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Yousef EH, El-Magd NFA, El Gayar AM. Norcantharidin potentiates sorafenib antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma rat model through inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Transl Res 2023; 260:69-82. [PMID: 37257560 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.05.005] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sorafenib (Sora) efficacy is limited by primary and/or acquired resistance. Emerging evidence shows that the inflammatory factor interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a role in Sora resistance. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a derivative of cantharidine, was identified as a potent IL-6 inhibitor. Thus, in this study, we evaluated NCTD ability to improve the Sora efficacy in HCC and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Male Sprague Dawely rats were administered NCTD (0.1 mg/kg/day; orally) or Sora (10 mg/kg day; orally) or combination for 6 weeks after HCC induction using thioacetamide (200 mg/kg; ip; 2 times/wk) for 16 weeks. Our results showed that NCTD greatly enhanced Sora activity against HCC and potentiated Sora-induced oxidative stress. NCTD enhanced Sora-induced tumor immunity reactivation by decreasing both fibrinogen-like protein 1 level and increasing both tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression along with CD8+ T cells number. Also, NCTD augmented Sora attenuation activity against TAA-induced angiogenesis and metastasis by decreasing VEGFA, HIF-1α, serum lactate dehydrogenase enzyme, and vimentin levels. The combined use of NCTD/Sora suppressed drug resistance and stemness by downregulating ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2, neurogenic locus notch homolog protein, spalt-like transcription factor 4, and CD133. NCTD boosted Sora antiproliferative and apoptotic activities by decreasing Ccnd1 and BCL2 expressions along with increasing BAX and caspase-3 expressions. To our knowledge, this study represents the first study providing evidence for the potential novel therapeutic use of NCTD/Sora combination for HCC. Moreover, no previous studies have reported the effect of NCTD on FGL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman H Yousef
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, Damietta, Egypt.
| | - Nada F Abo El-Magd
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amal M El Gayar
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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2
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Awad B, Hamza AA, Al-Maktoum A, Al-Salam S, Amin A. Combining Crocin and Sorafenib Improves Their Tumor-Inhibiting Effects in a Rat Model of Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Cirrhotic-Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4063. [PMID: 37627094 PMCID: PMC10452334 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies, with continuously increasing cases and fatalities. Diagnosis often occurs in the advanced stages, confining patients to systemic therapies such as sorafenib. Sorafenib (SB), a multi-kinase inhibitor, has not yet demonstrated sufficient efficacy against advanced HCC. There is a strong argument in favor of studying its use in combination with other medications to optimize the therapeutic results. According to our earlier work, crocin (CR), a key bioactive component of saffron, hinders HCC development and liver cancer stemness. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic use of CR or its combination with SB in a cirrhotic rat model of HCC and evaluated how effectively SB and CR inhibited tumor growth in this model. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was administered intraperitoneally to rats once a week for 15 weeks, leading to cirrhosis, and then 19 weeks later, leading to multifocal HCC. After 16 weeks of cancer induction, CR (200 mg/kg daily) and SB (10 mg/kg daily) were given orally to rats for three weeks, either separately or in combination. Consistently, the combination treatment considerably decreased the incidence of dyschromatic nodules, nodule multiplicity, and dysplastic nodules when compared to the HCC group of single therapies. Combined therapy also caused the highest degree of apoptosis, along with decreased proliferating and β-catenin levels in the tumor tissues. Additionally, when rats received combined therapy with CR, it showed anti-inflammatory characteristics where nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) were considerably and additively lowered. As a result, CR potentiates the suppressive effects of SB on tumor growth and provides the opportunity to strengthen the therapeutic effects of SB in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma Awad
- Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (B.A.); (A.A.-M.)
| | - Alaaeldin Ahmed Hamza
- National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Giza 12611, Egypt;
- National Committee for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Medical Research Council, Academy of Scientific Research, Cairo 11334, Egypt
| | - Amna Al-Maktoum
- Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (B.A.); (A.A.-M.)
| | - Suhail Al-Salam
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Amr Amin
- Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (B.A.); (A.A.-M.)
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3
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Mohamed EH, Abo El-Magd NF, El Gayar AM. Carvacrol enhances anti-tumor activity and mitigates cardiotoxicity of sorafenib in thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma model through inhibiting TRPM7. Life Sci 2023; 324:121735. [PMID: 37142088 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Sorafenib (Sora) represents one of the few effective drugs for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while resistance and cardiotoxicity limit its therapeutic efficacy. This study investigated the effect of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) inhibitor, carvacrol (CARV), on overcoming Sora resistance and cardiotoxicity in thioacetamide (TAA) induced HCC in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS TAA (200 mg/kg/twice weekly, intraperitoneal) was administered for 16 weeks to induce HCC. Rats were treated with Sora (10 mg/Kg/day; orally) and CARV (15 mg/kg/day; orally) alone or in combination, for six weeks after HCC induction. Liver and heart functions, antioxidant capacity, and histopathology were performed. Apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance were assessed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry. KEY FINDINGS CARV/Sora combination significantly improved survival rate, and liver functions, reduced Alpha-Fetoprotein level, and attenuated HCC progression compared with Sora group. CARV coadministration almost obviated Sora-induced changes in cardiac and hepatic tissues. The CARV/Sora combination suppressed drug resistance and stemness by downregulating ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2, NOTCH1, Spalt like transcription factor 4, and CD133. CARV boosted Sora antiproliferative and apoptotic activities by decreasing cyclin D1 and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 and increasing BCL2-Associated X and caspase-3. SIGNIFICANCE CARV/Sora is a promising combination for tumor suppression and overcoming Sora resistance and cardiotoxicity in HCC by modulating TRPM7. To our best knowledge, this study represents the first study to investigate the efficiency of CARV/ Sora on the HCC rat model. Moreover, no previous studies have reported the effect of inhibiting TRPM7 on HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman H Mohamed
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, Damietta 34511, Egypt.
