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Nanashima A, Hiyoshi M, Imamura N, Hamada T, Tsuchimochi Y, Shimizu I, Ochiai T, Nagata K, Hasuike S, Nakamura K, Iwakiri H, Kawakami H. Clinical significances of several fibrotic markers for prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent hepatectomy. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:2332-2345. [PMID: 38881924 PMCID: PMC11170533 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-24-94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Progression of chronic liver fibrosis and related increased fibrotic markers are associated with functional liver reserves or patient prognosis as well as tumor factors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The aim of this study was to newly clarify the relationship between fibrotic markers and HCC malignant behaviors or its long-term postoperative prognosis by the retrospective cohort study. Methods We examined the relationship between tumor-related factors or six liver fibrosis-associated parameters, including platelet count, hyaluronic acid (HA), Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi), type IV collagen 7S (T4C7), aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 (Fib-4) index, and clinicopathological parameters, surgical records, and postoperative prognosis in 130 HCC who underwent curative hepatectomy. Results Histological fibrosis stage 4 as cirrhosis was in 31%. The platelet count significantly decreased in stage 4 fibrosis and correlated with grade B liver damage (P<0.01). HA levels were significantly increased in multiple HCC, stage 4 fibrosis, and grade B liver damage (P<0.01). T4C7 was significantly increased in patients with post-hepatectomy tumor recurrence compared to those without (P<0.01). Additionally, M2BPGi was significantly higher in stage 4 fibrosis and liver damage grade B, and was significantly associated with poor prognosis (P<0.05). Fib-4 index was significantly higher in patients with liver damage B (P<0.05), and T4C7 alone did not correlate with other five fibrosis markers. Stage 4 fibrosis, higher T4C7, higher M2BPGi, and increased tumor size were significantly associated with shorter cancer-free, overall, and cancer-specific survivals. Higher T4C7, non-met Milan criteria, liver damage B, blood transfusion, and curability C were independently associated with cancer-specific survivals (P<0.05). Conclusions Type IV collagen 7S (T4C7) may reflect not only impaired liver function but also HCC malignant behaviors and patient survivals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Nanashima
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreas Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Miyazaki Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Masahide Hiyoshi
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreas Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Miyazaki Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Naoya Imamura
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreas Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Miyazaki Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Takeomi Hamada
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreas Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Miyazaki Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yuki Tsuchimochi
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreas Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Miyazaki Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Ikko Shimizu
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreas Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Miyazaki Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ochiai
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreas Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Miyazaki Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Kenji Nagata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Miyazaki Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Satoru Hasuike
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Miyazaki Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Kenichi Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Miyazaki Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Hisayoshi Iwakiri
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Miyazaki Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawakami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Miyazaki Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki, Japan
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Zhang WQ, Sun JX, Lan ST, Sun XM, Guo YJ, Wen BC, Chen J, Liu G. Regulation of Fuzheng Huayu capsule on inhibiting the fibrosis-associated hepatocellular carcinogenesis. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38780602 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2024.2355132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
In the current study, bioinformatics analysis of the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) dataset was conducted with the hepatoprotective effect of the Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY) capsule against the diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC progression analyzed. Eight cell clusters were defined and tanshinone IIA, arachidonic acid, and quercetin, compounds of the FZHY capsule, inhibit HCC progression-related fibrosis by regulating the expression of PLAU and IGFBP3. Combined with the ameliorative effect of the FZHY capsule against liver dysfunctions and expression of PLAU and IGFBP3, our study confirmed the effect of the FZHY capsule on inhibiting the fibrosis-associated HCC progression via regulating the expression of PLAU and IGFBP3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Jia-Xin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Shu-Ting Lan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Yi-Jing Guo
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Bi-Chao Wen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Achievement Transformation, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
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3
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Du K, Jun JH, Dutta RK, Diehl AM. Plasticity, heterogeneity, and multifunctionality of hepatic stellate cells in liver pathophysiology. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0411. [PMID: 38619452 PMCID: PMC11019831 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
HSCs, the resident pericytes of the liver, have consistently been at the forefront of liver research due to their crucial roles in various hepatic pathological processes. Prior literature often depicted HSCs in a binary framework, categorizing them as either quiescent or activated. However, recent advances in HSC research, particularly the advent of single-cell RNA-sequencing, have revolutionized our understanding of these cells. This sophisticated technique offers an unparalleled, high-resolution insight into HSC populations, uncovering a spectrum of diversity and functional heterogeneity across various physiological states of the liver, ranging from liver development to the liver aging process. The single-cell RNA-sequencing revelations have also highlighted the intrinsic plasticity of HSCs and underscored their complex roles in a myriad of pathophysiological processes, including liver injury, repair, and carcinogenesis. This review aims to integrate and clarify these recent discoveries, focusing on how the inherent plasticity of HSCs is central to their dynamic roles both in maintaining liver homeostasis and orchestrating responses to liver injury. Future research will clarify whether findings from rodent models can be translated to human livers and guide how these insights are harnessed to develop targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Nouso K, Kawanaka M, Fujii H, Kariyama K, Toyoda H, Iwaki M, Hayashi H, Oeda S, Hyogo H, Morishita A, Munekage K, Kawata K, Tsutsumi T, Sawada K, Maeshiro T, Tobita H, Yoshida Y, Naito M, Araki A, Arakaki S, Kawaguchi T, Noritake H, Ono M, Masaki T, Yasuda S, Tomita E, Yoneda M, Tokushige A, Kamada Y, Takahashi H, Ueda S, Aishima S, Sumida Y, Nakajima A, Kumada T, Okanoue T. Validation study of age-independent fibrosis score (Fibrosis-3 index) in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Hepatol Res 2024. [PMID: 38661715 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.14039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Because the accuracy of the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index for predicting liver fibrosis changes with age, the need for different cut-offs in various age groups has frequently been discussed. We developed the age-independent score, the Fibrosis-3 (FIB-3) index, and have shown its usefulness in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study aimed to validate the diagnostic ability of the FIB-3 index to predict fibrosis progression using a large new patient cohort. METHODS The ability of the FIB-3 index to predict liver fibrosis was analyzed by comparing it with that of the FIB-4 index using data from 1398 patients with MASLD enrolled in the Asia-based clinical outcome NAFLD study. RESULTS The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for predicting fibrosis stage F3 or higher were not different between the FIB-3 and FIB-4 indices in the entire cohort. Using the single ideal cut-offs of the indices (3.41 for FIB-3 index and 2.01 for FIB-4 index), the predictive accuracy of the FIB-3 index was not significantly different from that of the FIB-4 index among patients aged <60 years; however, the accuracy of the FIB-3 index was significantly higher than that of the FIB-4 index in those aged ≥60 years (0.645 and 0.529, respectively; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The high ability of the FIB-3 index with a single cut-off to predict liver fibrosis in patients with MASLD was confirmed. The FIB-3 index could serve as a useful tool for assessing liver fibrosis regardless of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Nouso
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease Center, Okayama City Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Miwa Kawanaka
- Department of General Internal Medicine 2, General Medical Center, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hideki Fujii
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kariyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease Center, Okayama City Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Michihiro Iwaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hideki Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Oeda
- Liver Center and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | | | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Miki, Japan
| | - Kensuke Munekage
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kochi Medical School, Nankoku, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kochi Prefectural Hata Kenmin Hospital, Sukumo, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Kawata
- Hepatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Tsutsumi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Koji Sawada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Tatsuji Maeshiro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Urasoe General Hospital, Urasoe, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tobita
- Division of Hepatology, Shimane University Hospital, Izumo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Suita Municipal Hospital, Suita, Japan
| | - Masafumi Naito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Suita Municipal Hospital, Suita, Japan
| | - Asuka Araki
- Division of Pathology, Shimane University Hospital, Izumo, Japan
| | - Shingo Arakaki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nakagami-gun, Japan
| | - Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hidenao Noritake
- Hepatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ono
- Division of Innovative Medicine for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Miki, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kochi Prefectural Hata Kenmin Hospital, Sukumo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Eiichi Tomita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masato Yoneda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tokushige
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nakagami-gun, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kamada
- Department of Advanced Metabolic Hepatology, Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | | | | | - Shinichi Aishima
- Department of Scientific Pathology Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshio Sumida
- Graduate School of Healthcare Management, International University of Healthcare and Welfare, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takashi Kumada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Gifu Kyoritsu University, Gifu, Japan
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Hu Z, Kurihara T, Sun Y, Cetin Z, Florentino RM, Faccioli LAP, Liu Z, Yang B, Ostrowska A, Soto-Gutierrez A, Delgado ER. A rat model of cirrhosis with well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma induced by thioacetamide. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.18.590120. [PMID: 38712079 PMCID: PMC11071316 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.18.590120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and commonly associated with hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis. This study aims to establish a rat model mimicking the progression from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and subsequently to HCC using thioacetamide (TAA). We utilized male Lewis rats, treating them with intra-peritoneal injections of TAA. These rats received bi-weekly injections of either 200 mg/kg TAA or saline (as a control) over a period of 34 weeks. The development of cirrhosis and hepatocarcinogenesis was monitored through histopathological examinations, biochemical markers, and immunohistochemical analyses. Our results demonstrated that chronic TAA administration induced cirrhosis and well-differentiated HCC, characterized by increased fibrosis, altered liver architecture, and enhanced hepatocyte proliferation. Biochemical analyses revealed significant alterations in liver function markers, including elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, without affecting kidney function or causing significant weight loss or mortality in rats. This TAA-induced cirrhosis and HCC rat model successfully replicates the clinical progression of human HCC, including liver function impairment and early-stage liver cancer characteristics. It presents a valuable tool for future research on the mechanisms of antitumor drugs in tumor initiation and development.
