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Ahmadian M, Rickert C, Minic A, Wrobel J, Bitler BG, Xing F, Angelo M, Hsieh EWY, Ghosh D, Jordan KR. A platform-independent framework for phenotyping of multiplex tissue imaging data. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011432. [PMID: 37733781 PMCID: PMC10547204 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiplex imaging is a powerful tool to analyze the structural and functional states of cells in their morphological and pathological contexts. However, hypothesis testing with multiplex imaging data is a challenging task due to the extent and complexity of the information obtained. Various computational pipelines have been developed and validated to extract knowledge from specific imaging platforms. A common problem with customized pipelines is their reduced applicability across different imaging platforms: Every multiplex imaging technique exhibits platform-specific characteristics in terms of signal-to-noise ratio and acquisition artifacts that need to be accounted for to yield reliable and reproducible results. We propose a pixel classifier-based image preprocessing step that aims to minimize platform-dependency for all multiplex image analysis pipelines. Signal detection and noise reduction as well as artifact removal can be posed as a pixel classification problem in which all pixels in multiplex images can be assigned to two general classes of either I) signal of interest or II) artifacts and noise. The resulting feature representation maps contain pixel-scale representations of the input data, but exhibit significantly increased signal-to-noise ratios with normalized pixel values as output data. We demonstrate the validity of our proposed image preprocessing approach by comparing the results of two well-accepted and widely-used image analysis pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansooreh Ahmadian
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Christian Rickert
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Angela Minic
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Julia Wrobel
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Benjamin G. Bitler
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of OB/GYN, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Fuyong Xing
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Michael Angelo
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Elena W. Y. Hsieh
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Immunology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Debashis Ghosh
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Kimberly R. Jordan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
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El-Makarem MAERA, Sayed DM, Matta RA, Mohamed MR, El-Malak MAA, Abbas NI. Interaction of peripheral CD4+CD25+CD127− Tregs with prolactin in HCV hepatocellular carcinoma: oncogenic or immunogenic mechanisms. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s43066-023-00250-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background and objective
There is little and conflicting data about the peripheral CD4+CD25+CD127− Tregs in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of various etiologies. The expressed membrane-bound transforming growth factor (mTGF-β1) on these Tregs is a marker of their suppressive function. Prolactin suppresses Tregs function in healthy subjects but enhances local Tregs in breast cancer. Our study is the first to assess the frequency and function of CD4+CD25+CD127−Tregs and their association with clinicopathological features and staging in HCV-related HCC and to determine whether prolactin acts as an oncogenic growth factor or participates in the regulation of the immune response mediated by peripheral Tregs. In patients with HCV- elated HCC, HCV-cirrhotic patients, and healthy subjects, we measured the frequency of peripheral traditional CD4+ CD25+ Tregs and well-characterized CD4+CD25+CD127−Tregs and their mTGF-β1 using flow cytometric analysis and measured serum prolactin level.
Results
The frequency of CD4+ CD25+ and CD4+CD25+CD127− Tregs was comparable between HCC and cirrhotic patients and healthy subjects. Serum prolactin and mTGF-β1 on traditional and CD4+CD25+CD127− Tregs were significantly higher in HCC and cirrhotic patients than healthy subjects with an insignificant difference between HCC and cirrhotic patients. Roc curve analysis revealed that cutoff value for mTGF-β1 on Tregs ≥ 13.5% is a good specific (87%) but low sensitive (54%) test in discriminating HCC patients from healthy subjects. The frequency of Tregs and mTGF-β1 were not correlated to clinicopathological characteristics or staging of HCC. Prolactin was higher in the multifocal lesions and negatively correlated to expressed mTGFβ1. The expressed mTGF-β1 was positively correlated with hemoglobin and alanine transaminase. The traditional Tregs was positively correlated with hemoglobin and albumin.
Conclusion
mTGFβ1, as a marker for suppressive function of peripheral CD4 + CD25 + CD127-Tregs, has a diagnostic role in discriminating HCV-related HCC patient from healthy subjects, unfortunately not from HCV-related cirrhotic patients. Serum prolactin has an oncogenic role as it is correlated to multiple focal lesions. It also impedes the suppressive function of peripheral Tregs as an immunogenic role. mTGF-β1 is related to hemoglobin and hepatic inflammation.
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3
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Chan AML, Cheah JM, Lokanathan Y, Ng MH, Law JX. Natural Killer Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as a Promising Immunotherapeutic Strategy for Cancer: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044026. [PMID: 36835438 PMCID: PMC9964266 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading contributor to global deaths caused by non-communicable diseases. The cancer cells are known to interact with the surrounding non-cancerous cells, including the immune cells and stromal cells, within the tumor microenvironment (TME) to modulate the tumor progression, metastasis and resistance. Currently, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the standard treatments for cancers. However, these treatments cause a significant number of side effects, as they damage both the cancer cells and the actively dividing normal cells indiscriminately. Hence, a new generation of immunotherapy using natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic CD8+ T-lymphocytes or macrophages was developed to achieve tumor-specific targeting and circumvent the adverse effects. However, the progression of cell-based immunotherapy is hindered by the combined action of TME and TD-EVs, which render the cancer cells less immunogenic. Recently, there has been an increase in interest in using immune cell derivatives to treat cancers. One of the highly potential immune cell derivatives is the NK cell-derived EVs (NK-EVs). As an acellular product, NK-EVs are resistant to the influence of TME and TD-EVs, and can be designed for "off-the-shelf" use. In this systematic review, we examine the safety and efficacy of NK-EVs to treat various cancers in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Man Lung Chan
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Ming Medical Sdn Bhd, D3-3 (2nd Floor), Block D3 Dana 1 Commercial Centre, Jalan PJU 1a/22, Petaling Jaya 47101, Malaysia
| | - Jin Min Cheah
- Ming Medical Sdn Bhd, D3-3 (2nd Floor), Block D3 Dana 1 Commercial Centre, Jalan PJU 1a/22, Petaling Jaya 47101, Malaysia
| | - Yogeswaran Lokanathan
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Min Hwei Ng
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Jia Xian Law
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-391-457677
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4
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Scialpi R, Arrè V, Giannelli G, Dituri F. Laminin-332 γ2 Monomeric Chain Promotes Adhesion and Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020373. [PMID: 36672323 PMCID: PMC9857196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020373] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) has a well-recognized impact on the progression of solid tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Laminin 332 (Ln332) is a ECM molecule of epithelial basal lamina, composed of three polypeptide chains (α3, β3, and γ2), that is usually poorly expressed in the normal liver but is detected at high levels in HCC. This macromolecule was shown to promote the proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and drug resistance of HCC cells. The monomeric γ2 chain is up-regulated and localized preferentially at the invasive edge of metastatic intrahepatic HCC nodules, suggesting its potential involvement in the acquisition of invasive properties of HCC cells. HCC cells were tested in in vitro adhesion, scattering, and transwell migration assays in response to fibronectin and the Ln332 and Ln332 γ2 chains, and the activation status of major signaling pathways involved was evaluated. Here, we show that the Ln332 γ2 chain promotes HCC the cell adhesion, migration, and scattering of HCC cells that express the Ln332 receptor α3β1 integrin, proving to be a causal factor of the EMT program achievement. Moreover, we found that efficient HCC cell adhesion and migration on γ2 require the activation of the small cytosolic GTPase Rac1 and ERKs signaling. These data suggest that the γ2 chain, independently from the full-length Ln332, can contribute to the pro-invasive potential of aggressive HCC cell subpopulations.