| | - Nada F Abo El-Magd
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Amal M El Gayar
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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4
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Sorafenib Alleviates Inflammatory Signaling of Tumor Microenvironment in Precancerous Lung Injuries. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/ph16020221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
According to population-based studies, lung cancer is the prominent reason for cancer-related mortality worldwide in males and is also rising in females at an alarming rate. Sorafenib (SOR), which is approved for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma, is a multitargeted protein kinase inhibitor. Additionally, SOR is the subject of interest for preclinical and clinical trials in lung cancer. This study was designed to assess in vivo the possible effects of sorafenib (SOR) in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced lung carcinogenesis and examine its probable mechanisms of action. A total of 30 adult male rats were divided into three groups (1) control, (2) DEN, and (3) DEN + SOR. The chemical induction of lung carcinogenesis was performed by injection of DEN intraperitoneally at 150 mg/kg once a week for two weeks. The DEN-administered rats were co-treated with SOR of 10 mg/kg by oral gavage for 42 alternate days. Serum and lung tissue samples were analyzed to determine SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX-2) levels. The tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels were measured in lung tissue supernatants. Lung sections were analyzed for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) histopathologically. In addition, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence methods, respectively. SOR reduced the level of SOX-2 that maintenance of cancer stemness and tumorigenicity, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels. Histopathological analysis demonstrated widespread inflammatory cell infiltration, disorganized alveolar structure, hyperemia in the vessels, and thickened alveolar walls in DEN-induced rats. The damage was markedly reduced upon SOR treatment. Further, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis also revealed increased expression of COX-2 and JNK expression in DEN-intoxicated rats. However, SOR treatment alleviated the expression of these inflammatory markers in DEN-induced lung carcinogenesis. These findings suggested that SOR inhibits DEN-induced lung precancerous lesions through decreased inflammation with concomitant in reduced SOX-2 levels, which enables the maintenance of cancer stem cell properties.
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Oh S, Jo S, Kim HS, Mai VH, Endaya B, Neuzil J, Jung KH, Hong SS, Kim JM, Park S. Chemical Biopsy for GNMT as Noninvasive and Tumorigenesis-Relevant Diagnosis of Liver Cancer. Anal Chem 2023; 95:1184-1192. [PMID: 36602057 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is difficult; the lack of convenient biomarker-based diagnostic modalities renders high-risk HCC patients burdened by life-long periodical examinations. Here, a new chemical biopsy approach was developed for noninvasive diagnosis of HCC using urine samples. Bioinformatic screening for tumor suppressors yielded glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) as a biomarker with clinical relevance to HCC tumorigenesis. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based chemical biopsy detecting nonradioactive 13C-sarcosine from 13C-glycine was designed to noninvasively assess liver GNMT activity extrahepatically. 13C-Sarcosine showed a strong correlation with GNMT in normal and cancerous liver cells. In an autochthonous animal model developing visible cancer nodules at 17 weeks, the urinary 13C-sarcosine chemical biopsy exhibited notable changes as early as 8 weeks, showing significant correlations with liver GNMT and molecular pathological changes. Our chemical biopsy approach should facilitate early and noninvasive diagnosis of HCC, with direct relevance to tumorigenesis, which can be straightforwardly applied to other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehyun Oh
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sihyang Jo
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Han Sun Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Van-Hieu Mai
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Berwini Endaya
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport 4222, Qld, Australia
| | - Jiri Neuzil
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport 4222, Qld, Australia.,Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague-West 252 50, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic
| | - Kyung Hee Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Inha University, 3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Soon-Sun Hong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Inha University, 3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Jin-Mo Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sunghyouk Park
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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Irawan A, Prabowo E, Riwanto I, Atmodjo WL. Anti-angiogenic effect of the combination of low-dose sorafenib and EGCG in HCC-induced Wistar rats. F1000Res 2022; 11:289. [PMID: 36726605 PMCID: PMC9843086 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.109142.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sorafenib is a standard drug used for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma but is often resistant and toxic. Its combination with epigallo-3-catechin gallate leads to reduced resistance and toxicity but an equally effective anti-angiogenic effect.Therefore, this study aims to assess the anti-angiogenic effect of standard-dose Sorafenib compared to the combination of low-dose Sorafenib and epigallo-3-catechin gallate. Methods: We conducted an animal study and double-blind, randomized controlled trials. A total of 25 male Wistar rats (7-weeks-old) were randomly divided into four groups, namely Sham (K), Control (O), a combination of low-dose Sorafenib and epigallo-3-catechin gallate group (X1), and standard-dose Sorafenib group (X2). All groups were injected with N-Nitrosodiethylamine 70 mg/kg body weight (BW) intraperitoneally for ten weeks, except the Sham group. After the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, X1 and X2 were treated for two weeks. Subsequently, liver tissues were examined for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level and microvascular density expression. Results: There was a significant difference (p=0.007) in the level of VEGF between group X1 (low dose Sorafenib + EGCG) and X2 (Standard dose Sorafenib). However, the differences in VEGF levels of group X1 and X2 compared to group O(Control) were significantly lower, with values p=0.000136 and p=0.019, respectively. The expression of microvascular density between groups X1 and X2 was not entirely different. Meanwhile, a significant difference (p<0.05) was discovered when both groups were compared with the control group. Conclusion: The combination of low-dose Sorafenib with epigallo-3-catechin gallate is superior in reducing the level of VEGF compared to standard-dose Sorafenib and is better than the control. Standard-dose Sorafenib and the combination of low-dose Sorafenib and epigallo-3-catechin gallate have similar effectivity in reducing the expression of microvascular density and could prevent resistance and lower toxicity effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andry Irawan
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia,
| | - Erik Prabowo
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
| | - Ignatius Riwanto
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
