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Khajeh E, Aminizadeh E, Moghadam AD, Ramouz A, Klotz R, Golriz M, Merle U, Springfeld C, Chang D, Longerich T, Büchler MW, Mehrabi A. Association of perioperative use of statins, metformin, and aspirin with recurrence after curative liver resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score matching analysis. Cancer Med 2023; 12:19548-19559. [PMID: 37737550 PMCID: PMC10587989 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6569] [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: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins, metformin, and aspirin have been reported to reduce the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the effect of their perioperative use on survival outcomes of HCC patients following curative liver resection still remains unclear. METHOD Three hundred and fifty three patients with a first diagnosis of HCC who underwent curative liver resection were included. Propensity score matching analysis with a users: nonusers ratio of 1:2 were performed for each of the medications (statins, metformin, and aspirin). Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were evaluated and multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed. RESULTS Sixty two patients received statins, 48 patients used metformin, and 53 patients received aspirin for ≥90 days before surgery. None of the medications improved OS. RFS of statin users was significantly longer than that of nonusers (p = 0.021) in the matched cohort. Users of hydrophilic statins, but not lipophilic ones had a significantly longer RFS than nonusers. Multivariable analysis showed that statin use significantly improved RFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.97, p = 0.044). No difference was seen in RFS between metformin users and nonusers. Among patients with diabetes, RFS was nonsignificantly longer in metformin users than in non-metformin users (84.1% vs. 60.85%, p = 0.069) in the matched cohort. No difference in postoperative RFS was seen between aspirin users and nonusers. CONCLUSION Preoperative use of statins in patients with HCC can increase RFS after curative liver resection, but metformin and aspirin were not associated with improved survival. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings of the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Khajeh
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation SurgeryHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Ehsan Aminizadeh
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation SurgeryHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Arash Dooghaie Moghadam
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation SurgeryHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Ali Ramouz
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation SurgeryHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Rosa Klotz
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation SurgeryHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Mohammad Golriz
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation SurgeryHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg (LCCH)Heidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Uta Merle
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg (LCCH)Heidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Gastroenterology & HepatologyHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Christoph Springfeld
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg (LCCH)Heidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
- Department of Medical OncologyNational Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - De‐Hua Chang
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg (LCCH)Heidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional RadiologyHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Thomas Longerich
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg (LCCH)Heidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
- Institute of PathologyHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Markus W. Büchler
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation SurgeryHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Arianeb Mehrabi
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation SurgeryHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
- Liver Cancer Center Heidelberg (LCCH)Heidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
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Choksi EJ, Elsayed M, Kokabi N. Antitumor Activity of Metformin Combined with Locoregional Therapy for Liver Cancer: Evidence and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4538. [PMID: 37760509 PMCID: PMC10526211 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184538] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This article aimed to examine the effect of metformin use on improving outcomes after liver-directed therapy in patients with HCC and identify future directions with the adjuvant use of and potential therapeutic agents that operate on similar mechanistic pathways. Databases were queried to identify pertinent articles on metformin's use as an anti-cancer agent in HCC. Eleven studies were included, with five pre-clinical and six clinical studies. The mean overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival were both higher in the locoregional therapy (LRT) + metformin-treated groups. The outcome variables, including local tumor recurrence rate, reduction in HCC tumor growth and size, tumor growth, proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells, HCC cell apoptosis, DNA damage, and cell cycle arrest, showed favorable outcomes in the LRT + metformin-treated groups compared with LRT alone. This systemic review provides a strong signal that metformin use can improve the tumor response after locoregional therapy. Well-controlled prospective trials will be needed to elucidate the potential antitumor effects of metformin and other mTOR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshani J. Choksi
- School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA;
| | - Mohammad Elsayed
- Interventional Radiology Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nima Kokabi
- Department of Radiology, Division of Interventional Radiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Mukherjee K, Elsayed M, Choksi E, Loya MF, Duszak R, Akce M, Majdalany BS, Bercu ZL, Cristescu M, Kokabi N. Use of Metformin and Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Undergoing Liver Directed Therapy: Analysis of a Nationwide Cancer Registry. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2023; 46:870-879. [PMID: 37217649 PMCID: PMC10619471 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-023-03467-1] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Examine the association of metformin use and overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC undergoing image-guided liver-directed therapy (LDT): ablation, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), or Yttrium-90 radioembolization (Y90 RE). METHODS Using National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry and Medicare claims databases between 2007 and 2016, we identified patients ≥ 66 years who underwent LDT within 30 days of HCC diagnosis. Patients with liver transplant, surgical resection, and other malignancies were excluded. Metformin use was identified by at least two prescription claims within 6 months before LDT. OS was measured by time between first LDT and death or last Medicare observation. Comparisons were performed between both all and diabetic patients on and not on metformin. RESULTS Of 2746 Medicare beneficiaries with HCC undergoing LDT, 1315 (47.9%) had diabetes or diabetes-related complications. Among all and diabetic patients, 433(15.8%) and 402 (30.6%) were on metformin respectively. Median OS was greater for patients on metformin (19.6 months, 95% CI 17.1-23.0) vs those not (16.0 months, 15.0-16.9; p = 0.0238). Patients on metformin had lower risk of death undergoing ablation (HR 0.70; 0.51-0.95; p = 0.0239) and TACE (HR 0.76, 0.66-0.87; p = 0.0001), but not Y90 RE (HR1.22, 0.89-1.69; p = 0.2231). Among diabetics, OS was greater for those on metformin vs those not (HR 0.77, 0.68-0.88; p < 0.0001). Diabetic patients on metformin had longer OS undergoing TACE (HR 0.71, 0.61-0.83; p < 0.0001), but not ablation (HR 0.74, 0.52-1.04; p = 0.0886) or Y90 RE (HR 1.26, 0.87-1.85; p = 0.2217). CONCLUSION Metformin use is associated with improved survival in HCC patients undergoing TACE and ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Suwanee, GA, USA
| | - Mohammad Elsayed
- Interventional Radiology Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Eshani Choksi
- Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Mohammed F Loya
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Institute, Mid-Atlantic Permanente Group, Kaiser Permanente, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Richard Duszak
- Department of Radiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Mehmet Akce
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Bill S Majdalany
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zachary L Bercu
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mircea Cristescu
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Nima Kokabi