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Dituri F, Gigante G, Scialpi R, Mancarella S, Fabregat I, Giannelli G. Proteoglycans in Cancer: Friends or Enemies? A Special Focus on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081902. [PMID: 35454809 PMCID: PMC9024587 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Proteoglycans affect multiple molecular and cellular processes during the progression of solid tumors with a highly desmoplastic stroma, such as HCC. Due to their role in enhancing or limiting the traits of cancer cells underlying their aggressiveness, such as proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness, these macromolecules could be exploited as molecular targets or therapeutic agents. Proteoglycans, such as biglycan, versican, syndecan-1, glypican-3, and agrin, promote HCC cell proliferation, EMT, and angiogenesis, while endostatin and proteoglycan 4 were shown to impair cancer neovascularization or to enhance the sensitivity of HCC cells to drugs, such as sorafenib and regorafenib. Based on this evidence, interventional strategies involving the use of humanized monoclonal antibodies, T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors, or recombinant proteins mimicking potentially curative proteoglycans, are being employed or may be adopted in the near future for the treatment of HCC. Abstract Proteoglycans are a class of highly glycosylated proteins expressed in virtually all tissues, which are localized within membranes, but more often in the pericellular space and extracellular matrix (ECM), and are involved in tissue homeostasis and remodeling of the stromal microenvironment during physiological and pathological processes, such as tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and cancer. In general, proteoglycans can perform signaling activities and influence a range of physical, chemical, and biological tissue properties, including the diffusivity of small electrolytes and nutrients and the bioavailability of growth factors. While the dysregulated expression of some proteoglycans is observed in many cancers, whether they act as supporters or limiters of neoplastic progression is still a matter of controversy, as the tumor promoting or suppressive function of some proteoglycans is context dependent. The participation of multiple proteoglycans in organ regeneration (as demonstrated for the liver in hepatectomy mouse models) and in cancer suggests that these molecules actively influence cell growth and motility, thus contributing to key events that characterize neoplastic progression. In this review, we outline the main roles of proteoglycans in the physiology and pathology of cancers, with a special mention to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), highlighting the translational potential of proteoglycans as targets or therapeutic agents for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Gianluigi Gigante
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Rosanna Scialpi
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), CIBEREHD and University of Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (G.G.); (R.S.); (S.M.); (G.G.)
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Liu H, Zhong J, Hu J, Han C, Li R, Yao X, Liu S, Chen P, Liu R, Ling F. Single-cell transcriptomics reveal DHX9 in mature B cell as a dynamic network biomarker before lymph node metastasis in CRC. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 22:495-506. [PMID: 34553035 PMCID: PMC8433066 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that mature B cells in the adjacent tumor tissue, both as an intermediate state, are vital in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC), which is associated with a low survival rate. Developing predictive biomarkers that detect the tipping point of mature B cells before lymph node metastasis in CRC is critical to prevent irreversible deterioration. We analyzed B cells in the adjacent tissues of CRC samples from different stages using the dynamic network biomarker (DNB) method. Single-cell profiling of 725 CRC-derived B cells revealed the emergence of a mature B cell subtype. Using the DNB method, we identified stage II as a critical period before lymph node metastasis and that reversed difference genes triggered by DNBs were enriched in the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway involving B cell immune capability. DHX9 (DEAH-box helicase 9) was a specific para-cancerous tissue DNB key gene. The dynamic expression levels of DHX9 and its proximate network genes involved in B cell-related pathways were reversed at the network level from stage I to III. In summary, DHX9 in mature B cells of CRC-adjacent tissues may serve as a predictable biomarker and a potential immune target in CRC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huisheng Liu
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510641, China
| | - JiaYuan Zhong
- School of Mathematics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510641, China
| | - JiaQi Hu
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510641, China
| | - ChongYin Han
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510641, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Pathology, Southern Medical University Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - XueQing Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - ShiPing Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Single-Cell Omics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Pei Chen
- School of Mathematics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510641, China
| | - Rui Liu
- School of Mathematics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510641, China
- Pazhou Lab, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510330, China
| | - Fei Ling
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510641, China
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7
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Hernandez JL, Park J, Yao S, Blakney AK, Nguyen HV, Katz BH, Jensen JT, Woodrow KA. Effect of tissue microenvironment on fibrous capsule formation to biomaterial-coated implants. Biomaterials 2021; 273:120806. [PMID: 33905960 PMCID: PMC8135119 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Within tissue exposed to the systemic immune system, lymphocytes and fibroblasts act against biomaterials via the development of a fibrous capsule, known as the foreign body reaction (FBR). Inspired by the natural tolerance that the uterine cavity has to foreign bodies, our study explores the role of microenvironment across classical (subcutaneous) and immune privileged (uterine) tissues in the development of the FBR. As a model biomaterial, we used electrospun fibers loaded with sclerosing agents to provoke scar tissue growth. Additionally, we integrated these materials onto an intrauterine device as a platform for intrauterine biomaterial studies. Polyester materials in vitro achieved drug release up to 10 days, greater pro-inflammatory and pro-healing cytokine expression, and the addition of gelatin enabled greater fibroblast attachment. We observed the materials that induced the greatest FBR in the mouse, had no effect when inserted at the utero-tubal junction of non-human primates. These results suggest that the FBR varies across different tissue microenvironments, and a dampened fibrotic response exists in the uterine cavity, possibly due to immune privilege. Further study of immune privileged tissue factors on biomaterials could broaden our understanding of the FBR and inform new methods for achieving biocompatibility in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Hernandez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Jaehyung Park
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Shan Yao
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Anna K Blakney
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Hienschi V Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Bob H Katz
- ContraMed LLC, 900 E. Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA, 95008, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Jensen
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Kim A Woodrow
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
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8
