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Sun T, Li S, Li X, Lei Y, Wang B, Liu X, Yu S, Li N. Apigenin intervenes in liver fibrosis by regulating PKM2-HIF-1α mediated oxidative stress. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 721:150130. [PMID: 38761750 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150130] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Apigenin (API) is a natural flavonoid compound with antioxidant, anti fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and other effects, but there is limited research on the effect of API on liver fibrosis. This study aims to explore the effect and potential mechanism of API on liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice. The results indicate that API reduces oxidative stress levels, inhibits hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, and exerts anti liver fibrosis effects by regulating the PKM2-HIF-1α pathway. We observed that API alleviated liver tissue pathological damage and collagen deposition in CCl4 induced mouse liver fibrosis model, promoting the recovery of liver function in mice with liver fibrosis. In addition, the API inhibits the transition of Pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2) from dimer to tetramer formation by regulating the EGFR-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway, thereby preventing dimer from entering the nucleus and blocking PKM2-HIF-1α access. This change leads to a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and Catalase (CAT) levels and an increase in glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels, as well as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver of liver fibrosis mice. At the same time, API downregulated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Vimentin and Desmin in the liver tissue of mice with liver fibrosis, inhibited the activation of HSC, and reduced collagen deposition. These results indicate that API can inhibit HSC activation and alleviate CCl4 induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting the PKM2-HIF-1α pathway and reducing oxidative stress, laying an important foundation for the development and clinical application of API as a novel drug for treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Saifei Li
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanfei Lei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Baoying Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xianghua Liu
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shanfa Yu
- School of Public Health, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ningning Li
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China.
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Zhu Y, Gu J, Lu Y, Tao Q, Cao X, Zhu Y, Yang MQ, Liang X. IL-6 Released from Hepatic Stellate Cells Promotes Glycolysis and Migration of HCC Through the JAK1/vWF/TGFB1 Axis. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:1295-1310. [PMID: 38983936 PMCID: PMC11232958 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s464880] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The crosstalk between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is one of the important mechanisms of liver cancer metastasis. The relationship between liver cancer metastasis and glycolysis has been extensively studied recently. However, the role of von Willebrand factor (vWF) mediated glycolysis mechanism in liver cancer metastasis is currently unknown. Methods Western blot was used to verify the expression of vWF in HCC cells. PAS staining, glycogen and L-lactate content assays were used to reflect cellular glycolysis levels. The ability of cell migration was explored by Wound-healing and Transwell assays. Besides, the effect of vWF on the progression of HCC in vivo was also studied using subcutaneous xenograft model. Results vWF derived from HCC cells promoted tumor migration by mediating glycolysis. Besides, vWF participated in the crosstalk between HCC cells and HSCs. HCC cells activated HSCs through vWF-mediated TGFB1 expression and secretion, and activated HSCs upregulated vWF expression in HCC cells through IL-6 secretion feedback. Further, in vitro and in vivo experiments also confirmed the importance of the JAK1/vWF/TGFB1 axis in regulating HSCs-derived IL-6 mediated HCC migration and growth. Conclusion In summary, this article demonstrated that IL-6 released from hepatic stellate cells enhanced glycolysis and migration ability of liver cancer cells by activating JAK1/vWF/TGFB1 axis which may also be a potential target for inhibiting liver cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Zhu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Gu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianying Tao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinliang Cao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqing Zhu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mu-Qing Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgical Center, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Liang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Salvermoser L, Goldberg SN, Alunni-Fabbroni M, Kazmierczak PM, Gröper MN, Schäfer JN, Öcal E, Burkard T, Corradini S, Ben Khaled N, Petrera A, Wildgruber M, Ricke J, Stechele M. CT-guided high dose rate brachytherapy can induce multiple systemic proteins of proliferation and angiogenesis predicting outcome in HCC. Transl Oncol 2024; 43:101919. [PMID: 38401507 PMCID: PMC10906383 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To determine the potential prognostic value of proliferation and angiogenesis plasma proteins following CT-guided high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS For this prospective study, HDR-BT (1 × 15 Gy) was administered to 24 HCC patients. Plasma was obtained and analyzed using an Olink proteomics Target-96 immuno-oncology-panel that included multiple markers of angiogenesis and proliferation. Fold-change (FC) ratios were calculated by comparing baseline and 48 h post HDR-BT paired samples. Patients were classified as responders (n = 12) if they had no local progression within 6 months or systemic progression within 2 years. Non-responders (n = 12) had recurrence within 6 months and/or tumor progression or extrahepatic disease within 2 years. RESULTS Proliferation marker EGF was significantly elevated in non-responders compared to responders (p = 0.0410) while FGF-2, HGF, and PlGF showed no significant differences. Angiogenesis markers Angiopoietin-1 and PDGF-B were likewise significantly elevated in non-responders compared to responders (p = 0.0171, p = 0.0462, respectively) while Angiopoietin-2, VEGF-A, and VEGFR-2 did not differ significantly. Kaplan-Meier analyses demonstrated significantly shorter time to systemic progression in patients with increased EGF and Angiopoietin-1 (p = 0.0185, both), but not in patients with one of the remaining proteins elevated (all p > 0.1). Pooled analysis for these 9 proteins showed significantly shorter time to systemic progression for FC ≥1.3 and ≥1.5 for at least 3 proteins elevated (p = 0.0415, p = 0.0193, respectively). CONCLUSION Increased plasma levels of EGF and Angiopoietin-1 after HDR-BT for HCC are associated with poor response and may therefore function as predictive biomarkers of outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Salvermoser
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Shraga Nahum Goldberg
- Department of Radiology, Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy and Division of Image-guided Therapy and Interventional Oncology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 12000, Israel
| | - Marianna Alunni-Fabbroni
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich 81377, Germany
| | | | - Moritz Nikolaus Gröper
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Jan Niklas Schäfer
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Elif Öcal
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Tanja Burkard
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Stefanie Corradini
- Department of Radiation Oncology University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Najib Ben Khaled
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich Marchioninistr. 15, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Agnese Petrera
- Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - Moritz Wildgruber
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Jens Ricke
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Matthias Stechele
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich 81377, Germany.
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Yi J, Jeong JH, Won J, Chung S, Pak JH. The crosstalk between cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells promotes the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and periductal fibrosis during Clonorchis sinensis infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:151. [PMID: 38519993 PMCID: PMC10958959 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06236-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Clonorchis sinensis infection is one of the risk factors that provokes chronic inflammation, epithelial hyperplasia, periductal fibrosis and even cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Disrupted or aberrant intercellular communication among liver-constituting cells leads to pathological states that cause various hepatic diseases. This study was designed to investigate the pathological changes caused by C. sinensis excretory-secretory products (ESPs) in non-cancerous human cell lines (cholangiocytes [H69 cell line] and human hepatic stellate cells [LX2 cell line]) and their intercellular crosstalk, as well the pathological changes in infected mouse liver tissues. METHODS The cells were treated with ESPs, following which transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion levels and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)- and fibrosis-related protein expression were measured. The ESP-mediated cellular motility (migration/invasion) between two cells was assessed using the Transwell and three-dimensional microfluidic assay models. The livers of C. sinensis-infected mice were stained using EMT and fibrotic marker proteins. RESULTS Treatment of cells with ESPs increased TGF-β1 and IL-6 secretion and the expression of EMT- and fibrosis-related proteins. The ESP-mediated mutual cell interaction further affected the cytokine secretion and protein expression levels and promoted cellular motility. N-cadherin overexpression and collagen fiber deposition were observed in the livers of C. sinensis-infected mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that EMT and biliary fibrosis occur through intercellular communication between cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells during C. sinensis infection, promoting malignant transformation and advanced hepatobiliary abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyeong Yi
- Department of Biochemistry, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center (AMC), 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center (AMC), 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihee Won
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Chung
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jhang Ho Pak
- Department of Biochemistry, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center (AMC), 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Song Y, Kim N, Heo J, Shum D, Heo T, Seo HR. Inhibition of DNMT3B expression in activated hepatic stellate cells overcomes chemoresistance in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:115. [PMID: 38168140 PMCID: PMC10761987 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50680-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex disease associated with a plethora of environmental and genetic/hereditary causative risk factors, more so than other oncological indications. Additionally, patients with HCC exhibit fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver-related disease. This complicated etiology can affect the disease course and likely contributes to its poor prognosis. In this study, we aimed to improve HCC therapy by evaluating combination treatment using anti-cancer and anti-fibrosis drugs via identification of novel anti-fibrosis drugs. We performed high-throughput screening of 10,000 compounds to identify hepatic fibrosis inhibitors through morphometry analysis of multicellular hepatic spheroid (MCHS) models and identified CHIR-99021 as a candidate anti-fibrotic drug. Treatment with CHIR-99021 induced loss of cell-cell interactions and suppression of extracellular matrix-related protein expression via reprogramming of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation in MCHSs. In particular, CHIR-99021 regulated DNMT3B expression only in activated HSCs. Moreover, CHIR-99021 markedly improved the efficacy of sorafenib in HCC- multicellular tumor spheroids in vitro and through induction of apoptosis by decreasing DNMT3B expression in vivo. In summary, these findings suggest that targeting HSC reprogramming by attenuation of DNMT3B expression in the tumor environment might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonhwa Song
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Namjeong Kim
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyeong Heo
- Screening Discovery Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - David Shum
- Screening Discovery Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Taemoo Heo
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeng Ran Seo
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Srinivas AN, Suresh D, Chidambaram SB, Santhekadur PK, Kumar DP. Apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor-mediated liver damage and inflammation to cancer: Therapeutic intervention by curcumin in experimental metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis-hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:135-151. [PMID: 37942831 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
In tandem with the expanding obesity pandemic, the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly known as NASH)- driven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is predicted to rise globally, creating a significant need for therapeutic interventions. We previously identified the upregulation of apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor (AATF), which is implicated in facilitating the progression from MASH to HCC. The objective of this study was to examine whether the intervention of curcumin could alleviate AATF-mediated MASH, inhibit tumor growth, and elucidate the underlying mechanism. A preclinical murine model mimicking human MASH-HCC was employed, subjecting mice to either a chow diet normal water (CDNW) or western diet sugar water (WDSW) along with very low dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 - 0.2 μL/g, weekly). Mice receiving curcumin (CUR) alongside WDSW/CCl4 exhibited significant improvements, including reduced liver enzymes, dyslipidemia, steatosis, inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning. Curcumin treatment also suppressed hepatic expression of inflammatory, fibrogenic, and oncogenic markers. Of note, there was a significant reduction in the expression of AATF upon curcumin treatment in WDSW/CCl4 mice and human HCC cells. In contrast, curcumin upregulated Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in MASH liver and HCC cells, which is known to downregulate sp1 (specificity protein-1) expression. Thus, curcumin treatment effectively inhibited the progression of MASH to HCC by downregulating the expression of AATF via the KLF4-Sp1 signaling pathway. These preclinical findings establish a novel molecular connection between curcumin and AATF in reducing hepatocarcinogenesis, and provide a strong rationale for the development of curcumin as a viable treatment for MASH-HCC in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshatha N Srinivas
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR lab, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Diwakar Suresh
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR lab, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Saravana B Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Prasanna K Santhekadur