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Russell AAM, Sutherland BA, Landowski LM, Macleod M, Howells DW. What has preclinical systematic review ever done for us? BMJ OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 6:e100219. [PMID: 35360370 PMCID: PMC8921935 DOI: 10.1136/bmjos-2021-100219] [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] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Systematic review and meta-analysis are a gift to the modern researcher, delivering a crystallised understanding of the existing research data in any given space. This can include whether candidate drugs are likely to work or not and which are better than others, whether our models of disease have predictive value and how this might be improved and also how these all interact with disease pathophysiology.Grappling with the literature needed for such analyses is becoming increasingly difficult as the number of publications grows. However, narrowing the focus of a review to reduce workload runs the risk of diminishing the generalisability of conclusions drawn from such increasingly specific analyses.Moreover, at the same time as we gain greater insight into our topic, we also discover more about the flaws that undermine much scientific research. Systematic review and meta-analysis have also shown that the quality of much preclinical research is inadequate. Systematic review has helped reveal the extent of selection bias, performance bias, detection bias, attrition bias and low statistical power, raising questions about the validity of many preclinical research studies. This is perhaps the greatest virtue of systematic review and meta-analysis, the knowledge generated ultimately helps shed light on the limitations of existing research practice, and in doing so, helps bring reform and rigour to research across the sciences.In this commentary, we explore the lessons that we have identified through the lens of preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ash Allanna Mark Russell
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Brad A Sutherland
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Lila M Landowski
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Malcolm Macleod
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David W Howells
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Shimada S, Kamiyama T, Orimo T, Nagatsu A, Kamachi H, Taketomi A. High HbA1c is a risk factor for complications after hepatectomy and influences for hepatocellular carcinoma without HBV and HCV infection. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2021; 10:454-463. [PMID: 34430524 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2020.01.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Currently, the population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing worldwide. However, the influence of DM or hyperglycemia on the outcome of resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. Methods We analyzed 756 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy. These patients were assigned to an HbA1c ≥7.0% (H-A1c; n=100) or HbA1c <7.0% (L-A1c; n=656) group depending on their HbA1c level at admission. We investigated prognoses, clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes including morbidities of HCC patients with high HbA1c, prognoses according to the treatment for DM were also investigated. Results Among all patients and those with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) did not differ significantly between the H-A1c and L-A1c groups. In contrast, the 5-year OS rate of the H-A1c group was 55% and that of the L-A1c group 71% among patients without HBV and HCV (NBNC patients) (P=0.03). Among NBNC patients, the median RFS of the H-A1c group was 13 months, and that of the L-A1c group was 26 months (P=0.02). In addition, metformin use was an independent favorable factor for both OS and RFS. The H-A1c group had significantly higher rates of hyperbilirubinemia, wound infection, and pneumonia. Conclusions HCC patients with high HbA1c might have poor prognoses for both survival and recurrence in NBNC-HCC. High HbA1c may also be a risk factor for morbidities after hepatectomy. Metformin use may constitute a good option for NBNC patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Shimada
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshiya Kamiyama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Orimo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akihisa Nagatsu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kamachi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akinobu Taketomi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
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Elsayed M, Wagstaff W, Behbahani K, Villalobos A, Bercu Z, Majdalany BS, Akce M, Schuster DM, Mao H, Kokabi N. Improved Tumor Response in Patients on Metformin Undergoing Yttrium-90 Radioembolization Segmentectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2021; 44:1937-1944. [PMID: 34312687 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-021-02916-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metformin is associated with improved outcomes after external radiation and chemotherapy but has not been studied for Y-90 radiation segmentectomy (RS). This study evaluates the effect of metformin on tumor response after Y-90 RS in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS AND MATERIALS A retrospective analysis of patients with HCC who underwent Y-90 RS between 2014-2018 was performed. Comparisons were made between all patients taking and not taking metformin, and diabetic patients taking and not taking metformin. Tumor response was analyzed with logistic regression to compare absolute and percent change in total tumor diameter (TTD) and modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Overall survival (OS) was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimation and log-rank analysis. RESULTS A total of 106 patients underwent 112 Y-90 RS, of which 40 were diabetic (38.8%) and 19 (18.4%) were on metformin. At baseline, the two groups of patients on metformin and not on metformin had no significant difference in age, Child-Pugh score, MELD score, ALBI grade, total tumor diameter, and size of dominant tumor. The only significant baseline difference was ECOG status. Uni- and multivariate analysis demonstrated a larger reduction in TTD and objective response by mRECIST criteria for patients undergoing Y-90 RS on metformin compared to those not on metformin. OS was similar between patients taking and not taking metformin (p = 0.912). CONCLUSION Metformin may be associated with increased tumor response after Y-90 RS in patients with HCC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III, Retrospective Study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Elsayed
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - William Wagstaff
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Keywan Behbahani
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexander Villalobos
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zachary Bercu
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bill S Majdalany
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mehmet Akce
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David M Schuster
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hui Mao
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nima Kokabi
- Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Alkaloidal Extract Improves CCl 4-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Like Phenotypes in Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:3804379. [PMID: 34367300 PMCID: PMC8337135 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3804379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite the enrollment of new small molecules such as Sorafenib for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), HCC still remains a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality and morbidity globally. Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides is long suspected of possessing anticancer bioactive compounds that may hold the prospect of adjunctive therapy against inflammation-related cancers such as HCC. Objective This study assessed the effects of an alkaloidal extract of the leaves of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides on CCl4/olive oil (1 : 1 v/v)-induced HCC-like phenotypes in rats. Materials and Methods Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides alkaloidal extract (ZZAE) was prepared using Soxhlet and liquid-liquid extraction methods. Subsequently, ZZAE was characterized phytochemically. In the curative method, experimental HCC was established in adult (8-10 weeks old) male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 150-300 g by twice-daily administration of CCl4/olive oil (1 : 1 v/v) (2 mL/kg ip). After confirmation of experimental HCC in rats, the rats were randomly reassigned into seven (7) groups of seven (7) rats each and treated daily for 12 weeks as follows: control (normal saline, 5 ml/kg po), model (CCl4, 5 ml/kg, ip), ZZAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg po), carvedilol (6.25 mg/kg po), and 20% Tween20 (1 mL/rat, po). To assess whether ZZAE has a prophylactic (preventive) effect, rats were first treated with ZZAE and later exposed to CCl4 reconstituted in olive oil. Results ZZAE (100 and 200 mg/kg) and carvedilol decreased tumor incidence compared to that of control. Compared to control, ZZAE (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) improved serum GGT. Compared to control, ZZAE improved hepatohistological distortions induced by CCl4/olive oil and also improved liver/body weight ratio. Compared to water, ZZAE arrested mitosis in the Allium cepa assay. Conclusion ZZAE ameliorated CCl4/olive oil-induced HCC-like phenotype in rats and demonstrated general hepatoprotective effects by improving liver and kidney function markers. This finding rationalizes the need for further studies on ZZAE as a potential source of bioactive anti-HCC compounds.