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Kurma K, Zeybek Kuyucu A, Roth GS, Sturm N, Mercey-Ressejac M, Abbadessa G, Yu Y, Lerat H, Marche PN, Decaens T, Macek Jilkova Z. Effect of Novel AKT Inhibitor Vevorisertib as Single Agent and in Combination with Sorafenib on Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Cirrhotic Rat Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416206. [PMID: 36555845 PMCID: PMC9784348 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The AKT pathway is often activated in HCC cases, and a longer exposure to tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as sorafenib may lead to over-activation of the AKT pathway, leading to HCC resistance. Here, we studied the efficacy of a new generation of allosteric AKT inhibitor, vevorisertib, alone or in combination with sorafenib. To identify specific adverse effects related to the background of cirrhosis, we used a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced cirrhotic rat model. Vevorisertib was tested in vitro on Hep3B, HepG2, HuH7 and PLC/PRF cell lines. Rats were treated weekly with intra-peritoneal injections of DEN for 14 weeks to obtain cirrhosis with fully developed HCC. After that, rats were randomized into four groups (n = 7/group): control, sorafenib, vevorisertib and the combination of vevorisertib + sorafenib, and treated for 6 weeks. Tumor progression was followed by MRI. We demonstrated that the vevorisertib is a highly potent treatment, blocking the phosphorylation of AKT. The tumor progression in the rat liver was significantly reduced by treatment with vevorisertib + sorafenib (49.4%) compared to the control group (158.8%, p < 0.0001). Tumor size, tumor number and tumor cell proliferation were significantly reduced in both the vevorisertib group and vevorisertib + sorafenib groups compared to the control group. Sirius red staining showed an improvement in liver fibrosis by vevorisertib and the combination treatment. Moreover, vevorisertib + sorafenib treatment was associated with a normalization in the liver vasculature. Altogether, vevorisertib as a single agent and its combination with sorafenib exerted a strong suppression of tumor progression and improved liver fibrosis. Thus, results provide a rationale for testing vevorisertib in clinical settings and confirm the importance of targeting AKT in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerthi Kurma
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Ayca Zeybek Kuyucu
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Gaël S. Roth
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, 38700 Grenoble, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Nathalie Sturm
- Pathology and Cytology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
- T-RAIG, TIMC, University Grenoble-Alpes/CNRS UMR5525, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Marion Mercey-Ressejac
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, 38700 Grenoble, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Yi Yu
- ArQule Inc., Burlington, MA 01803, USA
| | - Herve Lerat
- Unité Mixte de Service hTAG, Grenoble Alpes University, Inserm US046, CNRS UAR2019, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Patrice N. Marche
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Thomas Decaens
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, 38700 Grenoble, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Zuzana Macek Jilkova
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, 38700 Grenoble, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
- Correspondence:
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Resistance to Antiangiogenic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Impact. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246245. [PMID: 36551730 PMCID: PMC9776845 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiangiogenic drugs were the only mainstay of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment from 2007 to 2017. However, primary or secondary resistance hampered their efficacy. Primary resistance could be due to different molecular and/or genetic characteristics of HCC and their knowledge would clarify the optimal treatment approach in each patient. Several molecular mechanisms responsible for secondary resistance have been discovered over the last few years; they represent potential targets for new specific drugs. In this light, the advent of checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been a new opportunity; however, their use has highlighted other issues: the vascular normalization compared to a vessel pruning to promote the delivery of an active cancer immunotherapy and the development of resistance to immunotherapy which leads to a better selection of patients as candidates for ICIs. Nevertheless, the combination of antiangiogenic therapy plus ICIs represents an intriguing approach with high potential to improve the survival of these patients. Waiting for results from ongoing clinical trials, this review depicts the current knowledge about the resistance to antiangiogenic drugs in HCC. It could also provide updated information to clinicians focusing on the most effective combinations or sequential approaches in this regard, based on molecular mechanisms.
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Mitkevich VA, Petrushanko IY, Engelhardt MG, Kechko OI, Makarov AA. Combination of RNase Binase and AKT1/2 Kinase Inhibitor Blocks Two Alternative Survival Pathways in Kasumi-1 Cells. Mol Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893322050107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Increases Cell Proliferation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132051. [PMID: 35805134 PMCID: PMC9265377 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is characterized by chronic intermittent hypoxia and is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, including cancer mortality. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, characterized by increasing incidence and high mortality. However, the link between HCC and OSA-related chronic intermittent hypoxia remains unclear. Herein, we used a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC model to investigate whether OSA-related chronic intermittent hypoxia has an impact on HCC progression. To elucidate the associated mechanisms, we first evaluated the hypoxia status in the DEN-induced HCC model. Next, to simulate OSA-related intermittent hypoxia, we exposed cirrhotic rats with HCC to intermittent hypoxia during six weeks. We performed histopathological, immunohistochemical, RT-qPCR, and RNA-seq analysis. Chronic DEN injections strongly promoted cell proliferation, fibrosis, disorganized vasculature, and hypoxia in liver tissue, which mimics the usual events observed during human HCC development. Intermittent hypoxia further increased cell proliferation in DEN-induced HCC, which may contribute to an increased risk of HCC progression. In conclusion, our observations suggest that chronic intermittent hypoxia may be a factor worsening the prognosis of HCC.
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11
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Romualdo GR, Leroy K, Costa CJS, Prata GB, Vanderborght B, da Silva TC, Barbisan LF, Andraus W, Devisscher L, Câmara NOS, Vinken M, Cogliati B. In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Strategies for Translational Modeling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5583. [PMID: 34771745 PMCID: PMC8582701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC is a complex multistep disease and usually emerges in the setting of chronic liver diseases. The molecular pathogenesis of HCC varies according to the etiology, mainly caused by chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections, chronic alcohol consumption, aflatoxin-contaminated food, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus. The establishment of HCC models has become essential for both basic and translational research to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology and unravel new molecular drivers of this disease. The ideal model should recapitulate key events observed during hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression in view of establishing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to be translated into clinical practice. Despite considerable efforts currently devoted to liver cancer research, only a few anti-HCC drugs are available, and patient prognosis and survival are still poor. The present paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vivo and in vitro models used for translational modeling of HCC with a specific focus on their key molecular hallmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Cícero Júlio Silva Costa
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Gabriel Bacil Prata
