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Albalawi AZ, Alatawi AS, Al-Atwi SM, Alhwyty LS, Alharbi KM, Alshehri SA, Almarwani WA, Aljohani KK, Hassan HM, M H Al-Gayyar M. Echinacoside ameliorates hepatic fibrosis and tumor invasion in rats with thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. BIOMOLECULES & BIOMEDICINE 2024; 24:1186-1198. [PMID: 38461536 PMCID: PMC11379005 DOI: 10.17305/bb.2024.10367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) affects approximately 800,000 individuals globally each year. Despite advancements in HCC treatments, there is still a pressing need to identify new drugs that can combat resistance. One potential option is echinacoside, a natural caffeic acid glycoside with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and antidiabetic properties. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the ability of echinacoside to exhibit antitumor activity against HCC in rats through ameliorating hepatic fibrosis and tumor invasion. Rats were given thioacetamide to induce HCC, and some were given 30 mg/kg of echinacoside twice a week for 16 weeks. The liver impairment was assessed by measuring serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) and examining liver sections stained with Masson trichrome or anti-transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 antibodies. The hepatic expression of mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1, β-catenin, SMAD4, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), connective tissue growth factor 2 (CCN2), E-Cadherin, platelets derived growth factor (PDGF)-B and fascin were also analyzed. Echinacoside improved the survival rate of rats by decreasing serum AFP and the number of hepatic nodules. Examination of micro-images indicated that echinacoside can reduce fibrosis. It also significantly decreased the expression of TGF-β1, β-catenin, SMAD4, MMP9, PI3K, mTOR, CCN2, PDGF-B, and fascin while enhancing the expression of E-Cadherin. In conclusion, echinacoside exhibits a protective effect against HCC by increasing survival rates and decreasing tumor growth. It also acts as an inhibitor of the hepatic tissue fibrosis pathway by reducing the expression of TGF-β1, β-catenin, SMAD4, PI3K, CCN2, PDGF-B and mTOR. Additionally, it prevents tumor invasion by suppressing MMP9 and fascin, and increasing the expression of E-Cadherin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajwan Z Albalawi
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Areej S Alatawi
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shekha M Al-Atwi
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lama S Alhwyty
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kadi M Alharbi
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahad A Alshehri
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wasayf A Almarwani
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khulud K Aljohani
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan M Hassan
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa City, Egypt
| | - Mohammed M H Al-Gayyar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
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Ma Y, Wang J, Xiao W, Fan X. A review of MASLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma: progress in pathogenesis, early detection, and therapeutic interventions. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1410668. [PMID: 38895182 PMCID: PMC11184143 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1410668] [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: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is continuously rising, evolving into a global health challenge. Concurrently, cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with MASLD are also on the increase. Although traditional risk factors such as age, gender, and metabolic factors play significant roles in the development of HCC, it cannot be overlooked that MASLD, triggered by changes in modern lifestyle and dietary habits, may also exacerbate the risk of HCC, and this phenomenon is common even among non-obese individuals. Regrettably, MASLD often fails to receive timely diagnosis, resulting in a limited number of patients receiving HCC surveillance. Moreover, there is currently a lack of clear definition for the target population for surveillance beyond patients with cirrhosis. Consequently, MASLD-related HCC is often detected at a late stage, precluding the optimal timing for curative treatment. However, our understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of HCC remains limited. Therefore, this paper reviews relevant literature from recent years, delving into multiple dimensions such as pathogenesis, surveillance and diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, aiming to provide new ideas and directions for the prevention and treatment of MASLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Jinguo Wang
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Wenping Xiao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiaoming Fan
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
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Esmaeili J, Jalise SZ, Pisani S, Rochefort GY, Ghobadinezhad F, Mirzaei Z, Mohammed RUR, Fathi M, Tebyani A, Nejad ZM. Development and characterization of Polycaprolactone/chitosan-based scaffolds for tissue engineering of various organs: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 272:132941. [PMID: 38848842 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Research in creating 3D structures mirroring the extracellular matrix (ECM) with accurate environmental cues holds paramount significance in biological applications.Biomaterials that replicate ECM properties-mechanical, physicochemical, and biological-emerge as pivotal tools in mimicking ECM behavior.Incorporating synthetic and natural biomaterials is widely used to produce scaffolds suitable for the intended organs.Polycaprolactone (PCL), a synthetic biomaterial, boasts commendable mechanical properties, albeit with relatively modest biological attributes due to its hydrophobic nature.Chitosan (CTS) exhibits strong biological traits but lacks mechanical resilience for complex tissue regeneration.Notably, both PCL and CTS have demonstrated their application in tissue engineering for diverse types of tissues.Their combination across varying PCL:CTS ratios has increased the likelihood of fabricating scaffolds to address defects in sturdy and pliable tissues.This comprehensive analysis aspires to accentuate their distinct attributes within tissue engineering across different organs.The central focus resides in the role of PCL:CTS-based scaffolds, elucidating their contribution to the evolution of advanced functional 3D frameworks tailored for tissue engineering across diverse organs.Moreover, this discourse delves into the considerations pertinent to each organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Esmaeili
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Arak University, Arak 38156-88349, Iran; Department of Tissue Engineering, TISSUEHUB Co., Tehran, Iran; Tissue Engineering Hub (TEHUB), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeedeh Zare Jalise
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Silvia Pisani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12,27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gaël Y Rochefort
- Bioengineering Biomodulation and Imaging of the Orofacial Sphere, 2BIOS, faculty of dentistry, tours university, France; UMR 1253, iBrain, Tours University, France
| | | | - Zeynab Mirzaei
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Correlative Microscopy e.V.INAM, Forchheim, Germany
| | | | - Mehdi Fathi
- Department of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Amir Tebyani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Mousavi Nejad
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, D09 Y074 Dublin, Ireland; Centre for medical engineering research, school of mechanical and manufacturing engineering, Dublin city university, D09 Y074 Dublin, Ireland