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR lab, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Divya P Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR lab, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
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7
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Aasarey R, Yadav K, Kashyap BK, Prabha S, Kumar P, Kumar A, Ruokolainen J, Kesari KK. Role of Immunological Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Disease and Associated Pathways. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1801-1816. [PMID: 38093838 PMCID: PMC10714437 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00216] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the predominant causes of cancer-related mortality across the globe. It is attributed to obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and infection by the hepatitis virus. Early diagnosis of HCC is essential, and local treatments such as surgical excision and percutaneous ablation are effective. Palliative systemic therapy, primarily with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sorafenib, is used in advanced cases. However, the prognosis for advanced HCC remains poor. This Review additionally describes the pathophysiological mechanisms of HCC, which include aberrant molecular signaling, genomic instability, persistent inflammation, and the paradoxical position of the immune system in promoting and suppressing HCC. The paper concludes by discussing the growing body of research on the relationship between mitochondria and HCC, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the progression of HCC. This Review focuses on immunological interactions between different mechanisms of HCC progression, including obesity, viral infection, and alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Aasarey
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute
of Medical Science, New Delhi-11029, India
| | - Kajal Yadav
- Department
of Biotechnology, All India Institute of
Medical Science, New Delhi-11029, India
| | - Brijendra Kumar Kashyap
- Department
of Biotechnology Engineering, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi-284128, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarit Prabha
- Department
of Biological Science and Engineering, Maulana
Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal-462003, Madhya Pradesh,India
| | - Pramod Kumar
- Indian
Council of Medical Research, National Institute
of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), l-7, Sector-39, Noida-201301, National Capital Region, India
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department
of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Cheri-Manatu, Karmre, Kanke-835222, Ranchi, India
| | - Janne Ruokolainen
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
- Research
and Development Cell, Lovely Professional
University, Phagwara-144411, Punjab, India
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8
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Casari M, Siegl D, Deppermann C, Schuppan D. Macrophages and platelets in liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1277808. [PMID: 38116017 PMCID: PMC10728659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1277808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
During fibrosis, (myo)fibroblasts deposit large amounts of extracellular matrix proteins, thereby replacing healthy functional tissue. In liver fibrosis, this leads to the loss of hepatocyte function, portal hypertension, variceal bleeding, and increased susceptibility to infection. At an early stage, liver fibrosis is a dynamic and reversible process, however, from the cirrhotic stage, there is significant progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. Both liver-resident macrophages (Kupffer cells) and monocyte-derived macrophages are important drivers of fibrosis progression, but can also induce its regression once triggers of chronic inflammation are eliminated. In liver cancer, they are attracted to the tumor site to become tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) polarized towards a M2- anti-inflammatory/tumor-promoting phenotype. Besides their role in thrombosis and hemostasis, platelets can also stimulate fibrosis and tumor development by secreting profibrogenic factors and regulating the innate immune response, e.g., by interacting with monocytes and macrophages. Here, we review recent literature on the role of macrophages and platelets and their interplay in liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Casari
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dominik Siegl
- Institute for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Carsten Deppermann
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immune Therapy Forschungszentrum für Immuntherapie (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immune Therapy Forschungszentrum für Immuntherapie (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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9
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Chebotarev AS, Ledyaeva VS, Patsap OI, Ivanov AA, Fedotov AB, Belousov VV, Shokhina AG, Lanin AA. Multimodal label-free imaging of murine hepatocellular carcinoma with a subcellular resolution. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2023; 16:e202300228. [PMID: 37679905 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202300228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate label-free imaging of genetically induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a murine model provided by two- and three-photon fluorescence microscopy of endogenous fluorophores excited at the central wavelengths of 790, 980 and 1250 nm and reinforced by second and third harmonic generation microscopy. We show, that autofluorescence imaging presents abundant information about cell arrangement and lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), harmonics generation microscopy provides a versatile tool for fibrogenesis and steatosis study. Multimodal images may be performed by a single ultrafast laser source at 1250 nm falling in tissue transparency window. Various grades of HCC are examined revealing fibrosis, steatosis, liver cell dysplasia, activation of HSCs and hepatocyte necrosis, that shows a great ability of multimodal label-free microscopy to intravital visualization of liver pathology development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem S Chebotarev
- Physics Department, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Russian Quantum Center, Skolkovo, Russia
| | | | - Olga I Patsap
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical-Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anatoli A Ivanov
- Physics Department, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Russian Quantum Center, Skolkovo, Russia
| | - Andrei B Fedotov
- Physics Department, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Russian Quantum Center, Skolkovo, Russia
| | - Vsevolod V Belousov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical-Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | - Arina G Shokhina
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical-Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksandr A Lanin
- Physics Department, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Russian Quantum Center, Skolkovo, Russia
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Jokl E, Mullan AF, Simpson K, Birchall L, Pearmain L, Martin K, Pritchett J, Raza S, Shah R, Hodson NW, Williams CJ, Camacho E, Zeef L, Donaldson I, Athwal VS, Hanley NA, Piper Hanley K. PAK1-dependent mechanotransduction enables myofibroblast nuclear adaptation and chromatin organization during fibrosis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113414. [PMID: 37967011 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are responsible for scarring during fibrosis. The scar propagates mechanical signals inducing a radical transformation in myofibroblast cell state and increasing profibrotic phenotype. Here, we show mechanical stress from progressive scarring induces nuclear softening and de-repression of heterochromatin. The parallel loss of H3K9Me3 enables a permissive state for distinct chromatin accessibility and profibrotic gene regulation. Integrating chromatin accessibility profiles with RNA expression provides insight into the transcription network underlying the switch in profibrotic myofibroblast states, emphasizing mechanoadaptive regulation of PAK1 as key drivers. Through genetic manipulation in liver and lung fibrosis, loss of PAK1-dependent signaling impairs the mechanoadaptive response in vitro and dramatically improves fibrosis in vivo. Moreover, we provide human validation for mechanisms underpinning PAK1-mediated mechanotransduction in liver and lung fibrosis. Collectively, these observations provide insight into the nuclear mechanics driving the profibrotic chromatin landscape in fibrosis, highlighting actomyosin-dependent mechanisms as potential therapeutic targets in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Jokl
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Aoibheann F Mullan
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Kara Simpson
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Lindsay Birchall
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Laurence Pearmain
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Katherine Martin
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - James Pritchett
- Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Sayyid Raza
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Rajesh Shah
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Nigel W Hodson
- Core Facilities, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Craig J Williams
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Elizabeth Camacho
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Leo Zeef
- Core Facilities, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ian Donaldson
- Core Facilities, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Varinder S Athwal
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Neil A Hanley
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Karen Piper Hanley
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
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11
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Song Y, Wang Y, Geng X, Wang X, He H, Qian Y, Dong Y, Fan Z, Chen S, Wen W, Wang H. Novel biomarker genes for the prediction of post-hepatectomy survival of patients with NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:269. [PMID: 37950277 PMCID: PMC10638756 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03106-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence and prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease related hepatocellular carcinoma (NAFLD-HCC) are rapidly increasing worldwide. This study aimed to identify biomarker genes for prognostic prediction model of NAFLD-HCC hepatectomy by integrating text-mining, clinical follow-up information, transcriptomic data and experimental validation. METHODS The tumor and adjacent normal liver samples collected from 13 NAFLD-HCC and 12 HBV-HCC patients were sequenced using RNA-Seq. A novel text-mining strategy, explainable gene ontology fingerprint approach, was utilized to screen NAFLD-HCC featured gene sets and cell types, and the results were validated through a series of lab experiments. A risk score calculated by the multivariate Cox regression model using discovered key genes was established and evaluated based on 47 patients' follow-up information. RESULTS Differentially expressed genes associated with NAFLD-HCC specific tumor microenvironment were screened, of which FABP4 and VWF were featured by previous reports. A risk prediction model consisting of FABP4, VWF, gender and TNM stage were then established based on 47 samples. The model showed that overall survival in the high-risk score group was lower compared with that in the low-risk score group (p = 0.0095). CONCLUSIONS This study provided the landscape of NAFLD-HCC transcriptome, and elucidated that our model could predict hepatectomy prognosis with high accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Song
- Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Xin Geng
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Xianming Wang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Huisi He
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Youwen Qian
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yaping Dong
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zhecai Fan
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Shuzhen Chen
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wen Wen
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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12
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Dou J, Cui H, Cui Z, Xuan M, Gao C, Li Z, Lian L, Nan J, Wu Y. Pterostilbene exerts cytotoxicity on activated hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting excessive proliferation through the crosstalk of Sirt1 and STAT3 pathways. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 181:114042. [PMID: 37722617 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Pterostilbene (PTE), a natural analogue of resveratrol, abundantly exists in blueberries and grapes and has several beneficial potentials against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer. In current study, we investigated the effects of PTE on hepatic fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is an initiating event in the initiation of hepatic fibrosis. MTT assay revealed that PTE (3.125-12.5 μM) displayed cytotoxicity on activated HSCs, no cytotoxicity on AML-12 and quiescent HSCs. PTE significantly inhibited the expressions of α-SMA, collagen Ⅰ and TIMP-1/MMP13 ratio; suppressed inflammatory cascade activation to reduce inflammatory cytokines release, such as Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-6. PTE activated Sirt1 and decreased STAT3 phosphorylation, functioning as SRT1720 and Niclosamide. Sirt1 deficiency significantly elevated p-STAT3 expression, while STAT3 deficiency resulted in Sirt1 increasing and inhibited fibrosis and inflammatory cytokines expressions. In mice with hepatic fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA), PTE significantly decreased ALT and AST activities, reduced fibrosis markers, STAT3 phosphorylation and activated Sirt1 expression. PTE showed cytotoxicity on activated HSCs to ameliorate hepatic fibrosis via regulating fibrogenesis, energy metabolism and inflammation and targeting the crosstalk of Sirt1 and STAT3. In conclusion, PTE could be potentially beneficial as a natural plant metabolite in preventing and treating hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Dou
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain (Yanbian University), Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province, 133002, China
| | - Haozhen Cui
- Department of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Medical College, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province, 133002, China
| | - Zhenyu Cui
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain (Yanbian University), Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province, 133002, China
| | - Meiyan Xuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, Sakado, Saitama, Japan
| | - Chong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain (Yanbian University), Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province, 133002, China
| | - Zhaoxu Li
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain (Yanbian University), Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province, 133002, China
| | - Lihua Lian
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain (Yanbian University), Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province, 133002, China
| | - Jixing Nan
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain (Yanbian University), Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province, 133002, China.
| | - Yanling Wu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain (Yanbian University), Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province, 133002, China.