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
| | - Wellington Andraus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinics Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences IV, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
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12
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Brun S, Bestion E, Raymond E, Bassissi F, Jilkova ZM, Mezouar S, Rachid M, Novello M, Tracz J, Hamaï A, Lalmanach G, Vanderlynden L, Legouffe R, Stauber J, Schubert T, Plach MG, Courcambeck J, Drouot C, Jacquemot G, Serdjebi C, Roth G, Baudoin JP, Ansaldi C, Decaens T, Halfon P. GNS561, a clinical-stage PPT1 inhibitor, is efficient against hepatocellular carcinoma via modulation of lysosomal functions. Autophagy 2021; 18:678-694. [PMID: 34740311 PMCID: PMC9037544 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1988357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most frequent primary liver cancer. Macroautophagy/autophagy inhibitors have been extensively studied in cancer but, to date, none has reached efficacy in clinical trials. In this study, we demonstrated that GNS561, a new autophagy inhibitor, whose anticancer activity was previously linked to lysosomal cell death, displayed high liver tropism and potent antitumor activity against a panel of human cancer cell lines and in two hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo models. We showed that due to its lysosomotropic properties, GNS561 could reach and specifically inhibited its enzyme target, PPT1 (palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1), resulting in lysosomal unbound Zn2+ accumulation, impairment of cathepsin activity, blockage of autophagic flux, altered location of MTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase), lysosomal membrane permeabilization, caspase activation and cell death. Accordingly, GNS561, for which a global phase 1b clinical trial in liver cancers was just successfully achieved, represents a promising new drug candidate and a hopeful therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. Abbreviations: ANXA5:annexin A5; ATCC: American type culture collection; BafA1: bafilomycin A1; BSA: bovine serum albumin; CASP3: caspase 3; CASP7: caspase 7; CASP8: caspase 8; CCND1: cyclin D1; CTSB: cathepsin B; CTSD: cathepsin D; CTSL: cathepsin L; CQ: chloroquine; iCCA: intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; DEN: diethylnitrosamine; DMEM: Dulbelcco’s modified Eagle medium; FBS: fetal bovine serum; FITC: fluorescein isothiocyanate; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; HCC: hepatocellular carcinoma; HCQ: hydroxychloroquine; HDSF: hexadecylsulfonylfluoride; IC50: mean half-maximal inhibitory concentration; LAMP: lysosomal associated membrane protein; LC3-II: phosphatidylethanolamine-conjugated form of MAP1LC3; LMP: lysosomal membrane permeabilization; MALDI: matrix assisted laser desorption ionization; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MKI67: marker of proliferation Ki-67; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; NH4Cl: ammonium chloride; NtBuHA: N-tert-butylhydroxylamine; PARP: poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PPT1: palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1; SD: standard deviation; SEM: standard error mean; vs, versus; Zn2+: zinc ion; Z-Phe: Z-Phe-Tyt(tBu)-diazomethylketone; Z-VAD-FMK: carbobenzoxy-valyl-alanyl-aspartyl-[O-methyl]- fluoromethylketone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eloïne Bestion
- Genoscience Pharma, Marseille, France.,Aix-Marseille Univ, MEPHI, APHM, IRD, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Raymond
- Genoscience Pharma, Marseille, France.,Medical Oncology, Paris Saint-Joseph Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Zuzana Macek Jilkova
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, La Tronche, France.,University of Grenoble Alpes, Faculté De Médecine, France.,Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Pôle Digidune, Chu Grenoble, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Ahmed Hamaï
- Institut Necker-Enfants Malades, Inserm U1151-CNRS UMR, Paris, France.,University of Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Lalmanach
- Inserm, UMR1100, Centre d'Etude Des Pathologies Respiratoires, Equipe "Mécanismes Protéolytiques Dans l'Inflammation", Tours, France.,University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Lise Vanderlynden
- Inserm, UMR1100, Centre d'Etude Des Pathologies Respiratoires, Equipe "Mécanismes Protéolytiques Dans l'Inflammation", Tours, France.,University of Tours, Tours, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gael Roth
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, La Tronche, France.,University of Grenoble Alpes, Faculté De Médecine, France.,Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Pôle Digidune, Chu Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Baudoin
- Aix-Marseille Univ, MEPHI, APHM, IRD, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | | | - Thomas Decaens
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, La Tronche, France.,University of Grenoble Alpes, Faculté De Médecine, France.,Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Pôle Digidune, Chu Grenoble, France
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13
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Ghufran H, Azam M, Mehmood A, Butt H, Riazuddin S. Standardization of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma rat model with time based molecular assessment. Exp Mol Pathol 2021; 123:104715. [PMID: 34699901 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2021.104715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study was intended (1) to develop a robust animal model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) research, in which HCC tumors develop in a background of fibrosis or cirrhosis; and (2) to explore time-dependent regulatory changes in key molecular markers during disease advancement and HCC development. With the aim of establishing such HCC model, male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) at a dose of 30 mg/kg twice a week for 10 weeks then once a week from 12th to 16th weeks. The rats were kept under observation until 18th week. At defined time intervals (2nd, 4th, 12th, and 18th week), serum biomarkers and microscopic components of tissue samples were used to investigate the chronic progression of liver disease, while gene and protein analysis was used to monitor expression patterns during HCC development. DEN-intoxicated rats manifested inflammation at week 4, fibrosis at week 12 and cirrhosis with early HCC tumors at week 18. Molecular analysis revealed that key markers of inflammation (Il-1β, Il-6, and Tnf-α), fibrosis (Tgf-β1, Col1α1, Col3α1, and Timp-1), and angiogenesis (Hif1-α and Vegf) were promptly (P ≤ 0.001) up-regulated at week 4, week 12 and week 18, respectively. Oxidative stress (iNos, Cyp2e1, and Sod1) and pro-apoptotic (Bax) markers showed significant upregulation from week 4 to week 12. However, Sod1 and Bax expressions dropped after week 12 and reached a minimum at 18th week. Strikingly, expressions of anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) and cell proliferation (Pcna, Hgf, and Afp) markers were abruptly increased at week 18. Collectively, we describe an 18-week HCC model in DEN-intoxicated rats that exhibit chronic inflammation, oxidative imbalance, advance fibrosis/cirrhosis, halted apoptosis, and angiogenic sprouting, progressively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Ghufran
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87-West Canal Bank Road, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Azam
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87-West Canal Bank Road, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Azra Mehmood
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87-West Canal Bank Road, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hira Butt
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87-West Canal Bank Road, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sheikh Riazuddin
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87-West Canal Bank Road, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan; Allama Iqbal Medical Research Centre, Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Lahore, Pakistan.