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Üremiş MM, Türköz Y, Üremiş N. Investigation of apoptotic effects of Cucurbitacin D, I, and E mediated by Bax/Bcl-xL, caspase-3/9, and oxidative stress modulators in HepG2 cell line. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22174. [PMID: 38494997 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Cucurbitacins, natural compounds highly abundant in the Cucurbitaceae plant family, are characterized by their anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. These compounds have potential as therapeutic agents in the treatment of liver cancer. This study investigated the association of cucurbitacin D, I, and E (CuD, CuI, and CuE) with the caspase cascade, Bcl-2 family, and oxidative stress modulators in the HepG2 cell line. We evaluated the antiproliferative effects of CuD, CuI, and CuE using the MTT assay. We analyzed Annexin V/PI double staining, cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential, and wound healing assays at different doses of the three compounds. To examine the modulation of the caspase cascade, we determined the protein and gene expression levels of Bax, Bcl-xL, caspase-3, and caspase-9. We evaluated the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), Total, and Native Thiol levels to measure cellular redox status. CuD, CuI, and CuE suppressed the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The cucurbitacins induced apoptosis by increasing caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax activity, inhibiting Bcl-xL activation, causing loss of ΔΨm, and suppressing cell migration. Furthermore, cucurbitacins modulated oxidative stress by increasing TOS levels and decreasing SOD, GSH, TAS, and total and native Thiol levels. Our findings suggest that CuD, CuI, and CuE exert apoptotic effects on the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line by regulating Bax/Bcl-xL, caspase-3/9 signaling, and causing intracellular ROS increase in HepG2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Mehdi Üremiş
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Türköz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Nuray Üremiş
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
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Kumazoe M, Miyamoto E, Oka C, Kondo M, Yoshitomi R, Onda H, Shimada Y, Fujimura Y, Tachibana H. miR-12135 ameliorates liver fibrosis accompanied with the downregulation of integrin subunit alpha 11. iScience 2024; 27:108730. [PMID: 38235326 PMCID: PMC10792239 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108730] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is becoming one of the most common diseases worldwide. Abnormal upregulation of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling plays a pivotal role in the excess activation of hepatic stellate cells. However, an efficient countermeasure against abnormal hepatic stellate cell activation is yet to be established because TGF-β signaling is involved in several biological processes. Herein, we demonstrated the antifibrotic effect of miR-12135, a microRNA with unknown function upregulated by isoflavone. Comprehensive transcriptome assay demonstrated that miR-12135 suppressed Integrin Subunit Alpha 11 (ITGA11) and that ITGA11 expression is correlated with alpha smooth muscle actin expression in patients with cirrhosis. miR-12135 suppressed the expression level of ITGA11 and liver fibrosis. Importantly, ITGA11 is overexpressed in activated hepatic stellate cells, whereas ITGA11 knockout mice are viable and fertile. In conclusions, the miR-12135/ITGA11 axis can be an ideal therapeutic target to suppress fibrosis by precisely targeting abnormally upregulated TGF-β signaling in hepatic stellate cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motofumi Kumazoe
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Emi Miyamoto
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Chihiro Oka
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Miyuki Kondo
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Ren Yoshitomi
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Onda
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yu Shimada
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Fujimura
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Tachibana
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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Yüregir Y, Kaçaroğlu D, Yaylacı S. Regulation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Mechanism and Targeted Therapeutic Approaches. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1450:93-102. [PMID: 37452258 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2023_781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver malignancy that accounts for the majority of liver cancer cases, with multiple risk factors including chronic hepatitis B and C infections, alcohol abuse, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, the survival rate of patients with advanced HCC remains low, creating an urgent need for new therapeutic targets and strategies.One biological process crucial to HCC progression is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a process that enables epithelial cells to acquire mesenchymal properties, including motility and invasiveness, by losing their cell-cell adhesion. Various signaling pathways, including TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch, have been implicated in regulating EMT in HCC.To inhibit EMT, targeted therapeutic approaches have been developed, and preclinical studies suggest that the inhibition of the TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch signaling pathways is promising. TGF-β receptor inhibitors, Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors, and gamma-secretase inhibitors have shown efficacy in preclinical studies by inhibiting EMT and reducing tumor growth in HCC models. However, further clinical studies are necessary to determine their effectiveness in human patients.In addition to these approaches, further research is needed to identify other novel therapeutic targets and develop new treatment strategies for HCC. This review emphasizes the critical role of EMT in HCC progression and highlights the potential of targeting the TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch signaling pathways to inhibit EMT and reduce tumor growth in HCC. Future studies and clinical trials are necessary to validate these therapeutic strategies and develop effective treatments for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelda Yüregir
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, İhsan Doğramacı Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Demet Kaçaroğlu
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biology Department, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seher Yaylacı
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biology Department, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey.
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9
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Kopsida M, Clavero AL, Khaled J, Balgoma D, Luna-Marco C, Chowdhury A, Nyman SS, Rorsman F, Ebeling Barbier C, Bergsten P, Lennernäs H, Hedeland M, Heindryckx F. Inhibiting the endoplasmic reticulum stress response enhances the effect of doxorubicin by altering the lipid metabolism of liver cancer cells. Mol Metab 2024; 79:101846. [PMID: 38030123 PMCID: PMC10755054 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a low and variable response to chemotherapeutic treatments. One contributing factor to the overall pharmacodynamics is the activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways. This is a cellular stress mechanism that becomes activated when the cell's need for protein synthesis surpasses the ER's capacity to maintain accurate protein folding, and has been implicated in creating drug-resistance in several solid tumors. OBJECTIVE To identify the role of ER-stress and lipid metabolism in mediating drug response in HCC. METHODS By using a chemically-induced mouse model for HCC, we administered the ER-stress inhibitor 4μ8C and/or doxorubicin (DOX) twice weekly for three weeks post-tumor initiation. Histological analyses were performed alongside comprehensive molecular biology and lipidomics assessments of isolated liver samples. In vitro models, including HCC cells, spheroids, and patient-derived liver organoids were subjected to 4μ8C and/or DOX, enabling us to assess their synergistic effects on cellular viability, lipid metabolism, and oxygen consumption rate. RESULTS We reveal a pivotal synergy between ER-stress modulation and drug response in HCC. The inhibition of ER-stress using 4μ8C not only enhances the cytotoxic effect of DOX, but also significantly reduces cellular lipid metabolism. This intricate interplay culminates in the deprivation of energy reserves essential for the sustenance of tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS This study elucidates the interplay between lipid metabolism and ER-stress modulation in enhancing doxorubicin efficacy in HCC. This novel approach not only deepens our understanding of the disease, but also uncovers a promising avenue for therapeutic innovation. The long-term impact of our study could open the possibility of ER-stress inhibitors and/or lipase inhibitors as adjuvant treatments for HCC-patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kopsida
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | | | - Jaafar Khaled
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - David Balgoma
- Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Sweden; Unidad de Excelencia, Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valladolid, Spain
| | | | | | - Sofi Sennefelt Nyman
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Rorsman
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Peter Bergsten
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Hans Lennernäs
- Translational Drug Development and Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Mikael Hedeland
- Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Sweden
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10
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Wiest IC, Gilbert S, Kather JN. From research to reality: The role of artificial intelligence applications in HCC care. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0136. [PMID: 38567094 PMCID: PMC10986906 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella C. Wiest
- Else Kroener Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephen Gilbert
- Else Kroener Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jakob N. Kather
- Else Kroener Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
- Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Liang Y, Yang R, Shang J, Zhong D, Yang Q, Su Y, Shi Y, Huang X. Lung immune prognostic index‑based nomogram for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after postoperative adjuvant TACE. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:16461-16471. [PMID: 37707573 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05413-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), one of the most commonly used postoperative adjuvant therapy for HCC, has achieved satisfactory outcomes. This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of lung immune prognostic index (LIPI) and develop a novel nomogram for recurrence-free survival (RFS) of HCC patients received postoperative adjuvant TACE (PA-TACE). METHODS The prognostic value of LIPI was evaluated by C-index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival curve. An effective nomogram based on preoperative prognostic factors was established from multivariate analysis and validated in the validation cohort. RESULTS The ROC and survival analysis demonstrated that the LIPI exhibited better prediction performance of HCC recurrence than other inflammatory biomarkers. According to univariate and multivariate analysis, LIPI, followed by AFP, MVI and age, were significant independent predictors for HCC recurrence and were utilized to construct the nomogram. The C-indexes of the nomogram were 0.746 (95% CI 0.721-0.770) and 0.738 (95% CI 0.701-0.775) in the training and validation cohort, respectively. The AUCs for the 1-, 2-, and 3-year RFS were 0.799, 0.867 and 0.884 in the training cohort and 0.798, 0.779 and 0.770 in the validation cohort, respectively. The calibration curves presented good consistencies. Moreover, compared with the LIPI and other clinical staging system, the established nomogram presented better prognostic performance. CONCLUSION Preoperative LIPI might be a powerful predictor for RFS in HCC patients received PA-TACE. The LIPI-based nomogram could further effectively predict the risk of recurrence and help clinicians formulate personalized follow-up strategies and adjuvant therapy to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Liang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruoyi Yang
- School of Stomatology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Shang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Deyuan Zhong
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinyan Yang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuhao Su
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xiaolun Huang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