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Characterization of the inflammatory microenvironment and hepatic macrophage subsets in experimental hepatocellular carcinoma models. Oncotarget 2021; 12:562-577. [PMID: 33796224 PMCID: PMC7984829 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. HCC typically develops on a background of chronic inflammation and fibrosis with tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) playing an important role in chronic inflammation-induced HCC and progression. However, the liver harbors unique macrophages, resident liver Kupffer cells (KCs) and monocyte-derived macrophages (Mo-Mφ), and their contribution to HCC and to the population of TAMs is incompletely known. Here, we characterized the tumor microenvironment and the proportion and transcriptional profile of hepatic macrophages (Mφ) in two commonly used HCC mouse models. A gradually increased expression of inflammatory, immune regulatory, fibrotic and cell proliferation pathways and markers was observed during diethylnitrosamine (DEN)- and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-induced HCC development. The transcriptional phenotypes of isolated hepatic Mφ subsets were clearly distinct and shifted during HCC development, with mixed pro-inflammatory and tumor-promoting expression profiles. There were marked differences between the models as well, with Mφ in NASH-HCC exhibiting a more immunomodulatory phenotype, in conjunction with an upregulation of lipid metabolism genes. Our data show that at least some infiltrated macrophages display expression of pro-tumoral markers, and that Kupffer cells are part of the population of TAMs and enhance tumor progression. These insights are useful to further unravel sequential pathogenic events during hepatocarcinogenesis and direct future development of new treatment strategies for HCC.
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9
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Deak D, Gorcea-Andronic N, Sas V, Teodorescu P, Constantinescu C, Iluta S, Pasca S, Hotea I, Turcas C, Moisoiu V, Zimta AA, Galdean S, Steinheber J, Rus I, Rauch S, Richlitzki C, Munteanu R, Jurj A, Petrushev B, Selicean C, Marian M, Soritau O, Andries A, Roman A, Dima D, Tanase A, Sigurjonsson O, Tomuleasa C. A narrative review of central nervous system involvement in acute leukemias. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:68. [PMID: 33553361 PMCID: PMC7859772 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute leukemias (both myeloid and lymphoblastic) are a group of diseases for which each year more successful therapies are implemented. However, in a subset of cases the overall survival (OS) is still exceptionally low due to the infiltration of leukemic cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and the subsequent formation of brain tumors. The CNS involvement is more common in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), than in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML), although the rates for the second case might be underestimated. The main reasons for CNS invasion are related to the expression of specific adhesion molecules (VLA-4, ICAM-1, VCAM, L-selectin, PECAM-1, CD18, LFA-1, CD58, CD44, CXCL12) by a subpopulation of leukemic cells, called “sticky cells” which have the ability to interact and adhere to endothelial cells. Moreover, the microenvironment becomes hypoxic and together with secretion of VEGF-A by ALL or AML cells the permeability of vasculature in the bone marrow increases, coupled with the disruption of blood brain barrier. There is a single subpopulation of leukemia cells, called leukemia stem cells (LSCs) that is able to resist in the new microenvironment due to its high adaptability. The LCSs enter into the arachnoid, migrate, and intensively proliferate in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and consequently infiltrate perivascular spaces and brain parenchyma. Moreover, the CNS is an immune privileged site that also protects leukemic cells from chemotherapy. CD56/NCAM is the most important surface molecule often overexpressed by leukemic stem cells that offers them the ability to infiltrate in the CNS. Although asymptomatic or with unspecific symptoms, CNS leukemia should be assessed in both AML/ALL patients, through a combination of flow cytometry and cytological analysis of CSF. Intrathecal therapy (ITT) is a preventive measure for CNS involvement in AML and ALL, still much research is needed in finding the appropriate target that would dramatically lower CNS involvement in acute leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalma Deak
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nicolae Gorcea-Andronic
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Valentina Sas
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Pediatrics, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Patric Teodorescu
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Catalin Constantinescu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Intensive Care Unit, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sabina Iluta
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sergiu Pasca
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ionut Hotea
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Turcas
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad Moisoiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alina-Andreea Zimta
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona Galdean
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Jakob Steinheber
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Rus
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sebastian Rauch
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cedric Richlitzki
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Raluca Munteanu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ancuta Jurj
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bobe Petrushev
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Selicean
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mirela Marian
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Olga Soritau
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandra Andries
- Department of Radiology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Roman
- Department of Radiology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Radiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Delia Dima
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alina Tanase
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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10
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Dituri F, Scialpi R, Schmidt TA, Frusciante M, Mancarella S, Lupo LG, Villa E, Giannelli G. Proteoglycan-4 is correlated with longer survival in HCC patients and enhances sorafenib and regorafenib effectiveness via CD44 in vitro. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:984. [PMID: 33199679 PMCID: PMC7669886 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03180-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib and regorafenib administration is among the preferential approaches to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but does not provide satisfactory benefits. Intensive crosstalk occurring between cancer cells and other multiple non-cancerous cell subsets present in the surrounding microenvironment is assumed to affect tumor progression. This interplay is mediated by a number of soluble and structural extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins enriching the stromal milieu. Here we assess the HCC tumor expression of the ECM protein proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) and its potential pharmacologic activity either alone, or in combination with sorafenib and regorafenib. PRG4 mRNA levels resulted strongly correlated with increased survival rate of HCC patients (p = 0.000) in a prospective study involving 78 HCC subjects. We next showed that transforming growth factor beta stimulates PRG4 expression and secretion by primary human HCC cancer-associated fibroblasts, non-invasive HCC cell lines, and ex vivo specimens. By functional tests we found that recombinant human PRG4 (rhPRG4) impairs HCC cell migration. More importantly, the treatment of HCC cells expressing CD44 (the main PRG4 receptor) with rhPRG4 dramatically enhances the growth-limiting capacity of sorafenib and regorafenib, whereas not significantly affecting cell proliferation per se. Conversely, rhPRG4 only poorly potentiates drug effectiveness on low CD44-expressing or stably CD44-silenced HCC cells. Overall, these data suggest that the physiologically-produced compound PRG4 may function as a novel tumor-suppressive agent by strengthening sorafenib and regorafenib effects in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis" Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte, Italy.
