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Mohammed OA, Doghish AS, Saleh LA, Alghamdi M, Alamri MMS, Alfaifi J, Adam MIE, Alharthi MH, Alshahrani AM, Alhalafi AH, BinAfif WF, Rezigalla AA, Abdel-Reheim MA, El-Wakeel HS, Attia MA, Elmorsy EA, Al-Noshokaty TM, Nomier Y, Saber S. Itraconazole halts hepatocellular carcinoma progression by modulating sonic hedgehog signaling in rats: A novel therapeutic approach. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155086. [PMID: 38176308 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer stands as the fourth leading global cause of death, and its prognosis remains grim due to the limited effectiveness of current medical interventions. Among the various pathways implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the hedgehog signaling pathway has emerged as a crucial player. Itraconazole, a relatively safe and cost-effective antifungal medication, has gained attention for its potential as an anticancer agent. Its primary mode of action involves inhibiting the hedgehog pathway, yet its impact on HCC has not been elucidated. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of itraconazole on diethylnitrosamine-induced early-stage HCC in rats. Our findings revealed that itraconazole exhibited a multifaceted arsenal against HCC by downregulating the expression of key components of the hedgehog pathway, shh, smoothened (SMO), and GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1), and GLI2. Additionally, itraconazole extended survival and improved liver tissue structure, attributed mainly to its inhibitory effects on hedgehog signaling. Besides, itraconazole demonstrated a regulatory effect on Notch1, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling molecules. Consequently, itraconazole displayed diverse anticancer properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects, as well as the potential to induce autophagy. Moreover, itraconazole exhibited a promise to impede the transformation of epithelial cells into a more mesenchymal-like phenotype. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of targeting the hedgehog pathway with itraconazole as a promising avenue for further exploration in clinical studies related to HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama A Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacology, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11231, Egypt.
| | - Lobna A Saleh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Collage of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mushabab Alghamdi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohannad Mohammad S Alamri
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jaber Alfaifi
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Masoud I E Adam
- Department of Medical Education and Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Muffarah Hamid Alharthi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah M Alshahrani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah Hassan Alhalafi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Waad Fuad BinAfif
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Assad Ali Rezigalla
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mustafa Ahmed Abdel-Reheim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62521, Egypt.
| | - Hend S El-Wakeel
- Physiology Department, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Qalubyia 13518, Egypt; Physiology Department, Al-Baha Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha 65799, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed A Attia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Department of Basic Medical Sciences , College of Medicine Almaarefa University Diriyiah, 13713, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Elsayed A Elmorsy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Pharmacology and Therapeutics Department, Qassim College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Tohada M Al-Noshokaty
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt.
| | - Yousra Nomier
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt.
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Kim M, Hui KM, Shi M, Reau N, Aloman C. Differential expression of hepatic cancer stemness and hypoxia markers in residual cancer after locoregional therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:3247-3259. [PMID: 36097402 PMCID: PMC9592798 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and transarterial radioembolization (TARE) treatment to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are effective tools to control tumor growth, prolong survival, palliate symptoms, and improve quality of life for patients with intermediate-stage HCC. Nevertheless, there is high variability of local HCC responses to locoregional therapies; therefore, better and personalized prediction of tumor response to TACE is necessary for management of patients with HCC, especially when these modalities of treatment are used to bridge patients for liver transplant. Here, we investigated differential expression of hepatic cancer stem cell and hypoxia in residual HCC after TACE treatment in comparison with TARE. A publicly available gene data set was screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in TACE_Response compared with TACE_Non-response HCC. Analysis of the GSE104580 data set displayed a total of 406 DEGs, including 196 down-regulated and 210 up-regulated DEGs. Of the 196 down-regulated DEGs, three hepatic cancer stem cell (CSC) markers and 11 hypoxia-related genes were identified. Immunohistochemical staining of hepatic CSC and hypoxia markers on explant liver tissues exhibited more intense positive staining of hepatic CSC markers (CD24, EpCAM) and hypoxia marker carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) in residual tumor nodule from patients with HCC treated with TACE compared with nontreated patients. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation analysis revealed the significant correlation between hepatic CSC markers and hypoxia marker, CA9. Conclusion: Hepatic CSC and hypoxia markers predict nonresponse to TACE and are differentially expressed in residual tumor after TACE compared with TARE. In the long term, TACE-induced hypoxia may select an aggressive HCC phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miran Kim