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Metformin exerts anti-cancerogenic effects and reverses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition trait in primary human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2557. [PMID: 33510179 PMCID: PMC7844056 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81172-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a highly aggressive cancer with marked resistance to chemotherapeutics without therapies. The tumour microenvironment of iCCA is enriched of Cancer-Stem-Cells expressing Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) traits, being these features associated with aggressiveness and drug resistance. Treatment with the anti-diabetic drug Metformin, has been recently associated with reduced incidence of iCCA. We aimed to evaluate the anti-cancerogenic effects of Metformin in vitro and in vivo on primary cultures of human iCCA. Our results showed that Metformin inhibited cell proliferation and induced dose- and time-dependent apoptosis of iCCA. The migration and invasion of iCCA cells in an extracellular bio-matrix was also significantly reduced upon treatments. Metformin increased the AMPK and FOXO3 and induced phosphorylation of activating FOXO3 in iCCA cells. After 12 days of treatment, a marked decrease of mesenchymal and EMT genes and an increase of epithelial genes were observed. After 2 months of treatment, in order to simulate chronic administration, Cytokeratin-19 positive cells constituted the majority of cell cultures paralleled by decreased Vimentin protein expression. Subcutaneous injection of iCCA cells previously treated with Metformin, in Balb/c-nude mice failed to induce tumour development. In conclusion, Metformin reverts the mesenchymal and EMT traits in iCCA by activating AMPK-FOXO3 related pathways suggesting it might have therapeutic implications.
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Metformin Improves Biochemical and Pathophysiological Changes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Pre-Existed Diabetes Mellitus Rats. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10010059. [PMID: 33440701 PMCID: PMC7830090 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the world’s most widely recognized malignant tumors that accounts for 90% of all the primary liver cancers and is a major cause of death from cancer, representing half a million deaths per year. Obesity and associated metabolic irregularities, particularly diabetes mellitus (DM) and insulin resistance, are important risk factors for the advancement of HCC. Recently, retrospective studies showed that metformin (MET) could protect the hepatic tissues in pre-existing diabetes mellitus from HCC. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of MET treatment in the pre-existing diabetic rats before and after HCC induction by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Thirty-five male Sprague Dawley albino rats were partitioned into the following groups: Group 1 (Gp1) was the control. Gp2 was injected intraperitoneally (i.p) with streptozotocin (STZ) (80 mg/kg) and DEN (50 mg/kg/7 weeks). Gp3, Gp4, and Gp5 were injected as in Gp2 and treated with MET (150 mg/kg) before and/or after HCC induction. Biochemical parameters including liver functions, lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers were determined. Furthermore, histological and immunohistochemical changes were assessed in all groups. Our results illustrated that the group of rats that were treated with STZ and DEN had significant changes in both liver functions and were associated with alterations in the liver histopathological architectures. Treatment with MET before or after HCC induction ameliorated the cellular changes in the liver tissues; however, the utmost protection was found in a group of rats, which were treated with MET before and after HCC induction.
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Kusnik A, Teufel A. [Association of Aspirin with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver-Related Mortality]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2020; 58:1003-1005. [PMID: 33036053 DOI: 10.1055/a-1162-1200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kusnik
- Sektion Hepatologie, II. Medizinische Klinik, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg
| | - Andreas Teufel
- Sektion Hepatologie, II. Medizinische Klinik, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg
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Meng Y, Xiang R, Yan H, Zhou Y, Hu Y, Yang J, Zhou Y, Cui Q. Transcriptomic landscape profiling of metformin-treated healthy mice: Implication for potential hypertension risk when prophylactically used. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:8138-8150. [PMID: 32529766 PMCID: PMC7348147 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the first-line anti-diabetic drug metformin shows versatile protective effects against several diseases and is potentially prescribed to healthy individual for prophylactic use against ageing or other pathophysiological processes. However, for healthy individuals, it remains unclear what effects metformin treatment will induce on their bodies. A systematic profiling of the molecular landscape of metformin treatment is expected to provide crucial implications for this issue. Here, we delineated the first transcriptomic landscape induced by metformin in 10 tissues (aorta, brown adipose, brain, eye, heart, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, stomach and testis) of healthy mice by using RNA-sequencing technique. A comprehensive computational analysis was performed. The overrepresentation of cardiovascular disease-related gene sets, positive correlation with hypertension-related transcriptomic signatures and the associations of drugs with hypertensive side effect together indicate that although metformin does exert various beneficial effects, it would also increase the risk of hypertension in healthy mice. This prediction was experimentally validated by an independent animal experiments. Together, this study provided important resource necessary for investigating metformin's beneficial/deleterious effects on various healthy tissues, when it is potentially prescribed to healthy individual for prophylactic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Meng
- Department of Physiology and PathophysiologyDepartment of Biomedical InformaticsCenter for Non‐coding RNA MedicineMOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular SciencesSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Rui Xiang
- Department of Physiology and PathophysiologyDepartment of Biomedical InformaticsCenter for Non‐coding RNA MedicineMOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular SciencesSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Han Yan
- Department of Physiology and PathophysiologyDepartment of Biomedical InformaticsCenter for Non‐coding RNA MedicineMOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular SciencesSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yiran Zhou
- Department of Physiology and PathophysiologyDepartment of Biomedical InformaticsCenter for Non‐coding RNA MedicineMOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular SciencesSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yuntao Hu
- Department of Physiology and PathophysiologyDepartment of Biomedical InformaticsCenter for Non‐coding RNA MedicineMOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular SciencesSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jichun Yang
- Department of Physiology and PathophysiologyDepartment of Biomedical InformaticsCenter for Non‐coding RNA MedicineMOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular SciencesSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Physiology and PathophysiologyDepartment of Biomedical InformaticsCenter for Non‐coding RNA MedicineMOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular SciencesSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Qinghua Cui
- Department of Physiology and PathophysiologyDepartment of Biomedical InformaticsCenter for Non‐coding RNA MedicineMOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular SciencesSchool of Basic Medical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
