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Żychowska J, Ćmil M, Skórka P, Olejnik-Wojciechowska J, Plewa P, Bakinowska E, Kiełbowski K, Pawlik A. The Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Hepatitis C Infection. Biomolecules 2024; 14:986. [PMID: 39199374 PMCID: PMC11352264 DOI: 10.3390/biom14080986] [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: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic virus that can be transmitted through unsafe medical procedures, such as injections, transfusions, and dental treatment. The infection may be self-limiting or manifest as a chronic form that induces liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or progression into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epigenetic mechanisms are major regulators of gene expression. These mechanisms involve DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the activity of non-coding RNAs, which can enhance or suppress gene expression. Abnormal activity or the dysregulated expression of epigenetic molecules plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various pathological disorders, including inflammatory diseases and malignancies. In this review, we summarise the current evidence on epigenetic mechanisms involved in HCV infection and progression to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Żychowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Maciej Ćmil
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Patryk Skórka
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | | | - Paulina Plewa
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Estera Bakinowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Kajetan Kiełbowski
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Andrzej Pawlik
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.Ż.); (M.Ć.); (P.S.); (E.B.); (K.K.)
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Pan Z, Seto WK, Liu CJ, Mao Y, Alqahtani SA, Eslam M. A literature review of genetics and epigenetics of HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma: translational impact. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2024; 13:650-661. [PMID: 39175720 PMCID: PMC11336528 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-23-562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant global health burden and ranks as the fifth most prevalent cancer on a global scale. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains one of the major risk factors for HCC development. HCC is a heterogeneous disease, and the development of HCC caused by HCV is intricate and involves various factors, including genetic susceptibility, viral factors, immune response due to chronic inflammation, alcohol abuse, and metabolic dysfunction associated with fatty liver disease. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and updated review of research on the genetics and epigenetic mechanisms implicated in developing HCC associated with HCV infection. We also discuss the potential translational implications, including novel biomarkers and drugs for treatment. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted in June 2023 in PubMed and Embase databases. Key Content and Findings Recent findings indicate that a variety of genetic and epigenetic processes are involved in the pathogenesis and continue to exist even after the complete elimination of HCV. The deregulation of the epigenome has been identified as a significant factor in the deletrious effects of liver disease, especially during the initial stages when genetic alterations are uncommon. The enduring "epigenetic memory" of gene expression is believed to be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, indicating that alterations caused by HCV infection continue to exist and are linked to the risk of development of liver cancer even after successful treatment. Systems biology analytical methods will be required to delineate the magnitude and significance of both genetic and epigenomic alterations in tumor evolution. Conclusions By facilitating a more profound understanding of these aspects, this will ultimately foster the advancement of novel therapies and ultimately improve outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Pan
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei
| | - Yilei Mao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, PUMC & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Saleh A. Alqahtani
- Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Su L, Luo H, Yan Y, Yang Z, Lu J, Xu D, Du L, Liu J, Yang G, Chi H. Exploiting gender-based biomarkers and drug targets: advancing personalized therapeutic strategies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1433540. [PMID: 38966543 PMCID: PMC11222576 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1433540] [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: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This review systematically examines gender differences in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), identifying the influence of sex hormones, genetic variance, and environmental factors on the disease's epidemiology and treatment outcomes. Recognizing the liver as a sexually dimorphic organ, we highlight how gender-specific risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and obesity, contribute differently to hepatocarcinogenesis in men and women. We explore molecular mechanisms, including the differential expression of androgen and estrogen receptors, which mediate diverse pathways in tumor biology such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA repair. Our analysis underscores the critical need for gender-specific research in liver cancer, from molecular studies to clinical trials, to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic effectiveness. By incorporating a gender perspective into all facets of liver cancer research, we advocate for a more precise and personalized approach to cancer treatment that acknowledges gender as a significant factor in both the progression of HCC and its response to treatment. This review aims to foster a deeper understanding of the biological and molecular bases of gender differences in HCC and to promote the development of tailored interventions that enhance outcomes for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanqian Su
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Huanyu Luo
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yalan Yan
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhongqiu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Jiaan Lu
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Danqi Xu
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Linjuan Du
- Department of Oncology, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Jiang S, Zhu G, Tan Y, Zhou T, Zheng S, Wang F, Lei W, Liu X, Du J, Tian M. Identification of VEGFs-related gene signature for predicting microangiogenesis and hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:10321-10347. [PMID: 38874512 PMCID: PMC11236318 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Microangiogenesis is an important prognostic factor in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) has been shown to contribute to tumor angiogenesis. Recently, several studies have investigated the regulation of VEGF production by a single gene, with few researchers exploring all genes that affect VEGF production. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed all genes affecting VEGF production in HCC and developed a risk model and gene-based risk score based on VEGF production. Moreover, the model's predictive capacity on prognosis of HCCs was verified using training and validation datasets. The developed model showed good prediction of the overall survival rate. Patients with a higher risk score experienced poor outcomes compared to those with a lower risk score. Furthermore, we identified the immunological causes of the poor prognosis of patients with high-risk scores comparing with those with low-risk scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengpan Jiang
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Guoting Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yiqing Tan
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shilin Zheng
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fuhua Wang
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wenfeng Lei
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jinjun Du
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Third Clinical College of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine), Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Manman Tian
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Third Clinical College of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine), Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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Lanave G, Pellegrini F, Triggiano F, De Giglio O, Lucente MS, Diakoudi G, Catella C, Gentile A, Tardugno R, Fracchiolla G, Martella V, Camero M. In Vitro Virucidal Activity of Different Essential Oils against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Used as Surrogate of Human Hepatitis C Virus. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:514. [PMID: 38927181 PMCID: PMC11201044 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060514] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major hepatotropic virus that affects humans with increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. The bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes abortion, calf mortality and poor reproductive performance in cattle. Due the difficulties of in vitro cultivation for HCV, BVDV has been used as surrogate for in vitro assessment of the efficacy of antivirals. Essential oils (EOs) display antiviral and virucidal activity on several viral pathogens. In this study, the virucidal activity of five EOs, Salvia officinalis L. EO (SEO), Melissa officinalis L. EO (MEO), Citrus lemon EO (LEO), Rosmarinus officinalis L. EO (REO) and Thymus vulgaris L. EO (TEO) against BVDV was evaluated in vitro at different concentrations for several time contacts. MEO and LEO were able to considerably inactivate BVDV with a time- and dose-dependent fashion. MEO and LEO at the highest concentrations decreased viral titer by 2.00 and 2.25 log10 TCID50/50 μL at 8 h contact time, respectively. SEO, REO and TEO displayed mild virucidal activity at the highest concentrations for 8 h contact times. In this study, the virucidal efficacies of MEO and LEO against BVDV were observed regardless of compound concentration and contact time. Further studies are needed to confirm the potential use of MEO and LEO as surface disinfectants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianvito Lanave
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; (G.L.); (F.P.); (M.S.L.); (G.D.); (C.C.); (A.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Francesco Pellegrini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; (G.L.); (F.P.); (M.S.L.); (G.D.); (C.C.); (A.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Francesco Triggiano
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.T.); (O.D.G.)