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13
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Chen S, Duan Y, Zhang Y, Cheng L, Cai L, Hou X, Li W. Associations Between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Hypoxia-Related Genes and Capsule Formation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1785-1797. [PMID: 37841371 PMCID: PMC10576505 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s417830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Tumor capsule is an independent prognostic factor for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and used increasingly to guide clinical decision-making. Considering the genetic complexity for capsule formation and its potential association with hypoxia, the significance of the polymorphisms of hypoxia-related genes in capsule formation and HCC prognosis remains to be elucidated. Patients and Methods Peripheral blood samples from HCC patients were collected in this study. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping was conducted by the iPLEX chemistry on a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Sequenom, Inc.). The demographic and clinical data for the patients were obtained through medical chart review and/or consultation with the treating physicians. SPSS 25.0, R 4.1.1, and PLINK toolset were used to perform statistical analysis. Results A total of 183 patients were enrolled, including 88 patients assigned to the capsule group and 95 to the non-capsule group. SLC2A1 rs841858 T allele, SLC2A1 rs2297977 T allele, STAT1 rs1547550 C allele, and STAT1 rs34997637 G allele were associated with significantly increased risk of capsule formation. The genotypes of SLC2A1 rs841858, SLC2A1 rs2297977, STAT1 rs34997637, and STAT1 rs1914408 were significantly associated with the formation of HCC capsule. The polymorphisms of STAT1 rs2066802, STAT1 rs12693591, and HIF1A rs2057482 showed close relationship with the prognosis of HCC patients in the capsule group, while the genotype distributions of CTNNB1 rs4135385, IFNG rs1861494, and SERPINE1 rs2227631 were closely related to the survival of patients in the non-capsule group. Further haplotype analysis suggested that SLC2A1 block 1 and STAT1 block 2 were related to the susceptibility of HCC capsule. Conclusion The polymorphisms of the hypoxia-related genes (HIF1A, SERPINE1, IFNG, STAT1, CTNNB1, and SLC2A1) were correlated with the formation of HCC capsule. Several SNPs in these genes also showed association with HCC prognosis except SLC2A1. Further functional studies are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- Cancer Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Youjia Duan
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongchao Zhang
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Long Cheng
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Cai
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaopu Hou
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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14
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Al-Gazally ME, Khan R, Imran M, Ramírez-Coronel AA, Alshahrani SH, Altalbawy FMA, Turki Jalil A, Romero-Parra RM, Zabibah RS, Shahid Iqbal M, Karampoor S, Mirzaei R. The role and mechanism of action of microRNA-122 in cancer: Focusing on the liver. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110713. [PMID: 37523968 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
microRNA-122 (miR-122) is a highly conserved microRNA that is predominantly expressed in the liver and plays a critical role in the regulation of liver metabolism. Recent studies have shown that miR-122 is involved in the pathogenesis of various types of cancer, particularly liver cancer. In this sense, The current findings highlighted the potential role of miR-122 in regulating many vital processes in cancer pathophysiology, including apoptosis, signaling pathway, cell metabolism, immune system response, migration, and invasion. These results imply that miR-122, which has been extensively studied for its biological functions and potential therapeutic applications, acts as a tumor suppressor or oncogene in cancer development. We first provide an overview and summary of the physiological function and mode of action of miR-122 in liver cancer. We will examine the various signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms through which miR-122 exerts its effects on cancer cells, including the regulation of oncogenic and tumor suppressor genes, the modulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the regulation of metastasis. Most importantly, we will also discuss the potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of miR-122 in cancer, including the development of miRNA-based biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and the potential use of miR-122 as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramsha Khan
- MBBS, Nawaz Sharif Medical College, Gujrat, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- MBBS, Multan Medical and Dental College, Multan, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Farag M A Altalbawy
- National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES), University of Cairo, Giza 12613, Egypt; Department of Chemistry, University College of Duba, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abduladheem Turki Jalil
- Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Hilla 51001, Iraq
| | | | - Rahman S Zabibah
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Muhammad Shahid Iqbal
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, 11942 Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sajad Karampoor
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Rasoul Mirzaei
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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15
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Sariyar E, Firtina Karagonlar Z. Modelling the Sorafenib-resistant Liver Cancer Microenvironment by Using 3-D Spheroids. Altern Lab Anim 2023; 51:301-312. [PMID: 37555318 DOI: 10.1177/02611929231193421] [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] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer, and it usually occurs in the setting of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. For patients with advanced HCC, systemic treatment is the first choice - however, resistance occurs frequently. Sorafenib was the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for advanced HCC, and resistance to the therapy is a serious concern. When sorafenib therapy fails in a patient, it can be challenging to decide whether they can undergo a second-line therapy, and to determine which therapy they will be able to tolerate. Thus, physiologically relevant in vitro preclinical models are crucial for screening potential therapies, and 3-D tumour spheroids permit studies of tumour pathobiology. In this study, a drug-resistant 3-D tumour spheroid model was developed, based on sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells, LX2 stellate cells and THP-1 monocytes. Model tumour spheroids that were formed with the sorafenib-resistant cells demonstrated lower diffusion of doxorubicin and exhibited increased resistance to regorafenib. Moreover, in the sorafenib-resistant spheroids, there was increased presence of CD68-positive cells and a reduction in inflammatory marker secretion. The sorafenib-resistant cell line-derived spheroids also showed a higher expression of FGF-19, PDGF-AA and GDF-15, which are known to be involved in malignancies. This multi-cell type spheroid model represents a potentially useful system to test drug candidates in a microenvironment that mimics the drug-resistant tumour microenvironment in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Sariyar
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, İzmir University of Economics, Izmir, Turkey
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16
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Ishteyaque S, Yadav KS, Verma S, Washimkar KR, Mugale MN. CYP2E1 triggered GRP78/ATF6/CHOP signaling axis inhibit apoptosis and promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 745:109701. [PMID: 37499993 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is an enzyme, primarily involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics and procarcinogens. The present study was designed to investigate the potential role of CYP2E1 triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress in the progression of HCC through inhibition of apoptosis. In vitro CYP2E1 promotes HepG2 cell migration, reduced chromatin condensation, enhanced intracellular ROS accumulation and induce cell cycle progression. Conversely this effect was averted by CYP2E1 siRNA, selective inhibitor Diallyl sulphide (DAS) and antioxidants (vitamin C and E). In vivo Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced HCC rats showed decreased body weight and increased relative liver weight. Moreover, macro trabecular-massive HCC (MTM-HCC) histological subtyping showed pathological features like well-differentiated tumors, micro-trabecular and pseudo glandular patterns, megakaryocytes and cholestasis. Masson's trichrome staining revealed an intensive accumulation of collagen fibers in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Increased CYP2E1, VEGF and PCNA enhance the carcinogenicity as revealed in immunohistochemistry results. Immunoblot analysis showed reduced expression of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in cytosolic as well as mitochondrial fraction of rat liver tissue respectively. Also, increased level of CYP2E1 stimulated the upregulation of unfolded proteins response (UPR) and ER stress-related proteins such as Glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and CCAAT enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP). Meanwhile, CYP2E1 stimulated ER-stress reduces BCL2 and downregulates the cleaved caspase 3 thus suppresses apoptosis. in. Furthermore, immunofluorescence revealed increased expression level of α-SMA in the HCC rat liver tissue. The level of CYP2E1 mRNA was significantly increased. Altogether, these findings indicate that CYP2E1 has a dynamic role in the pathogenesis of HCC and might be a budding agent in liver carcinogenesis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmeen Ishteyaque
- Division of Cancer Biology CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Karan Singh Yadav
- Division of Cancer Biology CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Smriti Verma
- Division of Cancer Biology CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Kaveri R Washimkar
- Division of Cancer Biology CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Madhav Nilakanth Mugale
- Division of Cancer Biology CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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17
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Otto J, Verwaayen A, Penners C, Hundertmark J, Lin C, Kallen C, Paffen D, Otto T, Berger H, Tacke F, Weiskirchen R, Nevzorova YA, Bartneck M, Trautwein C, Sonntag R, Liedtke C. Expression of Cyclin E1 in hepatic stellate cells is critical for the induction and progression of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:549. [PMID: 37620309 PMCID: PMC10449804 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06077-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most severe malignancies with increasing incidence and limited treatment options. Typically, HCC develops during a multistep process involving chronic liver inflammation and liver fibrosis. The latter is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix produced by Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs). This process involves cell cycle re-entry and proliferation of normally quiescent HSCs in an ordered sequence that is highly regulated by cyclins and associated cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) such as the Cyclin E1 (CCNE1)/CDK2 kinase complex. In the present study, we examined the role of Cyclin E1 (Ccne1) and Cdk2 genes in HSCs for liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis. To this end, we generated conditional knockout mice lacking Ccne1 or Cdk2 specifically in HSCs (Ccne1∆HSC or Cdk2∆HSC). Ccne1∆HSC mice showed significantly reduced liver fibrosis formation and attenuated HSC activation in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) model. In a combined model of fibrosis-driven hepatocarcinogenesis, Ccne1∆HSC mice revealed decreased HSC activation even after long-term observation and substantially reduced tumor load in the liver when compared to wild-type controls. Importantly, the deletion of Cdk2 in HSCs also resulted in attenuated liver fibrosis after chronic CCl4 treatment. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that only a small fraction of HSCs expressed Ccne1/Cdk2 at a distinct time point after CCl4 treatment. In summary, we provide evidence that Ccne1 expression in a small population of HSCs is sufficient to trigger extensive liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis in a Cdk2-dependent manner. Thus, HSC-specific targeting of Ccne1 or Cdk2 in patients with liver fibrosis and high risk for HCC development could be therapeutically beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Otto