| | - Rosanna Scialpi
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis" Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Tannin A Schmidt
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Connecticut Health Centre, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Martina Frusciante
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis" Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis" Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte, Italy
| | - Luigi Giovanni Lupo
- University of Bari, Department of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Policlinico - piazza Giulio Cesare 14, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Erica Villa
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis" Research Hospital, 70013, Castellana Grotte, Italy
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11
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Miyazoe Y, Miuma S, Miyaaki H, Kanda Y, Nakashiki S, Sasaki R, Haraguchi M, Shibata H, Honda T, Taura N, Nakao K. Extracellular vesicles from senescent hepatic stellate cells promote cell viability of hepatoma cells through increasing EGF secretion from differentiated THP-1 cells. Biomed Rep 2020; 12:163-170. [PMID: 32190304 PMCID: PMC7054706 DOI: 10.3892/br.2020.1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, the role of senescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development has gained increasing attention. Similar to cytokines, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are essential for intercellular communication. However, the function of EVs derived from senescent HSCs in HCC progression has not been extensively studied. The aims of the present study were to characterize the EVs derived from senescent HSCs and determine their role in the tumor microenvironment. Cellular senescence was induced in human hepatic stellate cells (HHSteCs) with various concentrations of etoposide. Induction was confirmed using EdU staining and 53BP1 and p21 immunostaining. EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and analyzed by nanoparticle tracking analysis. Multiplex immunoassays were used to compare the levels of growth factors secreted from hepatoma cell lines and macrophage cells pretreated with EVs derived from senescent HHSteCs (senescent EVs) with those pretreated with EVs derived from normal cultured HHSteCs (normal EVs). Treatment with 25 µM etoposide for 3 days was the most effective at inducing senescence in HHSteCs. This finding was confirmed by induction of irreversible cell-cycle arrest, upregulation of 53BP1 and p21 expression, and increased SA-β-gal staining. Senescent HHSteCs released increased quantities of EV particles compared with normally cultured HHSteCs. Multiplex analysis revealed that there was no difference between hepatoma cell lines treated with normal EVs and those treated with senescent EVs in growth factor secretion. In contrast, the secretion of epidermal growth factor (EGF) was increased by macrophage cells treated with senescent EVs compared with those treated with normal EVs. Furthermore, senescent EVs did not affect the viability of hepatoma cells but increased the viability of hepatoma cells co-cultured with macrophage cells. In conclusion, the release of EVs from senescent HSCs was higher compared with normal HSCs. Furthermore, senescent EVs promoted HCC development by upregulating EGF secretion from macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Miyazoe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Satoshi Miuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Hisamitsu Miyaaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Yasuko Kanda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Suguru Nakashiki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Ryu Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Masafumi Haraguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Shibata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Takuya Honda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Naota Taura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
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12
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Deak D, Pop C, Zimta AA, Jurj A, Ghiaur A, Pasca S, Teodorescu P, Dascalescu A, Antohe I, Ionescu B, Constantinescu C, Onaciu A, Munteanu R, Berindan-Neagoe I, Petrushev B, Turcas C, Iluta S, Selicean C, Zdrenghea M, Tanase A, Danaila C, Colita A, Colita A, Dima D, Coriu D, Einsele H, Tomuleasa C. Let's Talk About BiTEs and Other Drugs in the Real-Life Setting for B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Front Immunol 2020; 10:2856. [PMID: 31921126 PMCID: PMC6934055 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are currently initially efficient, but even if a high percentage of patients have an initial complete remission (CR), most of them relapse. Recent data shows that immunotherapy with either bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells can eliminate residual chemotherapy-resistant B-ALL cells. Objective: The objective of the manuscript is to present improvements in the clinical outcome for chemotherapy-resistant ALL in the real-life setting, by describing Romania's experience with bispecific antibodies for B-cell ALL. Methods: We present the role of novel therapies for relapsed B-cell ALL, including the drugs under investigation in phase I-III clinical trials, as a potential bridge to transplant. Blinatumomab is presented in a critical review, presenting both the advantages of this drug, as well as its limitations. Results: Bispecific antibodies are discussed, describing the clinical trials that resulted in its approval by the FDA and EMA. The real-life setting for relapsed B-cell ALL is described and we present the patients treated with blinatumomab in Romania. Conclusion: In the current manuscript, we present blinatumomab as a therapeutic alternative in the bridge-to-transplant setting for refractory or relapsed ALL, to gain a better understanding of the available therapies and evidence-based data for these patients in 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalma Deak
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Pop
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alina-Andreea Zimta
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ancuta Jurj
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandra Ghiaur
- Department of Hematology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sergiu Pasca
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Patric Teodorescu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Dascalescu
- Department of Hematology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Regional Institute of Oncology, Iasi, Romania
| | - Ion Antohe
- Department of Hematology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Regional Institute of Oncology, Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ionescu
- Department of Hematology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalin Constantinescu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Onaciu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Raluca Munteanu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bobe Petrushev
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Turcas
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sabina Iluta
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Selicean
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihnea Zdrenghea
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alina Tanase
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalin Danaila
- Department of Hematology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Regional Institute of Oncology, Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca Colita
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Pediatrics, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Colita
- Department of Hematology, Coltea Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Delia Dima
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniel Coriu
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wurzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Department of Hematology/Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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13
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Baharlou H, Canete NP, Cunningham AL, Harman AN, Patrick E. Mass Cytometry Imaging for the Study of Human Diseases-Applications and Data Analysis Strategies. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2657. [PMID: 31798587 PMCID: PMC6868098 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
