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Galasso L, Cerrito L, Maccauro V, Termite F, Mignini I, Esposto G, Borriello R, Ainora ME, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA. Inflammatory Response in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Double-Edged Weapon. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7191. [PMID: 39000296 PMCID: PMC11241080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137191] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent among primary liver tumors (90%) and one of the main causes of cancer-related death. It develops usually in a chronically inflamed environment, ranging from compensatory parenchymal regeneration to fibrosis and cirrhosis: carcinogenesis can potentially happen in each of these stages. Inflammation determined by chronic viral infection (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis delta viruses) represents an important risk factor for HCC etiology through both viral direct damage and immune-related mechanisms. The deregulation of the physiological liver immunological network determined by viral infection can lead to carcinogenesis. The recent introduction of immunotherapy as the gold-standard first-line treatment for HCC highlights the role of the immune system and inflammation as a double-edged weapon in both HCC carcinogenesis and treatment. In this review we highlight how the inflammation is the key for the hepatocarcinogenesis in viral, alcohol and metabolic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Galasso
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Maccauro
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Termite
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Mignini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Esposto
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Borriello
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Liu X, Zhang J, Zheng S, Li M, Xu W, Shi J, Kamei KI, Tian C. Hybrid adipocyte-derived exosome nano platform for potent chemo-phototherapy in targeted hepatocellular carcinoma. J Control Release 2024; 370:168-181. [PMID: 38643936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.031] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The high prevalence and severity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) present a significant menace to human health. Despite the significant advancements in nanotechnology-driven antineoplastic agents, there remains a conspicuous gap in the development of targeted chemotherapeutic agents specifically designed for HCC. Consequently, there is an urgent need to explore potent drug delivery systems for effective HCC treatment. Here we have exploited the interplay between HCC and adipocyte to engineer a hybrid adipocyte-derived exosome platform, serving as a versatile vehicle to specifically target HCC and exsert potent antitumor effect. A lipid-like prodrug of docetaxel (DSTG) with a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-cleavable linker, and a lipid-conjugated photosensitizer (PPLA), spontaneously co-assemble into nanoparticles, functioning as the lipid cores of the hybrid exosomes (HEMPs and NEMPs). These nanoparticles are further encapsuled within adipocyte-derived exosome membranes, enhancing their affinity towards HCC cancer cells. As such, cancer cell uptakes of hybrid exosomes are increased up to 5.73-fold compared to lipid core nanoparticles. Our in vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that HEMPs not only enhance the bioactivity of the prodrug and extend its circulation in the bloodstream but also effectively inhibit tumor growth by selectively targeting hepatocellular carcinoma tumor cells. Self-facilitated synergistic drug release subsequently promoting antitumor efficacy, inducing significant inhibition of tumor growth with minimal side effects. Our findings herald a promising direction for the development of targeted HCC therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Shunzhe Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Wenqian Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Jianbin Shi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Ken-Ichiro Kamei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110016, PR China; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Yoshida-Ushinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Program of Biology, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Program of Bioengineering, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, MetroTech, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States of America.
| | - Chutong Tian
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110016, PR China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, PR China.