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Hassani B, Attar Z, Firouzabadi N. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) signaling pathways and cancer: foes versus allies. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:254. [PMID: 37891636 PMCID: PMC10604988 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), is an old system with new fundamental roles in cancer biology which influences cell growth, migration, death, and metastasis. RAAS signaling enhances cell proliferation in malignancy directly and indirectly by affecting tumor cells and modulating angiogenesis. Cancer development may be influenced by the balance between the ACE/Ang II/AT1R and the ACE2/Ang 1-7/Mas receptor pathways. The interactions between Ang II/AT1R and Ang I/AT2R as well as Ang1-7/Mas and alamandine/MrgD receptors in the RAAS pathway can significantly impact the development of cancer. Ang I/AT2R, Ang1-7/Mas, and alamandine/MrgD interactions can have anticancer effects while Ang II/AT1R interactions can be involved in the development of cancer. Evidence suggests that inhibitors of the RAAS, which are conventionally used to treat cardiovascular diseases, may be beneficial in cancer therapies.Herein, we aim to provide a thorough description of the elements of RAAS and their molecular play in cancer. Alongside this, the role of RAAS components in sex-dependent cancers as well as GI cancers will be discussed with the hope of enlightening new venues for adjuvant cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Hassani
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Attar
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Firouzabadi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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13
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Wilkinson AL, Hulme S, Kennedy JI, Mann ER, Horn P, Shepherd EL, Yin K, Zaki MY, Hardisty G, Lu WY, Rantakari P, Adams DH, Salmi M, Hoare M, Patten DA, Shetty S. The senescent secretome drives PLVAP expression in cultured human hepatic endothelial cells to promote monocyte transmigration. iScience 2023; 26:107966. [PMID: 37810232 PMCID: PMC10558774 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) undergo significant phenotypic change in chronic liver disease (CLD), and yet the factors that drive this process and the impact on their function as a vascular barrier and gatekeeper for immune cell recruitment are poorly understood. Plasmalemma-vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP) has been characterized as a marker of LSEC in CLD; notably we found that PLVAP upregulation strongly correlated with markers of tissue senescence. Furthermore, exposure of human LSEC to the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) led to a significant upregulation of PLVAP. Flow-based assays demonstrated that SASP-driven leukocyte recruitment was characterized by paracellular transmigration of monocytes while the majority of lymphocytes migrated transcellularly. Knockdown studies confirmed that PLVAP selectively supported monocyte transmigration mediated through PLVAP's impact on LSEC permeability by regulating phospho-VE-cadherin expression and endothelial gap formation. PLVAP may therefore represent an endothelial target that selectively shapes the senescence-mediated immune microenvironment in liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex L. Wilkinson
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Samuel Hulme
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - James I. Kennedy
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Emily R. Mann
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Paul Horn
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Emma L. Shepherd
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Kelvin Yin
- University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Marco Y.W. Zaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Gareth Hardisty
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Wei-Yu Lu
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Pia Rantakari
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - David H. Adams
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Marko Salmi
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthew Hoare
- University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
- University of Cambridge, Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Daniel A. Patten
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- National Institute for Health Research, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Shishir Shetty
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- National Institute for Health Research, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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14
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Schwenger KJP, Ghorbani Y, Rezaei K, Fischer SE, Jackson TD, Okrainec A, Allard JP. Relationship between dietary intake components and hepatic fibrosis in those with obesity before and 1 year after bariatric surgery. Nutrition 2023; 114:112095. [PMID: 37437418 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2023.112095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is highly prevalent in the bariatric population but not all patients develop liver fibrosis. Considering that fibrosis may affect clinical outcomes, it is important to assess and treat contributing factors. In this population, it is not clear whether dietary intake is a contributor. The objective was to determine the relationship between dietary intake components and liver fibrosis before and 1 y after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). METHODS This was a prospective cross-sectional (n = 133) study conducted between 2013 and 2022. In addition, a subgroup of 44 patients were followed for 1 y post-RYGB. Anthropometrics, biochemical measurements, and 3-d food records and liver biopsies were obtained presurgery and, in a subgroup of patients, as for the cohort, 1 y post-RYGB. RESULTS In the cross-sectional study, 78.2% were female, with a median age of 48 y and body mass index of 46.8 kg/m2; 33.8% had type 2 diabetes mellitus and 57.1% had metabolic syndrome. In a multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio; 95% CI) (1.076; 1.014-1.141), alanine transaminase (1.068; 1.025-1.112), calorie intake (1.001; 1.000-1.002), and dietary copper (0.127; 0.022-0.752) were independently associated with fibrosis (<0.05). At 1 y post-RYGB, no independent risk factors were associated with persistent fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS In bariatric patients before surgery, higher age, alanine transaminase, and total calorie and lower copper intakes were independent risk factors associated with liver fibrosis. These relationships were no longer observed after RYGB, likely due to the effect of surgery on weight and similar postsurgery diet among patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasaman Ghorbani
- Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kuorosh Rezaei
- Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sandra E Fischer
- Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Timothy D Jackson
- Division of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of General Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allan Okrainec
- Division of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of General Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Johane P Allard
- Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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15
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Zhong X, Long H, Chen L, Xie Y, Shi Y, Peng J, Zheng R, Su L, Duan Y, Xie X, Lin M. Stiffness on shear wave elastography as a potential microenvironment biomarker for predicting tumor recurrence in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Insights Imaging 2023; 14:147. [PMID: 37697029 PMCID: PMC10495298 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-023-01505-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the pathologic basis and prognostic value of tumor and liver stiffness measured pre-operatively by two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who undergo hepatic resection. METHODS A total of 191 HBV-infected patients with solitary resectable HCC were prospectively enrolled. The stiffness of intratumoral tissue, peritumoral tissue, adjacent liver tissue, and distant liver tissue was evaluated by 2D-SWE. The correlations between stiffness and pathological characteristics were analyzed in 114 patients. The predictive value of stiffness for recurrence-free survival (RFS) was evaluated, and Cutoff Finder was used for determining optimal cut-off stiffness values. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to identify independent predictors of RFS. RESULTS Pathologically, intratumoral stiffness was associated with stroma proportion and microvascular invasion (MVI) while peritumoral stiffness was associated with tumor size, capsule, and MVI. Adjacent liver stiffness was correlated with capsule and liver fibrosis stage while distant liver stiffness was correlated with liver fibrosis stage. Peritumoral stiffness, adjacent liver stiffness, and distant liver stiffness were all correlated to RFS (all p < 0.05). Higher peritumoral stiffness (> 49.4 kPa) (HR = 1.822, p = 0.023) and higher adjacent liver stiffness (> 24.1 kPa) (HR = 1.792, p = 0.048) were significant independent predictors of worse RFS, along with tumor size and MVI. The nomogram based on these variables showed a C-index of 0.77 for RFS prediction. CONCLUSIONS Stiffness measured by 2D-SWE could be a tumor microenvironment and tumor invasiveness biomarker. Peritumoral stiffness and adjacent liver stiffness showed important values in predicting tumor recurrence after curative resection in HBV-related HCC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Tumor and liver stiffness measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography serve as imaging biomarkers for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence, reflecting biological behavior and tumor microenvironment. KEY POINTS • Stiffness measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography is a useful biomarker of tumor microenvironment and invasiveness. • Higher stiffness indicated more aggressive behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma. • The study showed the prognostic value of peritumoral stiffness and adjacent liver stiffness for recurrence-free survival. • The nomogram integrating peritumoral stiffness, adjacent liver stiffness, tumor size, and microvascular invasion showed a C-index of 0.77.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhong
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Haiyi Long
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuhua Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yifan Shi
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jianyun Peng
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ruiying Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Liya Su
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yu Duan
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Manxia Lin
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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16
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Lin PC, Hsu WY, Lee PY, Hsu SH, Chiou SS. Insights into Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Thalassemia: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12654. [PMID: 37628834 PMCID: PMC10454908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalassemia is a heterogeneous congenital hemoglobinopathy common in the Mediterranean region, Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia with increasing incidence in Northern Europe and North America due to immigration. Iron overloading is one of the major long-term complications in patients with thalassemia and can lead to organ damage and carcinogenesis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in both transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). The incidence of HCC in patients with thalassemia has increased over time, as better chelation therapy confers a sufficiently long lifespan for the development of HCC. The mechanisms of iron-overloading-associated HCC development include the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammation cytokines, dysregulated hepcidin, and ferroportin metabolism. The treatment of HCC in patients with thalassemia was basically similar to those in general population. However, due to the younger age of HCC onset in thalassemia, regular surveillance for HCC development is mandatory in TDT and NTDT. Other supplemental therapies and experiences of novel treatments for HCC in the thalassemia population were also reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Chin Lin
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; (P.-C.L.); (W.-Y.H.); (P.-Y.L.)
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yi Hsu
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; (P.-C.L.); (W.-Y.H.); (P.-Y.L.)
| | - Po-Yi Lee
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; (P.-C.L.); (W.-Y.H.); (P.-Y.L.)
| | - Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
- Center of Applied Genomics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shin Chiou
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan; (P.-C.L.); (W.-Y.H.); (P.-Y.L.)