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Wang J, Liu C, Hu R, Wu L, Li C. Statin therapy: a potential adjuvant to immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1324140. [PMID: 38362156 PMCID: PMC10867224 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1324140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide and accounts for more than 90% of primary liver cancer. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related therapies combined with angiogenesis inhibition has revolutionized the treatment of HCC in late-stage and unresectable HCC, as ICIs alone were disappointing in treating HCC. In addition to the altered immune microenvironment, abnormal lipid metabolism in the liver has been extensively characterized in various types of HCC. Stains are known for their cholesterol-lowering properties and their long history of treating hypercholesterolemia and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Apart from ICI and other conventional therapies, statins are frequently used by advanced HCC patients with dyslipidemia, which is often marked by the abnormal accumulation of cholesterol and fatty acids in the liver. Supported by a body of preclinical and clinical studies, statins may unexpectedly enhance the efficacy of ICI therapy in HCC patients through the regulation of inflammatory responses and the immune microenvironment. This review discusses the abnormal changes in lipid metabolism in HCC, summarizes the clinical evidence and benefits of stain use in HCC, and prospects the possible mechanistic actions of statins in transforming the immune microenvironment in HCC when combined with immunotherapies. Consequently, the use of statin therapy may emerge as a novel and valuable adjuvant for immunotherapies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengyu Liu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ronghua Hu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Licheng Wu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Chuanzhou Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Tanabe KK, Zahrieh D, Strand CA, Hoshida Y, Flotte TJ, Della’Zanna G, Umar A, Chavin KD, Cleary S, Kubota N, Llovet JM, Patel T, Siegel C, Limburg PJ. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibition With Erlotinib in Liver: Dose De-Escalation Pilot Trial as an Initial Step in a Chemoprevention Strategy. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2024; 3:426-439. [PMID: 39131140 PMCID: PMC11307768 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Background and Aims Effective approaches for prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) will have a significant impact on HCC-related mortality. There are strong preclinical data and rationale to support targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) for HCC chemoprevention. Small molecule inhibitors of EGFR have been Food and Drug Administration-approved for cancer therapy, which provides an opportunity to repurpose one of these drugs for chemoprevention of HCC. Unfortunately, the frequency of side effects associated with administration of these drugs at oncology doses renders them ineffective for chemoprevention. This clinical trial assesses whether lower doses of one of these inhibitors, erlotinib, still engages EGFR in the liver to block signaling (eg, EGFR phosphorylation). The objective of this clinical trial was determination of a safe and minimum effective dose of erlorinib for which ≥ 50% reduction phospho-EGFR immunohistochemical staining in the liver was observed. Methods Forty six participants were preregistered and 25 participants were registered in this multicenter trial. By dose de-escalation trial design, cohorts of participants received a 7-day course of erlotinib 75 mg/day, 50 mg/day or 25 mg/day with liver tissue acquisition prior to and after erlotinib. Results A ≥50% reduction phospho-EGFR immunohistochemical staining in the liver was observed in a minimum of 40% of participants (predetermined threshhold) at each of the dose levels. Erlotinib was very well tolerated with few side effects observed, particularly at the dose of 25 mg/day. Favorable modulation of the Prognostic Liver Signature was observed in participants who received erlotinib. Conclusion These data support the selection of erlotinib doses as low as 25 mg/day of for a longer intervention to assess for evidence of efficacy as an HCC chemoprevention drug (ClinicalTrials.govNCT02273362).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K. Tanabe
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David Zahrieh
- Division of Clinical Trial and Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, New York
| | - Carrie A. Strand
- Division of Clinical Trial and Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, New York
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Thomas J. Flotte
- Mayo Clinic Pathology Research Core, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, New York
| | - Gary Della’Zanna
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Asad Umar
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kenneth D. Chavin
- Department of Surgery, UH Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sean Cleary
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, New York
| | - Naoto Kubota
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Josep M. Llovet
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Liver Unit, Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tushar Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | | | - Paul J. Limburg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, New York
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Georgescu D, Lighezan DF, Rosca CI, Nistor D, Ancusa OE, Suceava I, Iancu MA, Kundnani NR. NASH/NAFLD-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Added Burden. Life (Basel) 2023; 14:25. [PMID: 38255641 PMCID: PMC10817629 DOI: 10.3390/life14010025] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequently found primary malignancy of the liver, showing an accelerated upward trend over the past few years and exhibiting an increasing relationship with metabolic syndrome, obesity, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The connection between these risk factors and the occurrence of HCC is represented by the occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which later, based on genetic predisposition and various triggers (including the presence of chronic inflammation and changes in the intestinal microbiome), may evolve into HCC. HCC in many cases is diagnosed at an advanced stage and can be an incidental finding. We present such a scenario in the case of a 41-year-old male patient who had mild obesity and mixed dyslipidemia, no family or personal records of digestive pathologies and who recently developed a history of progressive fatigue, dyspepsia and mild upper abdominal discomfort initially thought to be linked to post-COVID syndrome, as the patient had COVID-19 pneumonia a month prior. The abdominal ultrasound revealed a mild hepatomegaly with bright liver aspect of the right lobe (diffuse steatosis), a large zone of focal steatosis (segments IV, III and II) and a left lobe tumoral mass, highly suggestive of malignancy. Point shear wave elastography at the right lobe ruled out an end-stage chronic liver disease. Additional laboratory investigations, imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging) and histopathological examination of liver fragments confirmed a highly aggressive HCC, with poorly differentiation-G3, (T4, N 1M 0) and stage IVA, associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A sorafenib course of treatment was attempted, but the patient discontinued it due to severe side effects. The subsequent evolution was extremely unfavorable, with rapid degradation, a few episodes of upper digestive bleeding, hepatic insufficiency and mortality in a couple of months. Conclusions: Diagnosis of NASH-related HCC is either an accidental finding or is diagnosed at an advanced stage. In order to earn time for a proper treatment, it becomes important to diagnose it at an early stage, for which regular check-ups should be performed in groups having the risk factors related to it. Patients suffering from obesity and mixed dyslipidemia should undergo periodic abdominal ultrasound examinations. This should be emphasized even more in the cases showing NASH. Complaints of any kind post-COVID-19 should be dealt with keenly as little is yet known about its virulence and its long-term side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doina Georgescu
- Department of Internal Medicine I—Medical Semiotics I, Centre for Advanced Research in Cardiovascular Diseases and Hemostaseology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Daniel Florin Lighezan
- Department of Internal Medicine I—Medical Semiotics I, Centre for Advanced Research in Cardiovascular Diseases and Hemostaseology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Ciprian Ilie Rosca
- Department of Internal Medicine I—Medical Semiotics I, Centre for Advanced Research in Cardiovascular Diseases and Hemostaseology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Daciana Nistor
