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Yu B, Ma W. Biomarker discovery in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for personalized treatment and enhanced prognosis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024; 79:29-38. [PMID: 39191624 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading contributor to cancer-related deaths worldwide and presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to its heterogeneous nature. The discovery of biomarkers has become crucial in addressing these challenges, promising early detection, precise diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans. Key biomarkers, such as alpha fetoprotein (AFP) glypican 3 (GPC3) and des gamma carboxy prothrombin (DCP) have shown potential in improving clinical results. Progress in proteomic technologies, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), mass spectrometry, and liquid biopsies detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), has deepened our understanding of HCC's molecular landscape. Immunological markers, like PD-L1 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), also play a crucial role in guiding immunotherapy decisions. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in biomarker validation, standardization, integration into clinical practice, and cost-related barriers. Emerging technologies like single-cell sequencing and machine learning offer promising avenues for further exploration. Continued investment in research and collaboration among researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers is vital to harness the potential of biomarkers fully, ultimately revolutionizing HCC management and improving patient outcomes through personalized treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baofa Yu
- Taimei Baofa Cancer Hospital, Dongping, Shandong 271500, China; Jinan Baofa Cancer Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China; Beijing Baofa Cancer Hospital, Beijing, 100010, China; Immune Oncology Systems, Inc, San Diego, CA 92102, USA.
| | - Wenxue Ma
- Department of Medicine, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Samban SS, Hari A, Nair B, Kumar AR, Meyer BS, Valsan A, Vijayakurup V, Nath LR. An Insight Into the Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) in the Development and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:2697-2709. [PMID: 37782430 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary malignancy of hepatocytes and the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality across the globe. Despite significant advancements in screening, diagnosis, and treatment modalities for HCC, the mortality-to-incidence ratio remain unacceptably high. A recent study indicates that a minor population of HCCs are AFP negative or express the normal range of AFP levels. Although it is a gold standard and a more reliable biomarker in the advanced stage of HCC and poorly differentiated tumors, it does not serve as a suitable means for screening HCC. AFP plays a significant role in the development and progression of HCC and understanding its role is crucial. By examining the molecular mechanisms involved in AFP-mediated tumorigenesis, we can better understand HCC pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets. This article details the role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the carcinogenic transformation of hepatocytes. The article also focuses on information about the structure, biosynthesis, and regulation of AFP at the gene level. Additionally, it discusses the immune evasion, metastasis, and control of gene expression that AFP mediates during HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathy S Samban
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Aparna Hari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Ayana R Kumar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Benjamin S Meyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Arun Valsan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Science, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Vinod Vijayakurup
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India.
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Sharafeldin MA, Suef RA, Mousa AA, Ziadah DH, Farag MMS. Serum interleukin-10 and alpha-fetoprotein: A combined diagnostic approach for hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptians with HCV. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 258:155327. [PMID: 38692084 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155327] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has been used for 60+ years as an HCC diagnostic serum marker, its accuracy is debated. Notably, the role of interleukin 10 (IL-10) in cancer development and metastasis is elevated in various tumor types, including HCC and chronic HCV infection. Our study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of IL-10 and AFP as biomarkers for HCV-induced HCC in an Egyptian population. METHODS Eighty participants were recruited and categorized into three groups: HCV-related HCC (n=40), HCV-related cirrhosis (n=40), and control (n=20).The collected blood samples were analyzed to evaluate liver function, AFP levels, and IL-10 levels. RESULTS Our analysis showed that AFP demonstrated low sensitivity (40% false-negative) and low specificity (33% false-positive).IL-10 levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in patients with HCC than in the cirrhosis and control groups. The serum AFP and IL-10 combination revealed significantly increased sensitivity (97.5%), diagnostic accuracy (71.1%), AUC (0.798), PPV (73.3%), and NPV ( 69.5%) when compared with either of them alone. CONCLUSION the reliability of AFP as a major HCC marker was poor. However, IL-10 levels are a novel biomarker for the degree of HCC inflammation, considering IL-10's potential role in HCV-HCC development. We suggest combining AFP with IL-10 to improve the diagnostic and prognostic value of HCC considerably. Future research on these biomarkers should prioritize their clinical validity, prognostic usefulness, and compatibility with other therapeutic approaches as immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa A Sharafeldin