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14
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DEN-Induced Rat Model Reproduces Key Features of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194981. [PMID: 34638465 PMCID: PMC8508319 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most frequent form of primary liver cancer, characterized by increasing incidence and high mortality. Animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma are widely used to study the biology of cancer and to test potential therapies. Herein, we describe how the rat model of DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinoma mimics the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma seen in humans, including liver damage, chronic inflammation, hepatocytes proliferation, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, disorganized vasculature, and modulations of the liver’s immune microenvironment. Our results should help the hepatocellular carcinoma field to better tailor the use of the DEN-induced rat liver cancer model for testing specific experimental hypotheses or to perform preclinical testing. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. The majority of HCC cases are associated with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis developing from chronic liver injuries. The immune system of the liver contributes to the severity of tissue damage, the establishment of fibrosis and the disease’s progression towards HCC. Herein, we provide a detailed characterization of the DEN-induced HCC rat model during fibrosis progression and HCC development with a special focus on the liver’s inflammatory microenvironment. Fischer 344 male rats were treated weekly for 14 weeks with intra-peritoneal injections of 50 mg/kg DEN. The rats were sacrificed before starting DEN-injections at 0 weeks, after 8 weeks, 14 weeks and 20 weeks after the start of DEN-injections. We performed histopathological, immunohistochemical, RT-qPCR, RNA-seq and flow cytometry analysis. Data were compared between tumor and non-tumor samples from the DEN-treated versus untreated rats, as well as versus human HCCs. Chronic DEN injections lead to liver damage, hepatocytes proliferation, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, disorganized vasculature, and a modulated immune microenvironment that mimics the usual events observed during human HCC development. The RNA-seq results showed that DEN-induced liver tumors in the rat model shared remarkable molecular characteristics with human HCC, especially with HCC associated with high proliferation. In conclusion, our study provides detailed insight into hepatocarcinogenesis in a commonly used model of HCC, facilitating the future use of this model for preclinical testing.
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15
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Rivera-Soto R, Yu Y, Dittmer DP, Damania B. Combined Inhibition of Akt and mTOR Is Effective Against Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas. Front Oncol 2021; 11:670275. [PMID: 34221985 PMCID: PMC8253055 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.670275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are a diverse group of hematological malignancies comprised of over 60 subtypes. These subtypes range from indolent to aggressive. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway has been shown to contribute to cell survival and proliferation and is constitutively active in most NHL. MK-7075 (miransertib) and MK-4440 are small molecules that effectively inhibit Akt and have entered clinical development. Using in vitro and in vivo models of NHL, we explored targeting the kinase Akt with miransertib and MK-4440 alone or in combination with the mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin (sirolimus). Both Akt inhibitors inhibited the pathway and NHL proliferation in a subtype-dependent manner. However, these compounds had a minimal effect on the viability of primary B-cells. Importantly, the combination of miransertib and sirolimus synergistically reduced cell proliferation in NHL, including in one indolent subtype, e.g., follicular lymphoma (FL), and two aggressive subtypes, e.g., diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). To establish in vivo efficacy, we used several xenograft models of FL, DLBCL, and PEL. The results obtained in vivo were consistent with the in vitro studies. The FL xenograft was highly sensitive to the inhibition of Akt alone; however, the tumor burden of PEL xenografts was only significantly reduced when both Akt and mTORC1 were targeted. These data suggest that targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway with Akt inhibitors such as miransertib in combination with mTOR inhibitors serves as a broadly applicable therapeutic in NHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Rivera-Soto
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Yi Yu
- ArQule, Inc., A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States
| | - Dirk P. Dittmer
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Blossom Damania
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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16
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Targeting Akt in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041794. [PMID: 33670268 PMCID: PMC7917860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and its incidence is rising. HCC develops almost exclusively on the background of chronic liver inflammation, which can be caused by chronic alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, or an unhealthy diet. The key role of chronic inflammation in the process of hepatocarcinogenesis, including in the deregulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, has been demonstrated. The inhibition of Akt (also known as Protein Kinase B) directly affects cancer cells, but this therapeutic strategy also exhibits indirect anti-tumor activity mediated by the modulation of the tumor microenvironment, as demonstrated by using Akt inhibitors AZD5363, MK-2206, or ARQ 092. Moreover, the isoforms of Akt converge and diverge in their designated roles, but the currently available Akt inhibitors fail to display an isoform specificity. Thus, selective Akt inhibition needs to be better explored in the context of HCC and its possible combination with immunotherapy. This review presents a compact overview of the current knowledge concerning the role of Akt in HCC and the effect of Akt inhibition on the HCC and liver tumor microenvironment.
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17
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Macek-Jilkova Z, Malov SI, Kurma K, Charrat C, Decaens T, Peretolchina NP, Marche PN, Malov IV, Yushchuk ND. Clinical and Experimental Evaluation of Diagnostic Significance of Alpha-Fetoprotein and Osteopontin at the Early Stage of Hepatocellular Cancer. Bull Exp Biol Med 2021; 170:340-344. [PMID: 33452981 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-021-05063-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the possibility of using an experimental model of hepatocellular carcinoma to study oncomarkers of primary liver cancer and compared the diagnostic efficacy of alpha-fetoprotein and osteopontin in the experiment and in clinical practice. Experimental studies were performed on a model of hepatocellular carcinoma induced by administration of diethyl nitrosamine to Fisher-344 rats. In addition, the levels of α-fetoprotein and osteopontin were determined in 35 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma detected at stages I-II according to TNM classification. The proposed model of liver cancer in rats reflects the sequence of stages characteristic of hepatocellular carcinoma in humans: liver fibrosis-cirrhosis-cancer. This model is applicable for the study of tumor markers at the early stage of tumor development. Osteopontin was found to have a more powerful diagnostic potential then alpha-fetoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Macek-Jilkova
- Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Pôle Digidune, CHU Grenoble Alpes, La Tronche, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, La Tronche, France
| | - S I Malov
- Irkutsk State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Irkutsk, Russia.