- Department of Functional Sciences, Physiology, Centre of Imuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies (CIFBIOTEH), “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Centre for Gene and Cellular Therapies in Cancer, 3000723 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Oana Elena Ancusa
- Department of Internal Medicine I—Medical Semiotics I, Centre for Advanced Research in Cardiovascular Diseases and Hemostaseology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Ioana Suceava
- Department of Internal Medicine I—Medical Semiotics I, Centre for Advanced Research in Cardiovascular Diseases and Hemostaseology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Mihaela Adela Iancu
- Department 5, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dionisie Lupu Street, No. 37, Sector 2, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nilima Rajpal Kundnani
- Department of Cardiology—Discipline of Internal Medicine and Ambulatory Care, Prevention and Cardiovascular Recovery, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Research Centre of Timisoara Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
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Lin L, Zhao Y, Wang P, Li T, Liang Y, Chen Y, Meng X, Zhang Y, Su G. Amino Acid Derivatives of Ginsenoside AD-2 Induce HepG2 Cell Apoptosis by Affecting the Cytoskeleton. Molecules 2023; 28:7400. [PMID: 37959819 PMCID: PMC10650444 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217400] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
AD-2 (20(R)-dammarane-3β, 12β, 20, 25-tetrol, 25-OH-PPD) was structurally modified to introduce additional amino groups, which can better exert its anti-tumor effects in MCF-7, A549, LoVo, HCT-116, HT -29, and U-87 cell lines. We investigated the cellular activity of 15 different AD-2 amino acid derivatives on HepG2 cells and the possible mechanism of action of the superior derivative 6b. An MTT assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity of the derivatives. Western blotting was used to study the signaling pathways. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and ghost pen peptide staining was used to identify the changes in the cytoskeleton. The AD-2 amino acid derivatives have a better cytotoxic effect on the HepG2 cells than AD-2, which may be achieved by promoting the apoptosis of HepG2 cells and influencing the cytoskeleton. The derivative 6b shows obvious anti-HepG2 cells activity through affecting the expression of apoptotic proteins such as MDM2, P-p53, Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase 3, Cleaved Caspase 3, Caspase 8, and NSD2. According to the above findings, the amino acid derivatives of AD-2 may be developed as HepG2 cytotoxic therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen Lin
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yuqing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China;
| | - Peng Wang
- ORxes Therapeutics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200000, China;
| | - Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China;
| | - Yuhang Liang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xianyi Meng
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yudong Zhang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Guangyue Su
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Innovative Traditional Chinese Medicine for Major Chronic Diseases of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China
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Liao L, Chen X, Huang H, Li Y, Huang Q, Song Z, Luo J, Yuan T, Deng S. Long non-coding RNA CASC7 is a promising serum biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:324. [PMID: 37735632 PMCID: PMC10514991 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02961-7] [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] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, a large number of studies have found that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expression of lncRNA cancer susceptibility candidate 7 (CASC7) in HCC has rarely been studied. The purpose of this study was to explore the expression of CASC7 and its correlation with clinical features, and to further analyze its diagnostic value in HCC. METHODS Serum samples were collected from 80 patients with HCC, 80 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and 80 healthy people. The expression level of serum CASC7 was detected by droplet digital PCR. Appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS The results showed that the expression of CASC7 in serum of patients with HCC was significantly higher than that of patients with CHB (median: 8.8 versus 2.2 copies/µl, p < 0.001) and healthy controls (median: 8.8 versus 3.8 copies/µl, p < 0.001). High expression of serum CASC7 was significantly correlated with tumor number (p = 0.005), intrahepatic metastasis (IM) (p < 0.001), tumor size (p = 0.007) and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (p = 0.008). The area under the curve (AUC) of CASC7 to distinguish HCC patients from CHB patients and healthy controls was 0.808 (95% CI: 0.742-0.874) at the cut-off value of 7.24 copies/µl with 63.8% sensitivity and 95.2% specificity. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that CASC7 was significantly up-regulated in serum of patients with HCC and closely related to tumor number, IM, tumor size and TNM stage, which may serve as a promising diagnostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Liao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, No. 10, Changjiang Zhilu, DaPing, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chongqing University Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hengliu Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, No. 10, Changjiang Zhilu, DaPing, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Yuwei Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, No. 10, Changjiang Zhilu, DaPing, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Qing Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, No. 10, Changjiang Zhilu, DaPing, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Zhen Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The 954th Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, No. 80, Naidong Road, Naidong District, Shannan, 856000, China
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The 954th Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, No. 80, Naidong Road, Naidong District, Shannan, 856000, China.
| | - Tao Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, No. 10, Changjiang Zhilu, DaPing, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, China.
| | - Shaoli Deng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University, No. 10, Changjiang Zhilu, DaPing, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, China.
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Aktan H, Ozdemir AA, Karaoğullarindan Ü. Effect of aspirin use on survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:1037-1043. [PMID: 37395227 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the seventh most prevalent cancer globally and is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aspirin use on the survival rates of individuals diagnosed with HCC. METHODS The patients were divided into two groups: those who used aspirin and those who did not. Aspirin use was defined as individuals who had used aspirin either before or after the diagnosis of HCC. Aspirin usage was determined based on prescription records. The criteria for aspirin use were defined as a minimum of 3 months and a minimum daily dose of 100 mg. Survival time; The time elapsed after the diagnosis of HCC was calculated as 'months'. RESULT Of the 300 cohorts studied in our study, 104 (34.6%) were using aspirin, while 196 (65.4%) were not. It was observed that bleeding occurred only in the patient group taking aspirin ( P = 0.002). When evaluated in terms of survival time, it was observed that it was significantly higher in the patient group using aspirin ( P = 0.001). Aspirin use was identified as factors that significantly impact survival ( P < 0.05). Aspirin use was identified as independent risk factors that significantly impact of survival ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The aspirin group had a similar metabolic and liver reserve as the other group and had a longer survival despite being older and more comorbid diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Aktan
- Cukurova University Gastroenterology Department, Adana