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Reda A Suef
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Adel A Mousa
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Dina H Ziadah
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M S Farag
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt; Biomedical Research Department, Armed Forces College of Medicine (AFCM), Cairo, Egypt; The Regional Centre for Mycology and Biotechnology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Gil-Rojas S, Suárez M, Martínez-Blanco P, Torres AM, Martínez-García N, Blasco P, Torralba M, Mateo J. Application of Machine Learning Techniques to Assess Alpha-Fetoprotein at Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1996. [PMID: 38396674 PMCID: PMC10888351 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor and is associated with high mortality rates. Approximately 80% of cases occur in cirrhotic livers, posing a significant challenge for appropriate therapeutic management. Adequate screening programs in high-risk groups are essential for early-stage detection. The extent of extrahepatic tumor spread and hepatic functional reserve are recognized as two of the most influential prognostic factors. In this retrospective multicenter study, we utilized machine learning (ML) methods to analyze predictors of mortality at the time of diagnosis in a total of 208 patients. The eXtreme gradient boosting (XGB) method achieved the highest values in identifying key prognostic factors for HCC at diagnosis. The etiology of HCC was found to be the variable most strongly associated with a poorer prognosis. The widely used Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification in our setting demonstrated superiority over the TNM classification. Although alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) remains the most commonly used biological marker, elevated levels did not correlate with reduced survival. Our findings suggest the need to explore new prognostic biomarkers for individualized management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Gil-Rojas
- Gastroenterology Department, Virgen de la Luz Hospital, 16002 Cuenca, Spain
- Medical Analysis Expert Group, Institute of Technology, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain
- Medical Analysis Expert Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Miguel Suárez
- Gastroenterology Department, Virgen de la Luz Hospital, 16002 Cuenca, Spain
- Medical Analysis Expert Group, Institute of Technology, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain
- Medical Analysis Expert Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Pablo Martínez-Blanco
- Gastroenterology Department, Virgen de la Luz Hospital, 16002 Cuenca, Spain
- Medical Analysis Expert Group, Institute of Technology, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain
- Medical Analysis Expert Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Ana M. Torres
- Medical Analysis Expert Group, Institute of Technology, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain
- Medical Analysis Expert Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Blasco
- Department of Pharmacy, General University Hospital, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Torralba
- Internal Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Guadalajara, 19002 Guadalajara, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Translational Research Group in Cellular Immunology (GITIC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Jorge Mateo
- Medical Analysis Expert Group, Institute of Technology, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain
- Medical Analysis Expert Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
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Huang Y, Tang X, Wang C, Hu Q, Wang B, Yang X, Sun X, Shen M. Serum alpha-fetoprotein level is correlated with the level of inflammatory markers in the immune-clearance phase of chronic hepatitis B in Eastern China. Am J Transl Res 2023; 15:5331-5338. [PMID: 37692940 PMCID: PMC10492060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To clarify the association of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) with inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) during the immune-clearance phase in Eastern China. METHODS This research selected 60 CHB patients during the immune clearance phase who tested positive for AFP, including 32 cases treated by non-antiviral therapy (experimental group) and 28 cases treated by antiviral therapy (positive control group). Another 30 cases tested negative for AFP were set as a negative control group. The correlations of serum AFP with IL-6 and TNF-α in patients were analyzed. RESULTS HBV DNA clearance in patients receiving antiviral therapy, in both the positive or negative control groups, was not significantly related to other clinical data. In the experimental group, a positive correlation of HBV DNA clearance with serum AFP level (r=0.5126, P=0.0027), alanine aminotransferase (r=0.3924, P=0.0263), and total bilirubin (r=0.5126, P=0.0027) was found. The experimental and positive control groups exhibited elevated serum IL-6 and TNF-α contents versus the negative control group (P<0.05). A positive association of AFP with IL-6 and TNF-α was also identified. CONCLUSION Serum AFP level is positively related to IL-6 and TNF-α levels in CHB patients during the immune-clearance phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggao Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineTaizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolu Tang
- Department of Hepatology, Taizhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineTaizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chengwei Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Taizhou People’s HospitalTaizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiuhong Hu