High parameter imaging is an important tool in the life sciences for both discovery and healthcare applications. Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) and Multiplexed Ion Beam Imaging (MIBI) are two relatively recent technologies which enable clinical samples to be simultaneously analyzed for up to 40 parameters at subcellular resolution. Importantly, these "Mass Cytometry Imaging" (MCI) modalities are being rapidly adopted for studies of the immune system in both health and disease. In this review we discuss, first, the various applications of MCI to date. Second, due to the inherent challenge of analyzing high parameter spatial data, we discuss the various approaches that have been employed for the processing and analysis of data from MCI experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heeva Baharlou
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicolas P. Canete
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony L. Cunningham
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew N. Harman
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Ellis Patrick
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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14
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Fu Y, Liu S, Zeng S, Shen H. From bench to bed: the tumor immune microenvironment and current immunotherapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:396. [PMID: 31500650 PMCID: PMC6734524 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1396-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks the most common primary liver malignancy and the third leading cause of tumor-related mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, despite advances in HCC treatment, less than 40% of HCC patients are eligible for potentially curative therapies. Recently, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most promising approaches for cancer treatment. It has been proven therapeutically effective in many types of solid tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma. As an inflammation-associated tumor, it's well-evidenced that the immunosuppressive microenvironment of HCC can promote immune tolerance and evasion by various mechanisms. Triggering more vigorous HCC-specific immune response represents a novel strategy for its management. Pre-clinical and clinical investigations have revealed that various immunotherapies might extend current options for needed HCC treatment. In this review, we provide the recent progress on HCC immunology from both basic and clinical perspectives, and discuss potential advances and challenges of immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaojie Fu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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15
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Unique Biological Activity and Potential Role of Monomeric Laminin-γ2 as a Novel Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20010226. [PMID: 30626121 PMCID: PMC6337480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Laminin (Ln)-332 consists of α3, β3, and γ2 chains, which mediate epithelial cell adhesion to the basement membrane. Ln-γ2, a component of Ln-332, is frequently expressed as a monomer in the invasion front of several types of malignant tissues without simultaneous expression of Ln-α3 and/or Ln-β3 chains. Moreover, monomeric Ln-γ2 induces tumor cell proliferation and migration in vitro. These unique biological activities indicate that monomeric Ln-γ2 could be a candidate biomarker for early cancer surveillance. However, the present immune method for monomeric Ln-γ2 detection can only predict its expression, since no antibody that specifically reacts with monomeric γ2, but not with heterotrimeric γ2 chain, is commercially available. We have, therefore, developed monoclonal antibodies to specifically detect monomeric Ln-γ2, and devised a highly sensitive method to measure serum monomeric Ln-γ2 levels using a fully automated chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA). We evaluated its diagnostic value in sera from patients with several digestive cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and found serum monomeric Ln-γ2 to be a clinically available biomarker for HCC surveillance. The combination of monomeric Ln-γ2 and prothrombin induced by Vitamin K Absence II (PIVKA-II) may be more sensitive for clinical diagnosis of HCC than any currently used combination.
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16
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Luo J, Chen XQ, Li P. The Role of TGF-β and Its Receptors in Gastrointestinal Cancers. Transl Oncol 2019; 12:475-484. [PMID: 30594036 PMCID: PMC6314240 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Early detection of gastrointestinal tumors improves patient survival. However, patients with these tumors are typically diagnosed at an advanced stage and have poor prognosis. The incidence and mortality of gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, gastric, liver, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, are increasing worldwide. Novel diagnostic and therapeutic agents are required to improve patient survival and quality of life. The tumor microenvironment, which contains nontumor cells, signaling molecules such as growth factors and cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins, plays a critical role in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling has dual roles in gastrointestinal tumor development and progression as both a tumor suppressor and tumor promoter. Here, we review the dynamic roles of TGF-β and its receptors in gastrointestinal tumors and provide evidence that targeting TGF-β signaling may be an effective therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Luo
- Oncology Department, West China Hospital of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xu-Qiao Chen
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ping Li
- Oncology Department, West China Hospital of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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17
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Rodríguez MM, Fiore E, Bayo J, Atorrasagasti C, García M, Onorato A, Domínguez L, Malvicini M, Mazzolini G. 4Mu Decreases CD47 Expression on Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells and Primes a Potent Antitumor T Cell Response Induced by Interleukin-12. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2738-2750. [PMID: 30301668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a complex interplay between different cellular components, including tumor cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs), with the associated stroma; such interaction promotes tumor immune escape and sustains tumor growth. Several experimental approaches for cancer therapy are focused on TME remodeling, resulting in increased antitumor effects. We previously demonstrated that the hyaluronan synthesis inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone (4Mu) decreases liver fibrosis and induces antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this work, 4Mu, in combination with an adenovirus encoding interleukin-12 genes (AdIL-12), elicited a potent antitumor effect and significantly prolonged animal survival (p < 0.05) in an orthotopic HCC model established in fibrotic livers. In assessing the presence of CSCs, we found reduced mRNA levels of CD133+, CD90+, EpCAM+, CD44+, and CD13+ CSC markers within HCC tumors (p < 0.01). Additionally, 4Mu downregulated the expression of the CSC marker CD47+ on HCC cells, promoted phagocytosis by antigen-presenting cells, and, combined with Ad-IL12, elicited a potent cytotoxic-specific T cell response. Finally, animal survival was increased when CD133low HCC cells, generated upon 4Mu treatment, were injected in a metastatic HCC model. In conclusion, the combined strategy ameliorates HCC aggressiveness by targeting CSCs and as a result of the induction of anticancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo M Rodríguez
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban Fiore
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Bayo
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Catalina Atorrasagasti
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana García
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agostina Onorato
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Domínguez
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Malvicini
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Mazzolini
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET-Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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18