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Thi YVN, Vu TD, Huong NTL, Chu DT. Epigenetic contribution to the relationship between obesity and cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 387:195-213. [PMID: 39179347 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Obesity and cancer are two major health issues all around the world due to their elevated prevalence. Several experimental and epidemiological studies have demonstrated the relationship between obesity and cancer, in which obesity is considered a risk factor for cancer development. The ultimate goal of knowing the epigenetic contribution to the relationship between obesity and cancer is to find the method of intervention or treatment of obesity and cancer. Therefore, providing the most general perspective on epigenetic contribution to the relationship between obesity and cancer is necessary. Obesity is closely related to some common cancers that are currently encountered, including breast, esophagus, liver, kidney, uterus, colorectal, pancreatic, and gallbladder. Obesity has a significant impact that increases the risk of cancer deaths and thereby indirectly affects the choice of treatment. It is estimated that about 4-8% of cancer cases are caused by obesity. In particular, the basic mechanism to understand the relationship between cancer is very complicated and has not been fully understood. This work is aimed at summarizing the current knowledge of the role of epigenetic regulation in the relationship between obesity, and potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Vy Nguyen Thi
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Faculty of Applied Sciences, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thuy-Duong Vu
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Dinh-Toi Chu
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Faculty of Applied Sciences, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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Kodama T, Takehara T. Molecular Genealogy of Metabolic-associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:147-158. [PMID: 38499207 PMCID: PMC11245329 DOI: 10.1055/a-2289-2298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
This review examines the latest epidemiological and molecular pathogenic findings of metabolic-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its increasing prevalence is a significant concern and reflects the growing burden of obesity and metabolic diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic-associated HCC has unique molecular abnormality and distinctive gene expression patterns implicating aberrations in bile acid, fatty acid metabolism, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory pathways. Furthermore, a notable frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes such as patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3, transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2, glucokinase regulator, and membrane-bound O-acyltransferase domain-containing 7 has been observed. The tumor immune microenvironment of metabolic-associated HCC is characterized by unique phenotypes of macrophages, neutrophils, and T lymphocytes. Additionally, the pathogenesis of metabolic-associated HCC is influenced by abnormal lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and dysbiosis. In conclusion, deciphering the intricate interactions among metabolic processes, genetic predispositions, inflammatory responses, immune regulation, and microbial ecology is imperative for the development of novel therapeutic and preventative measures against metabolic-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Kodama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Takehara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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Zhang M, Zhang Q, Zhao W, Chen X, Zhang Y. The mechanism of blood coagulation induced by sodium dehydroacetate via the regulation of the mTOR/ERK pathway in rats. Toxicol Lett 2024; 392:1-11. [PMID: 38103582 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.12.009] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Sodium dehydroacetate (DHA-S), a potent antifungal and antibacterial agent, is widely used in food, feed and cosmetics. However, recent studies have shown that DHA-S could pose a risk for human and animal health. We had previously reported that DHA-S could cause coagulation disorders in rats and chicken. In the present study, we further confirmed that DHA-S induced blood coagulation via VKORC1 and VKORC1L1 in rats, and elucidated the role played by mTOR/ERK signaling. The in vivo studies demonstrated that PT, APTT, and DHA-S content and relative protein expressions in tissues rebounded after drug withdrawal. In BRL-3A cells, 1.0 mM DHA-S increased the expression levels of mTOR, p-mTOR and p-ERK and decreased the levels of VKORC1, VKORC1L1 and Vitamin K. Rapamycin significantly decreased the expression levels of p-mTOR and p-ERK, while FR180204 (p-ERK Inhibition) lead to a decrease in p-ERK level. Rapamycin and FR180202 attenuated the inhibitory effect of DHA-S on VKORC1, VKORC1L1 and vitamin K levels. In addition, DHA-S increased the expression levels of mTOR, p-mTOR and p-ERK in male and female rat livers and prolonged PT and APTT. In summary, this study indicated that DHA-S induced blood coagulation via the modulation of the mTOR/ERK pathway in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Qingqi Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Weiya Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Yumei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
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朱 权, 黄 柏, 位 磊, 罗 奇. [Overexpression of LncRNA MEG3 promotes ferroptosis and enhances chemotherapy sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to cisplatin]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2024; 44:17-24. [PMID: 38293972 PMCID: PMC10878888 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2024.01.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of overexpression of LncRNA MEG3 on proliferation, migration and cisplatin sensitivity of hepatoma cells HepG2 and LM3 and explore the underlying and mechanism. METHODS The expression of MEG3 in healthy individuals and patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was analyzed by online bioinformatics analysis, and Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect MEG3 expression in different HCC cell lines. A MEG3-overexpresing plasmid was transfected in HepG2 and LM3 cells, and the changes in cell proliferation and migration were examined using CCK8 assay and scratch assay. CCK8 assay was used to determine the inhibitory rate of cisplatin on the transfected cells. A reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence probe (DCFH-DA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) kit were used to assess the changes in ROS production and MDA level in the cells. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). RESULTS The expression of MEG3 was significantly lower in HCC cells than in LO2 cells, which was consistent with the results of bioinformatic analysis (P < 0.05). Overexpression of MEG3 in the HCC cell lines significantly suppressed cell proliferation and migration (P < 0.05), increased the cell inhibition rate of cisplatin (P < 0.05), enhanced cellular ROS production and increased MDA levels in the cells (P < 0.05). MEG3 overexpression significantly decreased the expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 in the HCC cell lines. CONCLUSION The expression of MEG3 is decreased in HCC cells, and its overexpression inhibits proliferation and migration and enhances cisplatin sensitivity of HCC cells by promoting ferroptosis of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- 权 朱