| | - Osvalda De Giglio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.T.); (O.D.G.)
| | - Maria Stella Lucente
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; (G.L.); (F.P.); (M.S.L.); (G.D.); (C.C.); (A.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Georgia Diakoudi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; (G.L.); (F.P.); (M.S.L.); (G.D.); (C.C.); (A.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Cristiana Catella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; (G.L.); (F.P.); (M.S.L.); (G.D.); (C.C.); (A.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Arturo Gentile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; (G.L.); (F.P.); (M.S.L.); (G.D.); (C.C.); (A.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Roberta Tardugno
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy; (R.T.); (G.F.)
| | - Giuseppe Fracchiolla
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy; (R.T.); (G.F.)
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; (G.L.); (F.P.); (M.S.L.); (G.D.); (C.C.); (A.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Michele Camero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; (G.L.); (F.P.); (M.S.L.); (G.D.); (C.C.); (A.G.); (V.M.)
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Cheng X, Wu C, Xu H, Zou R, Li T, Ye S. miR-557 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting RAB10. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:3716-3733. [PMID: 38364252 PMCID: PMC10929814 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that aberrant miRNAs participate in carcinogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Abnormal miR-557 expression is reported to interfere with the progression of several human cancers. However, the potential roles of miR-557 in HCC remain largely unknown. In the current study, we found that miR-557 was down-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and was closely related to recurrence and metastasis of HCC. Notably, overexpression of miR-557 inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression, blocked cells in G0/G1 phase of MHCC-97H cells in vitro, and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. However, loss of miR-557 facilitated these parameters in Huh7 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, RAB10 was identified as a direct downstream target of miR-557 through its 3'-UTR. Furthermore, RAB10 re-expression or knockdown partially abolished the effects of miR-557 on proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT progression of HCC cells. Mechanistically, overexpression of miR-557 suppressed Wnt/β-catenin signaling by inhibiting GSK-3β phosphorylation, increasing β-catenin phosphorylation, and decreasing β-catenin transport to the nucleus, while knockdown of miR-557 activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Moreover, the TOP/FOP-Flash reporter assays showed that miR-557 overexpression or knockdown significantly suppressed or activated Wnt signaling activity, respectively. Additionally, low expression of miR-557 and high expression of RAB10 in HCC tissues was closely associated with tumor size, degree of differentiation, TNM stage and poor prognosis in HCC patients. Taken together, these results demonstrate that miR-557 blocks the progression of HCC via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by targeting RAB10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoye Cheng
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Can Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Haocheng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ruixiang Zou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Taiyuan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shanping Ye
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
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Vutien P, Kim NJ, Moon AM, Johnson KM, Berry K, Green PK, Ioannou GN. Hepatocellular carcinoma risk decreases as time accrues following hepatitis C virus eradication. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:361-371. [PMID: 37955206 PMCID: PMC10842311 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear whether the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) decreases over time following hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication. AIM To determine if patients who have accrued longer time since sustained virologic response (SVR) have a lower risk of HCC than those with less time since SVR METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all HCV-infected Veterans Affairs patients who achieved SVR before 1 January 2018 and remained alive without a diagnosis of HCC as of 1 January 2019 (n = 75,965). We ascertained their baseline characteristics as of 1 January 2019 (time zero), including time accrued since SVR and followed them for the subsequent 12 months for incident HCC. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to determine the association between time since SVR and HCC risk after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, sex, diabetes, hypertension, body mass index, alcohol use, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Fibrosis-4 score, HCV genotype, hepatitis B virus co-infection and HIV co-infection. RESULTS 96.0% were male; mean age was 64.6 years. Among those with cirrhosis (n = 19,678, 25.9%), compared to patients who had accrued only ≥1 to 2 years since SVR (HCC incidence 2.71/100 person-years), those who had accrued >2 to 4 years (2.11/100 person-years, aHR 0.80, 95% CI 0.63-1.01) and >4 to 6 years (1.65/100 person-years, aHR 0.61, 95% CI 0.41-0.90) had progressively lower HCC risk. However, HCC risk appeared to plateau for those with >6 years since SVR (1.68/100 person-years, aHR 0.70, 95% CI 0.46-1.07). Among those without cirrhosis, HCC risk was 0.23-0.27/100 person-years without a significant association between time since SVR and HCC risk. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with cirrhosis and cured HCV infection, HCC risk declined progressively up to 6 years post-SVR-although it remained well above thresholds that warrant screening. This suggests that time since SVR can inform HCC surveillance strategies in patients with cured HCV infection and can be incorporated into HCC risk prediction models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Vutien
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nicole J. Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew M. Moon
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kay M. Johnson
- Hospital and Specialty Medicine, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristin Berry
- Health Service Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Pamela K. Green
- Health Service Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - George N. Ioannou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Health Service Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
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Chen YJ, Huang JY, Baskaran R, Abomughaid MM, Hsieh CC, Lin WT. Long-Term Survival and Cancer Risk in the Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients After Antiviral Treatment: A Nationwide Cohort Study. J Cancer 2024; 15:113-125. [PMID: 38164272 PMCID: PMC10751673 DOI: 10.7150/jca.87259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Exposure to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been identified as one of the most critical risk factors for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Interferons and direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have been used to treat HCV infection with high rates (95%) of prolonged virological response, a suitable safety profile, and good compliance rates. Methods: We obtained information from Taiwan's Health and Welfare Data Science Center. (HWDSC). In this observational cohort research, patients with HCV who received a diagnosis in Taiwan between 2011 and 2018 were included. Results: 78,300 untreated HCV patients were paired for age, sex, and index date with 39,150 HCV patients who received interferon or DAAs treatment. Compared to the control group, the Interferon or DAAs treatment sample has fewer low-income individuals and more hospitalization requirements. The percentage of kidney illness was reduced in the therapy group compared to the control group, but the treatment group had a greater comorbidity rate of gastric ulcers. Interferon or DAA therapy for HCV-infected patients can substantially lower mortality. All cancer diagnoses after HCV infection with interferon treatment aHR 95% CI = 0.809 (0.774-0.846), Sofosbuvir-based DAA aHR 95% CI = 1.009 (0.737-1.381) and Sofosbuvir free DAA aHR 95% CI = 0.944 (0.584-1.526) showing cancer-protective effects in the INF-treated cohort but not DAA. Conclusion: Following antiviral therapy, women appear to have a more substantial preventive impact than men against pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer. Interferon or DAAs treatment effect was more significant in the cirrhotic group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ju Chen
- Department of Surgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40704, Taiwan
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Tunghai University, Taichung 40704, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Yang Huang
- Center for health data science, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Rathinasamy Baskaran
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung 413305, Taiwan
| | - Mosleh Mohammad Abomughaid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chang-Chi Hsieh
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Tunghai University, Taichung 40704, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Teng Lin
- Department of Hospitality Management, College of Agriculture, Tunghai University, Taichung 407224, Taiwan