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Fabregat I, Caballero-Díaz D. Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced Cell Plasticity in Liver Fibrosis and Hepatocarcinogenesis. Front Oncol 2018; 8:357. [PMID: 30250825 PMCID: PMC6139328 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) family plays relevant roles in the regulation of different cellular processes that are essential for tissue and organ homeostasis. In the case of the liver, TGF-β signaling participates in different stages of disease progression, from initial liver injury toward fibrosis, cirrhosis and cancer. When a chronic injury takes place, mobilization of lymphocytes and other inflammatory cells occur, thus setting the stage for persistence of an inflammatory response. Macrophages produce profibrotic mediators, among them, TGF-β, which is responsible for activation -transdifferentiation- of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSC) to a myofibroblast (MFB) phenotype. MFBs are the principal source of extracellular matrix protein (ECM) accumulation and prominent mediators of fibrogenesis. TGF-β also mediates an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in hepatocytes that may contribute, directly or indirectly, to increase the MFB population. In hepatocarcinogenesis, TGF-β plays a dual role, behaving as a suppressor factor at early stages, but contributing to later tumor progression, once cells escape from its cytostatic effects. As part of its potential pro-tumorigenic actions, TGF-β induces EMT in liver tumor cells, which increases its pro-migratory and invasive potential. In parallel, TGF-β also induces changes in tumor cell plasticity, conferring properties of a migratory tumor initiating cell (TIC). The main aim of this review is to shed light about the pleiotropic actions of TGF-β that explain its effects on the different liver cell populations. The cross-talk with other signaling pathways that contribute to TGF-β effects, in particular the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), will be presented. Finally, we will discuss the rationale for targeting the TGF-β pathway in liver pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Fabregat
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Caballero-Díaz
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is defined as the structural and dynamic network of cellular and non-cellular interactions between malignant cells and the surrounding non-malignant matrix. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are two of the most challenging gastrointestinal malignancies. Despite clinical advancements in understanding tumor biology and growth of the chemotherapeutic industry, there have been no corresponding improvements in prognosis and overall survival of HCC and PDAC. Both of these cancers have a very intimate relationship with their surrounding environment; the TME is thought to actively participate in initiating and sustaining these malignancies. Individual TME constituents play a vital role in chemoresistance and recurrence after surgery and have been established as independent prognostic factors. This review article will highlight the diverse structural components, key signaling pathways, and extracellular matrices of HCC and PDAC and discuss their crosstalk with tumor cells to promote growth and metastasis. The article will also summarize the latest laboratory and clinical research based on therapeutic targets identified within the TME of both HCC and PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fathima Kamil
- Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Julie H Rowe
- Division of Oncology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Transforming Growth Factor β is a Poor Prognostic Factor and Inhibits the Favorable Prognostic Value of CD8+ CTL in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Immunother 2018; 40:175-186. [PMID: 28394813 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
It is widely understood that transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has dual functions in tumors-tumor promoter or tumor suppressor. As a tumor promoter, TGF-β drives tumor initiation and progression partially by suppressing the antitumor responses of CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we investigated the prognostic value of measuring TGF-β and CD8 CTLs levels and their relationship in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to analyze the prognostic value of TGF-β expression and/or CD8 CTLs levels in 407 HCC patients. The relationship between TGF-β and CD8 T-cell was also evaluated using HCC cell lines and patients' peripheral blood. Lower TGF-β expression or a higher CD8 CTL density was associated with better overall survival and recurrence-free survival, and the patients with low TGF-β expression and more CD8 CTLs had the best prognosis. Although there was no correlation between TGF-β expression and the density of CD8 CTLs, the survival of patients with more CD8 CTL cells was only significantly improved when the tumor expressed low levels of TGF-β. Furthermore, the TGF-β levels was not associated with the proportion of CD8 T cells, but negatively related to interferon γ secretion by CD8 T cells in peripheral blood of HCC patients. Higher TGF-β also resulted in decreased interferon γ secreted by CD8 T cells in vitro. In conclusion, our study suggests that TGF-β is a poor prognostic factor for patients and negatively affect the prognostic value of CD8 CTLs through suppressing antitumor activity of CD8 T-cell in HCC.
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21
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Qian L, Dima D, Berce C, Liu Y, Rus I, Raduly LZ, Liu Y, Petrushev B, Berindan-Neagoe I, Irimie A, Tanase A, Jurj A, Shen J, Tomuleasa C. Protein dysregulation in graft versus host disease. Oncotarget 2017; 9:1483-1491. [PMID: 29416707 PMCID: PMC5787452 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a well-established treatment for many malignant and non-malignant hematological disorders. As a frequent complication in up to 50% of all patients, graft-versus-host disease is still the main cause for morbidity and non-relapse mortality. Diagnosis is usually done clinically, even though confirmation by pathology is often used to support the clinical findings. Effective treatment requires intensified immunosuppression as early as possible. Although several promising biomarkers have been proposed for an early diagnosis, no internationally-recognized consensus has yet been established. Protein-based biomarkers represent an interesting tool since they have been recently reported to be an important regulator of various cells, including immune cells such as T cells. Therefore, we assume that protein dysregulation is important in the pathogenesis of acute graft versus host disease and their detection might be an possibility in the early diagnosis and monitoring. In this review, we aim to summarize the previous reports of protein biomarkers, focusing on the pathogenesis of the disease and possible implications in diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liren Qian
- Department of Hematology, Navy General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Delia Dima
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Berce
- Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Hematology, Navy General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ioana Rus
- Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Lajos-Zsolt Raduly
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Hematology, Navy General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Bobe Petrushev
- Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Alexandru Irimie
- Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Alina Tanase
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ancuta Jurj
- Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Jianliang Shen
- Department of Hematology, Navy General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
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22
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Chuang MH, Chang JT, Hsu LJ, Jan MS, Lu FJ. Antitumor Activity of the Chinese Medicine JC-001 Is Mediated by Immunomodulation in a Murine Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Integr Cancer Ther 2017; 16:516-525. [PMID: 27698264 PMCID: PMC5739137 DOI: 10.1177/1534735416664173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