- 中南大学基础医学院免疫学系,湖南 长沙 410008Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - 柏胜 黄
- 中南大学基础医学院生理学系,湖南 长沙 410008Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - 磊艳 位
- 中南大学基础医学院免疫学系,湖南 长沙 410008Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - 奇志 罗
- 中南大学基础医学院免疫学系,湖南 长沙 410008Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
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Chen Y, Wang W, Morgan MP, Robson T, Annett S. Obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma: current status and therapeutic targets. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1148934. [PMID: 37361533 PMCID: PMC10286797 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1148934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a global epidemic and overwhelming evidence indicates that it is a risk factor for numerous cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Obesity-associated hepatic tumorigenesis develops from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), progressing to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis and ultimately to HCC. The rising incidence of obesity is resulting in an increased prevalence of NAFLD and NASH, and subsequently HCC. Obesity represents an increasingly important underlying etiology of HCC, in particular as the other leading causes of HCC such as hepatitis infection, are declining due to effective treatments and vaccines. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms and cellular signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated HCC. We summarize the preclinical experimental animal models available to study the features of NAFLD/NASH/HCC, and the non-invasive methods to diagnose NAFLD, NASH and early-stage HCC. Finally, since HCC is an aggressive tumor with a 5-year survival of less than 20%, we will also discuss novel therapeutic targets for obesity-associated HCC and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinshuang Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Weipeng Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Maria P. Morgan
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tracy Robson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephanie Annett
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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Yuen MMA. Health Complications of Obesity: 224 Obesity-Associated Comorbidities from a Mechanistic Perspective. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2023; 52:363-380. [PMID: 37197879 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is associated with a wide range of comorbidities that transverse multiple specialties in clinical medicine. The development of these comorbidities is driven by various mechanistic changes including chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, increased growth-promoting adipokines, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, direct loading and infiltrative effect of adiposity, heightened activities of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and sympathetic nervous system, impaired immunity, altered sex hormones, altered brain structure, elevated cortisol levels, and increased uric acid production, among others. Some of the comorbidities might develop secondary to one or more other comorbidities. Considering the obesity-associated comorbidities in the context of the mechanistic changes is helpful in understanding these conditions and in guiding treatment and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele M A Yuen
- Department of Medicine, Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital; University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
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Braga MH, Cançado GGL, Bittencourt PL, Couto CA, Guedes LV, Lima AMC, Ferraz MLG, Villela-Nogueira CA, Nardelli MJ, Faria LC, Gomes NMDF, Oliveira EMG, Rotman V, Oliveira MB, da Cunha SMCF, Cunha-Silva M, Mendes LSC, Ivantes CAP, Codes L, de Almeida E Borges VF, Pace FHDL, Pessoa MG, Signorelli IV, Coral GP, Filho JG, Chagas AL, Terrabuio DRB, Cançado ELR. Risk factors for cancer in patients with primary biliary cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis overlap syndrome. Ann Hepatol 2023; 28:101105. [PMID: 37088418 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and PBC overlap syndrome (AIH/PBC) have been associated with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and extra-hepatic malignancy (EHM). This study aims to assess potential risk factors associated with cancer development in PBC and AIH/PBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Brazilian Cholestasis Study Group database was reviewed to compare clinical and laboratory features of PBC patients with HCC and EHM with those without cancer. RESULTS Among the 752 PBC patients enrolled, 64 of them with AIH/PBC, 87 cancers were identified in 72 patients, including 20 cases of HCC and 67 of EHM. Patients with HCC had a higher prevalence of cirrhosis (95% vs. 32.5% of those subjects without cancer, p=<0.001), smoking (55% vs. 12.3%, p=<0.001), CREST syndrome (30% vs 7.6%, p=0.003) and prior azathioprine (30% vs 8%, p= 0.005) and prednisone (35% vs 14%, p= 0.018) use, whereas patients with EHM had a higher prevalence of smoking (42.3% vs 12.4% of those subjects without cancer, p= <0.001), AMA positivity (96.6% vs 80.1%, p=<0.001), azathioprine therapy (21% vs 7.9%, p= 0.01) and concurrent other autoimmune diseases. In multivariate analysis, cirrhosis, obesity and prior azathioprine therapy were independent risk factors for HCC, while Sjogren syndrome and psoriasis were associated with EHM. Fibrates reduced EHM risk. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of EHM is higher when compared to HCC in PBC patients. Cirrhosis, obesity, prior azathioprine use, and concurrent autoimmune diseases were significantly associated with cancer in PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Harriz Braga
- Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Grossi Lopes Cançado
- Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.; Hospital da Polícia Militar de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil..