| | - K Kurma
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, La Tronche, France
| | - C Charrat
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, La Tronche, France
| | - T Decaens
- Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Pôle Digidune, CHU Grenoble Alpes, La Tronche, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, La Tronche, France
| | - N P Peretolchina
- Irkutsk State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - P N Marche
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, La Tronche, France
| | - I V Malov
- Irkutsk State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - N D Yushchuk
- A. I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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18
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Liao Y, Yang Y, Pan D, Ding Y, Zhang H, Ye Y, Li J, Zhao L. HSP90α Mediates Sorafenib Resistance in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Necroptosis Inhibition under Hypoxia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020243. [PMID: 33440739 PMCID: PMC7827218 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hypoxia is one of the characteristics of most solid tumors and induces cell resistant to chemotherapy. In this paper, we established a hypoxia model in both in vitro and in vivo to investigate the mechanisms of Sorafenib resistance in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we observed that necroptosis could be an important target of Sorafenib in liver cancer and necroptosis blocking might be important in Sorafenib resistance under hypoxia. Mechanistically, our work suggests that HSP90α plays a pivotal role in Sorafenib-induced necroptosis by binding with necrosome. HSP90α could promote MLKL chaperone-mediated autophagy degradation in hypoxia, which subsequently decreased necroptosis. Consequently, the inhibition of necroptosis contributes to Sorafenib resistant. The Sorafenib resistance was reversed by HSP90α inhibitor-Demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) in vivo and in vitro. This study highlights the important role of HSP90α in Sorafenib resistance under hypoxia microenvironment, and provides a potential therapy target for liver cancer. Abstract As one of the most common malignancies worldwide, Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been treated by Sorafenib, which is the first approved target drug by FDA for advanced HCC. However, drug resistance is one of the obstacles to its application. As a typical characteristic of most solid tumors, hypoxia has become a key cause of resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is important to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Sorafenib resistance under hypoxia. In this study, the morphological changes of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were observed by Live Cell Imaging System and Transmission Electron Microscope; Sorafenib was found to induce necroptosis in liver cancer. Under hypoxia, the distribution of necroptosis related proteins was changed, which contributed to Sorafenib resistance. HSP90α binds with the necrosome complex and promotes chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) degradation, which leads necroptosis blocking and results in Sorafenib resistance. The patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) model has been established to investigate the potential therapeutic strategies to overcome Sorafenib resistance. 17-AAG inhibited HSP90α and presented obvious reversal effects of Sorafenib resistance in vivo and in vitro. All the results emphasized that HSP90α plays a critical role in Sorafenib resistance under hypoxia and 17-AAG combined with Sorafenib is a promising therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liao
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (D.P.); (Y.D.); (H.Z.)
| | - Yue Yang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (D.P.); (Y.D.); (H.Z.)
| | - Di Pan
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (D.P.); (Y.D.); (H.Z.)
| | - Youxiang Ding
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (D.P.); (Y.D.); (H.Z.)
| | - Heng Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (D.P.); (Y.D.); (H.Z.)
| | - Yuting Ye
- Pathology and PDX Efficacy Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, China; (Y.Y.); (J.L.)
| | - Jia Li
- Pathology and PDX Efficacy Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, China; (Y.Y.); (J.L.)
| | - Li Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (D.P.); (Y.D.); (H.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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19
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Bestion E, Jilkova ZM, Mège JL, Novello M, Kurma K, Pour STA, Lalmanach G, Vanderlynden L, Fizanne L, Bassissi F, Rachid M, Tracz J, Boursier J, Courcambeck J, Serdjebi C, Ansaldi C, Decaens T, Halfon P, Brun S. GNS561 acts as a potent anti-fibrotic and pro-fibrolytic agent in liver fibrosis through TGF-β1 inhibition. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2020; 11:2040622320942042. [PMID: 32728410 PMCID: PMC7366401 DOI: 10.1177/2040622320942042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatic fibrosis is the result of chronic liver injury that can progress to
cirrhosis and lead to liver failure. Nevertheless, there are no
anti-fibrotic drugs licensed for human use. Here, we investigated the
anti-fibrotic activity of GNS561, a new lysosomotropic molecule with high
liver tropism. Methods: The anti-fibrotic effect of GNS561 was determined in vitro
using LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and primary human HSCs by studying
cell viability, activity of caspases 3/7, autophagic flux, cathepsin
maturation and activity, HSC activation and transforming growth factor-β1
(TGF-β1) maturation and signaling. The contribution of GNS561
lysosomotropism to its anti-fibrotic activity was assessed by increasing
lysosomal pH. The potency of GNS561 on fibrosis was evaluated in
vivo in a rat model of diethylnitrosamine-induced liver
fibrosis. Results: GNS561 significantly decreased cell viability and promoted apoptosis.
Disrupting the lysosomal pH gradient impaired its pharmacological effects,
suggesting that GNS561 lysosomotropism mediated cell death. GNS561 impaired
cathepsin activity, leading to defective TGF-β1 maturation and autophagic
processes. Moreover, GNS561 decreased HSC activation and extracellular
matrix deposition by downregulating TGF-β1/Smad and mitogen-activated
proteine kinase signaling and inducing fibrolysis. Finally, oral
administration of GNS561 (15 mg/kg per day) was well tolerated and
attenuated diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in this rat model
(decrease of collagen deposition and of pro-fibrotic markers and increase of
fibrolysis). Conclusion: GNS561 is a new potent lysosomotropic compound that could represent a valid
medicinal option for hepatic fibrosis treatment through both its
anti-fibrotic and its pro-fibrolytic effects. In addition, this study
provides a rationale for targeting lysosomes as a promising therapeutic
strategy in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloïne Bestion
- Genoscience Pharma, Marseille, France, IRD, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Zuzana Macek Jilkova
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, La Tronche, France Université Grenoble Alpes, Faculté de médecine, France, Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Pôle Digidune, CHU Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mège
- IRD, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | | | - Keerthi Kurma
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, La Tronche, France Université Grenoble Alpes, Faculté de médecine, France, Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Pôle Digidune, CHU Grenoble, France
| | - Seyedeh Tayebeh Ahmad Pour
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, La Tronche, France Université Grenoble Alpes, Faculté de médecine, France, Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Pôle Digidune, CHU Grenoble, France
| | - Gilles Lalmanach
- INSERM, UMR1100, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires, Equipe «Mécanismes Protéolytiques dans l'Inflammation», Tours, France, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Lise Vanderlynden
- INSERM, UMR1100, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires, Equipe «Mécanismes Protéolytiques dans l'Inflammation», Tours, France, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Lionel Fizanne
- Laboratoire HIFIH, UPRES EA 3859, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | | | | | | | - Jérôme Boursier
- Laboratoire HIFIH, UPRES EA 3859, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Decaens