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10
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Wang J, Zhang X, Ni Z, Elam E, Thakur K, Li K, Wang C, Zhang J, Wei Z. The anti-cancerous mechanism of licochalcone A on human hepatoma cell HepG2 based on the miRNA omics. FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2022.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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11
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Yang J, Nittala MR, Velazquez AE, Buddala V, Vijayakumar S. An Overview of the Use of Precision Population Medicine in Cancer Care: First of a Series. Cureus 2023; 15:e37889. [PMID: 37113463 PMCID: PMC10129036 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37889] [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] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in science and technology in the past century and a half have helped improve disease management, prevention, and early diagnosis and better health maintenance. These have led to a longer life expectancy in most developed and middle-income countries. However, resource- and infrastructure-scarce countries and populations have not enjoyed these benefits. Furthermore, in every society, including in developed nations, the lag time from new advances, either in the laboratory or from clinical trials, to using those findings in day-to-day medical practice often takes many years and sometimes close to or longer than a decade. A similar trend is seen in the application of "precision medicine" (PM) in terms of improving population health (PH). One of the reasons for such lack of application of precision medicine in population health is the misunderstanding of equating precision medicine with genomic medicine (GM) as if they are the same. Precision medicine needs to be recognized as encompassing genomic medicine in addition to other new developments such as big data analytics, electronic health records (EHR), telemedicine, and information communication technology. By leveraging these new developments together and applying well-tested epidemiological concepts, it can be posited that population/public health can be improved. In this paper, we take cancer as an example of the benefits of recognizing the potential of precision medicine in applying it to population/public health. Breast cancer and cervical cancer are taken as examples to demonstrate these hypotheses. There exists significant evidence already to show the importance of recognizing "precision population medicine" (PPM) in improving cancer outcomes not only in individual patients but also for its applications in early detection and cancer screening (especially in high-risk populations) and achieving those goals in a more cost-efficient manner that can reach resource- and infrastructure-scarce societies and populations. This is the first report of a series that will focus on individual cancer sites in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Yang
- Radiation Oncology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Mary R Nittala
- Radiation Oncology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | | | - Vedanth Buddala
- Radiation Oncology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
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12
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Cernea S, Onișor D. Screening and interventions to prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:286-309. [PMID: 36687124 PMCID: PMC9846941 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i2.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) comprising most cases. Besides hepatitis B and C viral infections, heavy alcohol use, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-associated advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis, several other risk factors for HCC have been identified (i.e. old age, obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes). These might in fact partially explain the occurrence of HCC in non-cirrhotic patients without viral infection. HCC surveillance through effective screening programs is still an unmet need for many nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients, and identification of pre-cirrhotic individuals who progress to HCC represents a substantial challenge in clinical practice at the moment. Patients with NASH-cirrhosis should undergo systematic HCC surveillance, while this might be considered in patients with advanced fibrosis based on individual risk assessment. In this context, interventions that potentially prevent NAFLD/ NASH-associated HCC are needed. This paper provided an overview of evidence related to lifestyle changes (i.e. weight loss, physical exercise, adherence to healthy dietary patterns, intake of certain dietary components, etc.) and pharmacological interventions that might play a protective role by targeting the underlying causative factors and pathogenetic mechanisms. However, well-designed prospective studies specifically dedicated to NAFLD/NASH patients are still needed to clarify the relationship with HCC risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Cernea
- Department M3/Internal Medicine I, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureş 540139, Romania
- Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Outpatient Unit, Emergency County Clinical Hospital, Târgu Mureş 540136, Romania
| | - Danusia Onișor
- Department ME2/Internal Medicine VII, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureş, Târgu Mureş 540139, Romania
- Gastroenterology Department, Mureș County Clinical Hospital, Târgu Mureș 540072, Romania
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13
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Emerging role for R-loop formation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:543-551. [PMID: 36635460 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01360-8] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The pathophysiological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is closely associated with genomic instability. Genomic instability has long been considered to be a hallmark of both human genetic disease and cancers. It is now well accepted that regulating R-loop formation to minimized levels is one of critical modulation to maintain genome integrity, and that improper regulation of R-loop metabolism causes genomic instability via DNA breakage, ultimately resulting in replicative senescence and even tumorigenesis. Given that R-loop is natural by-product formed during normal transcription condition, and that several types of cancer have defense mechanism against the genomic instability resulted from R-loop formation, modulating functional implication of proteins involved in the intrinsic and specific mechanisms of abnormal R-loop formation in cancers therefore could play an important part in appropriated therapeutic strategies for HCC cohorts. In this review, we highlight the latest understanding on how R-loops promote genomic instability and address how alterations in these pathways link to human HCC.
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Mutant p53, the Mevalonate Pathway and the Tumor Microenvironment Regulate Tumor Response to Statin Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143500. [PMID: 35884561 PMCID: PMC9323637 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143500] [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: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells have the ability to co-opt multiple metabolic pathways, enhance glucose uptake and utilize aerobic glycolysis to promote tumorigenesis, which are characteristics constituting an emerging hallmark of cancer. Mutated tumor suppressor and proto-oncogenes are frequently responsible for enhanced metabolic pathway signaling. The link between mutant p53 and the mevalonate (MVA) pathway has been implicated in the advancement of various malignancies, with tumor cells relying heavily on increased MVA signaling to fuel their rapid growth, metastatic spread and development of therapy resistance. Statin drugs inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the pathway’s rate-limiting enzyme, and as such, have long been studied as a potential anti-cancer therapy. However, whether statins provide additional anti-cancer properties is worthy of debate. Here, we examine retrospective, prospective and pre-clinical studies involving the use of statins in various cancer types, as well as potential issues with statins’ lack of efficacy observed in clinical trials and future considerations for upcoming clinical trials.