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Section of HepatologyRush UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Kam Man Hui
- Department of Cellular & Molecular ResearchNational Cancer Center SingaporeSingapore,Department of BiochemistryYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore,Institute of Molecular and Cell BiologyA*STARSingapore,Duke‐NUS Medical SchoolSingapore
| | - Ming Shi
- Department of Liver SurgeryCancer Center, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Nancy Reau
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Section of HepatologyRush UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Costica Aloman
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Section of HepatologyRush UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
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Yoo JE, Nahm JH, Kim YJ, Jeon Y, Park YN. The dual role of transforming growth factor-beta signatures in human B viral multistep hepatocarcinogenesis: early and late responsive genes. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2022; 22:115-124. [PMID: 37383409 PMCID: PMC10035736 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2022.04.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Background/Aim Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) has a dichotomous role, functioning as a tumor suppressor and tumor promoter. TGF-β signatures, explored in mouse hepatocytes, have been reported to predict the clinical outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients; HCCs exhibiting early TGF-β signatures showed a better prognosis than those with late TGF-β signatures. The expression status of early and late TGF-β signatures remains unclear in defined lesions of human B-viral multistep hepatocarcinogenesis. Methods The expression of TGF-β signatures, early and late responsive signatures of TGF-β were investigated and analyzed for their correlation in cirrhosis, low-grade dysplastic nodules (DNs), high-grade DNs, early HCCs and progressed HCCs (pHCCs) by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results The expression levels of TGF-β signaling genes (TGFB1, TGFBR1, TGFBR2 and SMAD4) gradually increased with the progression of hepatocarcinogenesis, peaking in pHCCs. The expression of early responsive genes of TGF-β (GADD45B, FBP1, CYP1A2 and CYP3A4) gradually decreased, and that of the late TGF-β signatures (TWIST and SNAI1) significantly increased according to the progression of multistep hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, mRNA levels of TWIST and SNAI1 were well correlated with those of stemness markers, with upregulation of TGF-β signaling, whereas FBP1 expression was inversely correlated with that of stemness markers. Conclusions The enrichment of the late responsive signatures of TGF-β with induction of stemness is considered to be involved in the progression of the late stage of multistep hepatocarcinogenesis, whereas the early responsive signatures of TGF-β are suggested to have tumor-suppressive roles in precancerous lesions of the early stage of multistep hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Eun Yoo
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Hae Nahm
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Joo Kim
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung, Korea
| | - Youngsic Jeon
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung, Korea
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Wang Y, Wang X, Huang X, Zhang J, Hu J, Qi Y, Xiang B, Wang Q. Integrated Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis reveals key genes for predicting dual-phenotype Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis. J Cancer 2021; 12:2993-3010. [PMID: 33854600 PMCID: PMC8040886 DOI: 10.7150/jca.56005] [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: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dual-phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma (DPHCC) expresses both hepatocyte and cholangiocyte markers, and is characterized by high recurrence and low survival rates. The underlying molecular mechanisms of DPHCC pathogenesis are unclear. We performed whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing of three subtypes of HCC (10 DPHCC, 10 CK19-positive HCC, and 14 CK19-negative HCC), followed by integrated bioinformatics analysis, including somatic mutation analysis, mutation signal analysis, differential gene expression analysis, and pathway enrichment analysis. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were applied for exploring survival related characteristics. We found that mutated genes in DPHCC patients were associated with carcinogenesis and immunity, and the up-regulated genes were mainly enriched in transcription-related and cancer-related pathways, and the down-regulated genes were mainly enriched in immune-related pathways. CXCL9 was selected as the hub gene, which is associated with immune cells and survival prognosis. Our results showed that low CXCL9 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis, and its expression was significantly reduced in DPHCC samples. In conclusion, we explored the molecular mechanisms governing DPHCC development and progression and identified CXCL9, which influences the immune microenvironment and prognosis of DPHCC and might be new clinically significant biomarkers for predicting prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaobang Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.,Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory. First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.,Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiaoliang Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.,Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Junwen Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yapeng Qi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Bangde Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Qiuyan Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.,Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Rhee H, Kim H, Park YN. Clinico-Radio-Pathological and Molecular Features of Hepatocellular Carcinomas with Keratin 19 Expression. Liver Cancer 2020; 9:663-681. [PMID: 33442539 PMCID: PMC7768132 DOI: 10.1159/000510522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous neoplasm, both from the molecular and histomorphological aspects. One example of heterogeneity is the expression of keratin 19 (K19) in a subset (4-28%) of HCCs. The presence of K19 expression in HCCs has important clinical implications, as K19-positive HCCs have been associated with aggressive tumor biology and poor prognosis. Histomorphologically, K19-positive HCCs demonstrate a more infiltrative appearance, poor histological differentiation, more frequent vascular invasion, and more intratumoral fibrous stroma than K19-negative conventional HCCs. From the molecular aspect, K19-positive HCCs have been matched with various gene signatures that have been associated with stemness and poor prognosis, including the G1-3 groups, S2 class, cluster A, proliferation signature, and vascular invasion signature. K19-positive HCCs also show upregulated signatures related to transforming growth factor-β pathway and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. The main regulators of K19 expression include hepatocyte growth factor-MET paracrine signaling by cancer-associated fibroblast, epidermal growth factor-epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, laminin, and DNA methylation. Clinically, higher serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, frequent association with chronic hepatitis B, more invasive growth, and lymph node metastasis have been shown to be characteristics of K19-positive HCCs. Radiologic features including atypical enhancement patterns, absence of tumor capsules, and irregular tumor margins can be a clue for K19-positive HCCs. From a therapeutic standpoint, K19-positive HCCs have been associated with poor outcomes after curative resection or liver transplantation, and resistance to systemic chemotherapy and locoregional treatment, including transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation. In this review, we summarize the currently available knowledge on the clinico-radio-pathological and molecular features of K19-expressing HCCs, including a detailed discussion on the regulation mechanism of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungjin Rhee
- Department of Radiology, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Center for Clinical Imaging Data Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeryoung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,*Young Nyun Park, Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722 (Republic of Korea),
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Chen D, Li Z, Cheng Q, Wang Y, Qian L, Gao J, Zhu JY. Genetic alterations and expression of PTEN and its relationship with cancer stem cell markers to investigate pathogenesis and to evaluate prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Pathol 2019; 72:588-596. [DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2019-205769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AimsTo investigate molecular alteration and expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to evaluate the correlation between PTEN and cancer stem cell (CSC) markers and the prognostic value of these markers.MethodsWe evaluated changes of PTEN and CSC markers (CD133, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and CK19) in 183 resection specimens by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and detected PTEN and phosphoinositide-3-kinase catalytic-alpha (PIK3CA) gene by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) in some specimens.ResultsPTEN and CD133, EpCAM and CK19 in 183 resection specimens were studied by IHC, and PTEN and PIK3CA genes were detected by FISH. PTEN expression was reduced in 92 HCC tissues (50.3%). There were 16 HCCs with PTEN deletion (51.6%). Comparison between PTEN IHC and FISH showed that the analysis was highly concordant (54/59, 91.5%). There were 19 HCCs with PIK3CA amplification. Deletion of PTEN was positively correlated with amplification of PIK3CA. Positive expression of CD133, EpCAM and CK19 was correlated with steatosis, moderate to poor differentiation, and so on. Reduction of PTEN expression was negatively correlated with positive expression of CD133, EpCAM and CK19. Reduced expression of PTEN (p=0.028) was an independent predictor for HCC recurrence and overall survival in HCC. PTEN−/CD133+ group had shorter OS and RFS time.ConclusionsPTEN plays a key role in hepatocarcinogenesis and reduction of PTEN expression is related to increased expression of CD133, EpCAM and CK19, which is a useful tool to evaluate HCC prognosis and recurrence.