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Zhang D, Zhu D, Wang F, Zhu JC, Zhai X, Yuan Y, Li CX. Therapeutic effect of regulating autophagy in spinal cord injury: a network meta-analysis of direct and indirect comparisons. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:1120-1132. [PMID: 31823893 PMCID: PMC7034290 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.270419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An increasing number of studies indicate that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury, and that regulating autophagy can enhance recovery from spinal cord injury. However, the effect of regulating autophagy and whether autophagy is detrimental or beneficial after spinal cord injury remain unclear. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the effects of autophagy regulation on spinal cord injury in rats by direct and indirect comparison, in an effort to provide a basis for further research. DATA SOURCE Relevant literature published from inception to February 1, 2018 were included by searching Wanfang, CNKI, Web of Science, MEDLINE (OvidSP), PubMed and Google Scholar in English and Chinese. The keywords included "autophagy", "spinal cord injury", and "rat". DATA SELECTION The literature included in vivo experimental studies on autophagy regulation in the treatment of spinal cord injury (including intervention pre- and post-spinal cord injury). Meta-analyses were conducted at different time points to compare the therapeutic effects of promoting or inhibiting autophagy, and subgroup analyses were also conducted. OUTCOME MEASURE Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores. RESULTS Of the 622 studies, 33 studies of median quality were included in the analyses. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores were higher at 1 day (MD = 1.80, 95% CI: 0.81-2.79, P = 0.0004), 3 days (MD = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.72-1.13, P < 0.00001), 1 week (MD = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.85-2.92, P < 0.00001), 2 weeks (MD = 3.26, 95% CI: 2.40-4.13, P < 0.00001), 3 weeks (MD = 3.13, 95% CI: 2.51-3.75, P < 0.00001) and 4 weeks (MD = 3.18, 95% CI: 2.43-3.92, P < 0.00001) after spinal cord injury with upregulation of autophagy compared with the control group (drug solvent control, such as saline group). Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores were higher at 1 day (MD = 6.48, 95% CI: 5.83-7.13, P < 0.00001), 2 weeks (MD = 2.43, 95% CI: 0.79-4.07, P = 0.004), 3 weeks (MD = 2.96, 95% CI: 0.09-5.84, P = 0.04) and 4 weeks (MD = 4.41, 95% CI: 1.08-7.75, P = 0.01) after spinal cord injury with downregulation of autophagy compared with the control group. Indirect comparison of upregulation and downregulation of autophagy showed no differences in Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores at 1 day (MD = -4.68, 95% CI: -5.840 to -3.496, P = 0.94644), 3 days (MD = -0.28, 95% CI: -2.231-1.671, P = 0.99448), 1 week (MD = 1.83, 95% CI: 0.0076-3.584, P = 0.94588), 2 weeks (MD = 0.81, 95% CI: -0.850-2.470, P = 0.93055), 3 weeks (MD = 0.17, 95% CI: -2.771-3.111, P = 0.99546) or 4 weeks (MD = -1.23, 95% CI: -4.647-2.187, P = 0.98264) compared with the control group. CONCLUSION Regulation of autophagy improves neurological function, whether it is upregulated or downregulated. There was no difference between upregulation and downregulation of autophagy in the treatment of spinal cord injury. The variability in results among the studies may be associated with differences in research methods, the lack of clearly defined autophagy characteristics after spinal cord injury, and the limited autophagy monitoring techniques. Thus, methods should be standardized, and the dynamic regulation of autophagy should be examined in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Di Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ji-Chao Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Zhai
- Department of Emergency, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Chen-Xi Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Alhajala HS, Markley JL, Kim JH, Al-Gizawiy MM, Schmainda KM, Kuo JS, Chitambar CR. The cytotoxicity of gallium maltolate in glioblastoma cells is enhanced by metformin through combined action on mitochondrial complex 1. Oncotarget 2020; 11:1531-1544. [PMID: 32391122 PMCID: PMC7197450 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
New drugs are needed for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor with a dismal prognosis. We recently reported that gallium maltolate (GaM) retards the growth of glioblastoma in a rat orthotopic brain tumor model by inhibiting mitochondrial function and iron-dependent ribonucleotide reductase (RR). However, GaM's mechanism of action at the mitochondrial level is not known. Given the interaction between gallium and iron metabolism, we hypothesized that gallium might target iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster-containing mitochondrial proteins. Using Extracellular Flux Analyzer technology, we confirmed that after a 24-h incubation, GaM 50 μmol/L inhibited glioblastoma cell growth by <10% but inhibited cellular oxygen consumption rate by 44% and abrogated mitochondrial reserve capacity. GaM blocked mitochondrial complex I activity and produced a 2.9-fold increase in cellular ROS. NMR spectroscopy revealed that gallium binds to IscU, the bacterial scaffold protein for Fe-S cluster assembly and stabilizes its folded state. Gallium inhibited the rate of in vitro cluster assembly catalyzed by bacterial cysteine desulfurase in a reaction mixture containing IscU, Fe (II), DTT, and L-cysteine. Metformin, a complex I inhibitor, enhanced GaM's inhibition of complex I, further increased cellular ROS levels, and synergistically enhanced GaM's cytotoxicity in glioblastoma cells in 2-D and 3-D cultures. Metformin did not affect GaM action on cellular iron uptake or transferrin receptor1 expression nor did it enhance the cytotoxicity of the RR inhibitor Didox. Our results show that GaM inhibits complex I by disrupting iron-sulfur cluster assembly and that its cytotoxicity can be synergistically enhanced by metformin through combined action on complex I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham S. Alhajala
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - John L. Markley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jin Hae Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mona M. Al-Gizawiy
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - John S. Kuo
- Department of Neurosurgery and Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher R. Chitambar
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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14
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Wang CP, Kuhn J, Shah DP, Schmidt S, Lam YWF, MacCarthy D, Tenner L, Ramirez AG. Metformin modifies disparity in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence in men with type 2 diabetes but without chronic liver diseases. Cancer Med 2019; 8:3206-3215. [PMID: 30993905 PMCID: PMC6558591 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We assessed racial/ethnic disparity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence among men with type 2 diabetes (T2D) but without chronic liver diseases (CLD), and whether metformin use modified the disparity. Methods Study cohort: the nationwide Veterans Administration Health Care System electronic medical records among 40‐89 years old men with T2D; without CLD, cancer, cardiovascular or renal diseases previously; insulin and thiazolidinedione naive. Logistic regression analyses compared HCC incidence between race/ethnicity groups under no metformin use adjusted for covariates and inverse propensity score weights (IPSW) for race/ethnicity. The generalizability technique integrated with IPSW was incorporated to compare covariates adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of HCC associated with metformin use among race/ethnicity groups. Results Study cohort: N = 84 433; 79.47% non‐Hispanic white (NHW), 15.5% non‐Hispanic African American (NHAA), 5.03% Hispanics; 36.76% metformin users; follow‐up 6.10 ± 2.87 years; age 67.8 ± 9.8 years, HbA1c 6.57 ± 0.98%; 0.14% HCC cases. Under no metformin use, HCC incidence was lower for NHAA vs NHW (aOR = 0.60 [0.40‐0.92]), similar between NHW and Hispanics. Metformin was associated with reduced HCC risk: aOR = 0.57 (0.40‐0.81) for NHW; aOR = 0.35 (0.25‐0.47) for NHAA; aOR = 0.31 (0.22‐0.43) for Hispanics. Metformin dose >1000 mg/d was neutral for NHW; less effective for NHAA (P = 0.02); more effective for Hispanics (P = 0.002). Conclusions In men with T2D but without CLD nor metformin use, HCC incidence was lower for NHAA compared to NHW or Hispanics; similar between NHW and Hispanics. Metformin use reduced HCC risk and modified the race/ethnicity disparity. Impact Metformin's heterogeneous HCC prevention effect elucidates potential interventions to modify HCC disparity in patients with T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Pin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, Texas