| | - Paulo Lisboa Bittencourt
- Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil;; Hospital Português, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Alves Couto
- Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Laura Vilar Guedes
- Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Mourão Costa Lima
- Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria Lucia Gomes Ferraz
- Disciplina de Gastroenterologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Alves Villela-Nogueira
- Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho e Departamento de Clínica Médica da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mateus Jorge Nardelli
- Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luciana Costa Faria
- Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Vivian Rotman
- Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho e Departamento de Clínica Médica da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Beatriz Oliveira
- Ambulatório Municipal de Hepatites Virais de São José dos Campos, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marlone Cunha-Silva
- Divisão de Gastroenterologia (Gastrocentro), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Valéria Ferreira de Almeida E Borges
- Instituto de Gastroenterologia, Endoscopia e Proctologia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.; Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabio Heleno de Lima Pace
- Serviço de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mario Guimarães Pessoa
- Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Izabelle Venturini Signorelli
- Hospital Universitário Cassiano Antônio Moraes, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Perdomo Coral
- Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - João Galizzi Filho
- Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Aline Lopes Chagas
- Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Luiz Rachid Cançado
- Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Wu ZQ, Cheng J, Xiao XX, Zhang HR, Wang J, Peng J, Liu C, Cai P, Li XM. Preoperative prediction of early recurrence of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (≤5 cm) by visceral adipose tissue index. Front Surg 2023; 9:985168. [PMID: 36684155 PMCID: PMC9852492 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.985168] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate whether visceral adipose tissue index (VATI) is a significant risk factor for the early recurrence (ER) of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (≤5 cm) after hepatectomy. Methods The recruited cohort patients who were positive for hepatitis B virus, presented with surgically confirmed HCC (≤5 cm) from Army Medical University (internal training cohort: n = 192) and Chongqing Medical University (external validation group: n = 46). We measured VATI, subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI) via computed tomography (CT). ER was defined as recurrence within 2 years after hepatectomy. The impact of parameters on outcome after hepatectomy for HCC was analyzed. Results Univariate analysis showed that alpha-fetoprotein levels (p = 0.044), body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), SATI (p < 0.001), and VATI (p < 0.001) were significantly different between ER and non-ER groups in internal training cohort. Multivariate analysis identified VATI as an independent risk factor for ER (odds ratio = 1.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.047-1.094, p < 0.001), with a AUC of 0.802, based on the cut-off value of VATI, which was divided into high risk (≥37.45 cm2/m2) and low risk (<37.45 cm2/m2) groups. The prognosis of low risk group was significantly higher than that of high risk group (p < 0.001). The AUC value of VATI in external validation group was 0.854. Conclusion VATI was an independent risk factor for the ER, and higher VATI was closely related to poor outcomes after hepatectomy for HBV-related HCC (≤5 cm).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-qian Wu
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xi-xi Xiao
- Department of Oncology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hua-rong Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Peng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Cai
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China,Correspondence: Ping Cai Xiao-ming Li
| | - Xiao-ming Li
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China,Correspondence: Ping Cai Xiao-ming Li
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11