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna Verwaayen
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Penners
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jana Hundertmark
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cheng Lin
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Carina Kallen
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniela Paffen
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tobias Otto
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hilmar Berger
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yulia A Nevzorova
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Matthias Bartneck
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Roland Sonntag
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Liedtke
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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18
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Abdalla MMI. Serum resistin and the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma in diabetic patients. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4271-4288. [PMID: 37545641 PMCID: PMC10401662 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i27.4271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the predominant type of liver cancer, is a major contributor to cancer-related fatalities across the globe. Diabetes has been identified as a significant risk factor for HCC, with recent research indicating that the hormone resistin could be involved in the onset and advancement of HCC in diabetic individuals. Resistin is a hormone that is known to be involved in inflammation and insulin resistance. Patients with HCC have been observed to exhibit increased resistin levels, which could be correlated with more severe disease stages and unfavourable prognoses. Nevertheless, the exact processes through which resistin influences the development and progression of HCC in diabetic patients remain unclear. This article aims to examine the existing literature on the possible use of resistin levels as a biomarker for HCC development and monitoring. Furthermore, it reviews the possible pathways of HCC initiation due to elevated resistin and offers new perspectives on comprehending the fundamental mechanisms of HCC in diabetic patients. Gaining a better understanding of these processes may yield valuable insights into HCC’s development and progression, as well as identify possible avenues for prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Mohamed Ibrahim Abdalla
- Department of Human Biology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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19
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Yi Q, Yang J, Wu Y, Wang Y, Cao Q, Wen W. Immune microenvironment changes of liver cirrhosis: emerging role of mesenchymal stromal cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1204524. [PMID: 37539053 PMCID: PMC10395751 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1204524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a progressive and diffuse liver disease characterized by liver tissue fibrosis and impaired liver function. This condition is brought about by several factors, including chronic hepatitis, hepatic steatosis, alcohol abuse, and other immunological injuries. The pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis is a complex process that involves the interaction of various immune cells and cytokines, which work together to create the hepatic homeostasis imbalance in the liver. Some studies have indicated that alterations in the immune microenvironment of liver cirrhosis are closely linked to the development and prognosis of the disease. The noteworthy function of mesenchymal stem cells and their paracrine secretion lies in their ability to promote the production of cytokines, which in turn enhance the self-repairing capabilities of tissues. The objective of this review is to provide a summary of the alterations in liver homeostasis and to discuss intercellular communication within the organ. Recent research on MSCs is yielding a blueprint for cell typing and biomarker immunoregulation. Hopefully, as MSCs researches continue to progress, novel therapeutic approaches will emerge to address cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyun Yi
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Jinxian Yang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Qiqi Cao
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Wen
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
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20
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Kersten V, Seitz T, Sommer J, Thasler WE, Bosserhoff A, Hellerbrand C. Bone Morphogenetic Protein 13 Has Protumorigenic Effects on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11059. [PMID: 37446238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a key role in hepatic fibrosis and, thus, build the "soil" for hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, HSCs are known to promote the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the molecular mechanisms are only incompletely understood. Recently, we newly described the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 13 (BMP13) by HSCs in fibrotic liver tissue. In addition, BMP13 has mostly been studied in the context of cartilage and bone repair, but not in liver disease or cancer. Thus, we aimed to analyze the expression and function of BMP13 in HCC. Expression analyses revealed high BMP13-expression in activated human HSCs, but not in human HCC-cell-lines. Furthermore, analysis of human HCC tissues showed a significant correlation between BMP13 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and immunofluorescence staining confirmed the co-localization of BMP13 and α-SMA, indicating activated HSCs as the cellular source of BMP13 in HCC. Stimulation of HCC cells with recombinant BMP13 increased the expression of the inhibitors of differentiation 1 (ID1) and 2 (ID2), which are known targets of BMP-signaling and cell-cycle promotors. In line with this, BMP13-stimulation caused an induced SMAD 1/5/9 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, as well as reduced expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors 1A (CDKN1A) and 2A (CDKN2A). Furthermore, stimulation with recombinant BMP13 led to increased proliferation and colony size formation of HCC cells in clonogenicity assays. The protumorigenic effects of BMP13 on HCC cells were almost completely abrogated by the small molecule dorsomorphin 1 (DMH1), which selectively blocks the intracellular kinase domain of ALK2 and ALK3, indicating that BMP13 acts via these BMP type I receptors on HCC cells. In summary, this study newly identifies stroma-derived BMP13 as a potential new tumor promotor in HCC and indicates this secreted growth-factor as a possible novel therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Kersten
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tatjana Seitz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Judith Sommer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang E Thasler
- Human Tissue and Cell Research-Services GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Anja Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
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21
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Ye MP, Lu WL, Rao QF, Li MJ, Hong HQ, Yang XY, Liu H, Kong JL, Guan RX, Huang Y, Hu QH, Wu FR. Mitochondrial stress induces hepatic stellate cell activation in response to the ATF4/TRIB3 pathway stimulation. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:668-681. [PMID: 37150773 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-01996-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the key step in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, which directly leads to fibrotic pathological changes in the hepatic tissue. Mitochondrial stress exacerbates inflammatory diseases by inducing pathogenic shifts in normal cells. However, the role of mitochondrial stress in HSC activation remains to be elucidated. METHODS: We analyzed the effect of mitochondrial stress on HSC activation. An in vivo hepatic fibrosis model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 40% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 12 weeks. Additionally, using in vitro approach, HSC-T6 cells were treated with 10 ng/mL platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) for 24 h. RESULTS Transcriptional activator 4 (ATF4) is highly expressed in fibrotic liver tissue samples and activated HSCs. We found that AAV8-shRNA-Atf4 alleviated liver fibrosis in rats. ATF4 promoted the activation of HSCs, which was induced by mitochondrial stress. The mechanisms involved ATF4 binding to a specific region of the tribble homologue 3 (TRIB3) promoter. Further, TRIB3 promoted HSCs activation mediated by mitochondrial stress. CONCLUSIONS ATF4 induces mitochondrial stress by upregulating TRIB3, leading to the activation of HSCs. Therefore, the inhibition of ATF4 during mitochondrial stress may be a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Ping Ye
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Li Lu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Fan Rao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Qin Hong
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Ying Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Liu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Ling Kong
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Ru-Xue Guan
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Hua Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fan-Rong Wu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China.
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China.
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Jiang ZY, Ma XM, Luan XH, Liuyang ZY, Hong YY, Dai Y, Dong QH, Wang GY. BMI-1 activates hepatic stellate cells to promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colorectal cancer cells. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:3606-3621. [PMID: 37398890 PMCID: PMC10311613 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i23.3606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the major source of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the liver. Although the crosstalk between aHSCs and colorectal cancer (CRC) cells supports liver metastasis (LM), the mechanisms are largely unknown.
AIM To explore the role of BMI-1, a polycomb group protein family member, which is highly expressed in LM, and the interaction between aHSCs and CRC cells in promoting CRC liver metastasis (CRLM).
METHODS Immunohistochemistry was carried out to examine BMI-1 expression in LM and matched liver specimens of CRC. The expression levels of BMI-1 in mouse liver during CRLM (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d) were detected by Western blotting (WB) and the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. We overexpressed BMI-1 in HSCs (LX2) by lentivirus infection and tested the molecular markers of aHSCs by WB, qPCR, and the immunofluorescence assay. CRC cells (HCT116 and DLD1) were cultured in HSC-conditioned medium (LX2 NC CM or LX2 BMI-1 CM). CM-induced CRC cell proliferation, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway changes were investigated in vitro. A mouse subcutaneous xenotransplantation tumor model was established by co-implantation of HSCs (LX2 NC or LX2 BMI-1) and CRC cells to investigate the effects of HSCs on tumor growth and the EMT phenotype in vivo.
RESULTS Positive of BMI-1 expression in the liver of CRLM patients was 77.8%. The expression level of BMI-1 continued to increase during CRLM in mouse liver cells. LX2 overexpressed BMI-1 was activated, accompanied by increased expression level of alpha smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, TGF-β1, matrix metalloproteinases, and interleukin 6. CRC cells cultured in BMI-1 CM exhibited enhanced proliferation and migration ability, EMT phenotype and activation of the TGF-β/SMAD pathway. In addition, the TGF-βR inhibitor SB-505124 diminished the effect of BMI-1 CM on SMAD2/3 phosphorylation in CRC cells. Furthermore, BMI-1 overexpressed LX2 HSCs promoted tumor growth and the EMT phenotype in vivo.