| | - John Kuhn
- Department of Pharmacology, UTHSCSA, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Dimpy P Shah
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, Texas.,Institute for Health Promotion Research, UTHSCS, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Susanne Schmidt
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Daniel MacCarthy
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Amelie G Ramirez
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, Texas.,Institute for Health Promotion Research, UTHSCS, San Antonio, Texas
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15
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de Oliveira S, Houseright RA, Graves AL, Golenberg N, Korte BG, Miskolci V, Huttenlocher A. Metformin modulates innate immune-mediated inflammation and early progression of NAFLD-associated hepatocellular carcinoma in zebrafish. J Hepatol 2019; 70:710-721. [PMID: 30572006 PMCID: PMC6436385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) is an increasing clinical problem associated with progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The effect of a high-fat diet on the early immune response in HCC is poorly understood, while the role of metformin in treating NAFLD and HCC remains controversial. Herein, we visualized the early immune responses in the liver and the effect of metformin on progression of HCC using optically transparent zebrafish. METHODS We used live imaging to visualize liver inflammation and disease progression in a NAFLD/NASH-HCC zebrafish model. We combined a high-fat diet with a transgenic zebrafish HCC model induced by hepatocyte-specific activated beta-catenin and assessed liver size, angiogenesis, micronuclei formation and inflammation in the liver. In addition, we probed the effects of metformin on immune cell composition and early HCC progression. RESULTS We found that a high-fat diet induced an increase in liver size, enhanced angiogenesis, micronuclei formation and neutrophil infiltration in the liver. Although macrophage number was not affected by diet, a high-fat diet induced changes in macrophage morphology and polarization with an increase in liver associated TNFα-positive macrophages. Treatment with metformin altered macrophage polarization, reduced liver size and reduced micronuclei formation in NAFLD/NASH-associated HCC larvae. Moreover, a high-fat diet reduced T cell density in the liver, which was reversed by treatment with metformin. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that diet alters macrophage polarization and exacerbates the liver inflammatory microenvironment and cancer progression in a zebrafish model of NAFLD/NASH-associated HCC. Metformin specifically affects the progression induced by diet and modulates the immune response by affecting macrophage polarization and T cell infiltration, suggesting possible effects of metformin on tumor surveillance. LAY SUMMARY This paper reports a new zebrafish model that can be used to study the effects of diet on liver cancer. We found that a high-fat diet promotes non-resolving inflammation in the liver and enhances cancer progression. In addition, we found that metformin, a drug used to treat diabetes, inhibits high-fat diet-induced cancer progression in this model, by reducing diet-induced non-resolving inflammation and potentially restoring tumor surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia de Oliveira
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, United States.
| | - Ruth A Houseright
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Alyssa L Graves
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Netta Golenberg
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Benjamin G Korte
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Veronika Miskolci
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Anna Huttenlocher
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States.
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16
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Zarrinpar A, Faltermeier CM, Agopian VG, Naini BV, Harlander-Locke MP, Kaldas FM, Farmer DG, Busuttil RW. Metabolic factors affecting hepatocellular carcinoma in steatohepatitis. Liver Int 2019; 39:531-539. [PMID: 30427105 PMCID: PMC6617514 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS With the rising prevalence of alcoholism, obesity and metabolic syndrome, steatohepatitis will become the leading cause of end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States by 2025. Patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic liver disease have similar clinical and histopathological presentations, whether these similarities persist in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic liver disease patients with hepatocellular carcinoma remains unknown. METHODS A retrospective analysis of the clinical features of adult patients from a large transplant center who underwent liver transplantation for steatohepatitis due to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic causes (alcoholic liver disease) between 1/1/02 and 1/1/12 was performed. Clinical features, explant histopathology, and clinical outcomes were compared. RESULTS Hepatocellular carcinoma was present in 80 of 317 patients, who underwent liver transplantation for steatohepatitis with equivalent distribution in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic liver disease patients (24% vs 26%; P = 0.8). On multivariate analysis, significant predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma included age, ethnicity (Hispanic), and diabetes, but not BMI, hypertension or smoking. A lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma was associated with a clinical history of hyperlipidemia. Clinical parameters were similar between patients with alcoholic liver disease - hepatocellular carcinoma and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-hepatocellular carcinoma, except sex and presence of metabolic syndrome. non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-hepatocellular carcinoma livers retained histopathological features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis such as ballooning and Mallory bodies, while alcoholic liver disease-hepatocellular carcinoma livers did not. There were no significant differences in hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence rates or post-transplant overall survival. CONCLUSIONS We report the largest single-center study evaluating clinical, histopathological and outcome measures of patients undergoing liver transplantation for steatohepatitis. Older patients, diabetics, and Hispanics may warrant more frequent cancer screening due to increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Zarrinpar
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Claire M. Faltermeier
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Vatche G. Agopian
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bita V. Naini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael P. Harlander-Locke
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Fady M. Kaldas
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Douglas G. Farmer
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ronald W. Busuttil
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
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17