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Gong X, Chen T, Lin C, Ping H, Tong X, Zhang K, Chen Z, Cai C, Lu Z, Ke H. Bioinformatics Analysis of the Prognostic Significance of VPS16 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Role in Drug Screening. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:2501596. [PMID: 37124933 PMCID: PMC10137196 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2501596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Vacuolar protein sorting 16 (VPS16) overexpression was recently considered related to cancer growth and drug resistance; however, little is known about whether VPS16 plays a vital role in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). Methods The TIMER2 online database was used to analyze the expression of VPS16 in pancancer, and the Xena Browser was used to explore the correlation between VPS16 expression level and survival time. R language was used to test the survival data of 374 LIHC cases in the TCGA database. DESeq2 was used for differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis. The HPA database was used to verify the expression level of VPS16 in LIHC. The clusterProfiler package was used to analyze functions and related signaling pathways via GO/KEGG enrichment analysis. Drug sensitivity analysis and molecular docking technology were used to screen the most sensitive drugs targeting VPS16 molecules. Results Pancancer analysis showed that VPS16 was highly expressed in various tumors, especially in LIHC. With the increase in the T stage and grade of LIHC, the expression level of VPS16 was also increased. The expression of VPS16 was negatively correlated with the overall survival of LIHC patients. The stage can be used as an independent prognostic factor. A total of 63 sensitive drugs were found, and 19 drugs were displaying strong molecular binding energy with VPS16. Conclusion VPS16 may be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of LIHC. Drugs targeting VPS16 may be used in the treatment of LIHC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Gong
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hubei AIDS Clinical Training Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Donghu Road 169, Wuchang District 430000, Wuhan, China
- Department of Radiology, Xianning Central Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Radiology, Xianning Central Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Cheyu Lin
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hubei AIDS Clinical Training Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Donghu Road 169, Wuchang District 430000, Wuhan, China
| | - Haiqin Ping
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hubei AIDS Clinical Training Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Donghu Road 169, Wuchang District 430000, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Tong
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hubei AIDS Clinical Training Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Donghu Road 169, Wuchang District 430000, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hubei AIDS Clinical Training Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Donghu Road 169, Wuchang District 430000, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhaojun Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hubei AIDS Clinical Training Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Donghu Road 169, Wuchang District 430000, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiyun Cai
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hubei AIDS Clinical Training Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Donghu Road 169, Wuchang District 430000, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiyan Lu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Donghu Road 169, Wuchang District 430000, Wuhan, China
| | - Hengning Ke
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hubei AIDS Clinical Training Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Donghu Road 169, Wuchang District 430000, Wuhan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, General Hospital, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
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12
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Epidemiologic, Genetic, Pathogenic, Metabolic, Epigenetic Aspects Involved in NASH-HCC: Current Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010023. [PMID: PMID: 36612019 PMCID: PMC9818030 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is the sixth most frequent cancer in the world, being the third cause of cancer-related deaths. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by fatty infiltration, oxidative stress and necroinflammation of the liver, with or without fibrosis, which can progress to advanced liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and diabetes exacerbates the course of NASH, which elevate the risk of HCC. The growing prevalence of obesity are related with increasing incidence of NASH, which may play a growing role in HCC epidemiology worldwide. In addition, HCC initiation and progression is driven by reprogramming of metabolism, which indicates growing appreciation of metabolism in the pathogenesis of this disease. Although no specific preventive pharmacological treatments have recommended for NASH, dietary restriction and exercise are recommended. This review focuses on the molecular connections between HCC and NASH, including genetic and risk factors, highlighting the metabolic reprogramming and aberrant epigenetic alterations in the development of HCC in NASH. Current therapeutic aspects of NASH/HCC are also reviewed.