- Department of Hepatology, Taizhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineTaizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bian Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Taizhou People’s HospitalTaizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiuzhen Yang
- Department of Hepatology, Taizhou People’s HospitalTaizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojun Sun
- Multidisciplinary Center, Taizhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineTaizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meilong Shen
- Department of Hepatology, Taizhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineTaizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
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Vujovic A, Isakovic AM, Misirlic-Dencic S, Juloski J, Mirkovic M, Cirkovic A, Djelic M, Milošević I. IL-23/IL-17 Axis in Chronic Hepatitis C and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis-New Insight into Immunohepatotoxicity of Different Chronic Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12483. [PMID: 37569857 PMCID: PMC10419971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the relevance of the research of pathogenesis of different liver diseases, we investigated the possible activity of the IL-23/IL-17 axis on the immunohepatotoxicity of two etiologically different chronic liver diseases. A total of 36 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients, 16 with (CHC-SF) and 20 without significant fibrosis (CHC-NSF), 19 patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and 20 healthy controls (CG) were recruited. Anthropometric, biochemical, and immunological cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 and IL-23) tests were performed in accordance with standard procedure. Our analysis revealed that a higher concentration of plasma IL-23 was associated with NASH (p = 0.005), and a higher concentration of plasma IL-17A but a lower concentration of plasma IL-10 was associated with CHC in comparison with CG. A lower concentration of plasma IL-10 was specific for CHC-NSF, while a higher concentration of plasma IL-17A was specific for CHC-SF in comparison with CG. CHC-NSF and CHC-SF groups were distinguished from NASH according to a lower concentration of plasma IL-17A. Liver tissue levels of IL-17A and IL-23 in CHC-NSF were significantly lower in comparison with NASH, regardless of the same stage of the liver fibrosis, whereas only IL-17A tissue levels showed a difference between the CHC-NSF and CHC-SF groups, namely, a lower concentration in CHC-NSF in comparison with CHC-SF. In CHC-SF and NASH liver tissue, IL17-A and IL-23 were significantly higher in comparison with plasma. Diagnostic accuracy analysis showed significance only in the concentration of plasma cytokines. Plasma IL-6, IL-17A and IL-23 could be possible markers that could differentiate CHC patients from controls. Plasma IL-23 could be considered a possible biomarker of CHC-NSF patients in comparison with controls, while plasma IL-6 and IL-17-A could be biomarkers of CHC-SF patients in comparison with controls. The most sophisticated difference was between the CHC-SF and CHC-NSF groups in the plasma levels of IL-10, which could make this cytokine a useful biomarker of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankica Vujovic
- Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Andjelka M. Isakovic
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.M.I.); (S.M.-D.)
- Center of Excellence for Redox Medicine, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sonja Misirlic-Dencic
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.M.I.); (S.M.-D.)
- Center of Excellence for Redox Medicine, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovan Juloski
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Zvezdara Medical University Center, Surgery Clinic “Nikola Spasic”, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Mirkovic
- Institute for Orthopedic Surgery “Banjica”, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Andja Cirkovic
- Department of Medical Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Marina Djelic
- Institute of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Milošević
- Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia;
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The Characteristics and Prognosis of Alpha-Fetoprotein and Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin Double-Negative Hepatocellular Carcinoma at Baseline in Higher BCLC Stages. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020390. [PMID: 36672339 PMCID: PMC9856355 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (DCP) are widely used as tumor markers to diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Some advanced HCCs demonstrate neither AFP nor DCP. This study investigated the characteristics and prognosis of AFP (<20 ng/mL) and DCP (<40 mAU/ml) double-negative HCC (DNHC) in higher-stage HCC. Between April 2012 and March 2022, 419 consecutive patients were enrolled with newly diagnosed HCC and 372 patients were selected that were diagnosed by histopathology and/or imaging. AFP-negative, DCP-negative, and double-negative HCC were identified in 262 patients (70.4%), 143 patients (38.2%), and 120 patients (32.3%), respectively. In higher-BCLC stages (BCLC-B, C, and D), 17 patients (14.7%) were DNHC. Although there was no difference in BCLC staging, there were more cases under TNM Stage III in DNHC (71.0% vs. 41.4%, p = 0.026). The median maximum tumor diameter was smaller in DNHC [3.2 (1.8−5.0) vs. 5.5 (3.5−9.0) cm, p = 0.001] and their median survival time was significantly better, even in higher-stage HCC [47.0 (24.0−84.0) vs. 19.0 (14.0−30.0) months, p = 0.027). DNHC in higher-BCLC stage HCC is independent of BCLC staging, characterized by a tumor diameter < 5 cm, and is treatable with a good prognosis.