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Callegari E, Domenicali M, Shankaraiah RC, D'Abundo L, Guerriero P, Giannone F, Baldassarre M, Bassi C, Elamin BK, Zagatti B, Ferracin M, Fornari F, Altavilla G, Blandamura S, Silini EM, Gramantieri L, Sabbioni S, Negrini M. MicroRNA-Based Prophylaxis in a Mouse Model of Cirrhosis and Liver Cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 14:239-250. [PMID: 30641476 PMCID: PMC6330511 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Most hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) arise in the context of chronic liver disease and/or cirrhosis. Thus, chemoprevention in individuals at risk represents an important but yet unproven approach. In this study, we investigated the ability of microRNA (miRNA)-based molecules to prevent liver cancer development in a cirrhotic model. To this end, we developed a mouse model able to recapitulate the natural progression from fibrosis to HCC, and then we tested the prophylactic activity of an miRNA-based approach in the model. The experiments were carried out in the TG221 transgenic mouse, characterized by the overexpression of miR-221 in the liver and predisposed to the development of liver tumors. TG221 as well as wild-type mice were exposed to the hepatotoxin carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to induce chronic liver damage. All mice developed liver cirrhosis, but only TG221 mice developed nodular lesions in 100% of cases within 6 months of age. The spectrum of lesions ranged from dysplastic foci to carcinomas. To investigate miRNA-based prophylactic approaches, anti-miR-221 oligonucleotides or miR-199a-3p mimics were administered to TG221 CCl4-treated mice. Compared to control animals, a significant reduction in number, size, and, most significantly, malignant phenotype of liver nodules was observed, thus demonstrating an important prophylactic action of miRNA-based molecules. In summary, in this article, we not only report a simple model of liver cancer in a cirrhotic background but also provide evidence for a potential miRNA-based approach to reduce the risk of HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Callegari
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Marco Domenicali
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Ram Charan Shankaraiah
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucilla D'Abundo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Guerriero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Giannone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Baldassarre
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristian Bassi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Bahaeldin K Elamin
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, 61922 Bisha, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, 11115 Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Barbara Zagatti
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Fornari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Stella Blandamura
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Silini
- Section of Anatomy and Pathology, University Hospital of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Gramantieri
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Sabbioni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Massimo Negrini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors Reduce Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Activating Lymphocyte Chemotaxis in Mice. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 7:115-134. [PMID: 30510994 PMCID: PMC6260362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS CD26, a multifunctional transmembrane glycoprotein, is expressed in various cancers and functions as dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4). We investigated whether CD26 expression is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and whether DPP4 inhibitors exert antitumor effects against HCC. METHODS CD26 expression was examined in 41 surgically resected HCC specimens. The effects of DPP4 inhibitors on HCC were examined by using HCC cell lines (Huh-7 and Li-7), xenograft tumors in nude mice, and a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related HCC mouse model. RESULTS CD26 expression in HCC specimens was associated with increased serum DPP4 activity, as well as a more advanced stage, less tumor immunity, and poorer prognosis in HCC patients. The HCC cell lines and xenograft tumors exhibited CD26 expression and DPP4 activity. The DPP4 inhibitors did not exhibit antitumor effects in vitro, but natural killer (NK) and/or T-cell tumor accumulation suppressed growth of xenograft tumor and HCC in vivo. The antitumor effects of DPP4 inhibitors were abolished by the depletion of NK cells or the neutralization of CXCR3, a chemokine receptor on NK cells. EZ-TAXIScan, an optical horizontal chemotaxis apparatus, identified enhanced NK and T-cell chemotaxis by DPP4 inhibitors ex vivo in the presence of Huh-7 cells and the chemokine CXCL10, which binds to CXCR3. The DPP4 inhibitors prevented the biologically active form of CXCL10 from being truncated by Huh-7 cell DPP4 activity. DPP4 inhibitors also suppressed tumor angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS These results provide a rationale for verifying whether DPP4 inhibitors clinically inhibit the progression of HCC or augment the antitumor effects of molecular-targeting drugs or immunotherapies against HCC.
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Key Words
- CCK-8, Cell Counting Kit 8
- CD26
- CXCL10
- DM, diabetes mellitus
- DPP4, dipeptidyl peptidase 4
- FBS, fetal bovine serum
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- HPLC, high-performance liquid chromatography
- IC50, inhibitory concentration of 50%
- Ig, immunoglobulin
- LDH, lactate dehydrogenase
- MICA, MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A
- NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- NASH, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- NK Cell
- NK, natural killer
- PBMC, peripheral blood mononuclear cell
- PBS, phosphate-buffered saline
- PTH, phenylthiohydantoin
- SDS-PAGE, sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
- T Cell
- TAXIScan
- Tumor Immunity
- anti-ASGM, anti-asialo GM1 antisera
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Zhou J, Han S, Qian W, Gu Y, Li X, Yang K. Metformin induces miR-378 to downregulate the CDK1, leading to suppression of cell proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:4451-4459. [PMID: 30104887 PMCID: PMC6074828 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s167614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is one of the extensively and most commonly used oral antihyperglycemic agents, but it has been shown to exert antineoplastic effects in many cancer cells. Recent studies have confirmed that metformin has an antitumor effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecular mechanism underlying this effect needs to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,
| | - Sheng Han
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China, .,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China,
| | - Weichun Qian
- Division of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,
| | - Xiangcheng Li
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China, .,Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China,
| | - Kunxing Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,
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Sirolimus and metformin synergistically inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and improve long-term survival in patients with HCC related to hepatitis B virus induced cirrhosis after liver transplantation. Oncotarget 2018; 7:62647-62656. [PMID: 27577068 PMCID: PMC5308754 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppressive agents used postoperatively after liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) favor recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, new effective immunosuppressants are needed. This retrospective study assessed combined sirolimus and metformin on survival of HCC patients after LT. In 2001-2013, 133 HCC patients with LT were divided into four groups: sirolimus and metformin combination (Sir+Met), sirolimus monotherapy (Sir), other immunosuppressants in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients without metformin (No Sir with DM), and other immunosuppressants in patients without DM (No Sir without DM). Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank tests were used to assess survival. Cell proliferation and tumor xenograft assays were performed to disclose the mechanisms underlying the sirolimus and metformin effects. The Sir+Met group showed significantly prolonged survival compared to the other groups. The most significant cytotoxicity was seen in the Sir+Met group, with significantly decreased levels of phosphorylated PI3K, AKT, AMPK, mTOR, 4EBP1 and S6K, compared with the other groups. In agreement, Sir+Met had the highest suppressive effect on tumor growth among all groups (P<0.01). In summary, Sir+Met treatment significantly prolonged survival, likely by suppressing cell proliferation. Therefore, this combination could represent a potential routine-regimen for patients post LT.