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, La Tronche, France Université Grenoble Alpes, Faculté de médecine, France, Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Pôle Digidune, CHU Grenoble, France
| | | | - Sonia Brun
- Genoscience Pharma, 10 Rue d'Iéna, Marseille, 13006, France
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20
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Fan G, Wei X, Xu X. Is the era of sorafenib over? A review of the literature. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920927602. [PMID: 32518599 PMCID: PMC7252361 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920927602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most severe diseases worldwide. For the different stages of HCC, there are different clinical treatment strategies, such as surgical therapy for the early stage, and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) for intermediate-stage disease. Systemic treatment, which uses mainly targeted drugs, is the standard therapy against advanced HCC. Sorafenib is an important first-line therapy for advanced HCC. As a classically effective drug, sorafenib can increase overall survival markedly. However, it still has room for improvement because of the heterogeneity of HCC and acquired resistance. Scientists have reported the acquired sorafenib resistance is associated with the anomalous expression of certain genes, most of which are also related with HCC onset and development. Combining sorafenib with inhibitors targeting these genes may be an effective treatment. Combined treatment may not only overcome drug resistance, but also inhibit the expression of carcinoma-related genes. This review focuses on the current status of sorafenib in advanced HCC, summarizes the inhibitors that can combine with sorafenib in the treatment against HCC, and provides the rationale for clinical trials of sorafenib in combination with other inhibitors in HCC. The era of sorafenib in the treatment of HCC is far from over, as long as we find better methods of medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghan Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, CAMS; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, CAMS; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of the diagnosis and treatment of organ Transplantation, CAMS; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, 79 QingChun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
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21
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Identification of the possible therapeutic targets in the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor pathway in a cohort of Egyptian hepatocellular carcinoma complicating chronic hepatitis C type 4. Drug Target Insights 2020; 14:1-11. [PMID: 33132693 PMCID: PMC7597224 DOI: 10.33393/dti.2020.1548] [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: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Molecular targeted drugs are the first line of treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to its chemo- and radioresistant nature. HCC has several well-documented etiologic factors that drive hepatocarcinogenesis through different molecular pathways. Currently, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of HCC. Therefore, we included a unified cohort of HCV genotype 4-related HCCs to study the expression levels of genes involved in the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) pathway, which is known to be involved in all aspects of cancer growth and progression. Aim: Determine the gene expression patterns of IGF1R pathway genes in a cohort of Egyptian HCV-related HCCs. Correlate them with different patient/tumor characteristics. Determine the activity status of involved pathways. Methods: Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted from 32 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of human HCV-related HCCs and 6 healthy liver donors as controls. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) using RT2 Profiler PCR Array for Human Insulin Signaling Pathway was done to determine significantly up- and downregulated genes with identification of most frequently coregulated genes, followed by correlation of gene expression with different patient/tumor characteristics. Finally, canonical pathway analysis was performed using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. Results: Six genes – AEBP1, AKT2, C-FOS, PIK3R1, PRKCI, SHC1 – were significantly overexpressed. Thirteen genes – ADRB3, CEBPA, DUSP14, ERCC1, FRS3, IGF2, INS, IRS1, JUN, MTOR, PIK3R2, PPP1CA, RPS6KA1 – were significantly underexpressed. Several differentially expressed genes were related to different tumor/patient characteristics. Nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species production pathway was significantly activated in the present cohort, while the growth hormone signaling pathway was inactive. Conclusions: The gene expression patterns identified in this study may serve as possible therapeutic targets in HCV-related HCCs. The most frequently coregulated genes may serve to guide combined molecular targeted therapies. The IGF1R pathway showed evidence of inactivity in the present cohort of HCV-related HCCs, so targeting this pathway in therapy may not be effective.
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Protein Kinase B Inactivation Is Associated with Magnolol-Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy of Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010087. [PMID: 31905887 PMCID: PMC7017147 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although sorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, was approved as a treatment drug of advance hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), treatment efficacy still requires improvement. Searching for the adjuvant reagent for enhancing sorafenib efficacy remains as a critical issue. Sorafenib has been proved to suppress extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) in HCC; however, protein kinase B (AKT) was not affected by it. Targeting AKT in combination with sorafenib could be an important breakthrough point of HCC treatment. Many herbal compounds and composite formulas have been shown to enhance anti-HCC activity of sorafenib. Magnolol is a bioactive compound extracted from the bark of the Magnolia officinalis and has been shown to induce apoptosis and inhibit cell invasion in HCC in vitro. However, whether magnolol sensitizes HCC to sorafenib is ambiguous. In this study, we indicated that magnolol significantly enhanced sorafenib-diminished tumor cell growth, expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, and migration/invasion ability compared to sorafenib alone. Magnolol significantly boosted sorafenib-induced extrinsic/intrinsic dependent apoptosis pathways in HCC. Notably sorafenib could not reduce protein level of AKT (Ser473), but expression of AKT (Ser473) was significantly decreased by magnolol or magnolol combined with sorafenib. LY294002 as specific AKT inhibitor was used to confirm that AKT inactivation may promote anticancer effect of sorafenib. Taken together, AKT inhibition is associated with magnolol-enhanced the therapeutic effect of sorafenib in HCC. We suggested magnolol as the potential adjuvant which may enhance therapeutic benefits of sorafenib in patients with HCC.
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23
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Animal Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Role of Immune System and Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101487. [PMID: 31581753 PMCID: PMC6826986 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer in adults and has one of the highest mortality rates of solid cancers. Ninety percent of HCCs are associated with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis developed from chronic liver injuries. The immune system of the liver contributes to the severity of the necrotic-inflammatory tissue damage, the establishment of fibrosis and cirrhosis, and the disease progression towards HCC. Immunotherapies have emerged as an exciting strategy for HCC treatment, but their effect is limited, and an extensive translation research is urgently needed to enhance anti-tumor efficacy and clinical success. Establishing HCC animal models that are analogous to human disease settings, i.e., mimicking the tumor microenvironment of HCC, is extremely challenging. Hence, this review discusses different animal models of HCC by summarizing their advantages and their limits with a specific focus on the role of the immune system and tumor microenvironment.