- Center of Applied Genomics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
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17
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Liang Y, Wang Z, Peng Y, Dai Z, Lai C, Qiu Y, Yao Y, Shi Y, Shang J, Huang X. Development of ensemble learning models for prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients underwent postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1169102. [PMID: 37305570 PMCID: PMC10254793 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1169102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (PA-TACE) has been increasing widely used to improve the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, clinical outcomes vary from patient to patient, which calls for individualized prognostic prediction and early management. Methods A total of 274 HCC patients who underwent PA-TACE were enrolled in this study. The prediction performance of five machine learning models was compared and the prognostic variables of postoperative outcomes were identified. Results Compared with other machine learning models, the risk prediction model based on ensemble learning strategies, including Boosting, Bagging, and Stacking algorithms, presented better prediction performance for overall mortality and HCC recurrence. Moreover, the results showed that the Stacking algorithm had relatively low time consumption, good discriminative ability, and the best prediction performance. In addition, according to time-dependent ROC analysis, the ensemble learning strategies were found to perform well in predicting both OS and RFS for the patients. Our study also found that BCLC Stage, hsCRP/ALB and frequency of PA-TACE were relatively important variables in both overall mortality and recurrence, while MVI contributed more to the recurrence of the patients. Conclusion Among the five machine learning models, the ensemble learning strategies, especially the Stacking algorithm, could better predict the prognosis of HCC patients following PA-TACE. Machine learning models could also help clinicians identify the important prognostic factors that are clinically useful in individualized patient monitoring and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Liang
- Liver Transplantation Center and Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zirui Wang
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujiao Peng
- Liver Transplantation Center and Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zonglin Dai
- Liver Transplantation Center and Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunyou Lai
- Liver Transplantation Center and Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqin Qiu
- Liver Transplantation Center and Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yutong Yao
- Liver Transplantation Center and Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Liver Transplantation Center and Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Shang
- Liver Transplantation Center and Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolun Huang
- Liver Transplantation Center and Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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18
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Dalbeni A, Natola LA, Garbin M, Zoncapè M, Cattazzo F, Mantovani A, Vella A, Canè S, Kassem J, Bevilacqua M, Conci S, Campagnaro T, Ruzzenente A, Auriemma A, Drudi A, Zanoni G, Guglielmi A, Milella M, Sacerdoti D. Interleukin-6: A New Marker of Advanced-Sarcopenic HCC Cirrhotic Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092406. [PMID: 37173873 PMCID: PMC10177287 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major cause of liver-related death worldwide. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) promotes the growth of the HCC microenvironment. The correlation between Child-Pugh (CP) and HCC stage and between HCC stage and sarcopenia is still not clear. Our aim was to investigate whether IL-6 is correlated with HCC stage and could represent a diagnostic marker for sarcopenia. Ninety-three HCC cirrhotic patients in different stages, according to BCLC-2022 (stages A, B, and C), were enrolled. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, comprehensive of IL-6, were collected. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was measured using dedicated software on computer tomography (CT) images. IL-6 level was higher in advanced (BCLC C) compared to the early-intermediate (BCLC A-B) stages (21.4 vs. 7.7 pg/mL, p < 0.005). On multivariate analysis, IL-6 levels were statistically dependent on the degree of liver disease severity (CP score) and HCC stages (p = 0.001 and p = 0.044, respectively). Sarcopenic patients presented lower BMI (24.7 ± 5.3 vs. 28.5 ± 7.0), higher PMN/lymphocyte ratio (2.9 ± 2.4 vs. 2.3 ± 1.2) and increased values of log (IL-6) (1.3 ± 0.6 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3). Univariate logistic regression between sarcopenia and log (IL-6) showed a significant odds ratio (OR 14.88, p = 0.044) with an AUC of 0.72. IL-6 appears to be an effective biomarker for the diagnosis of advanced cirrhotic HCC. In addition, IL-6 could be considered a marker of cirrhotic HCC-related sarcopenia, suggesting further investigation with BIA- or CT-dedicated software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Dalbeni
- Internal Medicine Section C and Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Leonardo Antonio Natola
- Internal Medicine Section C and Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Marta Garbin
- Internal Medicine Section C and Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Mirko Zoncapè
- Internal Medicine Section C and Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Filippo Cattazzo
- Internal Medicine Section C and Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Mantovani
- Internal Medicine Section C and Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Vella
- Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Stefania Canè
- Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Jasmin Kassem
- Internal Medicine Section C and Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Bevilacqua
- Internal Medicine Section C and Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Simone Conci
- General Surgery Section, Hepato-Biliary Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Tommaso Campagnaro
- General Surgery Section, Hepato-Biliary Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Ruzzenente
- General Surgery Section, Hepato-Biliary Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandra Auriemma
- Medical Oncology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Drudi
- Radiology Section, Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zanoni
- Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Alfredo Guglielmi
- General Surgery Section, Hepato-Biliary Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Medical Oncology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - David Sacerdoti
- Internal Medicine Section C and Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
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Liang J, Ampuero J, Castell J, Zhang Q, Zhang S, Chen Y, Romero-Gómez M. Clinical application of Magnetic resonance elastography in hepatocellular carcinoma: from diagnosis to prognosis. Ann Hepatol 2023; 28:100889. [PMID: 36572210 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and a major public health problem worldwide. Liver fibrosis is closely correlated with liver functional reserve and the risk of HCC development. Meanwhile, malignant tumors generally have high cellularity compared to benign tumors, which results in increased stiffness. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has emerged as a new non-invasive technique for assessing tissue stiffness with excellent diagnostic accuracy, not only for assessing liver fibrosis but also for measuring tumor stiffness. Recent studies provide new evidence that MRE may play an important role in the management of patients with HCC and show several novel clinical applications, such as predicting the development of HCC, differentiating between benign/malignant liver lesions (FLL) and HCC pathological grades, assessing treatment response, and predicting recurrence after treatment, although some findings are controversial. Therefore, we conducted this review to summarize these novel applications of MRE in HCC patients and also discuss their limitations and future advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxu Liang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (Zhengzhou People's hospital), Zhengzhou, China; Digestive Diseases Unit, CIBEREHD, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (HUVR/CSIC/US), Seville, Spain, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Javier Ampuero
- Digestive Diseases Unit, CIBEREHD, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (HUVR/CSIC/US), Seville, Spain, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Javier Castell
- Department of Radiology, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (Zhengzhou People's hospital), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (Zhengzhou People's hospital), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (Zhengzhou People's hospital), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Manuel Romero-Gómez
- Digestive Diseases Unit, CIBEREHD, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (HUVR/CSIC/US), Seville, Spain, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
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20
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An Update on Phytochemicals in Redox Homeostasis: “Virtuous or Evil” in Cancer Chemoprevention? CHEMISTRY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/chemistry5010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox homeostasis, a dynamic process ensuring a balance between cellular oxidizing and reducing reactions, is crucial for maintaining healthy cellular physiology and regulating many biological processes, requiring continuous monitoring and fine-tuning. Reactive species play a critical role in intra/intercellular signaling, and each cell has a specific system guarding cellular redox homeostasis. ROS signaling and oxidative stress are involved in cancer initiation and progression. However, the generation of reactive species beyond the threshold level inside the tumor microenvironment is considered one of the therapeutic approaches. Various studies have shown that some phytochemicals can target the redox homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment. Recent advances have focused on developing and introducing phytochemical interventions as favorable therapeutic options against cancer. However, studies have also suggested the “virtuous” and “evil” impacts of phytochemicals. Some phytochemicals enhance therapeutic efficacy by promoting intracellular oxidant accumulation. However, under certain conditions, some phytochemicals may harm the cellular microenvironment to promote cancer and tend to target different pathways for cancer initiation and development instead of targeting redox homeostasis. In this context, this review is focused on providing an overall understanding of redox homeostasis and intends to highlight the potential positive and negative impacts of phytochemicals in redox homeostasis and disease development. We also discuss the recent nanotechnology-based advancements in combating cancer development.
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21
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Oxley M, Francis H, Sato K. Growth Hormone Signaling in Liver Diseases: Therapeutic Potentials and Controversies. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:24-30. [PMID: 36652958 DOI: 10.1055/a-2015-1359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) and downstream insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling mediate growth and metabolism. GH deficiency causes short stature or dwarfism, and excess GH causes acromegaly. Although the association of GH/IGF1 signaling with liver diseases has been suggested previously, current studies are controversial and the functional roles of GH/IGF1 signaling are still undefined. GH supplementation therapy showed promising therapeutic effects in some patients, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but inhibition of GH signaling may be beneficial for other liver diseases, such as hepatocellular carcinoma. The functional roles of GH/IGF1 signaling and the effects of agonists/antagonists targeting this signaling may differ depending on the liver injury or animal models. This review summarizes current controversial studies of GH/IGF1 signaling in liver diseases and discusses therapeutic potentials of GH therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madisyn Oxley
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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22
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Multifactorial Diseases of the Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, and Liver and Incident Cancer: Epidemiology and Shared Mechanisms. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030729. [PMID: 36765688 PMCID: PMC9913123 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the aging population, the frequency of cancer is increasing dramatically. In addition, multiple genetic and environmental factors lead to common multifactorial diseases, including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the connection between cancer and multifactorial diseases, as well as how one can affect the other, resulting in a vicious cycle. Although the exact mechanistic explanations behind this remain to be fully explored, some progress has been made in uncovering the common pathologic mechanisms. In this review, we focus on the nature of the link between cancer and common multifactorial conditions, as well as specific shared mechanisms, some of which may represent either preventive or therapeutic targets. Rather than organ-specific interactions, we herein focus on the shared mechanisms among the multifactorial diseases, which may explain the increased cancer risk. More research on this subject will highlight the significance of developing new drugs that target multiple systems rather than just one disease.