JC-001 is a Chinese medicine that has been used to treat liver disease; however, its significance in cancer treatment has not been characterized. In this study, we used an immunocompetent tumor model to characterize the antitumor activity of JC-001. A total of 48 Hepa 1-6 tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice were randomly grouped into 4 groups and treated with H2O or JC-001 via oral administration. After hepatoma cell lines, including HepG2, Hep3B, SK-Hep-1, and Hepa 1-6, underwent 96 hours of JC-001 treatment, a low cytotoxic effect was observed. In contrast, no direct cytotoxic effect of JC-001 on a normal human liver cell line, THLE-3, was observed under the same incubation conditions. Using a murine tumor model, we found that tumor growth could be inhibited by JC-001 in C57BL/6 mice but not in immunodeficient mice. Histopathological analysis of tumors from C57BL/6 mice revealed immune cell infiltration in tumors from the JC-001-treated group, as observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining; in addition, Ki67, hypoxia-inducible factor-1-α, and high mobility group box 1 expression levels were suppressed in the tumors. Both the coculture assay and murine spleen mRNA quantitative PCR analyses demonstrated that JC-001 could suppress Th17 immunity. Our data suggest that JC-001 is a Chinese medicine with low cytotoxicity that can significantly suppress tumor growth by immune regulation. This herbal remedy has great potential for future clinical application in hepatoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Hsien Chuang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jinghua Tsai Chang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chest Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Jin Hsu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Shiou Jan
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Immunology Research Center, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung,Taiwan
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department ofInternal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fung-Jou Lu
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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23
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Lu Z, Xia YH, Zhao M, Zhang B, Dai WT, Ding L, Hu LX, Bi JL, Jiang GL. DlgR2 knockdown boosts dendritic cell activity and inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma tumor in-situ growth. Oncotarget 2017; 8:54993-55002. [PMID: 28903397 PMCID: PMC5589636 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-specific hepatic stellate cells (tHSCs) positively participate in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis and progression. Our previous studies have shown that tHSCs co-culture with dendritic cells (DCs) induced DIgR2 (dendritic cell-derived immunoglobulin receptor 2) expression. The latter is a member of IgSF inhibitory receptor suppressing DCs-initiated antigen-specific T-cell responses. In the current study, we show that hepatic artery injection of DlgR2 siRNA significantly inhibited in-situ HCC xenograft growth in rat livers. Further, 5-FU-medied inhibition of in-situ HCC growth was dramatically sensitized with DlgR2 silence. DlgR2 siRNA injection indeed downregulated DlgR2 in ex-vivo cultured tumor-derived DCs (tDCs). More importantly, tDCs activity was boosted following DlgR2 siRNA. These cells presented with upregulated CD80, CD86 and MHC-II. Production of interleukin-12 and tumor necrosis factor-α was also increased in the DlgR2-silenced tDCs. We propose that DlgR2 knockdown likely boosts the activity of tumor-associated DCs, and inhibits growth of in-situ HCC xenografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yun-Hong Xia
- Department of Oncology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Hefei Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Hefei Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wen-Ting Dai
- Hefei Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lu Ding
- Hefei Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li-Xia Hu
- Hefei Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jin-Ling Bi
- Hefei Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guo-Lin Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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24
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Tumor-specific hepatic stellate cells (tHSCs) induces DIgR2 expression in dendritic cells to inhibit T cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:55084-55093. [PMID: 28903404 PMCID: PMC5589643 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-specific hepatic stellate cells (tHSCs) contributes to tumorigenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The potential function of tHSCs on dendritic cells (DCs) was studied here. We discovered that tHSCs co-culture induced upregulation of DIgR2 (dendritic cell-derived immunoglobulin receptor 2) in bone marrow-derived DCs (mDCs). Activation of MEK-ERK is required for DIgR2 expression in mDCs. MEK-ERK inhibitors or shRNA-mediated silence of MEK1/2 in mDCs inhibited tHSCs-induced DIgR2 expression. Meanwhile, tHSCs stimulation decreased production of multiple cytokines (CD80, CD86 and IL-12) in mDCs. Such an effect was almost reversed by DIgR2 shRNA in mDCs. Further, tHSCs-stimulated mDCs induced T-cell hypo-responsiveness, leading to decreased cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity and reduced IFN-γ production in splenic T cells. T cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis were also noticed. These actions on T cells were again largely inhibited by DIgR2 shRNA in mDCs. Together, our results indicate that tHSCs directly induces DIgR2 expression in DCs to inhibit T cells.
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25
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Carcinome hépatocellulaire : nouveaux concepts, nouvelles molécules et nouvelles approches. ONCOLOGIE 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10269-017-2712-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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26
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Cabillic F, Corlu A. Regulation of Transdifferentiation and Retrodifferentiation by Inflammatory Cytokines in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Gastroenterology 2016; 151:607-15. [PMID: 27443822 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2016.06.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancers are typically inflammation-associated cancers characterized by close communication between the tumor cells and the tumor environment. This supportive inflammatory environment contributes to the establishment of a pathologic niche consisting of transformed epithelial cells, tumor-educated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immunosuppressive immature myeloid cells. Stromal and infiltrated immune cells help determine tumor fate, but the tumor cells themselves, including cancer stem cells, also influence the surrounding cells. This bidirectional communication generates an intricate network of signals that promotes tumor growth. Cell plasticity, which includes transdifferentiation and retrodifferentiation of differentiated cells, increases tumor heterogeneity. Plasticity allows non-cancer stem cells to replenish the cancer stem cell pool, initiate tumorigenesis, and escape the effects of therapeutic agents; it also promotes tumor aggressiveness. There is increasing evidence that an inflammatory environment promotes the retrodifferentiation of tumor cells into stem or progenitor cells; this could account for the low efficacies of some chemotherapies and the high rates of cancer recurrence. Increasing our understanding of the signaling network that connects inflammation with retrodifferentiation could identify new therapeutic targets, and lead to combined therapies that are effective against highly heterogeneous tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Cabillic
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR 991, Liver Metabolism and Cancer, Hôpital Pontchaillou, Rennes, France; Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France; Laboratoire de Cytogénétique et Biologie Cellulaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Anne Corlu
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR 991, Liver Metabolism and Cancer, Hôpital Pontchaillou, Rennes, France; Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
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27
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Prevention and Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms of Tanshinone IIA Sodium Sulfonate on Acute Liver Injury Mice Model. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:4097398. [PMID: 27274751 PMCID: PMC4870345 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4097398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tanshinone IIA sodium sulfonate (TSS) is a water-soluble derivative of tanshinone IIA, which is the main pharmacologically active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza. This study aimed to verify the preventive and therapeutic effects of TSS and its combined therapeutic effects with magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MI) in D-galactosamine- (D-Gal-) induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice. The potential regulatory mechanisms of TSS on ALI were also examined. Our results may provide a basis for the development of novel therapeutics for ALI.