- R&D Division, Utopia Holiday Hotel Corporation, Taichung, Taiwan
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Mondelli MU, Ottolini S, Oliviero B, Mantovani S, Cerino A, Mele D, Varchetta S. Hepatitis C Virus and the Host: A Mutual Endurance Leaving Indelible Scars in the Host's Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:268. [PMID: 38203436 PMCID: PMC10779088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010268] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has spread worldwide, and it is responsible for potentially severe chronic liver disease and primary liver cancer. Chronic infection remains for life if not spontaneously eliminated and viral persistence profoundly impairs the efficiency of the host's immunity. Attempts have been made to develop an effective vaccine, but efficacy trials have met with failure. The availability of highly efficacious direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has created hope for the progressive elimination of chronic HCV infections; however, this approach requires a monumental global effort. HCV elicits a prompt innate immune response in the host, characterized by a robust production of interferon-α (IFN-α), although interference in IFN-α signaling by HCV proteins may curb this effect. The late appearance of largely ineffective neutralizing antibodies and the progressive exhaustion of T cells, particularly CD8 T cells, result in the inability to eradicate the virus in most infected patients. Moreover, an HCV cure resulting from DAA treatment does not completely restore the normal immunologic homeostasis. Here, we discuss the main immunological features of immune responses to HCV and the epigenetic scars that chronic viral persistence leaves behind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario U. Mondelli
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Ottolini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Barbara Oliviero
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Stefania Mantovani
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Antonella Cerino
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Dalila Mele
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
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10
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Liu T, Guo Y, Liao Y, Liu J. Mechanism-guided fine-tuned microbiome potentiates anti-tumor immunity in HCC. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1333864. [PMID: 38169837 PMCID: PMC10758498 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1333864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbiome, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, plays a crucial role in shaping distal and proximal anti-tumor immunity. Mounting evidence showed that commensal microbiome critically modulates immunophenotyping of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a leading cause of cancer-related death. However, their role in anti-tumor surveillance of HCC is still poorly understood. Herein, we spotlighted growing interests in how the microbiome influences the progression and immunotherapeutic responses of HCC via changing local tumor microenvironment (TME) upon translocating to the sites of HCC through different "cell-type niches". Moreover, we summarized not only the associations but also the deep insight into the mechanisms of how the extrinsic microbiomes interplay with hosts to shape immune surveillance and regulate TME and immunotherapeutic responses. Collectively, we provided a rationale for a mechanism-guided fine-tuned microbiome to be neoadjuvant immunotherapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanxia Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Panneerselvam S, Wilson C, Kumar P, Abirami D, Pamarthi J, Reddy MS, Varghese J. Overview of hepatocellular carcinoma: from molecular aspects to future therapeutic options. Cell Adh Migr 2023; 17:1-21. [PMID: 37726886 PMCID: PMC10512929 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2023.2258539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the seventh most highly prevalent malignant tumor globally and the second most common cause of mortality. HCC develops with complex pathways that occur through multistage biological processes. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are the causative etiologies of HCC. HCC develops as a result of epigenetic changes, protein-coding gene mutations, and altered signaling pathways. Biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for HCC open up new possibilities for treating the disease. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are included in the treatment options in combination with molecular targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugan Panneerselvam
- Department of Hepatology and Transplant Hepatology, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Cornelia Wilson
- Natural and Applied Sciences, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Discovery Park, Sandwich, UK
| | - Prem Kumar
- Department of Hepatology and Transplant Hepatology, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dinu Abirami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jayakrishna Pamarthi
- Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mettu Srinivas Reddy
- The Director and Head, Liver Transplant and HPB surgery, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Joy Varghese
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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12
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Yu J, Li X, Cao J, Zhu T, Liang S, Du L, Cao M, Wang H, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Shen B, Feng J, Zhang J, Wang J, Jin J. Components of the JNK-MAPK pathway play distinct roles in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17495-17509. [PMID: 37902853 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05473-9] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), specifically the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-MAPK subfamily, play a crucial role in the development of various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the specific roles of JNK1/2 and their upstream regulators, MKK4/7, in HCC carcinogenesis remain unclear. METHODS In this study, we performed differential expression analysis of JNK-MAPK components at both the transcriptome and protein levels using TCGA and HPA databases. We utilized Kaplan-Meier survival plots and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to evaluate the prognostic performance of a risk scoring model based on these components in the TCGA-HCC cohort. Additionally, we conducted immunoblotting, apoptosis analysis with FACS and soft agar assays to investigate the response of JNK-MAPK pathway components to various death stimuli (TRAIL, TNF-α, anisomycin, and etoposide) in HCC cell lines. RESULTS JNK1/2 and MKK7 levels were significantly upregulated in HCC samples compared to paracarcinoma tissues, whereas MKK4 was downregulated. ROC analyses suggested that JNK2 and MKK7 may serve as suitable diagnostic genes for HCC, and high JNK2 expression correlated with significantly poorer overall survival. Knockdown of JNK1 enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells, while JNK2 knockdown reduced TNF-α/cycloheximide (CHX)-and anisomycin-induced apoptosis. Neither JNK1 nor JNK2 knockdown affected etoposide-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, MKK7 knockdown augmented TNF-α/CHX- and TRAIL-induced apoptosis and inhibited colony formation in hepatoma cells. CONCLUSION Targeting MKK7, rather than JNK1/2 or MKK4, may be a promising therapeutic strategy to inhibit the JNK-MAPK pathway in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jijun Yu
- School of Basic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Xinying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Junxia Cao
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Ting Zhu
- Beijing No. 80 High School, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Shuifeng Liang
- School of Basic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Le Du
- School of Basic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Meng Cao
- School of Basic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yaolin Zhang
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yinxi Zhou
- School of Basic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Beifen Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jiannan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jiyan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Jianfeng Jin
- School of Basic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
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13