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23
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Cárdenas-Escudero J, Mármol-Rojas C, Escribano Pintor S, Galán-Madruga D, Cáceres JO. Honey polyphenols: regulators of human microbiota and health. Food Funct 2023; 14:602-620. [PMID: 36541681 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo02715a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A comprehensive review of research over the last decade was conducted to carry out this work. The main objective of this work is to present relevant evidence of the effect of honey intake on the human intestinal microbiota and its relationship with the improvement of various chronic diseases, such as cirrhosis, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity, among others. Therefore, this work focuses on the health-improving honey dietary supplementation implications associated with specific changes in the human microbiota and their biochemical mechanisms to enhance the proliferation of beneficial microorganisms and the inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms. Consumption of honey polyphenols significantly improves people's health conditions, especially in patients with chronic disease. Hence, honey intake unequivocally constitutes an alternative way to enhance health and could be used to prevent some relevant chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cárdenas-Escudero
- Laser Chemistry Research Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza de Ciencias 1, 28040 Madrid, Spain. .,Analytical Chemistry Department, FCNET, Universidad de Panamá, Bella Vista, Manuel E. Batista and José De Fábrega av., Ciudad Universitaria, Estafeta Universitaria, 3366, Panamá 4, Panamá
| | - C Mármol-Rojas
- Laser Chemistry Research Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza de Ciencias 1, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - S Escribano Pintor
- Laser Chemistry Research Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza de Ciencias 1, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - D Galán-Madruga
- National Centre for Environmental Health. Carlos III Health Institute, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo km 2.2, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - J O Cáceres
- Laser Chemistry Research Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza de Ciencias 1, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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24
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Wekesa C, Ocama P, Parkes-Ratanshi R, Kirk GD. Burden and correlates of significant liver fibrosis among HIV-infected and uninfected adults in urban Uganda. DIALOGUES IN HEALTH 2022; 1:100027. [PMID: 38515903 PMCID: PMC10953957 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2022.100027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Following chronic inflammation and other disease specific factors, the risk of liver disease is believed to be higher among HIV-infected patients than in the general population despite shared risk factors. Understanding this differentiated burden and its drivers will inform policy and priority populations for intervention. Methods This was a cross sectional study among 516 adults attending care clinics in Kampala Uganda. Significant liver fibrosis (SLF) was defined as liver stiffness measurement ≥7.2 KPa identified by Fibroscan®. Data analyses were stratified by HIV status and we performed logistic regression performed to identify correlates. Results The prevalence of SLF was higher among HIV un-infected patients ((24% Vs 14%; p0.004). Overall HIV-uninfected patients were more likely to be overweight and or obese, with elevated serum cholesterol levels. Elevated measurement of fatty change in the liver (CAP scores >248 dB/m) was associated with SLF among HIV un-infected patients (OR 2.3 CI (1.0-5.2); p = 0.046). Low nadir CD4 counts (200cell/mm3) was predictive of SLF among HIV-infected patients (OR 3.3 CI (1.0-10.7); p = 0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of SLF was unexpectedly higher among HIV un-infected than HIV affected patients attending care clinics in urban Uganda. This observed burden is most likely driven by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) resulting from metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Wekesa
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ponsiano Ocama
- Makerere University, College of Health Sciences Kampala, Uganda
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Abstract
AIM Fibrosis is a common pathological feature of most types of chronic liver injuries. There is no specific treatment for liver fibrosis at present. The liver microenvironment, which fosters the survival and activity of liver cells, plays an important role in maintaining the normal structure and physiological function of the liver. The aim of this review is to deeply understand the role of the liver microenvironment in the dynamic and complicated development of liver fibrosis. METHODS After searching in Elsevier ScienceDirect, PubMed and Web of Science databases using 'liver fibrosis' and 'microenvironment' as keywords, studies related to microenvironment in liver fibrosis was compiled and examined. RESULTS The homeostasis of the liver microenvironment is disrupted during the development of liver fibrosis, affecting liver cell function, causing various types of cell reactions, and changing the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, eventually affecting fibrosis formation. CONCLUSION Liver microenvironment may be important for identifying potential therapeutic targets, and restoring microenvironment homeostasis may be an important strategy for promoting the reversal of liver fibrosis.KEY MESSAGESThe homeostasis of the liver microenvironment is disrupted in liver fibrosis;A pro-fibrotic microenvironment is formed during the development of liver fibrosis;Restoring microenvironment homeostasis may be an important strategy for promoting the reversal of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Meng
- Department of General Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University First Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhengyi Zhang
- Department of General Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Dekui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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26
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20-Hydroxytetraenoic acid induces hepatic fibrosis via the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Toxicol Lett 2022; 373:1-12. [PMID: 36368619 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is caused by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) due to repeated liver injury. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of hepatic fibrosis. A study showed that CYP4A14 gene defect can inhibit hepatic fibrosis, but the specific mechanism was not clear. In this experiment, patients with hepatic fibrosis, LX-2 cells (a human HSCs line), and mice with liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were used to study the effect of 20-Hydroxytetraenoic acid (20-HETE), one of the main metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) catalyzed by CYP4A enzyme, on hepatic fibrosis and its mechanism. Our experimental results showed that the 20-HETE of patients with hepatic fibrosis is significantly higher than that of normal people and is closely related to the degree of fibrosis. 20-HETE could induce activation of LX-2 cells and 20-HETE antagonist could inhibit the induction of 20-HETE. 20-HETE was significantly increased in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice and inhibition of 20-HETE production could attenuate hepatic fibrosis. 20-HETE induced hepatic fibrosis mainly via the TGF- β1/Smad3 signal pathway. In conclusion, the results suggest that 20-HETE plays an important role in hepatic fibrosis and may be a possible target for the clinical treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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27
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Saab S, Pham N, Wu W, Dang L, Dang A, Yum J, Shim K, Wu S. Spontaneous Seroclearance Is Associated with Lower Liver Fibrosis in Treatment-Naïve Chronic Hepatitis B Patients. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:5309-5314. [PMID: 35244827 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07402-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major public health concern. Transient elastrography (TE) is a reliable method in assessing hepatic fibrosis in patients with liver disease. We assess the potential clinical associations between HBsAg seroclearance and the severity of liver fibrosis. METHODS We retrospectively performed a matched analysis of 23 consecutive HBsAg seroclearance patients who underwent TE between March 2008 and August 2021 from a community practice at a 1:3 ratio based on clinic visit date. Baseline laboratory and clinical data were collected. Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test for proportions, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for median were performed. RESULTS Twenty-three cases and 69 controls were identified. Median follow up (interquartile range) for the cases and controls was 24,314 (1402) and 2332 (1587) days (p = 0.15), respectively. All patients were Asian. Median age of cases was higher than controls (64 vs 52, p < 0.01, respectively). While most comorbidities were similar, diabetes and hyperlipidemia were more prevalent in cases. Baseline HBV DNA was detectable in 78% of cases and 97% of controls (p < 0.01). More cases had baseline HBsAg titers below 1000 IU/mL than controls (81% vs 8.7%, p < 0.01). Other baseline laboratory values were similar. Few cases had a fibrosis score greater than 1, while control had over a quarter of patients with a fibrosis score of 2 or 3. CONCLUSION Spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance remains rare in patients with chronic HBV infection. It is associated with low baseline HBsAg, and lower level of liver fibrosis as detected by TE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammy Saab
- Departments of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Nguyen Pham
- Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - William Wu
- Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Private Practice, Hacienda Heights, CA, 91745, USA
| | - Long Dang
- Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - An Dang
- Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jung Yum
- Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kisub Shim
- Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven Wu
- Private Practice, Hacienda Heights, CA, 91745, USA
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28
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Shokouhian B, Aboulkheyr Es H, Negahdari B, Tamimi A, Shahdoust M, Shpichka A, Timashev P, Hassan M, Vosough M. Hepatogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis: Alignment of the main signaling pathways. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3984-4000. [PMID: 36037302 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Development is a symphony of cells differentiation in which different signaling pathways are orchestrated at specific times and periods to form mature and functional cells from undifferentiated cells. The similarity of the gene expression profile in malignant and undifferentiated cells is an interesting topic that has been proposed for many years and gave rise to the differentiation-therapy concept, which appears a rational insight and should be reconsidered. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as the sixth common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide, is one of the health-threatening complications in communities where hepatotropic viruses are endemic. Sedentary lifestyle and high intake of calories are other risk factors. HCC is a complex condition in which various dimensions must be addressed, including heterogeneity of cells in the tumor mass, high invasiveness, and underlying diseases that limit the treatment options. Under these restrictions, recognizing, and targeting common signaling pathways during liver development and HCC could expedite to a rational therapeutic approach, reprograming malignant cells to well-differentiated ones in a functional state. Accordingly, in this review, we highlighted the commonalities of signaling pathways in hepatogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis, and comprised an update on the current status of targeting these pathways in laboratory studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahare Shokouhian
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Babak Negahdari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atena Tamimi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shahdoust
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Anastasia Shpichka
- World-Class Research Center "Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter Timashev
- World-Class Research Center "Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Moustapha Hassan
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Research Center (KFC) and Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Research Center (KFC) and Center for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
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29
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Liang Y, Zhang Z, Zhong D, Lai C, Dai Z, Zou H, Feng T, Shang J, Shi Y, Huang X. The prognostic significance of inflammation-immunity-nutrition score on postoperative survival and recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Front Oncol 2022; 12:913731. [PMID: 36016629 PMCID: PMC9396284 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.913731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammation, immunity, and nutrition status play important roles in tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of Inflammation-Immunity-Nutrition Score (IINS) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing radical surgery. Methods A total of 204 HCC patients who met the criteria were included in this retrospective study: 144 in the prediction model and 60 in the validation model. IINS was constructed based on the sum of classification scores of preoperative high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lymphocyte (LYM), and albumin (ALB). The associations between the IINS group and the clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed using Pearson’s χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate variables significant on univariate analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were conducted to investigate the prognostic values of IINS, Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and IINS-AFP classification. The prognostic performances of all the potential prognostic factors were further compared by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and time-dependent ROC curve. The internal validation and external validation were used to ensure the credibility of this prediction model. Results The patients were divided into low and high IINS groups according to the median of IINS. According to multivariate Cox regression analyses, the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Stage (P=0.003), AFP (P=0.013), and IINS (P=0.028) were independent prognostic factors for OS, and BCLC Stage (P=0.009), microvascular invasion (P=0.030), and IINS (P=0.031) were independent prognostic factors for PFS. High IINS group were associated with significantly worse OS and PFS compared with low IINS group (P<0.001; P=0.004). In terms of clinical prognosis, IINS-AFP classification was good in group I, moderate in group II, and poor in group III. Group I had a longer OS (P<0.001) and PFS (P=0.008) compared with group II and III. ROC analysis revealed that IINS-AFP classification had a better prognostic performance for OS (AUC: 0.767) and PFS (AUC: 0.641) than other predictors, excluding its slightly lower predictive power for PFS than IINS. The time-dependent ROC curves also showed that both IINS (12-month AUC: 0.650; 24-month AUC: 0.670; 36-month AUC: 0.880) and IINS-AFP classification (12-month AUC: 0.720; 24-month AUC: 0.760; 36-month AUC: 0.970) performed well in predicting OS for HCC patients. Furthermore, the internal validation and external validation proved that IINS had good predictive performance, strong internal validity and external applicability, and could be used to establish the prediction model. Conclusion Inflammation-immunity-nutrition score could be a powerful clinical prognostic indicator in HCC patients undergoing radical surgery. Furthermore, IINS-AFP classification presents better prognostic performance than IINS or AFP alone, and might serve as a practical guidance to help patients adjust treatment and follow-up strategies to improve future outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zilong Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Deyuan Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunyou Lai
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zonglin Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Haibo Zou
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianhang Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Shang
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaolun Huang, ; Ying Shi,
| | - Xiaolun Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaolun Huang, ; Ying Shi,
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Correlation analysis of structural and biomechanical properties of hepatocellular carcinoma tissue. J Biomech 2022; 141:111227. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Singh SP, Mondia N. Comment on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma with chronic hepatitis B infection in Sweden. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:3592. [PMID: 35811444 PMCID: PMC9701461 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Satender Pal Singh
- Department of HepatologyInstitute of Liver and Biliary SciencesNew DelhiIndia
| | - Nitisha Mondia
- Department of PediatricsKalawati Saran Children Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical CollegeNew DelhiIndia
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Yamaguchi T, Yoshida K, Murata M, Suwa K, Tsuneyama K, Matsuzaki K, Naganuma M. Smad3 Phospho-Isoform Signaling in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116270. [PMID: 35682957 PMCID: PMC9181097 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic steatosis with insulin resistance, oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, adipokine secretion by fat cells, endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) released by gut microbiota, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Together, these factors promote NAFLD progression from steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and eventually end-stage liver diseases in a proportion of cases. Hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenesis often progress together, sharing inflammatory pathways. However, NASH can lead to hepatocarcinogenesis with minimal inflammation or fibrosis. In such instances, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and lipotoxicity can directly lead to liver carcinogenesis through genetic and epigenetic alterations. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling is implicated in hepatic fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. TGF-β type I receptor (TβRI) and activated-Ras/c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) differentially phosphorylate the mediator Smad3 to create two phospho-isoforms: C-terminally phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C) and linker-phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3L). TβRI/pSmad3C signaling terminates cell proliferation, while constitutive Ras activation and JNK-mediated pSmad3L promote hepatocyte proliferation and carcinogenesis. The pSmad3L signaling pathway also antagonizes cytostatic pSmad3C signaling. This review addresses TGF-β/Smad signaling in hepatic carcinogenesis complicating NASH. We also discuss Smad phospho-isoforms as biomarkers predicting HCC in NASH patients with or without cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.Y.); (M.M.); (K.S.); (K.M.); (M.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-72-804-0101; Fax: +81-72-804-2524
| | - Katsunori Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.Y.); (M.M.); (K.S.); (K.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Miki Murata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.Y.); (M.M.); (K.S.); (K.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Kanehiko Suwa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.Y.); (M.M.); (K.S.); (K.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan;
| | - Koichi Matsuzaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.Y.); (M.M.); (K.S.); (K.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Makoto Naganuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.Y.); (M.M.); (K.S.); (K.M.); (M.N.)
