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Jimbu L, Mesaros O, Joldes C, Neaga A, Zaharie L, Zdrenghea M. MicroRNAs Associated with a Bad Prognosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Their Impact on Macrophage Polarization. Biomedicines 2024; 12:121. [PMID: 38255226 PMCID: PMC10813737 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010121] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding ribonucleic acids (RNAs) associated with gene expression regulation. Since the discovery of the first miRNA in 1993, thousands of miRNAs have been studied and they have been associated not only with physiological processes, but also with various diseases such as cancer and inflammatory conditions. MiRNAs have proven to be not only significant biomarkers but also an interesting therapeutic target in various diseases, including cancer. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), miRNAs have been regarded as a welcome addition to the limited therapeutic armamentarium, and there is a vast amount of data on miRNAs and their dysregulation. Macrophages are innate immune cells, present in various tissues involved in both tissue repair and phagocytosis. Based on their polarization, macrophages can be classified into two groups: M1 macrophages with pro-inflammatory functions and M2 macrophages with an anti-inflammatory action. In cancer, M2 macrophages are associated with tumor evasion, metastasis, and a poor outcome. Several miRNAs have been associated with a poor prognosis in AML and with either the M1 or M2 macrophage phenotype. In the present paper, we review miRNAs with a reported negative prognostic significance in cancer with a focus on AML and analyze their potential impact on macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jimbu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.J.); (A.N.); (L.Z.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Str., 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Oana Mesaros
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.J.); (A.N.); (L.Z.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Str., 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Corina Joldes
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.J.); (A.N.); (L.Z.); (M.Z.)
| | - Alexandra Neaga
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.J.); (A.N.); (L.Z.); (M.Z.)
| | - Laura Zaharie
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.J.); (A.N.); (L.Z.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Str., 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihnea Zdrenghea
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.J.); (A.N.); (L.Z.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Str., 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Garnique ADMB, Machado-Santelli GM. Characterization of 3D NSCLC Cell Cultures with Fibroblasts or Macrophages for Tumor Microenvironment Studies and Chemotherapy Screening. Cells 2023; 12:2790. [PMID: 38132110 PMCID: PMC10742261 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242790] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of 3D cell culture has increased in recent years as a model that mimics the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is characterized by exhibiting cellular heterogeneity, allowing the modulation of different signaling pathways that enrich this microenvironment. The TME exhibits two main cell populations: cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). The aim of this study was to investigate 3D cell cultures of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) alone and in combination with short-term cultured dermal fibroblasts (FDH) and with differentiated macrophages of the THP-1 cell line. Homotypic and heterotypic spheroids were morphologically characterized using light microscopy, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Cell viability, cycle profiling and migration assay were performed, followed by the evaluation of the effects of some chemotherapeutic and potential compounds on homotypic and heterotypic spheroids. Both homotypic and heterotypic spheroids of NSCLC were generated with fibroblasts or macrophages. Heterotypic spheroids with fibroblast formed faster, while homotypic ones reached larger sizes. Different cell populations were identified based on spheroid zoning, and drug effects varied between spheroid types. Interestingly, heterotypic spheroids with fibroblasts showed similar responses to the treatment with different compounds, despite being smaller. Cellular viability analysis required multiple methods, since the responses varied depending on the spheroid type. Because of this, the complexity of the spheroid should be considered when analyzing compound effects. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of the behavior and response of NSCLC cells in 3D microenvironments, providing valuable insights for future research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Glaucia Maria Machado-Santelli
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ave., Prof, Lineu Prestes, 1524, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil;
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Adugna A. Histomolecular characterisation of hepatitis B virus induced liver cancer. Rev Med Virol 2023; 33:e2485. [PMID: 37902197 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2485] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated liver cancer is the third most prevalent cancer-related cause of death worldwide. Different studies have been done on the histomolecular analysis of HBV induced-liver cancer including epigenetics which are dynamic molecular mechanisms to control gene expression without altering the host deoxyribonucleic acid, genomics characterise the integration of the viral genome with host genome, proteomics characterise how gene modifies and results overexpression of proteins, glycoproteomics discover different glyco-biomarker candidates and show glycosylation in malignant hepatocytes, metabolomics characterise how HBV impairs a variety of metabolic functions during hepatocyte immortalisation, exosomes characterise immortalised liver cells in terms of their differentiation and proliferation, and autophagy plays a role in the development of hepatocarcinogenesis linked to HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adane Adugna