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15
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Saviano A, Habersetzer F, Lupberger J, Simo-Noumbissie P, Schuster C, Doffoël M, Schmidt-Mutter C, Baumert TF. Safety and Antiviral Activity of EGFR Inhibition by Erlotinib in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients: A Phase Ib Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2022; 13:e00492. [PMID: 35363627 PMCID: PMC9236598 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Significant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk persists after chronic hepatitis C (CHC) cure. Preclinical studies have shown that erlotinib, an oral epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, has an antiviral activity and HCC chemopreventive effect. Erlotinib is metabolized in the liver, and its safety in patients with CHC is unknown. This study aimed to assess the safety and antiviral activity of erlotinib in patients with CHC. METHODS In this investigator-initiated dose-escalation phase Ib prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, noncirrhotic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients received placebo or erlotinib (50 or 100 mg/d) for 14 days with a placebo-erlotinib ratio of 1:3. Primary end points were safety and viral load reduction at the end of treatment (EOT). The secondary end point was viral load reduction 14 days after EOT. RESULTS This study analyzed data of 3 patients receiving placebo, 3 patients receiving erlotinib 50 mg/d, and 3 patients receiving erlotinib 100 mg/d. One grade 3 adverse event was reported in the placebo group (liver enzymes elevation), leading to treatment discontinuation and patient replacement, and 1 in the erlotinib 100 mg/d group (pericarditis), which was not considered to be treatment-related. Grade 2 skin rash was observed in 1 erlotinib 100 mg/d patient. No significant HCV-RNA level reduction was noted during treatment, but 2 of the 3 patients in the erlotinib 100 mg/d group showed a decrease of >0.5 log HCV-RNA 14 days after EOT. DISCUSSION Erlotinib demonstrated to be safe in noncirrhotic CHC patients. An antiviral activity at 100 mg/d confirms a functional role of EGFR as an HCV host factor in patients. These results provide perspectives to further study erlotinib as an HCC chemopreventive agent in patients with CHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Saviano
- Inserm, U1110, Strasbourg, France
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques (IVH), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Inserm 1434, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - François Habersetzer
- Inserm, U1110, Strasbourg, France
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques (IVH), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Inserm 1434, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Joachim Lupberger
- Inserm, U1110, Strasbourg, France
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques (IVH), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pauline Simo-Noumbissie
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Schuster
- Inserm, U1110, Strasbourg, France
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques (IVH), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Michel Doffoël
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Schmidt-Mutter
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Inserm 1434, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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16
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Collis OA, Ashley PA, Chen LH, Pedula KL, Miyashiro SM, Yamashita SK. Hepatitis B Core Antibody Positivity Associated with Increased Risk of Liver Cancer in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: Analysis of a Large Patient Cohort in Hawai'i. HAWAI'I JOURNAL OF HEALTH & SOCIAL WELFARE 2022; 81:127-133. [PMID: 35528754 PMCID: PMC9077569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C infection is a major cause of liver cancer in the United States. Hawai'i's incidence of liver cancer consistently ranks among the highest in the US, due in part to the high prevalence of hepatitis B in the state. To better understand the factors associated with liver cancer among patients in Hawai'i with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the patient database of Kaiser Permanente's Hawai'i region was used to identify a cohort of 3198 patients with a history of chronic HCV infection, of whom 159 (5%) were diagnosed with liver cancer between the years 2004-2020. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with liver cancer. Male sex (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.34-3.06), Asian race (AOR 1.78, 1.16 - 2.74) and hepatitis B core antibody (HBCAB) positivity (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.25 - 2.49) emerged as independent predictors of liver cancer among patients with chronic HCV infection. A history of diabetes (AOR 1.56, 1.07 - 2.27) and older age at the time of HCV diagnosis (AOR 1.19, 1.09-1.29) also emerged as significant associations. HBCAB-positive individuals did not differ significantly from those who were HBCAB-negative in regards to demographics or 5-year survival rate. In this cohort of patients with chronic HCV, a positive HBCAB without evidence of active hepatitis B infection was associated with 1.76 increased odds of liver cancer compared to those with negative HBCAB. This finding may have important implications for screening algorithms among individuals with hepatitis C infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrycja A. Ashley
- Kaiser Permanente Internal Medicine Residency Program, Honolulu, HI (PAA, LC)
| | - Li-Hsieh Chen
- Kaiser Permanente Internal Medicine Residency Program, Honolulu, HI (PAA, LC)
| | - Kathryn L Pedula
- Hawai‘i Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente, Honolulu, HI (KLP)
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17
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Rayman S, Sucandy I, Ross SB, Crespo K, Syblis C, App S, Rosemurgy A. Does Metabolic Syndrome Effect the Perioperative Course and Costs of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Robotic Hepatectomy? A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis. Am Surg 2022; 88:2108-2114. [PMID: 35477309 DOI: 10.1177/00031348221091476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was undertaken to examine the postoperative outcomes, costs, and survival after robotic hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with or without metabolic syndrome. METHODS Following IRB approval, we prospectively followed 56 patients undergoing robotic hepatectomy for HCC from 2016-2020. Patients with metabolic syndrome were compared to patients without metabolic syndrome regarding postoperative clinical outcomes, costs, and survival. Propensity score matching of a 1:1 ratio matched patients with and without metabolic syndrome according to 6 variables. RESULTS 17 patients were matched to each arm. Mean age was 64 ± 14.0 years and 30 patients (88%) had operations that were classified as advanced (IWATE 7-9) or expert (IWATE 10-12). There were no differences between patients with metabolic syndrome versus patients without metabolic syndrome in terms of operative duration (306 [301 ± 76.2] vs 239 [260 ± 116.9] minutes; P = 0.23), estimated blood loss (300 [321 ± 195.5] vs 200 [214 ± 151.4] ml; P = 0.08), conversion to "open" operation (1 [6%] vs 1 [6%]; p = 1.00), tumor size (5 [5 ± 3.0] vs 3 [4 ± 2.2] cm; P = 0.28), postoperative complications with Clavien-Dindo Score (≥III) (0 vs 1; P = 1.00), in-hospital mortality (0 [0%] vs 1 [6%]; P = 1.00), length of stay (5 [5 ± 1.7] vs 4 [5 ± 4.4] days; P = 1.00), and 30-day readmissions (1 [6%] vs 1 [6%]; P = 1.00). There were no differences in overall costs and profit. There was no difference in 1-year, 2-year, and 3- year overall survival in patients with or without metabolic syndrome after robotic HCC resection (84% vs 77%, 84% vs 61%, and 45% vs 61%, P = 0.42). CONCLUSION For patients with and without metabolic syndrome, robotic advanced/expert hepatectomy for HCC resulted in similar intra-operative metrics, postoperative outcomes, costs, and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shlomi Rayman
- Department of General Surgery, 64850Assuta Medical Center, Israel
| | - Iswanto Sucandy
- Digestive Health Institute Tampa AdventHealth Tampa, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sharona B Ross
- Digestive Health Institute Tampa AdventHealth Tampa, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Crespo
- Digestive Health Institute Tampa AdventHealth Tampa, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Cameron Syblis
- Digestive Health Institute Tampa AdventHealth Tampa, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Samantha App
- Digestive Health Institute Tampa AdventHealth Tampa, Tampa, FL, USA
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18
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Chen YJ, Shen CJ, Yu SH, Lin CL, Shih HM. Increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with traumatic liver injury: Real-world data from a nationwide population-based study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e28837. [PMID: 35147128 PMCID: PMC8830875 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer globally, and liver is one of the most commonly injured organs after blunt abdominal trauma. The traumatic liver injury-HCC risk relationship remains unclear.We extracted data of patients with traumatic liver injury between 2000 and 2013 from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (n = 15,966) and those of age-, gender-, occupation-, and index year-matched individuals without traumatic liver injury from the general population (n = 63,864). Cox proportional hazard models were employed to determine the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for HCC occurrence in the traumatic liver injury cohort compared with that in the comparison cohort.Patients with traumatic liver injury had an increased HCC risk (adjusted HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.59-2.85); this increased risk was more pronounced within 1 year after injury (adjusted HR 8.84, 95% CI 4.29-18.2). After >1 year of injury, HCC risk remained 1.53-fold higher in patients with traumatic liver injury than in those without traumatic liver injury (95% CI 1.08-2.15).People with traumatic liver injury demonstrate a high HCC risk, particularly within the first year of the injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ju Chen