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Yan J, Fang X, Feng Y, Cui X, Li F, Luo W, Ma X, Liang J, Feng J. Identification of key genes associated with the progression of liver fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma based on iTRAQ proteomics and GEO database. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100681. [PMID: 35124283 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Liver fibrosis (LF) often leads to cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the molecular mechanism remains unclear. The aims of the present study were to identify potential biomarkers for the progression of LF to HCC and explore the associated molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) was used to detect changes in the protein expression profiles of liver tissues and to screen the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of LF rats and patients were screened by Gene Expression Database (GEO). Subsequently, the clinicopathological analysis of the overlapping genes in different pathological stages in HCC patients based on GEPIA database was conducted. RESULTS iTRAQ proteomic analysis revealed 689, 749 and 585 DEPs in the 6W, 8W and 12W groups, respectively. ALDH2, SLC27A5 and ASNS were not only the DEPs found in rats with LF with different stages but were also the DEGs related to the pathological stages and survival in patients with HCC. CONCLUSIONS ALDH2, SLC27A5 and ASNS were the potential biomarkers associated with the progression of LF to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongyi Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Xuewan Fang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Yinyi Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Xiaojuan Cui
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Fang Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Weisheng Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Xiaocong Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Jianqin Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China; Guangxi Superior Proprietary Chinese Medicine and Ethnic Medicine Development Engineering Technology Research Centre, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China.
| | - Jianfang Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China; Guangxi Superior Proprietary Chinese Medicine and Ethnic Medicine Development Engineering Technology Research Centre, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China.
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Yu S, Ericson M, Fanjul A, Erion DM, Paraskevopoulou M, Smith EN, Cole B, Feaver R, Holub C, Gavva N, Horman SR, Huang J. Genome-wide CRISPR Screening to Identify Drivers of TGF-β-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Human Hepatic Stellate Cells. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:918-929. [PMID: 35274923 PMCID: PMC9016707 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis progression in chronic liver disease leads to cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma and often ends in liver transplantation. Even with an increased understanding of liver fibrogenesis and many attempts to generate therapeutics specifically targeting fibrosis, there is no approved treatment for liver fibrosis. To further understand and characterize the driving mechanisms of liver fibrosis, we developed a high-throughput genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening platform to identify hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-derived mediators of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced liver fibrosis. The functional genomics phenotypic screening platform described here revealed the novel biology of TGF-β-induced fibrogenesis and potential drug targets for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Yu
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Matthew Ericson
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Andrea Fanjul
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Derek M. Erion
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Maria Paraskevopoulou
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Erin N. Smith
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Banumathi Cole
- HemoShear Therapeutics, Inc., Charlottesville, Virginia 22902, United States
| | - Ryan Feaver
- HemoShear Therapeutics, Inc., Charlottesville, Virginia 22902, United States
| | - Corine Holub
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Narender Gavva
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Shane R. Horman
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jie Huang
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, California 92121, United States
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Yang C, Zhang H, Chen M, Wang S, Qian R, Zhang L, Huang X, Wang J, Liu Z, Qin W, Wang C, Hang H, Wang H. A survey of optimal strategy for signature-based drug repositioning and an application to liver cancer. eLife 2022; 11:71880. [PMID: 35191375 PMCID: PMC8893721 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacologic perturbation projects, such as Connectivity Map (CMap) and Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures (LINCS), have produced many perturbed expression data, providing enormous opportunities for computational therapeutic discovery. However, there is no consensus on which methodologies and parameters are the most optimal to conduct such analysis. Aiming to fill this gap, new benchmarking standards were developed to quantitatively evaluate drug retrieval performance. Investigations of potential factors influencing drug retrieval were conducted based on these standards. As a result, we determined an optimal approach for LINCS data-based therapeutic discovery. With this approach, homoharringtonine (HHT) was identified to be a candidate agent with potential therapeutic and preventive effects on liver cancer. The antitumor and antifibrotic activity of HHT was validated experimentally using subcutaneous xenograft tumor model and carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced liver fibrosis model, demonstrating the reliability of the prediction results. In summary, our findings will not only impact the future applications of LINCS data but also offer new opportunities for therapeutic intervention of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailin Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengnuo Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siying Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruolan Qian
- Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linmeng Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowen Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhicheng Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenxin Qin
- Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cun Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hualian Hang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Safety and efficacy of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine based on live-attenuated Listeria monocytogenes in hepatobiliary cancers. Oncogene 2022; 41:2039-2053. [PMID: 35173308 PMCID: PMC8853207 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02222-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) comprising hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) represents the third deadliest cancer worldwide with still insufficient treatment options. We have previously found that CD4 T helper 1 (Th1) response is indispensable for the protection against PLC. In the present research, we aimed to test the potent inducers of Th1 responses, live-attenuated Listeria monocytogenes ∆actA/∆inlB strain as preventive/therapeutic vaccine candidate in liver fibrosis, HCC, and CCA. Studies were performed using autochthonous models of HCC and CCA, highly reflecting human disease. L. monocytogenes ∆actA/∆inlB demonstrated strong safety/efficacy in premalignant and malignant liver diseases. The protective mechanism relied on the induction of strong tumor-specific immune responses that keep the development of hepatobiliary cancers under control. Combination therapy, comprising Listeria vaccination and a checkpoint inhibitor blockade significantly extended the survival of HCC-bearing mice even at the advanced stages of the disease. This is the first report on the safety and efficacy of Listeria-based vaccine in liver fibrosis, as well as the first proof of principle study on Listeria-based vaccines in CCA. Our study paves the way for the use of live-attenuated Listeria as safe and efficient vaccine and a potent inducer of protective immune responses in liver fibrosis and hepatobiliary malignancies. Protective immune mechanism induced by live-attenuated double-deleted L. monocytogenes ∆actA/∆inlB vaccine strain delivering tumor antigens keeps hepatobiliary malignancies under control. Live-attenuated, double-deleted L. monocytogenes ∆actA/∆inlB strain expressing model tumor antigen was used in both, prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination settings. Vaccination was safe and led to: (i) induction of protective tumor-specific Th1 immune responses in premalignant and malignant stages and strong increase of tumor-specific IFN-ɣ+ CD4 and CD8 T cells; (ii) decrease of T regulatory cells; (iii) downregulation of several tumor-promoting ICI molecules (PD-1, CD160, LAG3, 4-1BBL) on CD4/CD8 T lymphocytes; (iv) decrease of tumor-specific IgG in serum, and (v) decrease of B lymphocytes, DC and MΦ locally in livers. iCCA, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.![]()
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Lin MT, Chiu SYH, Chang KC, Li WF, Yong CC, Liu YW, Wang JH, Kuo FY, Huang CC, Wang CC, Hsiao CC, Hu TH. Significant association between serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2-binding protein and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical treatment. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:601-614. [PMID: 35261790 PMCID: PMC8899980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2 binding protein (WFA+-M2BP) is a novel marker for evaluating fibrosis and predicting the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of WFA+-M2BP in the prognosis of HCC patients after curative surgery remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of serum WFA+-M2BP in HCC patients after curative resection and liver transplantation. We enrolled 460 HCC patients (357 resection and 103 transplantation) to analyze the risk factors for HCC recurrence and patient's survival. We employed time-to-event models using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses and calculated the hazard ratios (HRs) and adjusted HRs with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The levels of WFA+-M2BP were 0.19-14.51 COI (median 1.08) in patients of hepatectomy and 0.47-19.90 COI (median 6.0) in transplant patients. The levels of WFA+-M2BP in liver transplant patients is much higher than that of hepatectomy patients. Overall, liver fibrotic stage was positively correlated to WFA+-M2BP levels (P<0.0001). This study demonstrated that elevated WFA+-M2BP level (COI ≥0.75) was associated with a higher HCC recurrence rate in the resection group (P<0.001). Survival analysis showed that an elevated WFA+-M2BP level (COI ≥1.43) is associated with a higher mortality risk after surgical resection (P=0.0088) in the univariate analysis only. In liver transplant patients, WFA+-M2BP level (COI ≥3.81) did not predict HCC recurrence at all, but was associated poor survival after transplantation, with a borderline significance (P=0.0943). Serum WFA+-M2BP is a reliable marker for liver fibrosis in the present study. It is also reliable marker to predict prognosis of HCC after surgical resection. However, the prognostic role of WFA+-M2BP in HCC related transplants is equivocal, which is different from that of surgical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Tsung Lin
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial HospitalKaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Sherry Yueh-Hsia Chiu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial HospitalKaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- Department of Health Care Management, College of Management and Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chin Chang
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial HospitalKaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Feng Li
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial HospitalKaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chee-Chien Yong
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial HospitalKaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Wei Liu
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial HospitalKaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Houng Wang
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial HospitalKaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Ying Kuo
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial HospitalKaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial HospitalKaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chi Wang
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial HospitalKaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Chun Hsiao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial HospitalKaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hui Hu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial HospitalKaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
