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Tao N, Xu X, Ying Y, Hu S, Sun Q, Lv G, Gao J. Thymosin α1 and Its Role in Viral Infectious Diseases: The Mechanism and Clinical Application. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083539. [PMID: 37110771 PMCID: PMC10144173 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymosin α1 (Tα1) is an immunostimulatory peptide that is commonly used as an immune enhancer in viral infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tα1 can influence the functions of immune cells, such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells, by interacting with various Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Generally, Tα1 can bind to TLR3/4/9 and activate downstream IRF3 and NF-κB signal pathways, thus promoting the proliferation and activation of target immune cells. Moreover, TLR2 and TLR7 are also associated with Tα1. TLR2/NF-κB, TLR2/p38MAPK, or TLR7/MyD88 signaling pathways are activated by Tα1 to promote the production of various cytokines, thereby enhancing the innate and adaptive immune responses. At present, there are many reports on the clinical application and pharmacological research of Tα1, but there is no systematic review to analyze its exact clinical efficacy in these viral infectious diseases via its modulation of immune function. This review offers an overview and discussion of the characteristics of Tα1, its immunomodulatory properties, the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects, and its clinical applications in antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Tao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xie Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yuyuan Ying
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Shiyu Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Qingru Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Guiyuan Lv
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jianli Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
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Abstract
Liver cancer, mainly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. With the global epidemic of obesity, the major HCC etiologies have been dynamically shifting from viral to metabolic liver diseases. This change has made HCC prevention difficult with increasingly elusive at-risk populations as rational target for preventive interventions. Besides ongoing efforts to reduce obesity and metabolic disorders, chemoprevention in patients who already have metabolic liver diseases may have a significant impact on the poor HCC prognosis. Hepatitis B- and hepatitis C-related HCC incidences have been substantially reduced by the new antivirals, but HCC risk can persist over a decade even after successful viral treatment, highlighting the need for HCC-preventive measures also in these patients. Experimental and retrospective studies have suggested potential utility of generic agents such as lipophilic statins and aspirin for HCC chemoprevention given their well-characterized safety profile, although anticipated efficacy may be modest. In this review, we overview recent clinical and translational studies of generic agents in the context of HCC chemoprevention under the contemporary HCC etiologies. We also discuss newly emerging approaches to overcome the challenges in clinical testing of the agents to facilitate their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahmida Rasha
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center; Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases; Department of Internal Medicine; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Subhojit Paul
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center; Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases; Department of Internal Medicine; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tracey G Simon
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center; Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases; Department of Internal Medicine; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Efficacy of Postoperative Adjuvant Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Mesenchymal Circulating Tumor Cell. J Gastrointest Surg 2021; 25:1770-1778. [PMID: 32748340 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-020-04755-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We demonstrated that postoperative mesenchymal circulating tumor cell (mCTC) in peripheral blood were independent risk factors for the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radical resection. However, few studies have been conducted on the efficacy and survival benefit of postoperative adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (PA-TACE) for patients with mCTC-positive HCC. We evaluated the effect of PA-TACE on the prognosis of mCTC-positive/mCTC-negative HCC patients. METHODS A total of 261 HCC patients from February 2014 to December 2017 undergoing curative hepatectomy were included in this study. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates, overall survival (OS) rates, and prognostic factors were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS The results showed that 57.8% (59/102) mCTC-positive and 43.4% (69/159) mCTC-negative patients underwent PA-TACE. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that PVTT (HR 2.370; 95% CI, 1.535-3.660; P < 0.001), BCLC stage (B+C) (HR 3.871; 95% CI, 2.544-5.892; P < 0.001), mCTC (HR 1.414; 95% CI, 1.276-1.622; P < 0.001), and without PA-TACE (HR 1.724; 95% CI, 1.152-2.580; P = 0.008) were independent risk factors for poor RFS. Meanwhile, PVTT (HR 1.744; 95% CI, 1.261-2.412; P = 0.001), multinodularity (HR 1.416; 95% CI, 1.069-1.876; P = 0.015), mCTC (HR 1.612; 95% CI, 1.471-1.796; P < 0.001), and without PA-TACE (HR 1.311; 95% CI, 1.010-1.701; P = 0.042) were independent risk factors for poor OS. Both RFS (P = 0.004) and OS (P = 0.045) in mCTC-positive patients who received PA-TACE were significantly improved relative to those who underwent hepatic resection alone. Among 102 mCTC-positive patients, the mCTC-positive rate was significantly lower in patients treated with PA-TACE than in those treated with liver resection alone (46.4% vs. 88.4%, P = 0.031). No differences were observed in DFS and OS among the mCTC-negative patients with or without PA-TACE. Early recurrence was more likely to occur in patients without PA-TACE (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS PA-TACE was a safe intervention and could effectively prevent tumor recurrence and improve the survival of mCTC-positive HCC patients.