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Milosevic I, Todorovic N, Filipovic A, Simic J, Markovic M, Stevanovic O, Malinic J, Katanic N, Mitrovic N, Nikolic N. HCV and HCC Tango-Deciphering the Intricate Dance of Disease: A Review Article. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16048. [PMID: 38003240 PMCID: PMC10671156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216048] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounting for around one-third of all HCC cases. Prolonged inflammation in chronic hepatitis C (CHC), maintained through a variety of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, is one of the aspects of carcinogenesis, followed by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Immune response dysfunction including the innate and adaptive immunity also plays a role in the development, as well as in the recurrence of HCC after treatment. Some of the tumor suppressor genes inhibited by the HCV proteins are p53, p73, and retinoblastoma 1. Mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter and the oncogene catenin beta 1 are two more important carcinogenic signaling pathways in HCC associated with HCV. Furthermore, in HCV-related HCC, numerous tumor suppressor and seven oncogenic genes are dysregulated by epigenetic changes. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is considered as a lasting "epigenetic memory", suggesting that HCV-induced changes persist and are associated with liver carcinogenesis even after cure. Epigenetic changes and immune response dysfunction are recognized targets for potential therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Milosevic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Nevena Todorovic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Ana Filipovic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Jelena Simic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Marko Markovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Olja Stevanovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Jovan Malinic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Natasa Katanic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina Situated in Kosovska Mitrovica, 28000 Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - Nikola Mitrovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Natasa Nikolic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
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14
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Papadopoulou G, Petroulia S, Karamichali E, Dimitriadis A, Marousis D, Ioannidou E, Papazafiri P, Koskinas J, Foka P, Georgopoulou U. The Epigenetic Controller Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1 (LSD1) Regulates the Outcome of Hepatitis C Viral Infection. Cells 2023; 12:2568. [PMID: 37947646 PMCID: PMC10648375 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212568] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) alters gene expression epigenetically to rearrange the cellular microenvironment in a beneficial way for its life cycle. The host epigenetic changes induced by HCV lead to metabolic dysfunction and malignant transformation. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is an epigenetic controller of critical cellular functions that are essential for HCV propagation. We investigated the putative role of LSD1 in the establishment of HCV infection using genetic engineering and pharmacological inhibition to alter endogenous LSD1 levels. We demonstrated for the first time that HCV replication was inhibited in LSD1-overexpressing cells, while specific HCV proteins differentially fine-tuned endogenous LSD1 expression levels. Electroporation of the full-length HCV genome and subgenomic replicons in LSD1 overexpression enhanced translation and partially restored HCV replication, suggesting that HCV might be inhibited by LSD1 during the early steps of infection. Conversely, the inhibition of LSD1, followed by HCV infection in vitro, increased viral replication. LSD1 was shown to participate in an intriguing antiviral mechanism, where it activates endolysosomal interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) via demethylation, leading endocytosed HCV virions to degradation. Our study proposes that HCV-mediated LSD1 oscillations over countless viral life cycles throughout chronic HCV infection may promote epigenetic changes related to HCV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Papadopoulou
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
- Division of Animal and Human Physiology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Stavroula Petroulia
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Karamichali
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexios Dimitriadis
- Molecular Biology and Immunobiotechnology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Marousis
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Elisavet Ioannidou
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Papazafiri
- Division of Animal and Human Physiology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - John Koskinas
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Pelagia Foka
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Urania Georgopoulou
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
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15
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Li JY, Tian T, Han B, Yang T, Guo YX, Wu JY, Chen YS, Yang Q, Xie RJ. Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid upregulates reticulophagy receptor expression and promotes cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:5038-5053. [PMID: 37753370 PMCID: PMC10518741 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i34.5038] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common clinical condition with a poor prognosis and few effective treatment options. Potent anticancer agents for treating HCC must be identified. Epigenetics plays an essential role in HCC tumorigenesis. Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), the most common histone deacetylase inhibitor agent, triggers many forms of cell death in HCC. However, the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. Family with sequence similarity 134 member B (FAM134B)-induced reticulophagy, a selective autophagic pathway, participates in the decision of cell fate and exhibits anticancer activity. This study focused on the relationship between FAM134B-induced reticulophagy and SAHA-mediated cell death. AIM To elucidate potential roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of reticulophagy in SAHA-induced HCC cell death. METHODS The viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion of SAHA-treated Huh7 and MHCC97L cells were measured. Proteins related to the reticulophagy pathway, mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites, intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis, and histone acetylation were quantified using western blotting. ER and lysosome colocalization, and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels were characterized via confocal microscopy. The level of cell death was evaluated through Hoechst 33342 staining and propidium iodide colocalization. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to verify histone H4 lysine-16 acetylation in the FAM134B promoter region. RESULTS After SAHA treatment, the proliferation of Huh7 and MHCC97L cells was significantly inhibited, and the migration and invasion abilities were greatly blocked in vitro. This promoted apoptosis and caused G1 phase cells to increase in a concentration-dependent manner. Following treatment with SAHA, ER-phagy was activated, thereby triggering autophagy-mediated cell death of HCC cells in vitro. Western blotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that SAHA regulated FAM134B expression by enhancing the histone H4 lysine-16 acetylation in the FAM134B promoter region. Further, SAHA disturbed the Ca2+ homeostasis and upregulated the level of autocrine motility factor receptor and proteins related to mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites in HCC cells. Additionally, SAHA decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential levels, thereby accelerating the activation of the reticulophagy-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and promoting HCC cell death in vitro. CONCLUSION SAHA stimulates FAM134B-mediated ER-phagy to synergistically enhance the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, thereby enhancing HCC cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yao Li
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Eugenic Genetics, Guiyang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Guiyang 550003, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Bing Han
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yi-Xin Guo
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Jia-Yu Wu
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yu-Si Chen
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ru-Jia Xie
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
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16
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Lin PC, Hsu WY, Lee PY, Hsu SH, Chiou SS. Insights into Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Thalassemia: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12654. [PMID: 37628834 PMCID: PMC10454908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612654] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalassemia is a heterogeneous congenital hemoglobinopathy common in the Mediterranean region, Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia with increasing incidence in Northern Europe and North America due to immigration. Iron overloading is one of the major long-term complications in patients with thalassemia and can lead to organ damage and carcinogenesis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in both transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). The incidence of HCC in patients with thalassemia has increased over time, as better chelation therapy confers a sufficiently long lifespan for the development of HCC. The mechanisms of iron-overloading-associated HCC development include the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammation cytokines, dysregulated hepcidin, and ferroportin metabolism. The treatment of HCC in patients with thalassemia was basically similar to those in general population. However, due to the younger age of HCC onset in thalassemia, regular surveillance for HCC development is mandatory in TDT and NTDT. Other supplemental therapies and experiences of novel treatments for HCC in the thalassemia population were also reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Chin Lin
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; (P.-C.L.); (W.-Y.H.); (P.-Y.L.)