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Patten DA, Wilkinson AL, O'Keeffe A, Shetty S. Scavenger Receptors: Novel Roles in the Pathogenesis of Liver Inflammation and Cancer. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:61-76. [PMID: 34553345 PMCID: PMC8893982 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1733876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The scavenger receptor superfamily represents a highly diverse collection of evolutionarily-conserved receptors which are known to play key roles in host homeostasis, the most prominent of which is the clearance of unwanted endogenous macromolecules, such as oxidized low-density lipoproteins, from the systemic circulation. Members of this family have also been well characterized in their binding and internalization of a vast range of exogenous antigens and, consequently, are generally considered to be pattern recognition receptors, thus contributing to innate immunity. Several studies have implicated scavenger receptors in the pathophysiology of several inflammatory diseases, such as Alzheimer's and atherosclerosis. Hepatic resident cellular populations express a diverse complement of scavenger receptors in keeping with the liver's homeostatic functions, but there is gathering interest in the contribution of these receptors to hepatic inflammation and its complications. Here, we review the expression of scavenger receptors in the liver, their functionality in liver homeostasis, and their role in inflammatory liver disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Patten
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alex L. Wilkinson
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ayla O'Keeffe
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Shishir Shetty
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Zhu Y, Shan D, Guo L, Chen S, Li X. Immune-Related lncRNA Pairs Clinical Prognosis Model Construction for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:1919-1931. [PMID: 35237066 PMCID: PMC8882675 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s343350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an essential regulatory role in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This paper aims to establish an immune-related lncRNA (irlncRNA) pairs model independent of expression level for risk assessment and prognosis prediction of HCC. Methods Transcriptome data and corresponding clinical data were downloaded from TCGA. HCC patients were randomly divided into training group and test group. Univariate Cox regression analysis, LASSO regression analysis, and stepwise multiple Cox regression analysis were used to establish a prognostic model. The prediction ability of the model was verified by ROC curves. Next, the patients were divided into low-risk and high-risk groups. We compared the differences between the two groups in survival rate, clinicopathological characteristics, tumor immune cell infiltration status, chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and immunosuppressive molecules. Results A prognosis prediction model was established based on 7 irlncRNA pairs, namely irlncRNA pairs (IRLP). ROC curves of the training group and test group showed that the IRLP model had high sensitivity and specificity for survival prediction. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the survival rate of the high-risk group was significantly lower than that of the low-risk group. Immune cell infiltration analysis showed that the high-risk group was significantly correlated with various immune cell infiltration. Finally, there were statistically significant differences in chemosensitivity and molecular marker expression between the two groups. Conclusion The prognosis prediction model established by irlncRNA pairs has a certain guiding significance for the prognosis prediction of HCC. It may provide valuable clinical applications in antitumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghui Zhu
- Department of Digestology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dezhi Shan
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lianyi Guo
- Department of Digestology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shujia Chen
- Department of Digestology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaofei Li
- Department of Digestology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Xiaofei Li, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121000, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Wang H, Zheng S, Jiang H, Wang X, Zhou F, Weng Z. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals a novel cell state and switching genes during hepatic stellate cell activation in vitro. J Transl Med 2022; 20:53. [PMID: 35093101 PMCID: PMC8800312 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03263-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The transformation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) to myofibroblast is a key event during liver fibrogenesis. However, the differentiation trajectory of HSC-to-myofibroblast transition and the switching genes during this process remains not well understood. Methods We applied single-cell sequencing data to reconstruct a single-lineage pseudotime trajectory of HSC transdifferentiation in vitro and analyzed the gene expression patterns along the trajectory. GeneSwitches was used to identify the order of critical gene expression and functional events during HSC activation. Results A novel cell state during HSC activation was revealed and the HSCs belonging to this state may be an important origin of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Combining single-cell transcriptomics with GeneSwitches analyses, we identified some distinct switching genes and the order at which these switches take place for the new state of HSC and the classic culture-activated HSC, respectively. Based on the top switching genes, we established a four-gene combination which exhibited highly diagnostic accuracy in predicting advanced liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or hepatitis B (HBV). Conclusion Our study revealed a novel cell state during HSC activation which may be relevant to CAFs, and identified switching genes that may play key roles in HSC transdifferentiation and serve as predictive markers of advanced fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03263-4.
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Maestri M, Pallozzi M, Santopaolo F, Cerrito L, Pompili M, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. Durvalumab: an investigational agent for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:347-360. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2033208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Maestri
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
| | - Maria Pallozzi
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
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Srivastava A, Sharma H, Khanna S, Sadhu Balasundaram T, Chowdhury S, Chowdhury R, Mukherjee S. Interleukin-6 Induced Proliferation Is Attenuated by Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced Signaling in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 11:811941. [PMID: 35127527 PMCID: PMC8810489 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.811941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often associated with an inflammatory setting. A plethora of cytokines are secreted in this milieu, actively contributing to the progression of the disease; however, the extent of cytokine interaction and how it contributes to HCC development remains an enigma. In this regard, our analysis of available patient-derived data suggests that cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) are enriched in HCC. We further analyzed the effect of these cytokines independently or in combination on HCC cells. Importantly, IL-6 was found to induce a STAT-3-dependent proliferation and mediate its pro-proliferative effects through activation and direct interaction with the p65 subunit of NFkB. Alternatively, TGF-β was found to induce a SMAD-dependent induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) coupled to growth arrest in these cells. Interestingly, the simultaneous addition of IL-6 and TGF-β failed to profoundly impact EMT markers but resulted in attenuation of IL-6-induced pro-proliferative effects. Analysis of the putative molecular mechanism revealed a decrease in IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) transcript levels, reduced expression of IL-6-induced STAT-3, and its nuclear localization upon addition of TGF-β along with IL-6. Consequently, a reduced p65 activation was also observed in combination treatment. Importantly, SMAD levels were unperturbed and the cells showed more TGF-β-like features under combination treatment. Finally, we observed that TGF-β resulted in enrichment of repressive chromatin mark (H3K27me3) coupled to growth arrest, while IL-6 induced an open chromatin signature (H3K4me3) associated with an enhanced expression of EZH2. Overall, for the first time, we show that TGF-β attenuates IL-6-induced effects by regulating the receptor level, downstream signaling, and the epigenome. Understanding the complex interactions between these cytokines can be imperative to a better understanding of the disease, and manipulation of cytokine balance can act as a prospective future therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sudeshna Mukherjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Rajasthan, India
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Wang N, Cao T, Han F, Xie Y, Zhong X, Ma S, Kwan A, Fan Z, Han H, Bi X, Noureddin M, Deshpande V, Christodoulou AG, Li D. Free-breathing multitasking multi-echo MRI for whole-liver water-specific T 1 , proton density fat fraction, and R2∗ quantification. Magn Reson Med 2022; 87:120-137. [PMID: 34418152 PMCID: PMC8616772 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.28970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a 3D multitasking multi-echo (MT-ME) technique for the comprehensive characterization of liver tissues with 5-min free-breathing acquisition; whole-liver coverage; a spatial resolution of 1.5 × 1.5 × 6 mm3 ; and simultaneous quantification of T1 , water-specific T1 (T1w ), proton density fat fraction (PDFF), and R2∗ . METHODS Six-echo bipolar spoiled gradient echo readouts following inversion recovery preparation was performed to generate T1 , water/fat, and R2∗ contrast. MR multitasking was used to reconstruct the MT-ME images with 3 spatial dimensions: 1 T1 recovery dimension, 1 multi-echo dimension, and 1 respiratory dimension. A basis function-based approach was developed for T1w quantification, followed by the estimation of R2∗ and T1 -corrected PDFF. The intrasession repeatability and agreement against references of MT-ME measurements were tested on a phantom and 15 clinically healthy subjects. In addition, 4 patients with confirmed liver diseases were recruited, and the agreement between MT-ME measurements and references was assessed. RESULTS MT-ME produced high-quality, coregistered T1 , T1w , PDFF, and R2∗ maps with good intrasession repeatability and substantial agreement with references on phantom and human studies. The intra-class coefficients of T1 , T1w , PDFF, and R2∗ from the repeat MT-ME measurements on clinically healthy subjects were 0.989, 0.990, 0.999, and 0.988, respectively. The intra-class coefficients of T1 , PDFF, and R2∗ between the MT-ME and reference measurements were 0.924, 0.987, and 0.975 in healthy subjects and 0.980, 0.999, and 0.998 in patients. The T1w was independent to PDFF (R = -0.029, P = .904). CONCLUSION The proposed MT-ME technique quantifies T1 , T1w , PDFF, and R2∗ simultaneously and is clinically promising for the comprehensive characterization of liver tissue properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tianle Cao
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fei Han
- MR Research and Development, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yibin Xie
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaodong Zhong
- MR Research and Development, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sen Ma
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alan Kwan
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Departments of Imaging and Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Zhaoyang Fan
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hui Han
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaoming Bi
- MR Research and Development, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mazen Noureddin
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vibhas Deshpande
- MR Research and Development, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Austin, TX, USA
| | - Anthony G. Christodoulou
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Debiao Li
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Corresponding Author Contact Information: Debiao Li, Ph.D., Director, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, PACT 400, Los Angeles, California, USA 90048, Phone: 310-423-7743,
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Dark and bright side of targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 in the liver. J Hepatol 2021; 75:1440-1451. [PMID: 34364916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor 4 (FGFR4) and its cognate ligand, FGF19, are implicated in a range of cellular processes, including differentiation, metabolism and proliferation. Indeed, their aberrant activation has been associated with the development of hepatic tumours. Despite great advances in early diagnosis and the development of new therapies, liver cancer is still associated with a high mortality rate, owing primarily to high molecular heterogeneity and unclear molecular targeting. The development of FGFR4 inhibitors is a promising tool in patients with concomitant supraphysiological levels of FGF19 and several clinical trials are testing these treatments for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Conversely, using FGF19 analogues to activate FGFR4-KLOTHO β represents a novel therapeutic strategy in patients presenting with cholestatic liver disorders and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which could potentially prevent the development of metabolic HCC. Herein, we provide an overview of the currently available therapeutic options for targeting FGFR4 in HCC and other liver diseases, highlighting the need to carefully stratify patients and personalise therapeutic strategies.