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Linye H, Zijing X, Wei P, Chao H, Chuan L, Tianfu W. Thymosin alpha-1 therapy improves postoperative survival after curative resection for solitary hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score matching analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25749. [PMID: 34011034 PMCID: PMC8137107 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymosin alpha-1 (Tα1) is an immunomodulatory and antiviral agent with potential effects on chronic hepatitis B and liver cancer. Its impact on solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial, so we aimed to investigate the efficacy of Tα1 in solitary HBV-related HCC patients after curative resection.Between May 2010 and April 2016, 468 patients with solitary HBV-related HCC after curative resection were analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize confounding variables. Risk factors were identified by the Cox proportional hazards model. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates, overall survival (OS) rates, immunological, and virologic response were compared.The median follow up was 60.0 months. Immunological response improved in the Tα1 group compared with the control group (P < .001) but the virologic response was similar between 2 groups after 24 months. Patients with Tα1 therapy had better RFS and OS before (P = .018 and P < .001) and after (P = .006 and P < .001) propensity matching. Multivariate analysis revealed that Tα1 therapy was an independent prognostic factor for both OS (P < .001, HR = 0.308, 95% CI: 0.175-0.541) and RFS (P < .001, HR = 0.381, 95% CI: 0.229-0.633).Tα1 as an adjuvant therapy improves the prognosis of solitary HBV-related HCC patients after curative liver resection.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/virology
- Chemotherapy, Adjuvant/methods
- Disease-Free Survival
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Hepatectomy
- Hepatitis B virus/isolation & purification
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/mortality
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/pathology
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/therapy
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/virology
- Humans
- Liver/pathology
- Liver/surgery
- Liver/virology
- Liver Neoplasms/mortality
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/virology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/epidemiology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/prevention & control
- Prognosis
- Propensity Score
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Survival Rate
- Thymalfasin/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- He Linye
- Department of Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery
| | - Xia Zijing
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology
| | - Peng Wei
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - He Chao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li Chuan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wen Tianfu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Wu X, Shi Y, Zhou J, Sun Y, Piao H, Jiang W, Ma A, Chen Y, Xu M, Xie W, Cheng J, Xie S, Shang J, Cheng J, Xie Q, Ding H, Zhang X, Bai L, Zhang M, Wang B, Chen S, Ma H, Ou X, Jia J, You H. Combination of entecavir with thymosin alpha-1 in HBV-related compensated cirrhosis: a prospective multicenter randomized open-label study. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:61-69. [PMID: 30063860 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1451511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Thymosin alpha-1 (Ta-1) suppresses HBV viral replication, while the evidence of combination effect with nucleoide is still limited. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy of Ta-1 with entecavir (ETV) in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 690 patients were randomized to receive Ta-1 plus ETV (n = 351) or ETV monotherapy (n = 339) for 52 weeks after 26 weeks of ETV treatment, followed by continued entecavir therapy. The primary endpoint was defined as liver decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or death. RESULTS The median followed up was 38.2 months. The cumulative incidence of liver decompensation, HCC, or death were similar between two groups. During the Ta-1 combination treatment, the HCC incidence was 1.7% in combination group and 2.1% in ETV group, without new HCC cases developed during week 39 to week 77 in combination group. The virologic response, serologic response, biochemical response was similar between two groups at week 104. Both therapies were well-tolerated. CONCLUSION There was no significant difference between two groups in endpoint events, while combination therapy with Ta-1 has a tendency to inhibit the development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Wu
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Yiwen Shi
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Jialing Zhou
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Yameng Sun
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Hongxin Piao
- b Infectious Department , Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University , Yanji , China
| | - Wei Jiang
- c Department of Gastroenterology , Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Anlin Ma
- d Department of Infectious Diseases , China-Japan Friendship Hospital , Beijing , China
| | - Yongpeng Chen
- e Department of Infectious Diseases , Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Mingyi Xu
- f Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Wen Xie
- g Center of Liver Diseases , Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Jun Cheng
- h Institute of Infectious Diseases , Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Shibin Xie
- i Department of Infectious Diseases , Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Jia Shang
- j Department of Infectious Diseases , Zhengzhou University People's Hospital , Zhengzhou , China
| | - Jilin Cheng
- k Department of Gastroenterology , Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center , Shanghai , China
| | - Qing Xie