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Wen Q, Xu C, Zhou J, Liu NM, Cui YH, Quan MF, Cao JG, Ren KQ. 8-bromo-7-methoxychrysin suppress stemness of SMMC-7721 cells induced by co-culture of liver cancer stem-like cells with hepatic stellate cells. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:224. [PMID: 30866863 PMCID: PMC6416872 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5419-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous works have demonstrated that 8-bromo-7-methoxychrysin suppressed stemness of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line SMMC-7721 induced by condition medium from hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 that was activated by liver cancer stem-like cells (LCSCs). However, whether and whereby BrMC inhibits the stemness induced by co-culture of LCSCs and LX-2 cells remains to be investigated. METHODS The second-generation spheres by sphere culture were identified and used as SMMC-7721-and MHCC97H-derived LCSLCs. SMMC-7721-and MHCC97-derived LCSCs/LX-2 cells transwell co-culture system was treated with BrMC and its lead compound chrysin. The concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, HGF and PDGF in condition medium from co-culture were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The stemness of SMMC-7721 cells was evaluated by sphere formation assay and western blot analysis for expression levels of cancer stem cell markers (CD133 and CD44).The expression levels of cancer-associated fibroblast markers (FAP-α and α-SMA) were employed to evaluate pathologic activation of LX-2 cells. Addition of IL-6 and/or HGF or deletion of IL-6 and/or HGF was conducted to investigate the mechanisms for BrMC and chrysin treatment in SMMC-7721-derived LCSLCs co-cultured with LX-2cells. RESULTS The co-culture of LCSLCs with LX-2 cells increased sphere formation capability as well as expression of CD133 and CD44 in SMMC-7721 cells, meanwhile, upregulated expression of FAP-α in LX-2 cells. ELISA indicated that the concentrations of IL-6 and HGF were significantly elevated in Co-CM than that of condition media from co-cultured SMMC-7721 cells/LX-2 cells. Treatment of BrMC and chrysin with co-cultures of SMMC-7721- and MHCC97H-derived LCSLCs and LX-2 cells effectively inhibited the above responses. Moreover, addition of IL-6 and/or HGF induced stemness of SMMC-7721 cells and activation of LX-2 cells, conversely, deletion of IL-6 and/or HGF suppressed those. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of BrMC and chrysin on stemness of SMMC-7721 cells and activation of LX-2 cells were attenuated by addition of IL-6 or HGF, and enhanced by deletion of IL-6 or HGF. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest IL-6 and HGF may be the key communication molecules for the interaction between LCSLCs and HSCs, and BrMC and chrysin could block these effects and be the novel therapeutic candidates for HCC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013 China
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discover of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Chang Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013 China
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discover of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013 China
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discover of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Nuo-Min Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013 China
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discover of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Ying-Hong Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013 China
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discover of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Mei-Fang Quan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013 China
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discover of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Jian-Guo Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013 China
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discover of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Kai-qun Ren
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013 China
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discover of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410013 China
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Chen D, Li Z, Zhu W, Cheng Q, Song Q, Qian L, Zhu JY. Stromal morphological changes and immunophenotypic features of precancerous lesions and hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Pathol 2019; 72:295-303. [PMID: 30610005 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2018-205611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate stromal histopathological features and immunostaining expression for differential diagnosis of low- and high-grade dysplastic nodules (HGDN) to early and progressed hepatocellular carcinomas (eHCC, pHCC). MATERIALS We evaluated sinusoid capillarisation (SC), solitary artery (SA), ductular reaction (DR), stromal invasion and expression of six biomarkers (GPC3, HSP70, GS, CD34, CK19, EpCAM) in a series of 97 cases. RESULTS Stromal morphological changes, including SC, DR and SA, exhibited significant differences in differential diagnosis. In one indicator, SC had the best sensitivity (90.00%) and accuracy (85.42%), and SA had the best specificity at 88.89 %. In combinations, SC +and SA +were favourable and optimal. The immunoreactivity of GPC3, HSP70 and GS increased significantly in line with the stepwise progression of hepatocarcinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Stromal histopathology features are useful for diagnosing HGDN, eHCC and small HCC. The immunostaining panel of GPC3, HSP70 and GS can also be supplementary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingbao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Organ Transplantation Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Pathology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Organ Transplantation Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weihua Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Organ Transplantation Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Organ Transplantation Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiujing Song
- Department of Pathology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Qian