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Jung Shen
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Hua Yu
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Li Lin
- Management Office for Health Data, Clinical Trial Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Mo Shih
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Takaya H, Namisaki T, Matsumoto K, Suzuki J, Murata K, Tsuji Y, Nakanishi K, Kaji K, Kitade M, Noguchi R, Yoshiji H. Comparison of Ablation Area and Change in Functional Liver Reserve after Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using the arfa ® and VIVA ® Systems. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11020434. [PMID: 35054128 PMCID: PMC8780974 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11020434] [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: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is recommended in Japan for patients with hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) one to three in number and ≤3 cm in size. The arfa® and VIVA® RFA systems are widely used for patients with HCC and this retrospective observational study aims to compare their performances. The study included 365 patients with HCCs one to three in number and ≤3 cm in size who underwent RFA using the arfa® system (arfa® group) or the VIVA® system (VIVA® group). The total bilirubin (T-Bil) level after RFA was higher in the arfa® group than in the VIVA® group. With a 3-cm electrode needle, the longest diameter (Dmax) and the shortest diameter were analyzed and found to be greater in the arfa® group than in the VIVA® group. Furthermore, Dmax with the 2.5-cm electrode needle was greater in the arfa® group than in the VIVA® group. Statistically significant differences in the ablation area and in the T-Bil value after RFA were observed between the groups; however, these differences are not considered clinical problems because the difference in the ablation area was only slight and the Child–Pugh score was the same between the groups. Thus, hepatologists can use either of the RFA systems based on their preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Takaya
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-744-22-3051; Fax: +81-744-24-7122
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Wang J, Wei B, Thakur K, Wang CY, Li KX, Wei ZJ. Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Anti-cancerous Mechanism of Licochalcone A on Human Hepatoma Cell HepG2. Front Nutr 2022; 8:807574. [PMID: 34988109 PMCID: PMC8720858 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.807574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignancy with a low survival rate globally, and there is imperative to unearth novel natural phytochemicals as effective therapeutic strategies. Licochalcone A is a chalcone from Glycyrrhiza that displayed various pharmacological efficacy. A globally transcriptome analysis was carried out to reveal the gene expression profiling to explore Licochalcone A's function as an anti-cancer phytochemical on HepG2 cells and investigate its potential mechanisms. Altogether, 6,061 dysregulated genes were detected (3,414 up-regulated and 2,647 down-regulated). SP1 was expected as the transcription factor that regulates the functions of most screened genes. GO and KEGG analysis was conducted, and the MAPK signaling pathway and the FoxO signaling pathway were two critical signal pathways. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis based on STRING platform to discover the hub genes (MAPK1, ATF4, BDNF, CASP3, etc.) in the MAPK signaling pathway and (AKT3, GADD45A, IL6, CDK2, CDKN1A, etc.) the FoxO signaling pathway. The protein level of essential genes that participated in significant pathways was consistent with the transcriptome data. This study will provide an inclusive understanding of the potential anti-cancer mechanism of Licochalcone A on hepatocellular, signifying Licochalcone A as a promising candidate for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- School of Biological Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Wei
- School of Biological Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, China
| | - Kiran Thakur
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China.,School of Biological Science and Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chu-Yan Wang
- School of Biological Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, China
| | - Ke-Xin Li
- School of Biological Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhao-Jun Wei
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China.,School of Biological Science and Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, China
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21
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Virus-Induced Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Recent Progress and Future Challenges. J Clin Med 2021; 11:jcm11010208. [PMID: 35011949 PMCID: PMC8745496 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic viral hepatitis is a key risk factor for liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [...].
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22
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Huang PJ, Chiu CC, Hsiao MH, Yow JL, Tzang BS, Hsu TC. Potential of antiviral drug oseltamivir for the treatment of liver cancer. Int J Oncol 2021; 59:109. [PMID: 34859259 PMCID: PMC8651232 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer‑related mortality globally. Since hepatitis virus infections have been strongly associated with the incidence of liver cancer, studies concerning the effects of antiviral drugs on liver cancer have attracted great attention in recent years. The present study investigated the effects of two anti‑hepatitis virus drugs, lamivudine and ribavirin, and one anti‑influenza virus drug, oseltamivir, on liver cancer cells to assess alternative methods for treating liver cancer. MTT assays, wound healing assays, Τranswell assays, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, ELISA, immunofluorescence staining and a xenograft animal model were adopted to verify the effects of lamivudine, ribavirin and oseltamivir on liver cancer cells. Treatment with ribavirin and oseltamivir for 24 and 48 h significantly decreased the viability of both Huh-7 and HepG2 cells compared with that of THLE‑3 cells in a dose‑dependent manner. The subsequent investigations focused on oseltamivir, considering the more serious clinical adverse effects of ribavirin than those of oseltamivir. Significantly decreased migration and invasion were observed in both Huh-7 and HepG2 cells that were treated with oseltamivir for 24 and 48 h. In addition, oseltamivir significantly increased autophagy in Huh‑7 cells, as revealed by the significantly higher ratios of LC3‑II/LC3‑I, increased expression of Beclin‑1, and decreased expression of p62, whereas no significant increases in the expression of apoptosis‑related proteins, including Apaf‑1, cleaved caspase‑3, and cleaved PARP‑1, were detected. Notably, apoptosis and autophagy were significantly increased in HepG2 cells in the presence of oseltamivir, as revealed by the significant increases in the expression of Apaf‑1, cleaved caspase‑3, and cleaved PARP‑1, the higher ratios of LC3‑II/LC3‑I, the increased expression of Beclin‑1, and the decreased expression of p62. Additionally, significant inhibitory effects of oseltamivir on xenografted Huh‑7 cells in athymic nude mice were observed. The present study, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, reported the differential effects of oseltamivir on inducing liver cancer cell death both in vitro and in vivo and may provide an alternative approach for treating liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Ju Huang
- Department of Family Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chun-Ching Chiu
- Department of Neurology and Department of Medical Intensive Care Unit, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Min-Hua Hsiao
- Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jia Le Yow
- Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Bor-Show Tzang
- Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tsai-Ching Hsu
- Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan, R.O.C
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23
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Prevention of NAFLD-associated HCC: Role of lifestyle and chemoprevention. J Hepatol 2021; 75:1217-1227. [PMID: 34339764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In many countries worldwide, the burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is increasing. Preventive strategies are needed to counteract this trend. In this review, we provide an overview of the evidence on preventive strategies in NAFLD-associated HCC. We consider the impact of lifestyle factors such as weight loss, physical activity, smoking, dietary patterns and food items, including coffee and alcohol, on both HCC and NAFLD/NASH. Furthermore, evidence on chemopreventive treatments, including aspirin, antidiabetic treatments and statins is summarised. The role of adjuvant therapies for tertiary prevention of HCC is briefly reviewed.