- l Department of Infectious Diseases , Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Huiguo Ding
- m Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Xuqing Zhang
- n Department of Infectious Disease , Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Lang Bai
- o Department of Infectious Disease , West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Mingxiang Zhang
- p Department of Hepatology , The Sixth People's Hospital of Shenyang , Shenyang , China
| | - Bingqiong Wang
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Shuyan Chen
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Hong Ma
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Xiaojuan Ou
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Jidong Jia
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Hong You
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
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Pica F, Gaziano R, Casalinuovo IA, Moroni G, Buè C, Limongi D, D'Agostini C, Tomino C, Perricone R, Palamara AT, Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Garaci E. Serum thymosin alpha 1 levels in normal and pathological conditions. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:13-21. [PMID: 30063864 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1474197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thymosin alpha 1 (Ta1) is a natural occurring peptide hormone that is crucial for the maintenance of the organism homeostasis. It has been chemically synthesized and used in diseases where the immune system is hindered or malfunctioning. AREAS COVERED Many clinical trials investigate the Ta1 effects in patients with cancer, infectious diseases and as a vaccine enhancer. The number of diseases that could benefit from Ta1 treatment is increasing. To date, questions remain about the physiological basal levels of Ta1 and the most effective dose and schedule of treatment. Evidence is growing that diseases characterized by deregulation of immune and/or inflammatory responses are associated with serum levels of Ta1 significantly lower than those of healthy individuals: to date, B hepatitis, psoriatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis and sepsis. The sputum of cystic fibrosis patients contains lower levels of Ta1 than healthy controls. These data are consistent with the role of Ta1 as a regulator of immunity, tolerance and inflammation. EXPERT OPINION Low serum Ta1 levels are predictive and/or associated with different pathological conditions. In case of Ta1 treatment, it is crucial to know the patient's baseline serum Ta1 level to establish effective treatment protocols and monitor their effectiveness over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pica
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Roberta Gaziano
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Moroni
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Cristina Buè
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Dolores Limongi
- b IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana , Telematic University , Rome , Italy
| | - Cartesio D'Agostini
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Carlo Tomino
- b IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana , Telematic University , Rome , Italy
| | - Roberto Perricone
- c Medicine of Systems, Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- b IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana , Telematic University , Rome , Italy.,d Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases , Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Enrico Garaci
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy.,b IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana , Telematic University , Rome , Italy
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Chen S, Gao Y, Li Z, Jia J, Fang M, Wang M, Feng H, Chen Q, Guan W, Wang Z, Gao C. A Nomogram Predicting Extrahepatic Metastases for Patients with Adjuvant Transarterial Chemoembolization after Hepatectomy. J Cancer 2018; 9:4223-4233. [PMID: 30519323 PMCID: PMC6277617 DOI: 10.7150/jca.25886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Prognosis remains poor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with extrahepatic metastases (EHMs). This study aimed to develop a nomogram to predict EHMs in HCC patients who underwent adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) following hepatectomy. Methods: Data of 578 HCC patients who underwent TACE after hepatectomy at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital was retrospectively reviewed. Cox regression analyses was used to select variables to construct the nomogram. Predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the model were performed using concordance index (C-index), calibration curve and the area under time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Postoperative EHMs were detected in 89 and 31 patients in the training cohort (n = 453) and validation cohort (n = 125), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size (HR, 1.099; 95% CI, 1.049-1.152), coarse beam type of tumor histopathological structure (HR, 2.382; 95% CI, 1.030-5.512), presence of satellite nodules (HR, 1.936; 95% CI, 1.156-3.244) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (HR, 1.399; 95% CI, 1.098-1.783) were independent risk factors for EHMs (all p < 0.05). The nomogram incorporated these factors achieved good agreement between prediction and actual observation with a concordance index (C-index) of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.68 to 0.78) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.63 to 0.79) in the training cohort and validation cohort, respectively. In addition, patients who had a nomogram score > 17 were considered to have higher risk for EHMs compared with those scored ≤ 12. Furthermore, the time-dependent area under the ROC curve indicated comparative stability and adequate discriminative ability of the model. Conclusions: This novel nomogram can identify those with high risk of EHMs after adjuvant TACE following hepatectomy. The validation cohort showed a good performance, suggesting it could benefit surgeons on decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuzhen Gao