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13
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MicroRNAs in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Progress and perspectives. Mol Metab 2022; 65:101581. [PMID: 36028120 PMCID: PMC9464960 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of disease ranging from simple hepatic steatosis (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which may progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. NAFLD is rapidly becoming a global health challenge, and there is a need for improved diagnostic- and prognostic tools and for effective pharmacotherapies to treat NASH. The molecular mechanisms of NAFLD development and progression remain incompletely understood, though ample evidence supports a role of microRNAs (miRNAs) - small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression - in the progression of metabolic liver disease. SCOPE OF REVIEW In this review, we summarise the currently available liver miRNA profiling studies in people with various stages of NAFLD. We further describe the mechanistic role of three of the most extensively studied miRNA species, miR-34a, miR-122 and miR-21, and highlight selected findings on novel NAFLD-linked miRNAs. We also examine the literature on exosomal microRNAs (exomiRs) as inter-hepatocellular or -organ messengers in NAFLD. Furthermore, we address the status for utilizing circulating NAFLD-associated miRNAs as minimally invasive tools for disease diagnosis, staging and prognosis as well as their potential use as NASH pharmacotherapeutic targets. Finally, we reflect on future directions for research in the miRNA field. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS NAFLD is associated with changes in hepatic miRNA expression patterns at early, intermediate and late stages, and specific miRNA species appear to be involved in steatosis development and NAFL progression to NASH and cirrhosis. These miRNAs act either within or between hepatocytes and other liver cell types such as hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells or as circulating inter-organ messengers carrying signals between the liver and extra-hepatic metabolic tissues, including the adipose tissues and the cardiovascular system. Among circulating miRNAs linked to NAFLD, miR-34a, miR-122 and miR-192 are the best candidates as biomarkers for NAFLD diagnosis and staging. To date, no miRNA-targeting pharmacotherapy has been approved for the treatment of NASH, and no such therapy is currently under clinical development. Further research should be conducted to translate the contribution of miRNAs in NAFLD into innovative therapeutic strategies.
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14
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Qin H, Yuan B, Huang W, Wang Y. Utilizing Gut Microbiota to Improve Hepatobiliary Tumor Treatments: Recent Advances. Front Oncol 2022; 12:924696. [PMID: 35924173 PMCID: PMC9339707 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.924696] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatobiliary tumors, which include cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and gallbladder cancer, are common cancers that have high morbidity and mortality rates and poor survival outcomes. In humans, the microbiota is comprised of symbiotic microbial cells (10-100 trillion) that belong to the bacterial ecosystem mainly residing in the gut. The gut microbiota is a complicated group that can largely be found in the intestine and has a dual role in cancer occurrence and progression. Previous research has focused on the crucial functions of the intestinal microflora as the main pathophysiological mechanism in HCC development. Intestinal bacteria produce a broad range of metabolites that exhibit a variety of pro- and anticarcinogenic effects on HCC. Therefore, probiotic alteration of the gut microflora could promote gut flora balance and help prevent the occurrence of HCC. Recent evidence from clinical and translational studies suggests that fecal microbiota transplant is one of the most successful therapies to correct intestinal bacterial imbalance. We review the literature describing the effects and mechanisms of the microbiome in the gut in the context of HCC, including gut bacterial metabolites, probiotics, antibiotics, and the transplantation of fecal microbiota, and discuss the potential influence of the microbiome environment on cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer. Our findings are expected to reveal therapeutic targets for the prevention of hepatobiliary tumors, and the development of clinical treatment strategies, by emphasizing the function of the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Qin
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Baowen Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Huang, ; Yan Wang,
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Huang, ; Yan Wang,
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15
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Spot-light on microbiota in obesity and cancer. Int J Obes (Lond) 2021; 45:2291-2299. [PMID: 34363002 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-00866-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few years, the complexity and diversity of gut microbiota within and across individuals has been detailed in relation to human health. Further, understanding of the bidirectional association between gut microbiota and metabolic disorders has highlighted a complimentary, yet crucial role for microbiota in the onset and progression of obesity-related cancers. While strategies for cancer prevention and cure are known to work efficiently when supported by healthy diet and lifestyle choices and physical activity, emerging evidence suggests that the complex interplay relating microbiota both to neoplastic and metabolic diseases could aid strategies for cancer treatment and outcomes. This review will explore the experimental and clinical grounds supporting the functional role of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology and progression of cancers in relation to obesity and its metabolic correlates. Therapeutic approaches aiding microbiota restoration in connection with cancer treatments will be discussed.