- Department of Pathology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Ye Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Organ Transplantation Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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Hatano M, Ojima H, Masugi Y, Tsujikawa H, Hiraoka N, Kanai Y, Shimada K, Shinoda M, Sakamoto M. Steatotic and nonsteatotic scirrhous hepatocellular carcinomas reveal distinct clinicopathological features. Hum Pathol 2018; 86:222-232. [PMID: 30597153 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2018.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of scirrhous hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to elucidate its uniqueness. Samples from 120 resected HCC cases underwent immunohistochemical analysis. Tumor area containing fibrous stroma and the percentage of steatotic cells within the tumor were evaluated. In our previous report, tumors were immunohistochemically subclassified as biliary/stem cell markers-positive (B/S) (cytokeratin 19 and/or sal-like protein 4 and/or epithelial cell adhesion molecule positive), Wnt/β-catenin signaling-related markers-positive (W/B) (β-catenin and/or glutamine synthetase positive), or all markers-negative (-/-) groups. Thirty-seven cases (31%) with fibrous stroma making up ≥50% of the largest tumor area were defined as scirrhous HCC (sHCC); the other 83 cases (69%) were categorized as common HCC (cHCC). Clinicopathologically, sHCC had fewer poorly differentiated tumors (P = .037) and a higher percentage of cases with steatosis (P = .025) than cHCC. sHCC cases were further divided into two subgroups: those with ≥5% steatotic cells (steatotic sHCC) and those with <5% steatotic cells (nonsteatotic sHCC). Hepatitis B virus infection was more frequent in nonsteatotic sHCC (P = .029), and non-B, non-C cases were more frequent in steatotic sHCC (P = .006). Steatotic sHCC tended to have a longer time to recurrence than nonsteatotic sHCC and cHCC. Most nonsteatotic sHCC cases belonged to B/S group, whereas most steatotic sHCC belonged to -/- group. The same tendency in sHCC was shown in another cohort. Distinct features were seen in steatotic and nonsteatotic sHCC, and both sHCC subgroups exhibited different clinicopathological and molecular features from cHCC. These findings support the hypothesis that sHCC is an independent entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mami Hatano
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Department of Pathology, National Hospital Organization, Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo 152-8902, Japan
| | - Hidenori Ojima
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yohei Masugi
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hanako Tsujikawa
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Hiraoka
- Division of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yae Kanai
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Division of Molecular Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Shimada
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinoda
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Michiie Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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10
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Rodríguez MM, Fiore E, Bayo J, Atorrasagasti C, García M, Onorato A, Domínguez L, Malvicini M, Mazzolini G. 4Mu Decreases CD47 Expression on Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells and Primes a Potent Antitumor T Cell Response Induced by Interleukin-12. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2738-2750. [PMID: 30301668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a complex interplay between different cellular components, including tumor cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs), with the associated stroma; such interaction promotes tumor immune escape and sustains tumor growth. Several experimental approaches for cancer therapy are focused on TME remodeling, resulting in increased antitumor effects. We previously demonstrated that the hyaluronan synthesis inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone (4Mu) decreases liver fibrosis and induces antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this work, 4Mu, in combination with an adenovirus encoding interleukin-12 genes (AdIL-12), elicited a potent antitumor effect and significantly prolonged animal survival (p < 0.05) in an orthotopic HCC model established in fibrotic livers. In assessing the presence of CSCs, we found reduced mRNA levels of CD133+, CD90+, EpCAM+, CD44+, and CD13+ CSC markers within HCC tumors (p < 0.01). Additionally, 4Mu downregulated the expression of the CSC marker CD47+ on HCC cells, promoted phagocytosis by antigen-presenting cells, and, combined with Ad-IL12, elicited a potent cytotoxic-specific T cell response. Finally, animal survival was increased when CD133low HCC cells, generated upon 4Mu treatment, were injected in a metastatic HCC model. In conclusion, the combined strategy ameliorates HCC aggressiveness by targeting CSCs and as a result of the induction of anticancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo M Rodríguez
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban Fiore
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Bayo
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Catalina Atorrasagasti
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana García
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agostina Onorato
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Domínguez
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Malvicini
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Mazzolini
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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11
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Della Corte CM, Viscardi G, Papaccio F, Esposito G, Martini G, Ciardiello D, Martinelli E, Ciardiello F, Morgillo F. Implication of the Hedgehog pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:4330-4340. [PMID: 28706416 PMCID: PMC5487497 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i24.4330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis for patients who are diagnosed with advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poor because there are few treatment options. Recent research has focused on the identification of novel molecular entities that can be targeted to inhibit oncogenic signals that are involved in the carcinogenesis, proliferation and progression of HCC. Among all of the pathways that are involved in the development of HCC, Hedgehog (HH) signalling has demonstrated a substantial role in hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression. HH plays a physiological role in embryogenesis, through the induction of the differentiation of hepatocytes from endodermal progenitors. The re-activation of the HH pathway in chronic damaged liver is a mechanism of fibrotic degeneration and is implicated in various stages of HCC development. HH activation sustains the sub-population of immature liver epithelial cells that are involved in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis and HCC, and HH itself is a mediator of the alcohol-derived malignant transformation of liver cells. High levels of expression of HH protein markers in liver tumour tissues are correlated with aggressive histological and biological features and a poor clinical outcome. In vitro and in vivo inhibition models of the HH pathway confirm that HH is essential in maintaining tumour growth, metastasis and a mesenchymal phenotype.
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