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24
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Main Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:7764817. [PMID: 34691178 PMCID: PMC8528616 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7764817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a pathological metabolic disease characterized by high ketone lipid based on abnormal lipid metabolism. Compared with patients with single T2DM or NAFLD, T2DM complicated with NAFLD has more complicated pathogenic factors and pathological processes. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the leading malignancy arising from cirrhosis, is the second most lethal cancer globally. The purpose of this study was to clarify the main risk factors of T2DM with NAFLD and HCC. There are many challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of T2DM patients with NAFLD and HCC. The current gold standard is to adjust treatment strategy, optimize metabolic control, and improve liver phenotype. It is necessary to identify further the risk factors driving the progression of T2DM with NAFLD and HCC and evaluate new therapeutic targets, in addition to exploring the syndromic forms of T2DM combined with NAFLD and providing a theoretical basis for early prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
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25
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Takaya H, Namisaki T, Takeda S, Kaji K, Ogawa H, Ishida K, Tsuji Y, Takagi H, Ozutsumi T, Fujinaga Y, Furukawa M, Kitagawa K, Nishimura N, Sawada Y, Shimozato N, Kawaratani H, Moriya K, Akahane T, Mitoro A, Yoshiji H. The Combination of Albumin-Bilirubin Score and Prothrombin Time Is a Useful Tool for Predicting Liver Dysfunction after Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization in Child-Pugh Class A Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma within Up-to-Seven Criteria. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10214838. [PMID: 34768358 PMCID: PMC8585112 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mortality and recurrence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are high. Recent studies show that for patients with HCC beyond up-to-seven criteria, treatment with molecular-targeted agents (MTAs) is recommended because the treatment efficiency of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is poor; further, TACE increases decline in liver function. However, the relationship between TACE and liver function decline in patients with HCC within up-to-seven criteria has not been clarified. Hence, we aimed to investigate this relationship. This retrospective observational study included 189 HCC tumors within up-to-seven criteria in 114 Child–Pugh class A patients. Twenty-four (12.7%) tumors were changed from Child–Pugh class A to B after TACE, and 116 (61.4%) tumors exhibited recurrence within 6 months after TACE. Prothrombin time (PT) and albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score before TACE were significantly associated with liver dysfunction from Child–Pugh class A to B. The combination of PT and ALBI score before TACE had high predictive ability for liver dysfunction from Child–Pugh class A to B after TACE (specificity = 100%, sensitivity = 91.7%). The combined use of pre-TACE PT and ALBI score has a high predictive ability for liver dysfunction after TACE for Child–Pugh class A patients with HCC within up-to-seven criteria.
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26
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Gao C, Shen J, Chen W, Yao L, Liang X, Zhu R, Chen Z. Increased RBM12 expression predicts poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma based on bioinformatics. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:1905-1926. [PMID: 34532138 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-390] [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: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver cancer is one of the major causes of cancer death worldwide, incurring high mortality and a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. Abnormal RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have been found to be associated with carcinogenesis in liver cancer. Among these, RNA-binding motif protein 12 (RBM12) is located in the exon junction complex (EJC). The goal of this study was to determine what role RBM12 plays in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from a biological perspective. Methods The Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and the Human Protein Atlas database were used to examine the expression level of RBM12, with the UALCAN and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases used to investigate the relationship between RBM12 and other noteworthy clinical features. RBM12 expression in cells and tissue samples was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis. The functional network of RBM12 in HCC was studied using LinkedOmics and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), while the effects of hypomethylation on the expression of RBM12 in HCC was investigated using methylation databases. Finally, we used TIMER and CIBERSORT to investigate the relationship between immune cell infiltration and RBM12 in HCC. Results RBM12 is highly elevated in HCC tissues and cells, and it can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with HCC. Analysis with LinkedOmics and GSEA revealed RBM12 to be closely linked with tumor progression. Furthermore, hypomethylation was linked to an increase in RBM12 expression in HCC, while RBM12 was associated with immune cell infiltration. Conclusions This study shows that an elevated level of RBM12 in HCC indicates a poor patient prognosis. Furthermore, according to LinkedOmics and GSEA analyses, RBM12 was implicated in the most important hallmark pathways. Our findings suggest that RBM12 overexpression is caused by hypomethylation and that RBM12 plays a key role in liver cancer tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jianbo Shen
- Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Weipeng Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lanqing Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaoliang Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Renfei Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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27
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Chen W, Gao C, Shen J, Yao L, Liang X, Chen Z. The expression and prognostic value of REXO4 in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:1704-1717. [PMID: 34532121 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, one of the dominant causes of cancer-related mortality is liver cancer. Identification of potent biomarkers for initial stage diagnosis and prognosis is a key factor to ensure efficient therapy and reduce the mortality rate in liver cancer patients. REXO4 has been reported in neuropathic pain and familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA), however, its relationship with liver cancer is still elusive. Methods In an attempt to scrutinize the expression of REXO4 in liver cancer, the Oncomine, and TCGA databases were analyzed. Real-time PCR was employed to identify the REXO4 mRNA levels in 45 patient tissue samples and western blot was used to detect the REXO4 protein levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Evaluation of the prognostic value of REXO4 in liver cancer was made using Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models and Kaplan-Meier plots. Tumor-associated biological processes related to REXO4 were revealed by LinkedOmics. The correlation of REXO4 and immune infiltration was evaluated using the TIMER database. Results REXO4 is significantly up-regulated in liver cancer in comparison with the nontumor controls. Moreover, poor progression-free survival and overall survival is a frequent outcome related to high expression of REXO4, highlighting it as a risk factor in case of liver cancer. Additionally, the plausible role of REXO4 in tumor-immune interactions was also investigated and it was revealed that the immune infiltration and immune activation of liver cancer might have an association with REXO4. Conclusions REXO4 has a significant expression in liver cancer and could potentially become a predictor for the prognosis of liver cancers and a biomarker for targeted therapeutic regimens. Significant overexpression of REXO4 in HCC was revealed by the bioinformatics analysis, with REXO4 overexpression being related to a negative outcome in HCC patients, in addition, REXO4 might be associated with the immune infiltration in liver cancer. Such a vital understanding of the functioning of REXO4 may furnish a foundation for new targeted drug therapy as well as a new direction for additional investigation into the underlying mechanisms of REXO4 carcinogenesis in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weipeng Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of General Surgery, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, China
