator in glioma by multivariate analysis. Conclusions Our data provides convincing evidence for the first time that the reduced expression of SMAD4 at gene and protein levels is correlated with poor outcome in patients with glioma. SMAD4 may play an inhibitive role during the development of glioma and may be a potential prognosis predictor of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-ming He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute for functional neurosurgery P.L.A, TangDu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, PR China
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