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yi Hsu
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; (P.-C.L.); (W.-Y.H.); (P.-Y.L.)
| | - Po-Yi Lee
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; (P.-C.L.); (W.-Y.H.); (P.-Y.L.)
| | - Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
- Center of Applied Genomics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shin Chiou
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; (P.-C.L.); (W.-Y.H.); (P.-Y.L.)
- Center of Applied Genomics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
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17
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Majumder A. Targeting Homocysteine and Hydrogen Sulfide Balance as Future Therapeutics in Cancer Treatment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1520. [PMID: 37627515 PMCID: PMC10451792 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A high level of homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with oxidative/ER stress, apoptosis, and impairment of angiogenesis, whereas hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been found to reverse this condition. Recent studies have shown that cancer cells need to produce a high level of endogenous H2S to maintain cell proliferation, growth, viability, and migration. However, any novel mechanism that targets this balance of Hcy and H2S production has yet to be discovered or exploited. Cells require homocysteine metabolism via the methionine cycle for nucleotide synthesis, methylation, and reductive metabolism, and this pathway supports the high proliferative rate of cancer cells. Although the methionine cycle favors cancer cells for their survival and growth, this metabolism produces a massive amount of toxic Hcy that somehow cancer cells handle very well. Recently, research showed specific pathways important for balancing the antioxidative defense through H2S production in cancer cells. This review discusses the relationship between Hcy metabolism and the antiapoptotic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic effects of H2S in different cancer types. It also summarizes the historical understanding of targeting antioxidative defense systems, angiogenesis, and other protective mechanisms of cancer cells and the role of H2S production in the genesis, progression, and metastasis of cancer. This review defines a nexus of diet and precision medicine in targeting the delicate antioxidative system of cancer and explores possible future therapeutics that could exploit the Hcy and H2S balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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18
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Catalano T, Selvaggi F, Esposito DL, Cotellese R, Aceto GM. Infectious Agents Induce Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Deregulation in Primary Liver Cancers. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1632. [PMID: 37512809 PMCID: PMC10386003 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071632] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Interaction between infectious agents and liver tissue, as well as repeated and extreme biological events beyond adaptive capacities, may result in pathological conditions predisposing people to development of primary liver cancers (PLCs). In adults, PLCs mainly comprise hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Various infectious agents in the hepatic microenvironment can destabilize normal liver cell functions by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway components. Among them, hepatotropic viruses B, C, and D are involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling dysregulation. Other microbial agents, including oncogenic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV), bacteria, e.g., Mycoplasma hyorhinis and Salmonella Typhi, the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, the fungus Aspergillus flavus, and liver flukes such as Clonorchissinensis or Opisthorchis viverrini, may induce malignant transformation in hepatocytes or in target cells of the biliary tract through aberrant Wnt signaling activation. This review focuses on new insights into infectious agents implicated in the deregulation of Wnt signaling and PLC development. Since the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a driver of cancer following viral and bacterial infections, molecules inhibiting the complex axis of Wnt signaling could represent novel therapeutic approaches in PLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federico Selvaggi
- Unit of General Surgery, ASL2 Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti, Ospedale Clinicizzato SS Annunziata, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Diana Liberata Esposito
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Roberto Cotellese
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Villa Serena Foundation for Research, 65013 Città Sant'Angelo, Italy
| | - Gitana Maria Aceto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Goncharova IA, Zarubin AA, Babushkina NP, Koroleva IA, Nazarenko MS. Changes in DNA methylation profile in liver tissue during progression of HCV-induced fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2023; 27:72-82. [PMID: 36923478 PMCID: PMC10009477 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-23-10] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study we compared methylation levels of 27,578 CpG sites between paired samples of the tumor and surrounding liver tissues with various degrees of damage (fibrosis, cirrhosis) in HCV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, as well as between tumor and normal tissue in non-viral HCC patients, using GSE73003 and GSE37988 data from GEODataSets (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). A significantly lower number of differentially methylated sites (DMS) were found between HCC of non-viral etiology and normal liver tissue, as well as between HCC and fibrosis (32 and 40), than between HCC and cirrhosis (2450 and 2304, respectively, according to GSE73003 and GSE37988 datasets). As the pathological changes in the tissue surrounding the tumor progress, the ratio of hyper-/hypomethylated DMSs in the tumor decreases. Thus, in tumor tissues compared with normal/fibrosis/cirrhosis of the liver, 75/62.5/47.7 % (GSE73003) and 16 % (GSE37988) of CpG sites are hypermethylated, respectively. Persistent hypermethylation of the ZNF154 and ZNF540 genes, as well as CCL20 hypomethylation, were registered in tumor tissue in relation to both liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. Protein products of the EDG4, CCL20, GPR109A, and GRM8 genes, whose CpG sites are characterized by changes in DNA methylation level in tumor tissue in the setting of cirrhosis and fibrosis, belong to "Signaling by G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)" category. However, changes in the methylation level of the "driver" genes for oncopathology (АРС, CDKN2B, GSTP1, ELF4, TERT, WT1) are registered in tumor tissue in the setting of liver cirrhosis but not fibrosis. Among the genes hypermethylated in tumor tissue in the setting of liver cirrhosis, the most represented biological pathways are developmental processes, cell-cell signaling, transcription regulation, Wnt-protein binding. Genes hypomethylated in liver tumor tissue in the setting of liver cirrhosis are related to olfactory signal transduction, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, keratinization, immune response, inhibition of serine proteases, and zinc metabolism. The genes hypermethylated in the tumor are located at the 7p15.2 locus in the HOXA cluster region, and the hypomethylated CpG sites occupy extended regions of the genome in the gene clusters of olfactory receptors (11p15.4), keratin and keratin-associated proteins (12q13.13, 17q21.2, and 21q22.11), epidermal differentiation complex (1q21.3), and immune system function loci 9p21.3 (IFNA, IFNB1, IFNW1 cluster) and 19q13.41-19q13.42 (KLK, SIGLEC, LILR, KIR clusters). Among the genes of fibrogenesis or DNA repair, cg14143055 (ADAMDEC1) is located in the binding region of the HOX gene family transcription factors (TFs), while cg05921699 (CD79A), cg06196379 (TREM1) and cg10990993 (MLH1) are located in the binding region of the ZNF protein family transcription factor (TF). Thus, the DNA methylation profile in the liver in HCV-induced HCC is unique and differs depending on the degree of surrounding tissue lesion - liver fibrosis or liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Goncharova
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - A A Zarubin
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - N P Babushkina
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - I A Koroleva
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - M S Nazarenko
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
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An Overview of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance Focusing on Non-Cirrhotic NAFLD Patients: A Challenge for Physicians. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020586. [PMID: 36831120 PMCID: PMC9953185 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020586] [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: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide and it ranges from simple steatosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC represents the first liver tumor and the third source of cancer death. In the next few years, the prevalence of NAFLD and consequently of HCC is estimated to increase, becoming a major public health problem. The NAFLD-HCC shows several differences compared to other causes of chronic liver disease (CLD), including the higher percentage of patients that develop HCC in the absence of liver cirrhosis. In HCC surveillance, the international guidelines suggest a six months abdominal ultrasound (US), with or without alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) evaluation, in patients with cirrhosis and in a subgroup of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. However, this screening program reveals several limitations, especially in NAFLD patients. Thus, new biomarkers and scores have been proposed to overcome the limits of HCC surveillance. In this narrative review we aimed to explore the differences in the HCC features between NAFLD and non-NAFLD patients, and those between NAFLD-HCC developed in the cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver. Finally, we focused on the limits of tumor surveillance in NAFLD patients, and we explored the new biomarkers for the early diagnosis of HCC.