CONCLUSION High expression of BMI-1 in liver cells is associated with CRLM progression. BMI-1 activates HSCs to secrete factors to form a prometastatic environment in the liver, and aHSCs promote proliferation, migration, and the EMT in CRC cells partially through the TGF-β/SMAD pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Yang Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xi-Mei Ma
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejing University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Luan
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Liuyang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yi-Yang Hong
- Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yuan Dai
- Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qing-Hua Dong
- Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Guan-Yu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
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23
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Li D, Cao D, Cui Y, Sun Y, Jiang J, Cao X. The potential of epigallocatechin gallate in the chemoprevention and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1201085. [PMID: 37292151 PMCID: PMC10244546 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1201085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most notorious malignancies globally, has a high fatality and poor prognosis. Though remarkable breakthroughs have been made in the therapeutic strategies recently, the overall survival of HCC remains unsatisfactory. Consequently, the therapy of HCC remains a great challenge. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural polyphenol extracted from the leaves of the tea bush, has been extensively investigated for its antitumor effects. In this review, we summarize the previous literature to elucidate the roles of EGCG in the chemoprophylaxis and therapy of HCC. Accumulating evidence has confirmed EGCG prevents and inhibits the hepatic tumorigenesis and progression through multiple biological mechanisms, mainly involving hepatitis virus infection, oxidative stress, proliferation, invasion, migration, angiogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, and tumor metabolism. Furthermore, EGCG enhances the efficacy and sensitivity of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy in HCC. In conclusion, preclinical studies have confirmed the potential of EGCG for chemoprevention and therapy of HCC under multifarious experimental models and conditions. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need to explore the safety and efficacy of EGCG in the clinical practice of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongming Li
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Donghui Cao
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingnan Cui
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yuanlin Sun
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xueyuan Cao
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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24
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Zhao M, Huang H, He F, Fu X. Current insights into the hepatic microenvironment and advances in immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1188277. [PMID: 37275909 PMCID: PMC10233045 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1188277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and shows high global incidence and mortality rates. The liver is an immune-tolerated organ with a specific immune microenvironment that causes traditional therapeutic approaches to HCC, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and molecular targeted therapy, to have limited efficacy. The dramatic advances in immuno-oncology in the past few decades have modified the paradigm of cancer therapy, ushering in the era of immunotherapy. Currently, despite the rapid integration of cancer immunotherapy into clinical practice, some patients still show no response to treatment. Therefore, a rational approach is to target the tumor microenvironment when developing the next generation of immunotherapy. This review aims to provide insights into the hepatic immune microenvironment in HCC and summarize the mechanisms of action and clinical usage of immunotherapeutic options for HCC, including immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive therapy, cytokine therapy, vaccine therapy, and oncolytic virus-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Feng He
- *Correspondence: Feng He, ; Xiangsheng Fu,
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25
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Sarıyar E, Karpat O, Sezan S, Baylan SM, Kıpçak A, Guven K, Erdal E, Fırtına Karagonlar Z. EGFR and Lyn inhibition augments regorafenib induced cell death in sorafenib resistant 3D tumor spheroid model. Cell Signal 2023; 105:110608. [PMID: 36693455 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110608] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary cancer of the liver and the third most lethal malignancy worldwide. Patients with unresectable HCC receive systemic therapies, traditionally sorafenib or lenvatinib as first line therapy. Despite its poor therapeutic response and high rates of resistance, in most countries, sorafenib still remains the globally used first-line treatment for advanced HCC. Thus, preclinical models demonstrating sorafenib resistance are crucial. 3D tumor spheroid models are becoming extremely important as screening platforms for drug therapies. In this paper, we utilized sorafenib resistant Huh7 cell line and LX2 hepatic stellate cell line to establish a sorafenib resistant 3D tumor spheroid model which can be used to test second-line treatment options. Our analysis demonstrated that sorafenib resistant 3D tumor spheroids are also more resistant to regorafenib and exhibit diverse features compared to parental tumor spheroids. Sorafenib resistant spheroids had higher CD24 and EpCAM positive cancer stem cell populations. In addition, several oncogenic kinases are upregulated in the sorafenib resistant spheroids. Importantly, combined inhibition of EGFR and Lyn kinase in sorafenib resistant tumor spheroids are effective in inducing cell death. Our model proved to be an affordable and useful model to mimic drug resistant tumor microenvironment in HCC and provided novel insights into candidates for new combinational therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Sarıyar
- Division of Bioengineering, Graduate School, İzmir University of Economics, Sakarya Cad., İzmir 35330, Turkey; Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozum Karpat
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, İzmir University of Economics, Sakarya Cad., İzmir 35330, Turkey
| | - Sıla Sezan
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, İzmir University of Economics, Sakarya Cad., İzmir 35330, Turkey
| | - Sude Mısra Baylan
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, İzmir University of Economics, Sakarya Cad., İzmir 35330, Turkey
| | - Arda Kıpçak
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, İzmir University of Economics, Sakarya Cad., İzmir 35330, Turkey; Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Kadriye Guven
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir 35340, Turkey
| | - Esra Erdal
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir 35340, Turkey; Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir 35340, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Fırtına Karagonlar
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, İzmir University of Economics, Sakarya Cad., İzmir 35330, Turkey.
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26
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Kim S, Lee SY, Seo HR. Deciphering the underlying mechanism of liver diseases through utilization of multicellular hepatic spheroid models. BMB Rep 2023; 56:225-233. [PMID: 36814078 PMCID: PMC10140482 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2023-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very common form of cancer worldwide and is often fatal. Although the histopathology of HCC is characterized by metabolic pathophysiology, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, the focus of treatment has been on eliminating HCC. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) multicellular hepatic spheroid (MCHS) models have provided a) new therapeutic strategies for progressive fibrotic liver diseases, such as antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory drugs, b) molecular targets, and c) treatments for metabolic dysregulation. MCHS models provide a potent anti-cancer tool because they can mimic a) tumor complexity and heterogeneity, b) the 3D context of tumor cells, and c) the gradients of physiological parameters that are characteristic of tumors in vivo. However, the information provided by an multicelluar tumor spheroid (MCTS) model must always be considered in the context of tumors in vivo. This mini-review summarizes what is known about tumor HCC heterogeneity and complexity and the advances provided by MCHS models for innovations in drug development to combat liver diseases. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(4): 225-233].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghwa Kim
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam 13488, Korea
| | - Su-Yeon Lee
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam 13488, Korea
| | - Haeng Ran Seo
- Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam 13488, Korea
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The Tumor Microenvironment in Tumorigenesis and Therapy Resistance Revisited. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020376. [PMID: 36672326 PMCID: PMC9856874 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is a complex and dynamic process involving cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions that allow tumor cell growth, drug resistance and metastasis. This review provides an updated summary of the role played by the tumor microenvironment (TME) components and hypoxia in tumorigenesis, and highlight various ways through which tumor cells reprogram normal cells into phenotypes that are pro-tumorigenic, including cancer associated- fibroblasts, -macrophages and -endothelial cells. Tumor cells secrete numerous factors leading to the transformation of a previously anti-tumorigenic environment into a pro-tumorigenic environment. Once formed, solid tumors continue to interact with various stromal cells, including local and infiltrating fibroblasts, macrophages, mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, and secreted factors and the ECM within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is key to tumorigenesis, drug response and treatment outcome. Importantly, stromal cells and secreted factors can initially be anti-tumorigenic, but over time promote tumorigenesis and induce therapy resistance. To counter hypoxia, increased angiogenesis leads to the formation of new vascular networks in order to actively promote and sustain tumor growth via the supply of oxygen and nutrients, whilst removing metabolic waste. Angiogenic vascular network formation aid in tumor cell metastatic dissemination. Successful tumor treatment and novel drug development require the identification and therapeutic targeting of pro-tumorigenic components of the TME including cancer-associated- fibroblasts (CAFs) and -macrophages (CAMs), hypoxia, blocking ECM-receptor interactions, in addition to the targeting of tumor cells. The reprogramming of stromal cells and the immune response to be anti-tumorigenic is key to therapeutic success. Lastly, this review highlights potential TME- and hypoxia-centered therapies under investigation.
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Gabai Y, Assouline B, Ben-Porath I. Senescent stromal cells: roles in the tumor microenvironment. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:28-41. [PMID: 36208990 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cellular senescence forms a barrier to tumorigenesis, by inducing cell cycle arrest in damaged and mutated cells. However, once formed, senescent cells often emit paracrine signals that can either promote or suppress tumorigenesis. There is evidence that, in addition to cancer cells, subsets of tumor stromal cells, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, undergo senescence. Such senescent stromal cells can influence cancer development and progression and represent potential targets for therapy. However, understanding of their characteristics and roles is limited and few studies have dissected their functions in vivo. Here, we discuss current knowledge and pertinent questions regarding the presence of senescent stromal cells in cancers, the triggers that elicit their formation, and their potential roles within the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Gabai
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Benjamin Assouline
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ittai Ben-Porath
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Zulaziz N, Chai SJ, Lim KP. The origins, roles and therapies of cancer associated fibroblast in liver cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1151373. [PMID: 37035187 PMCID: PMC10076538 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1151373] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer. It is often preceded by chronic inflammation such as liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Different cell types are believed to give rise to liver-specific cancer associated fibroblast (CAF), these include resident fibroblast, hepatic stellate cell, liver cancer cell, hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cell and mesenchymal stromal cell. The abundance of fibroblasts has contributed to the cancer progression, immune modulation and treatment resistance in HCC. In this review, we discussed the origins, subtypes and roles of cancer associated fibroblasts in HCC. Their specific roles in shaping the tumor microenvironment, facilitating cancer growth, and modulating different immune cell types to confer a permissive environment for cancer growth. CAF is now an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment, however specific therapeutic development in HCC is still lacking. Hence, we have included preclinical and clinical development of CAF-specific interventions for other cancer types in this review. However, most CAF-specific therapies have resulted in disappointing clinical outcomes, likely due to the difficulties in differentiating CAF from normal fibroblast. A thorough understanding of the characteristics and functionalities of CAF is warranted to further improve the therapeutic efficacy of anti-CAF therapies.
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Khanam A, Kottilil S. New Therapeutics for HCC: Does Tumor Immune Microenvironment Matter? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010437. [PMID: 36613878 PMCID: PMC9820509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010437] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of liver cancer is continuously rising where hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most common form of liver cancer accounting for approximately 80-90% of the cases. HCC is strongly prejudiced by the tumor microenvironment and being an inflammation-associated condition, the contribution of various immune mechanisms is critical in its development, progression, and metastasis. The tumor immune microenvironment is initially inflammatory which is subsequently replenished by the immunosuppressive cells contributing to tumor immune escape. Regardless of substantial advancement in systemic therapy, HCC has poor prognosis and outcomes attributed to the drug resistance, recurrence, and its metastatic behavior. Therefore, currently, new immunotherapeutic strategies are extensively targeted in preclinical and clinical settings in order to elicit robust HCC-specific immune responses and appear to be quite effective, extending current treatment alternatives. Understanding the complex interplay between the tumor and the immune cells and its microenvironment will provide new insights into designing novel immunotherapeutics to overcome existing treatment hurdles. In this review, we have provided a recent update on immunological mechanisms associated with HCC and discussed potential advancement in immunotherapies for HCC treatment.