- Department of Molecular Diagnosis, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian'an Jia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinjunjie Chen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqian Guan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunfang Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Fujiwara N, Friedman SL, Goossens N, Hoshida Y. Risk factors and prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of precision medicine. J Hepatol 2018; 68:526-549. [PMID: 28989095 PMCID: PMC5818315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 460] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Patients who develop chronic fibrotic liver disease, caused by viral or metabolic aetiologies, are at a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Even after complete HCC tumour resection or ablation, the carcinogenic tissue microenvironment in the remnant liver can give rise to recurrent de novo HCC tumours, which progress into incurable, advanced-stage disease in most patients. Thus, early detection and prevention of HCC development is, in principle, the most impactful strategy to improve patient prognosis. However, a "one-size-fits-all" approach to HCC screening for early tumour detection, as recommended by clinical practice guidelines, is utilised in less than 20% of the target population, and the performance of screening modalities, including ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein, is suboptimal. Furthermore, optimal screening strategies for emerging at-risk patient populations, such as those with chronic hepatitis C after viral cure, or those with non-cirrhotic, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease remain controversial. New HCC biomarkers and imaging modalities may improve the sensitivity and specificity of HCC detection. Clinical and molecular HCC risk scores will enable precise HCC risk prediction followed by tailoured HCC screening of individual patients, maximising cost-effectiveness and optimising allocation of limited medical resources. Several aetiology-specific and generic HCC chemoprevention strategies are evolving. Epidemiological and experimental studies have identified candidate chemoprevention targets and therapies, including statins, anti-diabetic drugs, and selective molecular targeted agents, although their clinical testing has been limited by the lengthy process of cancer development that requires long-term, costly studies. Individual HCC risk prediction is expected to overcome the challenge by enabling personalised chemoprevention, targeting high-risk patients for precision HCC prevention and substantially improving the dismal prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Fujiwara
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA; Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA
| | - Nicolas Goossens
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA.
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Yang X, Chen Y, Zhang J, Tang T, Kong Y, Ye F, Zhang X, Liu X, Lin S. Thymosin α1 treatment reduces hepatic inflammation and inhibits hepatocyte apoptosis in rats with acute liver failure. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:3231-3238. [PMID: 29545840 PMCID: PMC5840938 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate whether thymosin α1 (Tα1) increases survival rates through the improvement of immunofunction and inhibition of hepatocyte apoptosis in rats with acute liver failure (ALF). A total of 25 rats were randomly divided into the control group (CG), the model group (MG) and the treatment group (TG). The CG received an intraperitoneal injection of saline (2 ml). The ALF rat model was established by the intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine (700 mg/kg) and lipopolysaccharide (10 µg/kg). The TG received an intraperitoneal injection of Tα1 (0.03 mg/kg) 1 h prior to and 30 min after modeling. The survival rates of the rats were recorded. An additional 63 rats were randomly divided into a CG (n=3), MG (n=30) and TG (n=30). Three rats were sacrificed at 3, 6, 9 and 12 h after establishment of the rat model to detect plasma alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Liver samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were performed to detect B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in liver tissue. The results indicated that the survival rate of the TG was significantly higher compared with that of the MG at 24 h (P<0.05). Plasma ALT, AST and TBIL in the MG and TG increased over time (3–12 h), with ALT, AST and TBIL observed to be significantly lower in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05). Hepatocellular necrosis, hemorrhage and inflammatory cell infiltration of ALF were aggravated over time (3–12 h) in the MG and TG. Notably, in the Tα1-treated rats, the hepatocytes appeared healthier with fewer apoptotic cells compared with those from the MG at the same time-points. Hepatocyte apoptotic index increased in the TG and MG, but was significantly lower in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05) in TUNEL assays. Plasma TNF-α and IL-10 in the MG and TG increased over time (3–12 h), with TNF-α observed to be significantly lower in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05), however, IL-10 was observed to be significantly higher in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05). Bax mRNA expression was significantly lower in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05), whereas Bcl-2 was significantly higher (P<0.05). In conclusion, Tα1 improved survival rates in an ALF rat model by downregulating TNF-α and upregulating IL-10, leading to the attenuation of hepatic inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yunru Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- The Second Department of Gastroenterology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Tiantian Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, P.R. China
| | - Ying Kong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Feng Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Shumei Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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