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Gong J, Kelekar G, Shen J, Shen J, Kaur S, Mita M. The expanding role of metformin in cancer: an update on antitumor mechanisms and clinical development. Target Oncol 2017; 11:447-67. [PMID: 26864078 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-016-0423-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metformin has been used for nearly a century to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Epidemiologic studies first identified the association between metformin and reduced risk of several cancers. The anticancer mechanisms of metformin involve both indirect or insulin-dependent pathways and direct or insulin-independent pathways. Preclinical studies have demonstrated metformin's broad anticancer activity across a spectrum of malignancies. Prospective clinical trials involving metformin in the chemoprevention and treatment of cancer now number in the hundreds. We provide an update on the anticancer mechanisms of metformin and review the results thus far available from prospective clinical trials investigating metformin's efficacy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Gong
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gauri Kelekar
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James Shen
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John Shen
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sukhpreet Kaur
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Monica Mita
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Experimental Therapeutics Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, SCCT Mezzanine MS 35, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
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22
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Liu Z, Delavan B, Roberts R, Tong W. Lessons Learned from Two Decades of Anticancer Drugs. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2017; 38:852-872. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Ma S, Zheng Y, Xiao Y, Zhou P, Tan H. Meta-analysis of studies using metformin as a reducer for liver cancer risk in diabetic patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e6888. [PMID: 28489794 PMCID: PMC5428628 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000006888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin has garnered more interest as a chemo-preventive agent given the increased liver cancer risk in diabetic patients. This work was undertaken to better understand the effect of metformin use on liver cancer risk in diabetic patients.A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, BIOSIS Previews, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library through July 30, 2016. Meta-analyses were performed using Stata version 12.0, with odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as effect measures.Twenty-three studies were included. Meta-analysis of 19 studies involving 550,882 diabetic subjects suggested that metformin use reduced the ratio of liver cancer by 48% (OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.40-0.68) compared with nonusers. The protective effect was validated in all the exploratory subgroup analyses, except that pooled result of post hoc analyses of 2 randomized controlled trials found no significant difference between subjects with metformin and those without, with OR being 0.84 (95% CI, 0.10-6.83). After adjusting for hepatitis B/C virus infection, cirrhosis, obesity, behavioral factors, and time-related bias, the association was stable, pooled OR ranged from 0.42 to 0.75.A protective effect for liver cancer was found in diabetic metformin users. However, more randomized clinical evidence is still needed to verify the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University
| | - Yixiang Zheng
- Viral Hepatitis Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Department of Infectious Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanni Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University
| | - Pengcheng Zhou
- Viral Hepatitis Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Department of Infectious Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongzhuan Tan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University
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Ono M, Sawada K, Okumura T. A case of liver hemangioma with markedly reduced tumor size after metformin treatment: a case report. Clin J Gastroenterol 2016; 10:63-67. [PMID: 27995469 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-016-0705-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A 52-year-old man with a 9-year history of hepatic hemangioma was treated with the anti-diabetic drug metformin, resulting in complete remission of the tumor. In 2006, a hemangioma with diameter of 20 × 25 mm was detected incidentally in the liver. The results of imaging studies including ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were all compatible with that of hepatic hemangioma. The patient consequently underwent imaging annually from 2006 to 2015. The tumor size increased slightly, to 30 × 35 mm in 2012; however, the general tumor characteristics in imaging were not changed. Beginning May 2012, metformin (750 mg/day) was administered because of an increase in blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels. After the start of metformin treatment, the tumor size on US gradually decreased. Finally, in October 2015, the tumor was no longer detected. Dynamic CT study also demonstrated markedly reduced tumor size, with a decrease of 2-3 mm in diameter. These results indicate that metformin treatment strongly suppressed cell proliferation in liver hemangioma. The anti-angiogenic effect of metformin was indicated as a possible cause of the reduction in tumor size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoru Ono
- Division of Internal Medicine, Toyoura Municipal Hospital, 16-1 Shinonome, Toyoura Town, Hokkaido, 049-5411, Japan
| | - Koji Sawada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, 1-1-1 Midorigaoka Higashi 2 Jo, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, 078-8510, Japan.
| | - Toshikatsu Okumura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, 1-1-1 Midorigaoka Higashi 2 Jo, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, 078-8510, Japan
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Shang RZ, Qu SB, Wang DS. Reprogramming of glucose metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma: Progress and prospects. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:9933-9943. [PMID: 28018100 PMCID: PMC5143760 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i45.9933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers, and its rate of incidence is rising annually. Despite the progress in diagnosis and treatment, the overall prognoses of HCC patients remain dismal due to the difficulties in early diagnosis and the high level of tumor invasion, metastasis and recurrence. It is urgent to explore the underlying mechanism of HCC carcinogenesis and progression to find out the specific biomarkers for HCC early diagnosis and the promising target for HCC chemotherapy. Recently, the reprogramming of cancer metabolism has been identified as a hallmark of cancer. The shift from the oxidative phosphorylation metabolic pathway to the glycolysis pathway in HCC meets the demands of rapid cell proliferation and offers a favorable microenvironment for tumor progression. Such metabolic reprogramming could be considered as a critical link between the different HCC genotypes and phenotypes. The regulation of metabolic reprogramming in cancer is complex and may occur via genetic mutations and epigenetic modulations including oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, signaling pathways, noncoding RNAs, and glycolytic enzymes etc. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of glycolysis in HCC may enrich our knowledge of hepatocellular carcinogenesis and provide important foundations in the search for novel diagnostic biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Metformin suppresses hypoxia-induced stabilization of HIF-1α through reprogramming of oxygen metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2016; 7:873-84. [PMID: 26621849 PMCID: PMC4808039 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of hypoxia-induced factor 1α (HIF-1α) has been shown to be involved in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HIF-1α should therefore be a promising molecular target for the development of anti-HCC agents. Metformin, an established antidiabetic drug, has proved to also be effective in treating cancer although the precise underlying mechanisms of this activity are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of metformin on the expression of HIF-1α and oxygen metabolism in HCC. The results showed that metformin inhibited hypoxia-induced HIF-1α accumulation and activation independent of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Moreover, this decrease in HIF-1α accumulation was accompanied by promotion of HIF-1α protein degradation. In addition, metformin significantly decreased oxygen consumption, ultimately leading to increased intracellular oxygen tension and decreased staining with the hypoxia marker pimonidazole. In vivo studies demonstrated that metformin delayed tumor growth and attenuated the expression of HIF-1α in HCC tumor xenografts. Together, these findings suggest that metformin decreases hypoxia-induced HIF-1α accumulation by actively suppressing mitochondrial oxygen consumption and enhancing cellular oxygenation ability, providing a fundamental mechanism of metformin activity against HCC.