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Niu ZS, Wang WH, Niu XJ. Recent progress in molecular mechanisms of postoperative recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:6433-6477. [PMID: 36569275 PMCID: PMC9782839 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i46.6433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatectomy is currently considered the most effective option for treating patients with early and intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unfortunately, the postoperative prognosis of patients with HCC remains unsatisfactory, predominantly because of high postoperative metastasis and recurrence rates. Therefore, research on the molecular mechanisms of postoperative HCC metastasis and recurrence will help develop effective intervention measures to prevent or delay HCC metastasis and recurrence and to improve the long-term survival of HCC patients. Herein, we review the latest research progress on the molecular mechanisms underlying postoperative HCC metastasis and recurrence to lay a foundation for improving the understanding of HCC metastasis and recurrence and for developing more precise prevention and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Shan Niu
- Laboratory of Micromorphology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wen-Hong Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Niu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Qingdao Shibei District People's Hospital, Qingdao 266033, Shandong Province, China
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Ali E, Trailin A, Ambrozkiewicz F, Liška V, Hemminki K. Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Their Role as a Potential Target for Future Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315292. [PMID: 36499616 PMCID: PMC9741299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global healthcare challenge, which affects more than 815,000 new cases every year. Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) remain the principal cells that drive HCC onset and growth. aHSCs suppress the anti-tumor immune response through interaction with different immune cells. They also increase the deposition of the extracellular matrix proteins, challenging the reversion of fibrosis and increasing HCC growth and metastasis. Therapy for HCC was reported to activate HSCs, which could explain the low efficacy of current treatments. Conversely, recent studies aimed at the deactivation of HSCs show that they have been able to inhibit HCC growth. In this review article, we discuss the role of aHSCs in HCC pathophysiology and therapy. Finally, we provide suggestions for the experimental implementation of HSCs in HCC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa Ali
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Andriy Trailin
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-377-593-862
| | - Filip Ambrozkiewicz
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Liška
- Laboratory of Cancer Treatment and Tissue Regeneration, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Department of Surgery University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 80, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Kari Hemminki
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Miyao M, Kawai C, Kotani H, Minami H, Abiru H, Hamayasu H, Eguchi S, Tamaki K. Mitochondrial fission in hepatocytes as a potential therapeutic target for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Hepatol Res 2022; 52:1020-1033. [PMID: 36001355 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM The mitochondria are highly plastic and dynamic organelles; mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported to play causative roles in diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the relationship between mitochondrial fission and NAFLD pathogenesis remains unknown. We aimed to investigate whether alterations in mitochondrial fission could play a role in the progression of NAFLD. METHODS Mice were fed a standard diet or choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet with vehicle or mitochondrial division inhibitor-1. RESULTS Substantial enhancement of mitochondrial fission in hepatocytes was triggered by 4 weeks of feeding and was associated with changes reflecting the early stage of human nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), steatotic change with liver inflammation, and hepatocyte ballooning. Excessive mitochondrial fission inhibition in hepatocytes and lipid metabolism dysregulation in adipose tissue attenuated liver inflammation and fibrogenesis but not steatosis and the systemic pathological changes in the early and chronic fibrotic NASH stages (4- and 12-week CDAA feeding). These beneficial changes due to the suppression of mitochondrial fission against the liver and systemic injuries were associated with decreased autophagic responses and endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatocytes. Injuries to other liver cells, such as endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells, were also attenuated by the inhibition of mitochondrial fission in hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings suggest that excessive mitochondrial fission in hepatocytes could play a causative role in NAFLD progression by liver inflammation and fibrogenesis through altered cell cross-talk. This study provides a potential therapeutic target for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Miyao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Chihiro Kawai
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kotani
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Sciences, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Hirozo Minami
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Abiru
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideki Hamayasu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Eguchi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Keiji Tamaki
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Ishtiaq SM, Arshad MI, Khan JA. PPARγ signaling in hepatocarcinogenesis: Mechanistic insights for cellular reprogramming and therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108298. [PMID: 36243148 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is leading cause of cancer-related mortalities globally. The therapeutic approaches for chronic liver diseases-associated liver cancers aimed at modulating immune check-points and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) signaling pathway during multistep process of hepatocarcinogenesis that played a dispensable role in immunopathogenesis and outcomes of disease. Herein, the review highlights PPARγ-induced effects in balancing inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and interplay of PPARγ, hepatic stellate cells and fibrogenic niche in cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic crosstalk of hepatocarcinogenesis. PPARγ-mediated effects in pre-malignant microenvironment promote growth arrest, cell senescence and cell clearance in liver cancer pathophysiology. Furthermore, PPARγ-immune cell axis of liver microenvironment exhibits an immunomodulation strategy of resident immune cells of the liver (macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells) in concomitance with current clinical guidelines of the European Association for Study of Liver Diseases (EASL) for several liver diseases. Thus, mechanistic insights of PPARγ-associated high value targets and canonical signaling suggest PPARγ as a possible therapeutic target in reprogramming of hepatocarcinogenesis to decrease burden of liver cancers, worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Momna Ishtiaq
- Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | | | - Junaid Ali Khan
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan 60000, Pakistan.
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35
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Guagliano G, Volpini C, Briatico-Vangosa F, Cornaglia AI, Visai L, Petrini P. Toward 3D-Bioprinted Models of the Liver to Boost Drug Development. Macromol Biosci 2022; 22:e2200264. [PMID: 36106413 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The main problems in drug development are connected to enormous costs related to the paltry success rate. The current situation empowered the development of high-throughput and reliable instruments, in addition to the current golden standards, able to predict the failures in the early preclinical phase. Being hepatotoxicity responsible for the failure of 30% of clinical trials, and the 21% of withdrawal of marketed drugs, the development of complex in vitro models (CIVMs) of liver is currently one of the hottest topics in the field. Among the different fabrication techniques, 3D-bioprinting is emerging as a powerful ally for their production, allowing the manufacture of three-dimensional constructs characterized by computer-controlled and customized geometry, and inter-batches reproducibility. Thanks to these, it is possible to rapidly produce tailored cell-laden constructs, to be cultured within static and dynamic systems, thus reaching a further degree of personalization when designing in vitro models. This review highlights and prioritizes the most recent advances related to the development of CIVMs of the hepatic environment to be specifically applied to pharmaceutical research, with a special focus on 3D-bioprinting, since the liver is primarily involved in the metabolism of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Guagliano
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, Milano, MI, 20133, Italy
| | - Cristina Volpini
- Molecular Medicine Department (DMM), Center for Health Technologies (CHT), UdR INSTM, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 14, Pavia, PV, 27100, Italy.,Medicina Clinica-Specialistica, UOR5 Laboratorio Di Nanotecnologie, ICS Maugeri IRCCS, Via S. Boezio 28, Pavia, PV, 27100, Italy
| | - Francesco Briatico-Vangosa
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, Milano, MI, 20133, Italy
| | - Antonia Icaro Cornaglia
- University of Pavia - Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Histology and Embryology Unit, Via Forlanini 2, Pavia, PV, 27100, Italy
| | - Livia Visai
- Molecular Medicine Department (DMM), Center for Health Technologies (CHT), UdR INSTM, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 14, Pavia, PV, 27100, Italy.,Medicina Clinica-Specialistica, UOR5 Laboratorio Di Nanotecnologie, ICS Maugeri IRCCS, Via S. Boezio 28, Pavia, PV, 27100, Italy.,Interuniversity Center for the promotion of the 3Rs principles in teaching and research (Centro 3R), Università di Pavia Unit, Pavia, PV, 27100, Italy
| | - Paola Petrini
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, Milano, MI, 20133, Italy.,Interuniversity Center for the promotion of the 3Rs principles in teaching and research (Centro 3R), Politecnico di Milano Unit, Milano, MI, 20133, Italy
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Zhang J, Han H, Wang L, Wang W, Yang M, Qin Y. Overcoming the therapeutic resistance of hepatomas by targeting the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:988956. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.988956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of primary liver cancers and is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Multifactorial drug resistance is regarded as the major cause of treatment failure in HCC. Accumulating evidence shows that the constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), including cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor vasculature, immune cells, physical factors, cytokines, and exosomes may explain the therapeutic resistance mechanisms in HCC. In recent years, anti-angiogenic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown satisfactory results in HCC patients. However, due to enhanced communication between the tumor and TME, the effect of heterogeneity of the microenvironment on therapeutic resistance is particularly complicated, which suggests a more challenging research direction. In addition, it has been reported that the three-dimensional (3D) organoid model derived from patient biopsies is more intuitive to fully understand the role of the TME in acquired resistance. Therefore, in this review, we have focused not only on the mechanisms and targets of therapeutic resistance related to the contents of the TME in HCC but also provide a comprehensive description of 3D models and how they contribute to the exploration of HCC therapies.