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Heredia-Torres TG, Rincón-Sánchez AR, Lozano-Sepúlveda SA, Galan-Huerta K, Arellanos-Soto D, García-Hernández M, Garza-Juarez ADJ, Rivas-Estilla AM. Unraveling the Molecular Mechanisms Involved in HCV-Induced Carcinogenesis. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122762. [PMID: 36560766 PMCID: PMC9786602 DOI: 10.3390/v14122762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer induced by a viral infection is among the leading causes of cancer. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic oncogenic positive-sense RNA virus that leads to chronic infection, exposing the liver to a continuous process of damage and regeneration and promoting hepatocarcinogenesis. The virus promotes the development of carcinogenesis through indirect and direct molecular mechanisms such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, steatosis, genetic alterations, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, proliferation, and apoptosis, among others. Recently, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) showed sustained virologic response in 95% of cases. Nevertheless, patients treated with DAAs have reported an unexpected increase in the early incidence of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Studies suggest that HCV induces epigenetic regulation through non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation, and chromatin remodeling, which modify gene expressions and induce genomic instability related to HCC development that persists with the infection's clearance. The need for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with the development of carcinogenesis is evident. The aim of this review was to unravel the molecular pathways involved in the development of carcinogenesis before, during, and after the viral infection's resolution, and how these pathways were regulated by the virus, to find control points that can be used as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Guadalupe Heredia-Torres
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, CIIViM, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Ana Rosa Rincón-Sánchez
- IBMMTG, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44100, Mexico
| | - Sonia Amelia Lozano-Sepúlveda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, CIIViM, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Kame Galan-Huerta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, CIIViM, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Daniel Arellanos-Soto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, CIIViM, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Marisela García-Hernández
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, CIIViM, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Aurora de Jesús Garza-Juarez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, CIIViM, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Ana María Rivas-Estilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, CIIViM, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-81-8333-7747
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22
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Tümen D, Heumann P, Gülow K, Demirci CN, Cosma LS, Müller M, Kandulski A. Pathogenesis and Current Treatment Strategies of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2022; 10:3202. [PMID: 36551958 PMCID: PMC9775527 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent liver cancer with high lethality and low five-year survival rates leading to a substantial worldwide burden for healthcare systems. HCC initiation and progression are favored by different etiological risk factors including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, non-/and alcoholic fatty liver disease (N/AFLD), and tobacco smoking. In molecular pathogenesis, endogenous alteration in genetics (TP53, TERT, CTNNB1, etc.), epigenetics (DNA-methylation, miRNA, lncRNA, etc.), and dysregulation of key signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, etc.) strongly contribute to the development of HCC. The multitude and complexity of different pathomechanisms also reflect the difficulties in tailored medical therapy of HCC. Treatment options for HCC are strictly dependent on tumor staging and liver function, which are structured by the updated Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification system. Surgical resection, local ablative techniques, and liver transplantation are valid and curative therapeutic options for early tumor stages. For multifocal and metastatic diseases, systemic therapy is recommended. While Sorafenib had been the standalone HCC first-line therapy for decades, recent developments had led to the approval of new treatment options as first-line as well as second-line treatment. Anti-PD-L1 directed combination therapies either with anti-VEGF directed agents or with anti-CTLA-4 active substances have been implemented as the new treatment standard in the first-line setting. However, data from clinical trials indicate different responses on specific therapeutic regimens depending on the underlying pathogenesis of hepatocellular cancer. Therefore, histopathological examinations have been re-emphasized by current international clinical guidelines in addition to the standardized radiological diagnosis using contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging. In this review, we emphasize the current knowledge on molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. On this occasion, the treatment sequences for early and advanced tumor stages according to the recently updated Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification system and the current algorithm of systemic therapy (first-, second-, and third-line treatment) are summarized. Furthermore, we discuss novel precautional and pre-therapeutic approaches including therapeutic vaccination, adoptive cell transfer, locoregional therapy enhancement, and non-coding RNA-based therapy as promising treatment options. These novel treatments may prolong overall survival rates in regard with quality of life and liver function as mainstay of HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Arne Kandulski
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases University Hospital Regensburg Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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23
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Sarantis P, Trifylli EM, Koustas E, Papavassiliou KA, Karamouzis MV, Papavassiliou AG. Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapeutic Management in Virus-Associated Digestive System Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13612. [PMID: 36362398 PMCID: PMC9655697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer is a multifactorial phenomenon, while it constitutes a major global health problem. Viruses are an important factor that is involved in tumorigenesis and is associated with 12.1% of all cancer cases. Major examples of oncogenic viruses which are closely associated with the digestive system are HBV, HCV, EBV, HPV, JCV, and CMV. EBV, HPV, JCV, and CMV directly cause oncogenesis by expressing oncogenic proteins that are encoded in their genome. In contrast, HBV and HCV are correlated indirectly with carcinogenesis by causing chronic inflammation in the infected organs. In addition, the tumor microenvironment contains various immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, as well as several growth factors, cytokines, and other tumor-secreted molecules that play a key role in tumor growth, progression, and migration, while they are closely interrelated with the virus. The presence of T-regulatory and B-regulatory cells in the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the anti-tumor immune reaction. The tumor immune microenvironments differ in each type of cancer and depend on viral infection. The alterations in the immune microenvironment caused by viruses are also reflected in the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The present review aims at shedding light on the association between viruses and digestive system malignancies, the characteristics of the tumor immune microenvironment that develop, and the possible treatments that can be administered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Sarantis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni-Myrto Trifylli
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Koustas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas A. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Michalis V. Karamouzis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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24