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Lee T, Rawding PA, Bu J, Hyun S, Rou W, Jeon H, Kim S, Lee B, Kubiatowicz LJ, Kim D, Hong S, Eun H. Machine-Learning-Based Clinical Biomarker Using Cell-Free DNA for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2061. [PMID: 35565192 PMCID: PMC9103537 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Although various serum enzymes have been utilized for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC, the currently available biomarkers lack the sensitivity needed to detect HCC at early stages and accurately predict treatment responses. (2) Methods: We utilized our highly sensitive cell-free DNA (cfDNA) detection system, in combination with a machine learning algorithm, to provide a platform for improved diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. (3) Results: cfDNA, specifically alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) expression in captured cfDNA, demonstrated the highest accuracy for diagnosing malignancies among the serum/plasma biomarkers used in this study, including AFP, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. The diagnostic/prognostic capability of cfDNA was further improved by establishing a cfDNA score (cfDHCC), which integrated the total plasma cfDNA levels and cfAFP-DNA expression into a single score using machine learning algorithms. (4) Conclusion: The cfDHCC score demonstrated significantly improved accuracy in determining the pathological features of HCC and predicting patients' survival outcomes compared to the other biomarkers. The results presented herein reveal that our cfDNA capture/analysis platform is a promising approach to effectively utilize cfDNA as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taehee Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Daegu Health College, Daegu 41453, Korea;
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Korea;
| | - Piper A. Rawding
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (P.A.R.); (J.B.); (L.J.K.); (D.K.)
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems (WisCNano), University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jiyoon Bu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (P.A.R.); (J.B.); (L.J.K.); (D.K.)
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems (WisCNano), University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea
- Industry-Academia Interactive R&E Center for Bioprocess Innovation, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Sunghee Hyun
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Korea;
| | - Woosun Rou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital (CNUSH), Sejong 30099, Korea; (W.R.); (H.J.)
| | - Hongjae Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital (CNUSH), Sejong 30099, Korea; (W.R.); (H.J.)
| | - Seokhyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Korea; (S.K.); (B.L.)
| | - Byungseok Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Korea; (S.K.); (B.L.)
| | - Luke J. Kubiatowicz
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (P.A.R.); (J.B.); (L.J.K.); (D.K.)
| | - Dawon Kim
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (P.A.R.); (J.B.); (L.J.K.); (D.K.)
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems (WisCNano), University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Seungpyo Hong
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (P.A.R.); (J.B.); (L.J.K.); (D.K.)
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems (WisCNano), University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Yonsei Frontier Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Hyuksoo Eun
- Yonsei Frontier Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Korea
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Hanif H, Ali MJ, Susheela AT, Khan IW, Luna-Cuadros MA, Khan MM, Lau DTY. Update on the applications and limitations of alpha-fetoprotein for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:216-229. [PMID: 35110946 PMCID: PMC8776528 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i2.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an oncofetal glycoprotein that has been used as a tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in combination with ultrasound and other imaging modalities. Its utility is limited because of both low sensitivity and specificity, and discrepancies among the different methods of measurements. Moreover, its accuracy varies according to patient characteristics and the AFP cut-off values used. Combination of AFP with novel biomarkers such as AFP-L3, Golgi specific membrane protein (GP73) and des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin significantly improved its accuracy in detecting HCC. Increased AFP level could also signify severity of hepatic destruction and subsequent regeneration and is commonly observed in patients with acute and chronic liver conditions and cirrhosis. Hereditary and other non-hepatic disorders can also cause AFP elevation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hira Hanif
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Mukarram Jamat Ali
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Ammu T Susheela
- Internal Medicine, Loyola MacNeal Hospital, Berwyn, PA 60402, United States
| | - Iman Waheed Khan
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Maria Alejandra Luna-Cuadros
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Muzammil Muhammad Khan
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Daryl Tan-Yeung Lau
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