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Zheng LY, Wu L, Lu J, Zou DJ, Huang Q. Expression of Phosphorylated AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Predicts Response to Transarterial Chemoembolization in Postoperative Cases of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e2908. [PMID: 26986101 PMCID: PMC4839882 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000002908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies in the world. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) was commonly used for HCC patients postoperatively. However, the survival benefits of adjuvant TACE were controversial due to the extensive heterogeneity of HCC. Hence, there is a critical need to explore potential biomarkers that can predict the clinical response to TACE. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a highly conserved heterotrimeric serine/threonine kinase that plays a central role in linking metabolism and cancer development. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the association of pAMPKα (Thr172) status with clinical outcomes in HCC patients treated with or without postoperative adjuvant TACE.pAMPKα (Thr172) expression was assessed using immunohistochemical analysis in a cohort of 378 Chinese HCC patients who had undergone tumor resection. Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to study the impact on clinical outcomes.High pAMPKα (Thr172) expression was associated with improved disease-free and overall survival and was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival by multivariate analysis. Furthermore, low pAMPKα (Thr172) expression level was correlated with high percentage of OV6 tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs) in HCC specimens.To our knowledge, it can be demonstrated for the first time that pAMPKα (Thr172) status is associated with response to postoperative adjuvant TACE. High pAMPKα (Thr172) level in HCC may serve as a positive predictor of survival in HCC patients undergoing TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Yi Zheng
- From the Department of Endocrinology, Changhai Hospital (L-YZ, JL, D-JZ, QH), and The First Department of Interventional Radiology, Eastern Hepato-biliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University (LW), Shanghai, China
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Influence of insulin resistance on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma after antiviral treatment for non-cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C. Infect Agent Cancer 2016; 11:9. [PMID: 26913058 PMCID: PMC4765113 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-016-0056-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Insulin resistance is considered to be an important factor in the progression of fibrosis and the enhancement of the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for chronic hepatitis C patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of insulin resistance on the development of HCC by non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated interferon alpha-2b (PEG-IFNα2b) and ribavirin. Methods This retrospective study consisted of 474 Japanese non-cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C. The cumulative incidence of HCC was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, according to insulin resistance by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and treatment outcome. Results The overall sustained virological response (SVR) rate was 45.1 % (214/474, genotype 1: 35.4 % [129/364] and genotype 2: 77.3 % [85/110]). Twenty-one (4.4 %) patients developed HCC during the follow-up period. The 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC of the SVR group (2.6 %) was significantly lower than that of the non-SVR group (9.7 %) (log-rank test: P = 0.025). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, HOMA-IR (≥2.5) (hazard ratio [HR] 12.8, P = 0.0006), fibrosis status (F3) (HR 8.85, P < 0.0001), and post-treatment alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (≥40 U/L) (HR 4.33, P = 0.036) were independently correlated to the development of HCC. Receiver operating characteristic analysis to determine the optimal threshold value of HOMA-IR for predicting the development of HCC in the non-SVR group showed that the areas under the curve was high (0.80, cutoff value: 3.0). Only three patients (1.4 %) who achieved SVR developed HCC. Two of them had severe insulin resistance and did not show improvement in HOMA-IR after achieving SVR. Conclusions Insulin resistance has a strong impact on the development of HCC by non-cirrhotic patients who have PEG-IFNα2b and ribavirin treatment failure.
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Anisimov VN. Metformin for cancer and aging prevention: is it a time to make the long story short? Oncotarget 2015; 6:39398-407. [PMID: 26583576 PMCID: PMC4741834 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, the burst of interest is observed to antidiabetic biguanide metformin as candidate drug for cancer chemoprevention. The analysis of the available data have shown that the efficacy of cancer preventive effect of metformin (MF) and another biguanides, buformin (BF) and phenformin (PF), has been studied in relation to total tumor incidence and to 17 target organs, in 21 various strains of mice, 4 strains of rats and 1 strain of hamsters (inbred, outbred, transgenic, mutant), spontaneous (non- exposed to any carcinogenic agent) or induced by 16 chemical carcinogens of different classes (polycycIic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitroso compounds, estrogen, etc.), direct or indirect (need metabolic transformation into proximal carcinogen), by total body X-rays and γ- irradiation, viruses, genetic modifications or special high fat diet, using one stage and two-stage protocols of carcinogenesis, 5 routes of the administration of antidiabetic biguanides (oral gavage, intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injections, with drinking water or with diet) in a wide ranks of doses and treatment regimens. In the majority of cases (86%) the treatment with biguanides leads to inhibition of carcinogenesis. In 14% of the cases inhibitory effect of the drugs was not observed. Very important that there was no any case of stimulation of carcinogenesis by antidiabetic biguanides. It was conclude that there is sufficient experimental evidence of anti-carcinogenic effect of antidiabetic biguanides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N. Anisimov
- Department of Carcinogenesis and Oncogerontology, N.N.Petrov Research Institute of Oncology, St.Petersburg, Russian Federation
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Hepatocellular Carcinoma From Epidemiology to Prevention: Translating Knowledge into Practice. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 13:2140-51. [PMID: 26284591 PMCID: PMC4618036 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2015.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 380] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by dynamic temporal trends, several major established (i.e., HCV, HBV, alcohol) and emerging (i.e., diabetes, obesity, NAFLD) risk factors. Epidemiologic studies and clinical trials have identified additional demographic, clinical, pharmacological, genetic and life style factors that further affect or modify the likelihood of HCC and can be used in clinical practice to identify at-risk patients (i.e., risk stratification or prognostic algorithms) that can be targeted for prevention and early detection programs. These studies have also paved the way toward several well established preventive measures including HBV vaccination, HBV treatment, HCV treatment and HCC surveillance, and potential chemoprevention using statins, metformin or coffee. However, the effectiveness of HCC prevention in clinical practice and at the population level has lagged behind due to patient, provider, system, and societal factors. The Quality in the Continuum of Cancer Care model provides a framework for evaluating the HCC prevention processes, including potential failures that create a gap between efficacy and effectiveness.
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