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Zhou Z, Cui X, Gao P, Zhang X, Zhu C, Sun B. Circular RNA circRASSF5 Functions as an Anti-Oncogenic Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Acting as a Competitive Endogenous RNA Through Sponging miR-331-3p. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1041-1056. [PMID: 36217445 PMCID: PMC9547604 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s376063] [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: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Recently, emerging studies have validated that circular RNAs participate in multiple biological progresses in various human malignant tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, until now, the elucidated mechanism of circular RNAs is only the tip of the iceberg. In this study, we firstly identify a novel circular RNA circRASSF5 (the only circular RNA derived from the RASSF5 gene), and attempt to investigate its biological function and underlying mechanism in HCC. Methods qRT-PCR, Western blotting and IHC were applied to detect the expression of related genes. CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, wound healing and transwell assays were used to investigate HCC proliferation, migration and invasion abilities. Animal model studies were included to investigate the function of circRASSF5 in HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis. RNA pull-down assay, luciferase reporter assay and FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) assay were performed to explore the potential biological mechanism underlying circRASSF5 function in HCC. Results CircRASSF5 is obviously downregulated in both HCC tissues and cell lines. Low level of circRASSF5 is negatively associated with larger tumor size, severe vascular invasion, more portal vein tumor embolus and unfavorable prognosis. Loss-of-function assay reveals that circRASSF5 remarkably impedes the growth and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circRASSF5 directly interacts with miR-331-3p as a sponge, and then enhances the expression of PH domain and leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP), thus restraining the progression of HCC cells. Conclusion Altogether, we validate that circRASSF5 is a tumor suppressor in HCC, which competitively sponges with miR-331-3p and then enhances the tumor inhibitory effect of PHLPP, indicating the potential application value of circRASSF5 for HCC diagnosis and clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China,The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohan Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China,The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng Gao
- The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunfu Zhu
- The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Chunfu Zhu, The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China,Beicheng Sun, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Alterations in Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Specific Immune Responses Following Hepatitis C Virus Elimination by Direct-Acting Antivirals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911623. [PMID: 36232928 PMCID: PMC9570039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911623] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have recently revolutionized the eradication of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the effects of DAAs on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate immune responses to HCC influenced by DAAs in HCV-infected patients and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We compared immune responses to 19 different HCC-related tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-derived peptides and host immune cell profiles before and 24 weeks after a treatment with DAAs in 47 HLA-A24-positive patients. The relationships between the different immune responses and phenotypic changes in immune cells were also examined. The treatment with DAAs induced four types of immune responses to TAAs and markedly altered host immune cell profiles. Prominently, reductions in the frequencies of PD-1+CD4+ and PD-1+CD8+ T cells by DAAs were associated with enhanced immune responses to TAAs. The HCV F protein was identified as contributing to the increased frequency of PD-1+ T cells, which may be decreased after eradication by DAAs. DAAs altered the immune responses of patients to HCC by decreasing the frequency of PD-1-expressing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
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26
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Suhail M, Sohrab SS, Kamal M, Azhar EI. Role of hepatitis c virus in hepatocellular carcinoma and neurological disorders: an overview. Front Oncol 2022; 12:913231. [PMID: 35965577 PMCID: PMC9372299 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.913231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes serious issues, affecting 71 million people globally. The most common manifestations range from chronic hepatitis to liver cirrhosis, leading to hepatocellular carcinoma. Many mechanisms are known to play an important role in HCV-induced HCC. The interaction of viral proteins with host cells results in oxidative stress damage, liver inflammation, and irregularities in signaling pathways. These results in the activation of oncogenes and metabolic disturbances, liver fibrosis, and angiogenesis. Additionally, some non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and toll-like receptors have been identified and play a significant role in HCC development. This virus is also associated with impairment of the central nervous system, resulting in acute or sub-acute encephalopathy and inflammatory disorders. Neurological disorders are associated with the inflammatory responses of many cells, including microglia and astrocytes. Additionally, there are many other extrahepatic manifestations, including neurological disorders such as depression and fatigue, in 50% of infected patients. These manifestations include neuro-invasion, immune-mediated damage, neurotransmitter alterations, sensory-motor polyneuropathy, sensitivity loss, weakness of the leg, and cryoglobulinemia, which significantly results in a reduced quality of life. HCV infection may be improved using an appropriate diagnosis and direct antiviral therapy for sustained virological response. However, the success of therapy depends on the symptoms and organ damage, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies applied. Some published reports have discussed that HCV is associated with both HCC and neurological disorders. Additionally, it has also been observed that individuals with HCC also develop neurological disorders compared with individuals with HCV alone. This review aims to provide an overview of the latest information about the relationship between HCV-induced HCC and their role in neurological disorders. Additionally, we have also discussed the progress made in the diagnosis, physio-pathological mechanisms, and strong antiviral therapies developed for HCV infection and HCC, as well as the latest advancements made in the study of the neurological disorders associated with HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Suhail
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sayed Sartaj Sohrab
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Sayed Sartaj Sohrab,
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- West China School of Nursing/Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Enzymoics Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, Australia
| | - Esam Ibraheem Azhar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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27
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Ye Z, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Liu L, Xuan Z, Huang P. Associations of DDX60L With the Clinical Features and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:761021. [PMID: 35223465 PMCID: PMC8874201 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.761021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Although the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is considered a common cause of HCC. It has been reported that DDX60L can inhibit HCV replication, but its role in HCC is still poorly understood. Methods The expression levels of DDX60L in HCC tissues and in tissues adjacent to the tumor and their correlation with the clinicopathological features of patients were analyzed. We also used Kaplan–Meier curves of overall survival (OS) with Cox regression analysis and log-rank test to investigate the prognostic value of DDX60L in HCC. We further performed cell proliferation, Transwell, and wound healing assays to elucidate the role of DDX60L in HCC using the siRNA-DDX60L Hep3B or HCCLM3 cell line. Results Univariate analysis showed that sex, Edmondson grade, microvascular invasion, tumor stage (III–IV/I–II), AFP, and DDX60L expression were strongly associated with the prognosis of HCC patients. The results of multivariate analysis further suggested that DDX60L might be an independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with HCC (Pmoderate/low = 0.015, Phigh/low = 0.011). The low DDX60L expression in HCC patients with no-metastasis, age ≥55 years, tumor size <5 cm, Edmondson grade = I–II, microvascular invasion, no cirrhosis, HBV positivity, tumor stage = III–IV, AFP >20 μg/L, and multiple tumor was associated with poorer prognosis (P <0.05). Moreover, the expression of DDX60L was significantly lower in HCC samples (N = 285) than in the normal tissues adjacent to the tumor (N = 167, P <0.001). There were no HCV-related HCC patients in this study. Additionally, we found that DDX60L knockdown can promote the proliferation of Hep3B cells, migration and invasion ability of Hep3B and HCCLM3 cells. Conclusion We found that the downregulation of DDX60L expression correlated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC, which may be independent of the HCV-related pathway. Furthermore, DDX60L significantly inhibited the proliferation of Hep3B cells, migration and invasion of Hep3B and HCCLM3 cells. Therefore, DDX60L can serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Ye