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Zhang R, Chen Z, Wu SS, Xu J, Kong LC, Wei P. Celastrol Enhances the Anti-Liver Cancer Activity of Sorafenib. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:4068-4075. [PMID: 31152143 PMCID: PMC6559000 DOI: 10.12659/msm.914060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sorafenib, a multiple-target-point kinase inhibitor, has been used as a standard treatment for advanced liver cancer and has shown therapeutic benefits. However, resistance often occurs, prompting the need for identification of synergizing agents. Celastrol is a major active ingredient of Tripterygium wilfordii, which can increase the antitumor effect of traditional antitumor drugs. This work focused on the sensitization of liver cancers in use of celastrol combined with sorafenib. Material/Methods The IC50 values of sorafenib and celastrol on cancer cells were determined through MTT assays. The effects of sorafenib on AKT signaling and VEGF levels in sorafenib-treated cancer cells were analyzed by Western blotting and ELISA, respectively. After combined treatment with celastrol and sorafenib, the survival rate of tumor cells was determined by MTT and clonogenic assays, and the apoptosis rate was also determined by flow cytometry. In addition, the in vivo antitumor activity of celastrol combined with sorafenib was evaluated in Hepa1-6 tumor-bearing mice. Results Sorafenib treatment induced the compensatory activation of the AKT pathway and autocrine VEGF in hepatoma cells, which could be reversed by celastrol. Furthermore, celastrol enhanced the growth inhibition and apoptosis induction of cancer cells by sorafenib both in vitro and in vivo and reduced the dosage of sorafenib needed. Conclusions Celastrol enhances the antitumor activity of sorafenib in HCC tumor cells by suppressing the AKT pathway and VEGF autocrine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Dayi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Shu-Sheng Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of General Surgery, hanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Dayi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Ling-Chun Kong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Pei Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China (mainland)
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25
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Bort A, Sánchez BG, Mateos-Gómez PA, Vara-Ciruelos D, Rodríguez-Henche N, Díaz-Laviada I. Targeting AMP-activated kinase impacts hepatocellular cancer stem cells induced by long-term treatment with sorafenib. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:1311-1331. [PMID: 30959553 PMCID: PMC6487713 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. HCC treatment is hindered by the frequent emergence of chemoresistance to the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib, which has been related to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that self‐renew and often escape therapy. The key metabolic sensor AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK) has recently been recognized as a tumour growth regulator. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of AMPK in the development of a stem cell phenotype in HCC cells. To this end, we enriched the CSC population in HCC cell lines that showed increased expression of drug resistance (ALDH1A1, ABCB1A) and stem cell (CD133, Nanog, Oct4, alpha fetoprotein) markers and demonstrated their stemness phenotype. These cells were refractory to sorafenib‐induced cell death. We report that sorafenib‐resistant cells had lower levels of total and phosphorylated AMPK as well as its downstream substrate, ACC, compared with the parental cells. Interestingly, AMPK knockdown with siRNA or inhibition with dorsomorphin increased the expression of stem cell markers in parental cells and blocked sorafenib‐induced cell death. Conversely, the upregulation of AMPK, either by transfection or by pharmacological activation with A‐769662, decreased the expression of ALDH1A1, ABCB1A, CD133, Nanog, Oct4, and alpha fetoprotein, and restored sensitivity to sorafenib. Analysis of the underlying mechanism points to hypoxia‐inducible factor HIF‐1α as a regulator of stemness. In vivo studies in a xenograft mouse model demonstrated that stem‐like cells have greater tumourigenic capacity. AMPK activation reduced xenograft tumour growth and decreased the expression of stem cell markers. Taken together, these results indicate that AMPK may serve as a novel target to overcome chemoresistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Bort
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén G Sánchez
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro A Mateos-Gómez
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Vara-Ciruelos
- Division of Cell Signalling & Immunology, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, UK
| | - Nieves Rodríguez-Henche
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Díaz-Laviada
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.,Chemical Research Institute 'Andrés M. del Río' (IQAR), Alcalá University, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
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26
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Chen D. Dually Efficacious Medicine Against Fibrosis and Cancer. Med Sci (Basel) 2019; 7:medsci7030041. [PMID: 30836705 PMCID: PMC6473536 DOI: 10.3390/medsci7030041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although there is a contemporary consensus of managing a severe disease with multi-targeted approach-based therapeutic combinations, it should not be ignored that certain patho-biological pathways are shared by distinct medical conditions and can be exploited to develop an exceptional type of medication conferring a dual efficacy. This article thus presents a spectrum of emerging molecular targets that substantially contribute to the pathogenesis of both fibrotic and neoplastic disorders, including kinase activities, cytokine cascades, and protein dynamics among others. Moreover, recently approved therapeutic agents in this regard have been sorted out to corroborate the drug’s ability upon targeting each one of these molecular pathways to treat fibrosis and cancer simultaneously. It not only streamlines an overlapping mechanistic profile in the pathogenesis across these two medical conditions, but also inspires clinicians and pharmaceutical innovation to tackle concomitant diseases, such as fibrosis and cancer, with an optimally efficacious medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daohong Chen
- Research Institute of Biological Medicine, Yiling Pharmaceutical; Beijing 102600, China.
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27
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Dai J, Huang Q, Niu K, Wang B, Li Y, Dai C, Chen Z, Tao K, Dai J. Sestrin 2 confers primary resistance to sorafenib by simultaneously activating AKT and AMPK in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2018; 7:5691-5703. [PMID: 30311444 PMCID: PMC6247041 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the malignancy derived from normal hepatocytes with increasing incidence and extremely poor prognosis worldwide. The only approved first‐line systematic treatment agent for HCC, sorafenib, is capable to effectively improve advanced HCC patients’ survival. However, it is gradually recognized that the therapeutic response to sorafenib could be drastically diminished after short‐term treatment, defined as primary resistance. The present study is aimed to explore the role of stress‐inducible protein Sestrin2 (SESN2), one of the most important sestrins family members, in sorafenib primary resistance. Herein, we initially found that SESN2 expression was significantly up‐regulated in both HCC cell lines and tissues compared to normal human hepatocytes and corresponding adjacent liver tissues, respectively. In addition, SESN2 expression was highly correlated with sorafenib IC50 of HCC cell lines. Thereafter, we showed that sorafenib treatment resulted in an increase of SESN2 expression and the knockdown of SESN2 exacerbated sorafenib‐induced proliferation inhibition and cell apoptosis. Further mechanistic study uncovered that SESN2 deficiency impaired both AKT and AMPK phosphorylation and activation after sorafenib treatment. Moreover, the correlations between SESN2 expression and both phosphor‐AKT and phosphor‐AMPK expression were illustrated in HCC tissues. Taken together, our study demonstrates that SESN2 activates AKT and AMPK signaling as a novel mechanism to induce sorafenib primary resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.,The Cadet Team 6 (Regiment 6) of School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qichao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kunwei Niu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yijie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Dai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhinan Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kaishan Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jingyao Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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