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16
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How Does Obesity Cause Cancer? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215330. [PMID: 34771494 PMCID: PMC8582454 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Banerjee I, Fisher PB, Sarkar D. Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1): A key driver of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Adv Cancer Res 2021; 152:329-381. [PMID: 34353442 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2021.05.003] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
An array of human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), overexpress the oncogene Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1). It is now firmly established that AEG-1 is a key driver of carcinogenesis, and enhanced expression of AEG-1 is a marker of poor prognosis in cancer patients. In-depth studies have revealed that AEG-1 positively regulates different hallmarks of HCC progression including growth and proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, migration, metastasis and resistance to therapeutic intervention. By interacting with a plethora of proteins as well as mRNAs, AEG-1 regulates gene expression at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational levels, and modulates numerous pro-tumorigenic and tumor-suppressive signal transduction pathways. Even though extensive research over the last two decades using various in vitro and in vivo models has established the pivotal role of AEG-1 in HCC, effective targeting of AEG-1 as a therapeutic intervention for HCC is yet to be achieved in the clinic. Targeted delivery of AEG-1 small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) has demonstrated desired therapeutic effects in mouse models of HCC. Peptidomimetic inhibitors based on protein-protein interaction studies has also been developed recently. Continuous unraveling of novel mechanisms in the regulation of HCC by AEG-1 will generate valuable knowledge facilitating development of specific AEG-1 inhibitory strategies. The present review describes the current status of AEG-1 in HCC gleaned from patient-focused and bench-top studies as well as transgenic and knockout mouse models. We also address the challenges that need to be overcome and discuss future perspectives on this exciting molecule to transform it from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indranil Banerjee
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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18
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Down-regulation of RBP4 indicates a poor prognosis and correlates with immune cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:228242. [PMID: 33834191 PMCID: PMC8055798 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20210328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research has indicated that metabolically related genes play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We evaluated the associations between novel biomarkers and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) for predicting clinical HCC outcomes, hub-related genes, pathway regulation, and immune cells infiltration. Bioinformatic analyses based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas were performed using online analysis tools. RBP4 expression was low in HCC and was also down-regulated in pan-cancers compared with normal tissues. RBP4 expression was also significantly different based on age (41–60 years old versus 61–80 years old), and low RBP4 expression levels were associated with advanced tumor stages and grades. Higher RBP4 expression was associated with better overall survival time in HCC patients, and we identified a deletion-mutation rate of 1.4% in RBP4. We also identified ten co-expressed genes most related to RBP4 and explored the relationships between six hub genes (APOB, FGA, FGG, SERPINC1, APOA1, and F2) involved in RBP4 regulation. A pathway enrichment analysis for RBP4 indicated complement and coagulation cascades, metabolic pathways, antibiotic biosynthesis pathways, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathways, and pyruvate metabolism pathways. These results suggest that RBP4 may be a novel biomarker for HCC prognosis, and an indicator of low immune response to the disease.
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Krizanac M, Mass Sanchez PB, Weiskirchen R, Asimakopoulos A. A Scoping Review on Lipocalin-2 and Its Role in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2865. [PMID: 33799862 PMCID: PMC8000927 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Excess calorie intake and a sedentary lifestyle have made non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) one of the fastest growing forms of liver disease of the modern world. It is characterized by abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver and can range from simple steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to cirrhosis as well as development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Biopsy is the golden standard for the diagnosis and differentiation of all NAFLD stages, but its invasiveness poses a risk for patients, which is why new, non-invasive ways of diagnostics ought to be discovered. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), which is a part of the lipocalin transport protein family, is a protein formally known for its role in iron transport and in inflammatory response. However, in recent years, its implication in the pathogenesis of NAFLD has become apparent. LCN2 shows significant upregulation in several benign and malignant liver diseases, making it a good candidate for the NAFLD biomarker or even a therapeutic target. What makes LCN2 more interesting to study is the fact that it is overexpressed in HCC development induced by chronic NASH, which is one of the primary causes of cancer-related deaths. However, to this day, neither its role as a biomarker for NAFLD nor the molecular mechanisms of its implication in NAFLD pathogenesis have been completely elucidated. This review aims to gather and closely dissect the current knowledge about, sometimes conflicting, evidence on LCN2 as a biomarker for NAFLD, its involvement in NAFLD, and NAFLD-HCC related pathogenesis, while comparing it to the findings in similar pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.K.); (P.B.M.S.)
| | - Anastasia Asimakopoulos
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.K.); (P.B.M.S.)