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanfang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linqing Liu
- International Medical Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zixue Xuan
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zixue Xuan, ; Ping Huang,
| | - Ping Huang
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zixue Xuan, ; Ping Huang,
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Zhang S, Xu J, Cao H, Jiang M, Xiong J. KB-68A7.1 Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development Through Binding to NSD1 and Suppressing Wnt/β-Catenin Signalling. Front Oncol 2022; 11:808291. [PMID: 35127520 PMCID: PMC8810504 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.808291] [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: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies with extremely poor prognosis. Therefore, revealing the critical molecules involved in HCC progression and prognosis is urgently needed. In this study, through combining public dataset and our cohort, we found a novel prognosis-related long non-coding RNA KB-68A7.1 in HCC. KB-68A7.1 was lowly expressed in HCC, whose low expression was associated with large tumour size, aggressive clinical characteristic, and poor survival. Gain- and loss-of-function assays demonstrated that KB-68A7.1 restricted HCC cellular proliferation, induced HCC cellular apoptosis, and suppressed HCC cellular migration and invasion in vitro. Xenograft assays demonstrated that KB-68A7.1 suppressed HCC tumour growth and metastasis in vivo. These functional assays suggested KB-68A7.1 as a tumour suppressor in HCC. Histone methyltransferase nuclear receptor binding SET domain-containing protein 1 (NSD1) was found to bind to KB-68A7.1. KB-68A7.1 was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. The binding of KB-68A7.1 to NSD1 sequestrated NSD1 in the cytoplasm, leading to the reduction in nuclear NSD1 level. Through decreasing nuclear NSD1 level, KB-68A7.1 reduced di-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me2) and increased tri-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) at the promoter of WNT10B, a target of NSD1. Thus, KB-68A7.1 repressed WNT10B transcription. The expression of WNT10B was negatively correlated with that of KB-68A7.1 in HCC tissues. Through repressing WNT10B, KB-68A7.1 further repressed Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Functional rescue assays showed that overexpression of WNT10B reversed the tumour-suppressive roles of KB-68A7.1, whereas the oncogenic roles of KB-68A7.1 depletion were abolished by Wnt/β-catenin signalling inhibitor. Overall, this study identified KB-68A7.1 as a lowly expressed and prognosis-related lncRNA in HCC, which suppressed HCC progression through binding to NSD1 and repressing Wnt/β-catenin signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of General Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianqun Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Wuhan Third Hospital, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Jianqun Xu,
| | - Huan Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of General Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mi Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of General Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of General Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Badami E, Carcione C, Chinnici CM, Tinnirello R, Conaldi PG, Iannolo G. HCV Interplay With Mir34a: Implications in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 11:803278. [PMID: 35127513 PMCID: PMC8812294 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.803278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its identification, HCV has been considered one of the main causes of hepatitis and liver cancer. Currently, the molecular mechanisms of HCC development induced by HCV infection have not been sufficiently clarified. The recent discovery of novel treatments that inhibit HCV replication gave rise to new questions concerning HCC mechanisms. In particular, the HCV eradication mediated by new direct-acting antiviral (DAAs) drugs does not exclude the possibility of de novo HCC development; this finding opened more questions on the interplay between liver cells and the virus. Different groups have investigated the pathways leading to cancer recurrence in patients treated with DAAs. For this reason, we tried to gain molecular insights into the changes induced by HCV infection in the target liver cells. In particular, we observed an increase in microRNA34a (miR34a) expression following HCV infection of HCC cell line Huh7.5. In addition, Huh7.5 treated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the previously HCV-infected Huh7.5 underwent apoptosis. Since miR34 expression was increased in Huh7.5 EVs, we hypothesized a paracrine mechanism of viral infection mediated by miR34a cargo of EVs. The balance between viral infection and cell transformation may raise some questions on the possible use of antiviral drugs in association with antineoplastic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Badami
- Department of Research, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione (IRCCS ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
- Regenerative Medicine and Immunotherapy Area, Fondazione Ri.MED, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Carcione
- Regenerative Medicine and Immunotherapy Area, Fondazione Ri.MED, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cinzia Maria Chinnici
- Department of Research, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione (IRCCS ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
- Regenerative Medicine and Immunotherapy Area, Fondazione Ri.MED, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosaria Tinnirello
- Neuroscience Unit, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Department of Research, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione (IRCCS ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Gioacchin Iannolo
- Department of Research, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione (IRCCS ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gioacchin Iannolo, ; ; orcid.org/0000-0002-7710-4735
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Epigenetic Changes Affecting the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164237. [PMID: 34439391 PMCID: PMC8392268 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma is a life-threatening disease. Despite many efforts to understand the exact pathogenesis and the signaling pathways involved in its formation, treatment remains unsatisfactory. Currently, an important function in the development of neoplastic diseases and treatment effects is attributed to changes taking place at the epigenetic level. Epigenetic studies revealed modified methylation patterns in HCC, dysfunction of enzymes engaged in the DNA methylation process, the aberrant function of non-coding RNAs, and a set of histone modifications that influence gene expression. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the role of epigenetics in the formation of hepatocellular carcinoma. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a serious oncologic issue with still a dismal prognosis. So far, no key molecular mechanism that underlies its pathogenesis has been identified. Recently, by specific molecular approaches, many genetic and epigenetic changes arising during HCC pathogenesis were detected. Epigenetic studies revealed modified methylation patterns in HCC tumors, dysfunction of enzymes engaged in the DNA methylation process, and a set of histone modifications that influence gene expression. HCC cells are also influenced by the disrupted function of non-coding RNAs, such as micro RNAs and long non-coding RNAs. Moreover, a role of liver cancer stem cells in HCC development is becoming evident. The reversibility of epigenetic changes offers the possibility of influencing them and regulating their undesirable effects. All these data can be used not only to identify new therapeutic targets but also to predict treatment response. This review focuses on epigenetic changes in hepatocellular carcinoma and their possible implications in HCC therapy.
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