- Medical Microbiology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Chen X, Yang Y, Ye G, Liu S, Liu J. Chiral Ruthenium Nanozymes with Self-Cascade Reaction Driven the NO Generation Induced Macrophage M1 Polarization Realizing the Lung Cancer "Cocktail Therapy". SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2207823. [PMID: 37029560 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages as the main cause of cancer immunosuppression, how to effectively induce macrophage M1 polarization remain the major challenge in lung cancer therapy. Herein, inspired by endogenous reactions, a strategy is proposed to coactivate macrophage M1 polarization by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) with self-autocatalytic cascade reaction. To enhance the generation of NO and ROS, NO Precursor-Arginine as capping agents for inducing synthesis two kinds of chiral ruthenium nanozyme (D/L-Arginine@Ru). Under the properties of Ru nanozymes through synchronously mimicking the activity of oxidase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), chiral Ru nanozyme can rapidly generate 1 O2 and O2 at first stage, and then catalyze Arginine to produce sufficient NO, thus enhance macrophage M1 polarization to reverse tumor immunosuppression. Moreover, combination the antitumor activity of 1 O2 , NO, the chiral Ru nanozymes realize the "cocktail therapy" by inducing tumor cell apoptosis as well as ferroptosis. In addition, the chirality influences the bioactivity of Ru nanozymes that L-Arginine@Ru shows the better therapeutic effect with stronger catalytic activity and natural homology. It is hoped the high performance of chiral Ru nanozyme with "cocktail therapy" is an effective therapeutic reagent and can provide a feasible treatment strategy for tumor catalytic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Chen
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, P. R. China
| | - Yonglan Yang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Gang Ye
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Shengming Liu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Jie Liu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
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Bica C, Tirpe A, Nutu A, Ciocan C, Chira S, Gurzau ES, Braicu C, Berindan-Neagoe I. Emerging roles and mechanisms of semaphorins activity in cancer. Life Sci 2023; 318:121499. [PMID: 36775114 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121499] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Semaphorins are regulatory molecules that are linked to the modulation of several cancer processes, such as angiogenesis, cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis, tumor growth, as well as cancer cell survival. Semaphorin (SEMA) activity depends on the cancer histotypes and their particularities. In broad terms, the effects of SEMAs result from their interaction with specific receptors/co-receptors - Plexins, Neuropilins and Integrins - and the subsequent effects upon the downstream effectors (e.g. PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK). The present article serves as an integrative review work, discussing the broad implications of semaphorins in cancer, focusing on cell proliferation/survival, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, stemness, and chemo-resistance/response whilst highlighting their heterogeneity as a family. Herein, we emphasized that semaphorins are largely implicated in cancer progression, interacting with the tumor microenvironment components. Whilst some SEMAs (e.g. SEMA3A, SEMA3B) function widely as tumor suppressors, others (e.g. SEMA3C) act as pro-tumor semaphorins. The differences observed in terms of the biological structure of SEMAs and the particularities of each cancer histotypes require that each semaphorin be viewed as a unique entity, and its roles must be researched accordingly. A more in-depth and comprehensive view of the molecular mechanisms that promote and sustain the malignant behavior of cancer cells is of utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Bica
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Alexandru Tirpe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania; Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Andreea Nutu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Cristina Ciocan
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Sergiu Chira
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Eugen S Gurzau
- Cluj School of Public Health, College of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 7 Pandurilor Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Environmental Health Center, 58 Busuiocului Street, 400240 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
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Samarth N, Gulhane P, Singh S. Immunoregulatory framework and the role of miRNA in the pathogenesis of NSCLC - A systematic review. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1089320. [PMID: 36620544 PMCID: PMC9811680 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1089320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With a 5-year survival rate of only 15%, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common kind of lung carcinoma and the cause of millions of deaths annually, has drawn attention. Numerous variables, such as disrupted signaling caused by somatic mutations in the EGFR-mediated RAS/RAF/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT signaling cascade, supports tumour survival in one way or another. Here, the tumour microenvironment significantly contributes to the development of cancer by thwarting the immune response. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of gene expression that can function as oncogenes or oncosuppressors. They have a major influence on the occurrence and prognosis of NSCLC. Though, a myriad number of therapies are available and many are being clinically tested, still the drug resistance, its adverse effect and toxicity leading towards fatality cannot be ruled out. In this review, we tried to ascertain the missing links in between perturbed EGFR signaling, miRNAs favouring tumorigenesis and the autophagy mechanism. While connecting all the aforementioned points multiple associations were set, which can be targeted in order to combat NSCLC. Here, we tried illuminating designing synthetically engineered circuits with the toggle switches that might lay a prototype for better therapeutic paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shailza Singh
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SP Pune University Campus, Pune, India