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28
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Gomes LR, Vessoni AT, Menck CF. Microenvironment and autophagy cross-talk: Implications in cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2016; 107:300-307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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29
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Giannelli G, Mikulits W, Dooley S, Fabregat I, Moustakas A, ten Dijke P, Portincasa P, Winter P, Janssen R, Leporatti S, Herrera B, Sanchez A. The rationale for targeting TGF-β in chronic liver diseases. Eur J Clin Invest 2016; 46:349-61. [PMID: 26823073 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a pluripotent cytokine that displays several tissue-specific biological activities. In the liver, TGF-β is considered a fundamental molecule, controlling organ size and growth by limiting hepatocyte proliferation. It is involved in fibrogenesis and, therefore, in worsening liver damage, as well as in triggering the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TGF-β is known to act as an oncosuppressor and also as a tumour promoter in HCC, but its role is still unclear. DESIGN In this review, we discuss the potential role of TGF-β in regulating the tumoural progression of HCC, and therefore the rationale for targeting this molecule in patients with HCC. RESULTS A considerable amount of experimental preclinical evidence suggests that TGF-β is a promising druggable target in patients with HCC. To support this hypothesis, a phase II clinical trial is currently ongoing using a TGF-β pathway inhibitor, and results will soon be available. CONCLUSIONS The identification of new TGF-β related biomarkers will help to select those patients most likely to benefit from therapy aimed at inhibiting the TGF-β pathway. New formulations that may provide a more controlled and sustained delivery of the drug will improve the therapeutic success of such treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Giannelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty, Mannheim Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Blanca Herrera
- Dep. Bioquímica y Biología Molecular II, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aranzazu Sanchez
- Dep. Bioquímica y Biología Molecular II, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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30
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Peng R, Zhao GX, Li J, Zhang Y, Shen XZ, Wang JY, Sun JY. Auphen and dibutyryl cAMP suppress growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating expression of aquaporins 3 and 9 in vivo. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:3341-3354. [PMID: 27022216 PMCID: PMC4806192 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i12.3341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate whether the regulation of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and AQP9 induced by Auphen and dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) inhibits hepatic tumorigenesis.
METHODS: Expression of AQP3 and AQP9 was detected by Western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and RT-PCR in HCC samples and paired non-cancerous liver tissue samples from 30 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. A xenograft tumor model was used in vivo. Nine nude mice were divided into control, Auphen-treated, and dbcAMP-treated groups (n = 3 for each group). AQP3 and AQP9 protein expression after induction of xenograft tumors was detected by IHC and mRNA by RT-PCR analysis. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay and histological evaluation were used to detect apoptosis of tumor cells, and the concentration of serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) was measured using RT-PCR and an ELISA kit.
RESULTS: The volumes and weights of tumors decreased significantly in the Auphen- and dbcAMP-treated mice compared with the control mice (P < 0.01). The levels of AQP3 were significantly lower in the Auphen treatment group, and levels of AQP9 were significantly higher in thedbcAMP treatment mice than in the control mice (P < 0.01). The reduction of AQP3 by Auphen and increase of AQP9 by dbcAMP in nude mice suppressed tumor growth of HCC, which resulted in reduced AFP levels in serum and tissues, and apoptosis of tumor cells in the Auphen- and dbcAMP-treated mice, when compared with control mice (P < 0.01). Compared with para-carcinoma tissues, AQP3 expression increased in tumor tissues whereas the expression of AQP9 decreased. By correlating clinicopathological and expression levels, we demonstrated that the expression of AQP3 and AQP9 was correlated with clinical progression of HCC and disease outcomes.
CONCLUSION: AQP3 increases in HCC while AQP9 decreases. Regulation of AQP3 and AQP9 expression by Auphen and dbcAMP inhibits the development and growth of HCC.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Aquaporin 3/genetics
- Aquaporin 3/metabolism
- Aquaporins/genetics
- Aquaporins/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cyclic CMP/analogs & derivatives
- Cyclic CMP/pharmacology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Middle Aged
- Organogold Compounds/pharmacology
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- alpha-Fetoproteins/metabolism
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31
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Giannelli G, Rani B, Dituri F, Cao Y, Palasciano G. Moving towards personalised therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: the role of the microenvironment. Gut 2014; 63:1668-76. [PMID: 25053718 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2014-307323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The goal of personalised therapy based on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) molecular characteristics is still beyond our grasp. Systemic treatments show poor efficacy, mainly because of the great heterogeneity of the tumour. Indeed, differences in aetiology, disease stage and biochemical composition of the fibrotic liver make cirrhosis itself a highly dyshomogeneous disease. Cancer cells grow in a cirrhotic microenvironment, interacting with stromal cells and engaging matrix components that differ from patient to patient, hampering the development of drugs to treat all patients. Growing evidence suggests a role for the cross-talk between HCC and the host stroma in driving disease progression and hence prognosis and survival. Many efforts have been devoted to identifying genes responsible for good or bad prognosis, but no study has yet proven helpful in guiding therapeutic choices and management over time, also taking into account the development of drug resistance. The questions of what to target and in which patient are still unsolved. In the personalised therapy scenario, the patient rather than the disease becomes the target of the therapy. However, this still requires an evidence-based medical approach. Herein, we will discuss how individual differences in terms of quality and quantity of the tissue microenvironment components affect progression of HCC. Then, we will highlight potential druggable pathways, also considering ongoing clinical trials. The development of biomarkers will be discussed in the light of new experimental research conducted with the aim of moving towards personalised therapy in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Giannelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Bhavna Rani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Dituri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Yuan Cao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Palasciano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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32
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Jin Y, Tong D, Shen J, Yang J, Li J. Establishment of experimental implantation tumor models of hepatocellular carcinoma in Wistar rats. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:9079-83. [PMID: 24913708 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2161-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Our aims were to investigate and establish simple and reliable implanted hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models in Wistar rats. Concentrated suspensions of CBRH-7919 cancer cell lines were injected subcutaneously into the scapular regions of nude mice. The developing tumor tissues were then implanted into the livers of 45 adult Wistar rats. Dexamethasone (2.5 mg/day) was injected intramuscularly daily for 1 week preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively. After 4 weeks of implantation, ultrasonography and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed to identify model rats with liver tumor growth and to analyze the growth and characteristics of the tumors. Five of these model rats were then sacrificed, and the tumors were removed from the liver for pathological examination. Three rats died during the operation; among the remaining 42 rats, 36 possessed a total of 43 liver tumors. The success rate of tumor implantation was 85.7 % (36/42), and the diameters of the tumors ranged from 5 to 10 mm. All tumor specimens were confirmed to be HCC by pathological examination. This study provides a new approach for establishing implanted HCC models in Wistar rats, which can be used for studying numerous biological features of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jin
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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