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Schinagl M, Tomin T, Gindlhuber J, Honeder S, Pfleger R, Schittmayer M, Trauner M, Birner-Gruenberger R. Proteomic Changes of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312782. [PMID: 34884585 PMCID: PMC8657869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the major cellular drivers of liver fibrosis. Upon liver inflammation caused by a broad range of insults including non-alcoholic fatty liver, HSC transform from a quiescent into a proliferating, fibrotic phenotype. Although much is known about the pathophysiology of this process, exact cellular processes which occur in HSC and enable this transformation remain yet to be elucidated. In order to investigate this HSC transformation, we employed a simple, yet reliable model of HSC activation via an increase in growth medium serum concentration (serum activation). For that purpose, immortalized human LX-2 HSC were exposed to either 1% or 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Resulting quiescent (1% FBS) and activated (10% FBS) LX-2 cells were then subjected to in-depth mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis as well as comprehensive phenotyping. Protein network analysis of activated LX-2 cells revealed an increase in the production of ribosomal proteins and proteins related to cell cycle control and migration, resulting in higher proliferation and faster migration phenotypes. Interestingly, we also observed a decrease in the expression of cholesterol and fatty acid biosynthesis proteins in accordance with a concomitant loss of cytosolic lipid droplets during activation. Overall, this work provides an update on HSC activation characteristics using contemporary proteomic and bioinformatic analyses and presents an accessible model for HSC activation. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD029121.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Schinagl
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Technische Universität Wien, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.); (T.T.); (R.P.); (M.S.)
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.G.); (S.H.)
| | - Tamara Tomin
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Technische Universität Wien, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.); (T.T.); (R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Juergen Gindlhuber
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.G.); (S.H.)
| | - Sophie Honeder
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.G.); (S.H.)
| | - Raphael Pfleger
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Technische Universität Wien, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.); (T.T.); (R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Matthias Schittmayer
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Technische Universität Wien, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.); (T.T.); (R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Ruth Birner-Gruenberger
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Technische Universität Wien, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.); (T.T.); (R.P.); (M.S.)
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.G.); (S.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Teeli AS, Łuczyńska K, Haque E, Gayas MA, Winiarczyk D, Taniguchi H. Disruption of Tumor Suppressors HNF4α/HNF1α Causes Tumorigenesis in Liver. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215357. [PMID: 34771521 PMCID: PMC8582545 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α (HNF4α) and hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α (HNF1α) are transcription factors that influence the development and maintenance of homeostasis in a variety of tissues, including the liver. As such, disruptions in their transcriptional networks can herald a number of pathologies, such as tumorigenesis. Largely considered tumor suppressants in liver cancer, these transcription factors regulate key events of inflammation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metabolic reprogramming, and the differentiation status of the cell. High-throughput analysis of cancer cell genomes has identified a number of hotspot mutations in HNF1α and HNF4α in liver cancer. Such results also showcase HNF1α and HNF4α as important therapeutic targets helping us step into the era of personalized medicine. In this review, we update current findings on the roles of HNF1α and HNF4α in liver cancer development and progression. It covers the molecular mechanisms of HNF1α and HNF4α dysregulation and also highlights the potential of HNF4α as a therapeutic target in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamir Salam Teeli
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, Poland; (A.S.T.); (K.Ł.); (E.H.); (D.W.)
| | - Kamila Łuczyńska
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, Poland; (A.S.T.); (K.Ł.); (E.H.); (D.W.)
| | - Effi Haque
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, Poland; (A.S.T.); (K.Ł.); (E.H.); (D.W.)
| | - Mohmmad Abrar Gayas
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-K, Jammu 19000, India;
| | - Dawid Winiarczyk
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, Poland; (A.S.T.); (K.Ł.); (E.H.); (D.W.)
| | - Hiroaki Taniguchi
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, Poland; (A.S.T.); (K.Ł.); (E.H.); (D.W.)
- Correspondence:
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Caligiuri A, Gentilini A, Pastore M, Gitto S, Marra F. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Liver Fibrosis Regression. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102759. [PMID: 34685739 PMCID: PMC8534788 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver injury of different etiologies may result in hepatic fibrosis, a scar formation process consisting in altered deposition of extracellular matrix. Progression of fibrosis can lead to impaired liver architecture and function, resulting in cirrhosis and organ failure. Although fibrosis was previous thought to be an irreversible process, recent evidence convincingly demonstrated resolution of fibrosis in different organs when the cause of injury is removed. In the liver, due to its high regenerative ability, the extent of fibrosis regression and reversion to normal architecture is higher than in other tissues, even in advanced disease. The mechanisms of liver fibrosis resolution can be recapitulated in the following main points: removal of injurious factors causing chronic hepatic damage, elimination, or inactivation of myofibroblasts (through various cell fates, including apoptosis, senescence, and reprogramming), inactivation of inflammatory response and induction of anti-inflammatory/restorative pathways, and degradation of extracellular matrix. In this review, we will discuss the major cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the regression of fibrosis/cirrhosis and the potential therapeutic approaches aimed at reversing the fibrogenic process.
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Di Martino JS, Akhter T, Bravo-Cordero JJ. Remodeling the ECM: Implications for Metastasis and Tumor Dormancy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4916. [PMID: 34638400 PMCID: PMC8507703 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
While most primary tumors can be effectively treated, therapeutics fail to efficiently eliminate metastases. Metastases arise from cancer cells that leave the primary tumor and seed distant sites. Recent studies have shown that cancer cells disseminate early during tumor progression and can remain dormant for years before they resume growth. In these metastatic organs, cancer cells reside in microenvironments where they interact with other cells, but also with the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM was long considered to be an inert, non-cellular component of tissues, providing their architecture. However, in recent years, a growing body of evidence has shown that the ECM is a key driver of cancer progression, and it can exert effects on tumor cells, regulating their metastatic fate. ECM remodeling and degradation is required for the early steps of the metastatic cascade: invasion, tumor intravasation, and extravasation. Similarly, ECM molecules have been shown to be important for metastatic outgrowth. However, the role of ECM molecules on tumor dormancy and their contribution to the dormancy-supportive niches is not well understood. In this perspective article, we will summarize the current knowledge of ECM and its role in tumor metastasis and dormancy. We will discuss how a better understanding of the individual components of the ECM niche and their roles mediating the dormant state of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) will advance the development of new therapies to target dormant cells and prevent metastasis outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jose Javier Bravo-Cordero
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (J.S.D.M.); (T.A.)
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Identification of miR-199a-5p, miR-214-3p and miR-99b-5p as Fibrosis-Specific Extracellular Biomarkers and Promoters of HSC Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189799. [PMID: 34575957 PMCID: PMC8464755 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) resulting in the formation of fibrous scars. In the clinic, liver biopsies are the standard diagnostic method despite the potential for clinical complications. miRNAs are single-stranded, non-coding RNAs that can be detected in tissues, body fluids and cultured cells. The regulation of many miRNAs has been linked to tissue damage, including liver fibrosis in patients, resulting in aberrant miRNA expression/release. Experimental evidence also suggests that miRNAs are regulated in a similar manner in vitro and could thus serve as translational in vitro–in vivo biomarkers. In this work, we set out to identify and characterize biomarkers for liver fibrosis that could be used in vitro and clinically for research and diagnostic purposes. We focused on miRNAs released from hepatic 3D cultures exposed to methotrexate (MTX), which causes fibrosis, and acetaminophen (APAP), an acute hepatotoxicant with no clinically relevant association to liver fibrosis. Using a 3D in vitro model, we corroborated compound-specific responses as we show MTX induced a fibrotic response, and APAP did not. Performing miRNA-seq of cell culture supernatants, we identified potential miRNA biomarkers (miR-199a-5p, miR-214-3p, niRNA-125a-5p and miR-99b-5p) that were associated with a fibrotic phenotype and not with hepatocellular damage alone. Moreover, transfection of HSC with miR-199a-5p led to decreased expression of caveolin-1 and increased α-SMA expression, suggesting its role in HSC activation. In conclusion, we propose that extracellular miR-214-3p, miR-99b-5p, miR-125a-5p and specifically miR-199a-5p could contribute towards a panel of miRNAs for identifying liver fibrosis and that miR-199a-5p, miR-214-3p and miR-99b-5p are promoters of HSC activation.
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50
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Baglieri J, Zhang C, Liang S, Liu X, Nishio T, Rosenthal SB, Dhar D, Su H, Cong M, Jia J, Hosseini M, Karin M, Kisseleva T, Brenner DA. Nondegradable Collagen Increases Liver Fibrosis but Not Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:1564-1579. [PMID: 34119473 PMCID: PMC8406794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although hepatocellular cancer (HCC) usually occurs in the setting of liver fibrosis, the causal relationship between liver fibrosis and HCC is unclear. in vivo and in vitro models of HCC involving Colr/r mice (that produce a collagenase-resistant type I collagen) or wild-type (WT) mice were used to assess the relationship between type I collagen, liver fibrosis, and experimental HCC. HCC was either chemically induced in WT and Colr/r mice or Hepa 1-6 cells were engrafted into WT and Colr/r livers. The effect of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from WT and Colr/r mice on the growth of Hepa 1-6 cells was studied by using multicellular tumor spheroids and xenografts. Collagen type I deposition and fibrosis were increased in Colr/r mice, but they developed fewer and smaller tumors. Hepa 1-6 cells had reduced tumor growth in the livers of Colr/r mice. Although Colr/r HSCs exhibited a more activated phenotype, Hepa 1-6 growth and malignancy were suppressed in multicellular tumor spheroids and in xenografts containing Colr/r HSCs. Treatment with vitronectin, which mimics the presence of degraded collagen fragments, converted the Colr/r phenotype into a WT phenotype. Although Colr/r mice have increased liver fibrosis, they exhibited decreased HCC in several models. Thus, increased liver type I collagen does not produce increased experimental HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Baglieri
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Cuili Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Takahiro Nishio
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Sara B Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Debanjan Dhar
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Hua Su
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Min Cong
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis and National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Jidong Jia
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis and National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Mojgan Hosseini
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Michael Karin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - David A Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California.
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