| | - Cheng Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jianbo Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lanqing Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaoliang Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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28
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Wang H, Chen X, Calvisi DF. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): the most promising therapeutic targets in the preclinical arena based on tumor biology characteristics. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:645-658. [PMID: 34477018 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1976142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant liver tumor characterized by high molecular heterogeneity, which has hampered the development of effective targeted therapies severely. Recent experimental data have unraveled novel promising targets for HCC treatment. AREAS COVERED : Eligible articles were retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science databases up to July 2021. This review summarizes the established targeted therapies for advanced HCC, focusing on the strategies to overcome drug resistance and the search for combinational treatments. In addition, conventional biomarkers holding the promises for HCC treatments and novel therapeutic targets from the research field are discussed. EXPERT OPINION : HCC is a molecularly complex disease, with several and distinct pathways playing critical roles in different tumor subtypes. Experimental models recapitulating the features of each tumor subset would be highly beneficial to design novel and more effective therapies against this disease. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of combinatorial drug synergism and the role of the tumor microenvironment in HCC will lead to improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichuan Wang
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery and Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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29
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Brozzetti S, Tancredi M, Bini S, De Lucia C, Antimi J, D’Alterio C, De Sanctis GM, Furlan C, Malpassuti VC, Lucatelli P, Di Martino M, Bezzi M, Ciardi A, Pascale RM. HCC in the Era of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents (DAAs): Surgical and Other Curative or Palliative Strategies in the Elderly. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3025. [PMID: 34204186 PMCID: PMC8235445 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75-85% of primary liver malignancies, and elderlies have the highest incidence rates. Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have shown satisfying results in terms of HCV sustained viral response (SVR). However, data regarding HCC risk post-DAA-SVR is still conflicting. This study aims to consider HCC onset in moderate underlying liver disease. We conducted a retrospective study on 227 chronically infected patients (cHCV), treated with DAAs. Patients were divided into three groups: "de novo occurrent HCC", "recurrent HCC", and "without HCC". Fifty-six patients aged <65 years (yDAA) were studied separately. HCC patients aged ≥65 years (DAA-HCC) were compared to a historical group of 100 elderly HCC patients, treated with peginterferon (Peg-IFN) ± ribavirin antiviral agents, non-SVR (hHCC). The HCC prevalence in DAA patients was 32.75%: "de novo occurrent'' 18.13% and "recurrent'' 14.62%, despite 42.85% of them having no fibrosis to mild or moderate fibrosis (F0-F1-F2). yDAA showed 5.36% "de novo occurrent" HCC. Curative procedure rates were compared between DAA-HCC and hHCC at the first and at recurrent presentation (22 (39.29%) vs. 72 (72%); 17 (30.36%) vs. 70 (70%), respectively (p < 0.001)). No significant difference was found in 3-year OS (p = 0.6). However, in cause-specific mortality analysis, HCC-related death was higher in the DAA-treated group, whereas cirrhosis-related death was more common in the historical group (p = 0.0288), considering together the two causes of death. A more accurate patient stratification according to multifactorial and new diagnostic investigations identifying HCC risk might allow an improvement in management and access to curative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Brozzetti
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.B.); (M.T.); (C.D.L.); (J.A.); (C.D.)
| | - Marsia Tancredi
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.B.); (M.T.); (C.D.L.); (J.A.); (C.D.)
| | - Simone Bini
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara De Lucia
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.B.); (M.T.); (C.D.L.); (J.A.); (C.D.)
| | - Jessica Antimi
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.B.); (M.T.); (C.D.L.); (J.A.); (C.D.)
| | - Chiara D’Alterio
- Department of Surgery “Pietro Valdoni”, Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.B.); (M.T.); (C.D.L.); (J.A.); (C.D.)
| | - Giuseppe Maria De Sanctis
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.D.S.); (C.F.)
| | - Caterina Furlan
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.D.S.); (C.F.)
| | | | - Pierleone Lucatelli
- Department of Radiological Sciences Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.L.); (M.D.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Michele Di Martino
- Department of Radiological Sciences Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.L.); (M.D.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Mario Bezzi
- Department of Radiological Sciences Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.L.); (M.D.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Antonio Ciardi
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, Pathological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rosa Maria Pascale
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Experimental Sciences, Division of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
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30
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Bell RF, Moreira VM, Kalso EA, Yli-Kauhaluoma J. Liquorice for pain? Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2021; 11:20451253211024873. [PMID: 34349979 PMCID: PMC8287643 DOI: 10.1177/20451253211024873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquorice has a long history of use in traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic and herbal medicine. The liquorice plant contains numerous bioactive compounds, including triterpenes, flavonoids and secondary metabolites, with glycyrrhizin being the main active compound. Liquorice constituents have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective properties. In addition, they appear to have antidepressant actions and effects on morphine tolerance. Glycyrrhizin, its metabolite glycyrrhetic (glycyrrhetinic) acid and other liquorice-derived compounds such as isoflavonoids and trans-chalcones, exert potent anti-inflammatory effects via a wide range of mechanisms including high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) inhibition, gap junction blockade and α2A-adrenoceptor antagonism. These properties, together with an increasing body of preclinical studies and a long history of use in herbal medicine, suggest that liquorice constituents may be useful for pain management. Glycyrrhizin is used widely in the confectionary, food and tobacco industries, but has documented adverse effects that may limit clinical use. Whether liquorice plant-derived compounds represent a novel class of analgesics is yet to be established. Having a host of bioactive compounds with a broad range of mechanisms of effect, liquorice is a plant that, in the future, may give rise to new therapies for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rae F Bell
- (Emerita) Regional Centre of Excellence in Palliative Care, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Vânia M Moreira
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eija A Kalso
- Department of Pharmacology and SleepWell Research Programme, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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