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Rajesh Y, Sarkar D. Association of Adipose Tissue and Adipokines with Development of Obesity-Induced Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042163. [PMID: 33671547 PMCID: PMC7926723 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is rapidly dispersing all around the world and is closely associated with a high risk of metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), leading to carcinogenesis, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It results from an imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure, leading to an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue (AT). Adipocytes play a substantial role in the tumor microenvironment through the secretion of several adipokines, affecting cancer progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance via diverse signaling pathways. AT is considered an endocrine organ owing to its ability to secrete adipokines, such as leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and a plethora of inflammatory cytokines, which modulate insulin sensitivity and trigger chronic low-grade inflammation in different organs. Even though the precise mechanisms are still unfolding, it is now established that the dysregulated secretion of adipokines by AT contributes to the development of obesity-related metabolic disorders. This review focuses on several obesity-associated adipokines and their impact on obesity-related metabolic diseases, subsequent metabolic complications, and progression to HCC, as well as their role as potential therapeutic targets. The field is rapidly developing, and further research is still required to fully understand the underlying mechanisms for the metabolic actions of adipokines and their role in obesity-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yetirajam Rajesh
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Massey Cancer Center, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-804-827-2339
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Integrated bioinformatics analysis identified MTHFD1L as a potential biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrates in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:227681. [PMID: 33605411 PMCID: PMC7897918 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20202063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is one of the most frequently occurring primary malignant liver tumors and seriously harms people’s health in the world. Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1-like (MTHFD1L) has been shown to be associated with colon cancer cell proliferation, colony formation and invasion. In the present study, a total of 370 LIHC and 51 normal samples data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Bioinformatics and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis showed that MTHFD1L is highly expressed in liver tumors. Correlation analysis suggested the differences of vital status between high- and low-expression MTHFD1L groups of LIHC. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression were performed to identify the relationship between clinical characteristics and overall survival (OS). In addition, to explore whether MTHFD1L has an effect on the immune infiltration of LIHC. The correlation between MTHFD1L expression and 24 immune cells were analyzed by ImmuneCellAI database. Furthermore, we combined three databases CIBERSORT, TIMER and ImmuneCellAI to do a comprehensive validation and determined that dendritic cells (DCs) resting, macrophage M0 and macrophage M2 closely related to the expression of MTHFD1L. The results showed that MTHFD1L was a potential prognostic biomarker for LIHC, and could help to elucidate that how the immune microenvironment promotes liver cancer development.
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Methionine metabolism in chronic liver diseases: an update on molecular mechanism and therapeutic implication. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:280. [PMID: 33273451 PMCID: PMC7714782 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00349-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the bicyclic metabolic pathways of one-carbon metabolism, methionine metabolism is the pivot linking the folate cycle to the transsulfuration pathway. In addition to being a precursor for glutathione synthesis, and the principal methyl donor for nucleic acid, phospholipid, histone, biogenic amine, and protein methylation, methionine metabolites can participate in polyamine synthesis. Methionine metabolism disorder can aggravate the damage in the pathological state of a disease. In the occurrence and development of chronic liver diseases (CLDs), changes in various components involved in methionine metabolism can affect the pathological state through various mechanisms. A methionine-deficient diet is commonly used for building CLD models. The conversion of key enzymes of methionine metabolism methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) 1 A and MAT2A/MAT2B is closely related to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In vivo and in vitro experiments have shown that by intervening related enzymes or downstream metabolites to interfere with methionine metabolism, the liver injuries could be reduced. Recently, methionine supplementation has gradually attracted the attention of many clinical researchers. Most researchers agree that adequate methionine supplementation can help reduce liver damage. Retrospective analysis of recently conducted relevant studies is of profound significance. This paper reviews the latest achievements related to methionine metabolism and CLD, from molecular mechanisms to clinical research, and provides some insights into the future direction of basic and clinical research.
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