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Shimizu T, Sawada T, Asai T, Kanetsuki Y, Hirota J, Moriguchi M, Nakajima T, Miyazaki T, Okanoue T. Hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis using a novel electrochemiluminescence immunoassay targeting serum IgM-free AIM. Clin J Gastroenterol 2022; 15:41-51. [PMID: 34981443 PMCID: PMC8858287 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-021-01567-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent increases in the number of patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) warrant the identification of biomarkers for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with NASH (NASH-HCC). IgM-free apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM), which generally associates with IgM in blood and exerts its biological function by dissociation from IgM, may serve as an effective biomarker for NASH-HCC. Here, we established a fully automatic and high-throughput electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) to measure IgM-free AIM and investigated its efficacy in diagnosing NASH-HCC and viral HCC. METHODS IgM-free AIM levels were measured in 212 serum samples from patients with, or without, HCC related to NASH, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus, using ECLIA. We also developed an ECLIA for measuring both IgM-free and IgM-bound AIM and investigated the existing form of AIM in blood by size-exclusion chromatography. RESULTS IgM-free AIM levels were significantly higher in the HCC group than in the non-HCC group, regardless of the associated pathogenesis. Moreover, the area under the receiver operating curve for IgM-free AIM was greater than that for conventional HCC biomarkers, alpha-fetoprotein or des-γ-carboxy prothrombin, regardless of the cancer stage. ECLIA counts of IgM-free AIM derived from samples fractionated by size-exclusion chromatography were significantly higher in patients with NASH-HCC than in healthy volunteers and in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver and NASH. CONCLUSIONS Serum IgM-free AIM may represent a universal HCC diagnostic marker superior to alpha-fetoprotein or des-γ-carboxy prothrombin. Our newly established ECLIA could contribute to further clinical studies on AIM and in vitro HCC diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomo Shimizu
- Tsukuba Research Institute Research and Development Division, Sekisui Medical Co., Ltd., 3-3-1, Koyodai, Ryugasaki, Ibaraki, 301-0852, Japan.
| | - Takashi Sawada
- Tsukuba Research Institute Research and Development Division, Sekisui Medical Co., Ltd., 3-3-1, Koyodai, Ryugasaki, Ibaraki, 301-0852, Japan
| | - Tomohide Asai
- Tsukuba Research Institute Research and Development Division, Sekisui Medical Co., Ltd., 3-3-1, Koyodai, Ryugasaki, Ibaraki, 301-0852, Japan
| | - Yuka Kanetsuki
- Tsukuba Research Institute Research and Development Division, Sekisui Medical Co., Ltd., 3-3-1, Koyodai, Ryugasaki, Ibaraki, 301-0852, Japan
| | - Jiro Hirota
- Tsukuba Research Institute Research and Development Division, Sekisui Medical Co., Ltd., 3-3-1, Koyodai, Ryugasaki, Ibaraki, 301-0852, Japan
| | - Michihisa Moriguchi
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Nakajima
- Department of Hepatology, Sapporo Kosei General Hospital, Hokkaido, 060-0033, Japan
| | - Toru Miyazaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Biomedicine for Pathogenesis, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.,LEAP, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.,Laboratoire d'ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, Plateforme GENOMAX, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR_S 1109, Faculté de Médecine, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Laboratory of Excellence TRANSPLANTEX, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,The Institute for AIM Medicine, Tokyo, 101-0047, Japan
| | - Takeshi Okanoue
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saiseikai Suita Hospital, Osaka, 564-0013, Japan
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Clinical, Epidemiological, and Geospatial Characteristics of Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Virus Treated with Second-Generation Direct-Action Antivirals in a Reference Center in a Mesoregion of São Paulo State, Brazil. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8101575. [PMID: 33066136 PMCID: PMC7601958 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis virus infection is a major public health problem worldwide. Currently, Brazil has almost 700,000 cases. The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) provides therapeutic regimens for people infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). We determined the clinical, laboratory, epidemiologic, and geospatial characteristics of patients infected with HCV treated with second-generation direct-action antivirals (DAAs) in a hospital reference center in São Paulo state, Brazil, using data from file records. A map was constructed using a geographic information system. From 2015 to 2018, 197 individuals received second-generation DAAs (mean age, 57.68 ± 1.36 years; interquartile range, 56.22–59.14 years; 58.9% male; 41.1% female). Genotypes 1a and 1b accounted for 75.7% of cases and the prevalent therapeutic regimen was sofosbuvir/simeprevir. Sustained viral response accounted for 98.9% and the METAVIR score F3/F4 for 50.8%. Increased alanine transferase was significantly correlated with an increase in α-fetoproteins (p = 0.01), and severe necro-inflammatory activity (p = 0.001). Associated comorbidities were found in 71.6%, mainly coronary artery and gastrointestinal disorders. The cumulative incidence in the region was 2.6 per 10,000 inhabitants. Our data highlight the role of reference hospitals in Brazil’s public health system in the treatment of HCV. Low incidence rates demonstrated the fragility of municipalities in the active search for patients.
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