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Pavlović N, Heindryckx F. Targeting ER stress in the hepatic tumor microenvironment. FEBS J 2022; 289:7163-7176. [PMID: 34331743 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. It currently ranks as one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers worldwide, with an increasing mortality rate and limited treatment options. An important hallmark of liver pathologies, such as liver fibrosis and HCC, is the accumulation of misfolded and unfolded proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which induces ER stress and leads to the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Upon accumulation of misfolded proteins, ER stress is sensed through three transmembrane proteins, IRE1α, PERK, and ATF6, which trigger the UPR to either alleviate ER stress or induce apoptosis. Increased expression of ER stress markers has been widely shown to correlate with fibrosis, inflammation, drug resistance, and overall HCC aggressiveness, as well as poor patient prognosis. While preclinical in vivo cancer models and in vitro approaches have shown promising results by pharmacologically targeting ER stress mediators, the major challenge of this therapeutic strategy lies in specifically and effectively targeting ER stress in HCC. Furthermore, both ER stress inducers and inhibitors have been shown to ameliorate HCC progression, adding to the complexity of targeting ER stress players as an anticancer strategy. More studies are needed to better understand the dual role and molecular background of ER stress in HCC, as well as its therapeutic potential for patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Pavlović
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Sweden
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Merritt JC, Richbart SD, Moles EG, Cox AJ, Brown KC, Miles SL, Finch PT, Hess JA, Tirona MT, Valentovic MA, Dasgupta P. Anti-cancer activity of sustained release capsaicin formulations. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 238:108177. [PMID: 35351463 PMCID: PMC9510151 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-noneamide) is a hydrophobic, lipophilic vanilloid phytochemical abundantly found in chili peppers and pepper extracts. Several convergent studies show that capsaicin displays robust cancer activity, suppressing the growth, angiogenesis and metastasis of several human cancers. Despite its potent cancer-suppressing activity, the clinical applications of capsaicin as a viable anti-cancer drug have remained problematic due to its poor bioavailability and aqueous solubility properties. In addition, the administration of capsaicin is associated with adverse side effects like gastrointestinal cramps, stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea and vomiting. All these hurdles may be circumvented by encapsulation of capsaicin in sustained release drug delivery systems. Most of the capsaicin-based the sustained release drugs have been tested for their pain-relieving activity. Only a few of these formulations have been investigated as anti-cancer agents. The present review describes the physicochemical properties, bioavailability, and anti-cancer activity of capsaicin-sustained release agents. The asset of such continuous release capsaicin formulations is that they display better solubility, stability, bioavailability, and growth-suppressive activity than the free drug. The encapsulation of capsaicin in sustained release carriers minimizes the adverse side effects of capsaicin. In summary, these capsaicin-based sustained release drug delivery systems have the potential to function as novel chemotherapies, unique diagnostic imaging probes and innovative chemosensitization agents in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin C Merritt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Stephen D Richbart
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Emily G Moles
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Ashley J Cox
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Kathleen C Brown
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Sarah L Miles
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Paul T Finch
- Department of Oncology, Edwards Cancer Center, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1400 Hal Greer Boulevard, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Joshua A Hess
- Department of Oncology, Edwards Cancer Center, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1400 Hal Greer Boulevard, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Maria T Tirona
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Edwards Cancer Center, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1400 Hal Greer Boulevard, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Monica A Valentovic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States
| | - Piyali Dasgupta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, United States.
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Wang PW, Lin TY, Yang PM, Yeh CT, Pan TL. Hepatic Stellate Cell Modulates the Immune Microenvironment in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810777. [PMID: 36142683 PMCID: PMC9503407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of increases in the mortality rate due to cancer that usually develops in patients with liver fibrosis and impaired hepatic immunity. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) may directly or indirectly crosstalk with various hepatic cells and subsequently modulate extracellular remodeling, cell invasion, macrophage conversion, and cancer deterioration. In this regard, the tumor microenvironment created by activated HSC plays a critical role in mediating pathogenesis and immune escape during HCC progression. Herein, intermediately differentiated human liver cancer cell line (J5) cells were co-cultured with HSC-conditioned medium (HSC-CM); changes in cell phenotype and cytokine profiles were analyzed to assess the impact of HSCs on the development of hepatoma. The stage of liver fibrosis correlated significantly with tumor grade, and the administration of conditioned medium secreted by activated HSC (aHSC-CM) could induce the expression of N-cadherin, cell migration, and invasive potential, as well as the activity of matrix metalloproteinases in J5 cells, implying that aHSC-CM could trigger the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Next, the HSC-CM was further investigated and network analysis indicated that specific cytokines and soluble proteins, such as activin A, released from activated HSCs could remarkably affect the tumor-associated immune microenvironment involved in macrophage polarization, which would, in turn, diminish a host’s immune surveillance and drive hepatoma cells into a more malignant phenotype. Together, our findings provide a novel insight into the integral roles of HSCs to enhance hepatocarcinogenesis through their immune-modulatory properties and suggest that HSC may serve as a potent target for the treatment of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Wen Wang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Yi Lin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ming Yang
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33375, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Long Pan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33375, Taiwan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-211-8800 (ext. 5105); Fax: +886-3-211-8700
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Wang H, Shi F, Zheng S, Zhao M, Pan Z, Xiong L, Zheng L. Feasibility of hepatocellular carcinoma treatment based on the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:896662. [PMID: 36176401 PMCID: PMC9513472 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.896662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of liver cancer is extremely high worldwide and poses a serious threat to human life and health. But at present, apart from radiotherapy, chemotherapy, liver transplantation, and early resection, sorafenib was the main systemic therapy proven to have clinical efficacy for unresectable liver cancer (HCC) until 2017. Despite the emerging immunotherapy in the past decade with immune inhibitors such as PD - 1 being approved and applied to clinical treatment, there are still some patients with no response. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma and thus analyze the effectiveness of targeting the tumor microenvironment to improve the therapeutic efficacy of hepatocellular carcinoma, including the effectiveness and feasibility of immunotherapy, tumor oncolytic viruses and anti-vascular proliferation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqiang Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Fan Shi
- Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Shudan Zheng
- Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Zimeng Pan
- Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Li Xiong
- Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Lihong Zheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Lihong Zheng,
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Brandt EF, Baues M, Wirtz TH, May JN, Fischer P, Beckers A, Schüre BC, Sahin H, Trautwein C, Lammers T, Berres ML. Chemokine CXCL10 Modulates the Tumor Microenvironment of Fibrosis-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158112. [PMID: 35897689 PMCID: PMC9329882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a devastating health burden. Recently, tumor microenvironment-directed interventions have profoundly changed the landscape of HCC therapy. In the present study, the function of the chemokine CXCL10 during fibrosis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis was analyzed with specific focus on its impact in shaping the tumor microenvironment. C57BL/6J wild type (WT) and Cxcl10 knockout mice (Cxcl10−/−) were treated with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and tetrachloromethane (CCl4) to induce fibrosis-associated HCCs. Cxcl10 deficiency attenuated hepatocarcinogenesis by decreasing tumor cell proliferation as well as tumor vascularization and modulated tumor-associated extracellular matrix composition. Furthermore, the genetic inactivation of Cxcl10 mediated an alteration of the tumor-associated immune response and modified chemokine/chemokine receptor networks. The DEN/CCl4-treated Cxcl10−/− mice presented with a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment and an accumulation of anti-tumoral immune cells in the tissue. The most striking alteration in the Cxcl10−/− tumor immune microenvironment was a vast accumulation of anti-tumoral T cells in the invasive tumor margin. In summary, our results demonstrate that CXCL10 exerts a non-redundant impact on several hallmarks of the tumor microenvironment and especially modulates the infiltration of anti-tumorigenic immune cells in HCC. In the era of microenvironment-targeted HCC therapies, interfering with CXCL10 defines a novel asset for further improvement of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa F. Brandt
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.F.B.); (T.H.W.); (P.F.); (A.B.); (H.S.); (C.T.)
| | - Maike Baues
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.B.); (J.-N.M.); (B.-C.S.); (T.L.)
| | - Theresa H. Wirtz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.F.B.); (T.H.W.); (P.F.); (A.B.); (H.S.); (C.T.)
| | - Jan-Niklas May
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.B.); (J.-N.M.); (B.-C.S.); (T.L.)
| | - Petra Fischer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.F.B.); (T.H.W.); (P.F.); (A.B.); (H.S.); (C.T.)
| | - Anika Beckers
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.F.B.); (T.H.W.); (P.F.); (A.B.); (H.S.); (C.T.)
| | - Björn-Carsten Schüre
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.B.); (J.-N.M.); (B.-C.S.); (T.L.)
| | - Hacer Sahin
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.F.B.); (T.H.W.); (P.F.); (A.B.); (H.S.); (C.T.)
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.F.B.); (T.H.W.); (P.F.); (A.B.); (H.S.); (C.T.)
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.B.); (J.-N.M.); (B.-C.S.); (T.L.)
| | - Marie-Luise Berres
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.F.B.); (T.H.W.); (P.F.); (A.B.); (H.S.); (C.T.)
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Francisco AB, Li J, Farghli AR, Kanke M, Shui B, Munn PR, Grenier JK, Soloway PD, Wang Z, Reid LM, Liu J, Sethupathy P. Chemical, Molecular, and Single-nucleus Analysis Reveal Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan Aberrancy in Fibrolamellar Carcinoma. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:663-678. [PMID: 36923282 PMCID: PMC10010304 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-21-0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is an aggressive liver cancer with no effective therapeutic options. The extracellular environment of FLC tumors is poorly characterized and may contribute to cancer growth and/or metastasis. To bridge this knowledge gap, we assessed pathways relevant to proteoglycans, a major component of the extracellular matrix. We first analyzed gene expression data from FLC and nonmalignant liver tissue (n = 27) to identify changes in glycosaminoglycan (GAG) biosynthesis pathways and found that genes associated with production of chondroitin sulfate, but not other GAGs, are significantly increased by 8-fold. We then implemented a novel LC/MS-MS based method to quantify the abundance of different types of GAGs in patient tumors (n = 16) and found that chondroitin sulfate is significantly more abundant in FLC tumors by 6-fold. Upon further analysis of GAG-associated proteins, we found that versican (VCAN) expression is significantly upregulated at the mRNA and protein levels, the latter of which was validated by IHC. Finally, we performed single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing on FLC tumors (n = 3), which revealed for the first time the different cell types in FLC tumors and also showed that VCAN is likely produced not only from FLC tumor epithelial cells but also activated stellate cells. Our results reveal a pathologic aberrancy in chondroitin (but not heparan) sulfate proteoglycans in FLC and highlight a potential role for activated stellate cells. Significance This study leverages a multi-disciplinary approach, including state-of-the-art chemical analyses and cutting-edge single-cell genomic technologies, to identify for the first time a marked chondroitin sulfate aberrancy in FLC that could open novel therapeutic avenues in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam B Francisco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Jine Li
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Alaa R Farghli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Matt Kanke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Bo Shui
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Paul R Munn
- Genomics Innovation Hub, Biotechnology Resource Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Jennifer K Grenier
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.,Genomics Innovation Hub, Biotechnology Resource Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Paul D Soloway
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Zhangjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lola M Reid
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jian Liu
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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Luan SH, Yang YQ, Ye MP, Liu H, Rao QF, Kong JL, Wu FR. ASIC1a promotes hepatic stellate cell activation through the exosomal miR-301a-3p/BTG1 pathway. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 211:128-139. [PMID: 35561854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key cause of liver fibrosis. However, the mechanisms leading to the activation of HSCs are not fully understood. In the pathological process, acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) is widely involved in the development of inflammatory diseases, suggesting that ASIC1a may play an important role in liver fibrosis. We found that in an acidic environment, ASIC1a leads to HSC-T6 cell activation. Meanwhile, exosomes produced by activated HSC-T6 cells (HSC-EXOs) can be reabsorbed by quiescent HSC-T6 cells to promote their activation. Exosomes mainly carry miRNAs involved in intercellular information exchange. We performed exosome miRNA whole transcriptome sequencing. The results indicated that the acidic environment could alter the miRNA expression profile in the exosomes of HSC-T6 cells. Further studies revealed that ASIC1a promotes the activation of HSCs by regulating miR-301a-3p targeting B-cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1). In conclusion, our study found that ASIC1a may affect HSC activation through the exosomal miR-301a-3p/BTG1 axis, and inhibiting ASIC1a may be a promising treatment strategy for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Hua Luan
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China
| | | | - Man-Ping Ye
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Qiu-Fan Rao
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Jin-Ling Kong
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Fan-Rong Wu
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China.