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Song X, Guo Y, Song P, Duan D, Guo W. Non-coding RNAs in Regulating Tumor Angiogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:751578. [PMID: 34616746 PMCID: PMC8488154 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.751578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are RNAs that do not encode proteins, but perform biological functions in various physiological and pathological processes, including cancer formation, inflammation, and neurological diseases. Tumor blood vessels are a key target for cancer management. A number of factors regulate the angiogenesis of malignant tumors. NcRNAs participate in the regulation of tumor angiogenesis. Abnormal expression of ncRNAs act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes to affect the development of tumors. In this review we summarized the biological functions of ncRNAs, and discussed its regulatory mechanisms in tumor angiogenesis. This article will provide new insights for the research of ncRNAs in tumor angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Song
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanan Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Peng Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment for Chronic Diseases by TCM, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dongzhu Duan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Baoji University of Arts and Sciences, Baoji, China
| | - Wenjing Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
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Munir MT, Kay MK, Kang MH, Rahman MM, Al-Harrasi A, Choudhury M, Moustaid-Moussa N, Hussain F, Rahman SM. Tumor-Associated Macrophages as Multifaceted Regulators of Breast Tumor Growth. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6526. [PMID: 34207035 PMCID: PMC8233875 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women of Western countries and is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The breast tumor microenvironment contains immune cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and extracellular matrix. Among these cells, macrophages or tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major components of the breast cancer microenvironment. TAMs facilitate metastasis of the breast tumor and are responsible for poor clinical outcomes. High TAM density was also found liable for the poor prognosis of breast cancer. These observations make altering TAM function a potential therapeutic target to treat breast cancer. The present review summarizes the origin of TAMs, mechanisms of macrophage recruitment and polarization in the tumor, and the contributions of TAMs in tumor progression. We have also discussed our current knowledge about TAM-targeted therapies and the roles of miRNAs and exosomes in re-educating TAM function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maliha Tabassum Munir
- Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; (M.T.M.); (N.M.-M.)
- Obesity Research Institute, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Matthew K. Kay
- Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.K.K.); (M.C.)
| | - Min H. Kang
- Cancer Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA;
| | - Md Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat Al-Mouz 616, Oman;
| | - Mahua Choudhury
- Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.K.K.); (M.C.)
| | - Naima Moustaid-Moussa
- Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; (M.T.M.); (N.M.-M.)
- Obesity Research Institute, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Fazle Hussain
- Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
| | - Shaikh Mizanoor Rahman
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat Al-Mouz 616, Oman;
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Ultrasound Methods in the Evaluation of Atherosclerosis: From Pathophysiology to Clinic. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9040418. [PMID: 33924492 PMCID: PMC8070406 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a key pathological process that causes a plethora of pathologies, including coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and ischemic stroke. The silent progression of the atherosclerotic disease prompts for new surveillance tools that can visualize, characterize, and provide a risk evaluation of the atherosclerotic plaque. Conventional ultrasound methods—bright (B)-mode US plus Doppler mode—provide a rapid, cost-efficient way to visualize an established plaque and give a rapid risk stratification of the patient through the Gray–Weale standardization—echolucent plaques with ≥50% stenosis have a significantly greater risk of ipsilateral stroke. Although rather disputed, the measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) may prove useful in identifying subclinical atherosclerosis. In addition, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) allows for a better image resolution and the visualization and quantification of plaque neovascularization, which has been correlated with future cardiovascular events. Newly emerging elastography techniques such as strain elastography and shear-wave elastography add a new dimension to this evaluation—the biomechanics of the arterial wall, which is altered in atherosclerosis. The invasive counterpart, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), enables an individualized assessment of the anti-atherosclerotic therapies, as well as a direct risk assessment of these lesions through virtual histology IVUS.
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Performance of Ultrasound Techniques and the Potential of Artificial Intelligence in the Evaluation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040790. [PMID: 33672827 PMCID: PMC7918928 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Global statistics show an increasing percentage of patients that develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), even in the absence of cirrhosis. In the present review, we analyzed the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography (US) in the non-invasive evaluation of NAFLD and NAFLD-related HCC, as well as possibilities of optimizing US diagnosis with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) assistance. To date, US is the first-line examination recommended in the screening of patients with clinical suspicion of NAFLD, as it is readily available and leads to a better disease-specific surveillance. However, the conventional US presents limitations that significantly hamper its applicability in quantifying NAFLD and accurately characterizing a given focal liver lesion (FLL). Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) are an essential add-on to the conventional B-mode US and to the Doppler US that further empower this method, allowing the evaluation of the enhancement properties and the vascular architecture of FLLs, in comparison to the background parenchyma. The current paper also explores the new universe of AI and the various implications of deep learning algorithms in the evaluation of NAFLD and NAFLD-related HCC through US methods, concluding that it could potentially be a game changer for patient care.
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