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Chun KH. Molecular Targets and Signaling Pathways of microRNA-122 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071380. [PMID: 35890276 PMCID: PMC9316959 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading global causes of cancer mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small interfering RNAs that alleviate the levels of protein expression by suppressing translation, inducing mRNA cleavage, and promoting mRNA degradation. miR-122 is the most abundant miRNA in the liver and is responsible for several liver-specific functions, including metabolism, cellular growth and differentiation, and hepatitis virus replication. Recent studies have shown that aberrant regulation of miR-122 is a key factor contributing to the development of HCC. In this review, the signaling pathways and the molecular targets of miR-122 involved in the progression of HCC have been summarized, and the importance of miR-122 in therapy has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Hoon Chun
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Korea
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Yang D, Su Y, Zhao F, Chen C, Zhao K, Xiong X, Ding Y. A Practical Nomogram and Risk Stratification System Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients With Severe Liver Fibrosis. Front Surg 2022; 9:920589. [PMID: 35784933 PMCID: PMC9243509 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.920589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This study aims to construct a novel practical nomogram and risk stratification system to predict cancer-specific survival (CSS) in HCC patients with severe liver fibrosis. Methods Data on 1,878 HCC patients with severe liver fibrosis in the period 1975 to 2017 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER). Patients were block-randomized (1,316 training cohort, 562 validation cohort) by setting random seed. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were employed to select variables for the nomogram. The consistency index (C-index), the area under time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (time-dependent AUC), and calibration curves were used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram. Decision curve analysis (DCA), the C-index, the net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to compare the nomogram with the AJCC tumor staging system. We also compared the risk stratification of the nomogram with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. Results Seven variables were selected to establish the nomogram. The C-index (training cohort: 0.781, 95%CI: 0.767–0.793; validation cohort: 0.793, 95%CI = 95%CI: 0.779–0.798) and the time-dependent AUCs (the training cohort: the values of 1-, 3-, and 5 years were 0.845, 0.835, and 0.842, respectively; the validation cohort: the values of 1-, 3-, and 5 years were 0.861, 0.870, and 0.876, respectively) showed satisfactory discrimination. The calibration plots also revealed that the nomogram was consistent with the actual observations. NRI (training cohort: 1-, 2-, and 3-year CSS: 0.42, 0.61, and 0.67; validation cohort: 1-, 2-, and 3-year CSS: 0.26, 0.52, and 0.72) and IDI (training cohort: 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS:0.16, 0.20, and 0.22; validation cohort: 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS: 0.17, 0.26, and 0.30) indicated that the established nomogram significantly outperformed the AJCC staging system (P < 0.001). Moreover, DCA also showed that the nomogram was more practical and had better recognition. Conclusion A nomogram for predicting CSS for HCC patients with severe liver fibrosis was established and validated, which provided a new system of risk stratification as a practical tool for individualized treatment and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dashuai Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangrui Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Correspondence: Youming Ding Chen Chen
| | - Kailiang Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangyun Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Youming Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Correspondence: Youming Ding Chen Chen
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Raissa R, Riawan W, Safitri A, Masruri M, Beltran MAG, Aulanniam A. In vitro and in vivo study: Ethanolic extract leaves of Azadirachta indica Juss. variant of Indonesia and Philippines suppresses tumor growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 signaling. F1000Res 2022; 11:477. [PMID: 37829248 PMCID: PMC10565427 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.109557.1] [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: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Azadirachta indica Juss. has been shown to suppress cancer progression through a variety of mechanisms. In order to treat cancer progression, cancer immunotherapy is used to stimulate the immune system where immunosuppression is present in tumor microenvironments. Many cancer cells produce a lot of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and signal transducer activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). STAT3 plays a key role in suppressing the expression of critical immune activation regulators. IL-6-mediated STAT3 activation is common in the tumor microenvironment. Inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway has become a therapeutic option for cancer progression. As vimentin is also expressed in hepatic stellate cells boosting cancer survival. We focused on the precise effect of extract from leaves of Azadirachta indica Juss, on inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling cascade on hepatocellular carcinoma by in vitro and in vivo study. Methods: In the in vitro study, the effect of Azadirachta indica Juss. variant Indonesia and Philippines against the expression of IL-6 and STAT3 was examined in liver cancer cell line. In the in vivo study, 24 male rats ( Rattus norvegicus) strain Wistar were induced by diethylnitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4). Based on the therapy given, the groups were divided into negative control, positive control, Indonesia extract, and Philippine extract. Expression of IL-6, STAT3, and vimentin were tested using immunohistochemistry staining. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, which was then followed by the Tukey test. Results: Statistically significant difference in IL-6 and STAT3 was observed between the treatment groups and positive control group by in vitro study and in vivo study. Generally, there is no significant difference between treatment using Indonesian and Philippine leaves. Conclusion: Both therapy doses of Azadirachta indica variant in Indonesia and Philippines were able to reduce IL-6, STAT3 and vimentin expression of hepatocellular carcinoma cell by in vitro and in vivo experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricadonna Raissa
- Doctoral Program of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Wibi Riawan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Anna Safitri
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
- Research Center for Smart Molecules of Natural Genetic Resources (SMONAGENES), Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Masruri Masruri
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
| | | | - Aulanniam Aulanniam
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
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Key genes in the liver fibrosis process are mined based on single-cell transcriptomics. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 598:131-137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.01.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Kanabekova P, Kadyrova A, Kulsharova G. Microfluidic Organ-on-a-Chip Devices for Liver Disease Modeling In Vitro. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:428. [PMID: 35334720 PMCID: PMC8950395 DOI: 10.3390/mi13030428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mortality from liver disease conditions continues to be very high. As liver diseases manifest and progress silently, prompt measures after diagnosis are essential in the treatment of these conditions. Microfluidic organs-on-chip platforms have significant potential for the study of the pathophysiology of liver diseases in vitro. Different liver-on-a-chip microphysiological platforms have been reported to study cell-signaling pathways such as those activating stellate cells within liver diseases. Moreover, the drug efficacy for liver conditions might be evaluated on a cellular metabolic level. Here, we present a comprehensive review of microphysiological platforms used for modelling liver diseases. First, we briefly introduce the concept and importance of organs-on-a-chip in studying liver diseases in vitro, reflecting on existing reviews of healthy liver-on-a-chip platforms. Second, the techniques of cell cultures used in the microfluidic devices, including 2D, 3D, and spheroid cells, are explained. Next, the types of liver diseases (NAFLD, ALD, hepatitis infections, and drug injury) on-chip are explained for a further comprehensive overview of the design and methods of developing liver diseases in vitro. Finally, some challenges in design and existing solutions to them are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perizat Kanabekova
- School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Adina Kadyrova
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Gulsim Kulsharova
- School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan;
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Speciale A, Muscarà C, Molonia MS, Cristani M, Cimino F, Saija A. Recent Advances in Glycyrrhetinic Acid-Functionalized Biomaterials for Liver Cancer-Targeting Therapy. Molecules 2022; 27:1775. [PMID: 35335138 PMCID: PMC8954912 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the conventional therapies generally employed in patients with liver tumors. The major issue associated with the administration of chemotherapeutics is their high toxicity and lack of selectivity, leading to systemic toxicity that can be detrimental to the patient's quality of life. An important approach to the development of original liver-targeted therapeutic products takes advantage of the employment of biologically active ligands able to bind specific receptors on the cytoplasmatic membranes of liver cells. In this perspective, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid present in roots and rhizomes of licorice, has been used as a ligand for targeting the liver due to the expression of GA receptors on the sinusoidal surface of mammalian hepatocytes, so it may be employed to modify drug delivery systems (DDSs) and obtain better liver or hepatocyte drug uptake and efficacy. In the current review, we focus on the most recent and interesting research advances in the development of GA-based hybrid compounds and DDSs developed for potential employment as efficacious therapeutic options for the treatment of hepatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Francesco Cimino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (C.M.); (M.S.M.); (M.C.); (A.S.)
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Yang S, Cai C, Wang H, Ma X, Shao A, Sheng J, Yu C. Drug delivery strategy in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:26. [PMID: 35248060 PMCID: PMC8898478 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00796-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, with high rates of recurrence and death. Surgical resection and ablation therapy have limited efficacy for patients with advanced HCC and poor liver function, so pharmacotherapy is the first-line option for those patients. Traditional antitumor drugs have the disadvantages of poor biological distribution and pharmacokinetics, poor target selectivity, high resistance, and high toxicity to nontargeted tissues. Recently, the development of nanotechnology has significantly improved drug delivery to tumor sites by changing the physical and biological characteristics of drugs and nanocarriers to improve their pharmacokinetics and biological distribution and to selectively accumulate cytotoxic agents at tumor sites. Here, we systematically review the tumor microenvironment of HCC and the recent application of nanotechnology in HCC.
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