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Chi HC, Lin YH, Wu YH, Chang CC, Wu CH, Yeh CT, Hsieh CC, Lin KH. CCL16 is a pro-tumor chemokine that recruits monocytes and macrophages to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:3600-3613. [PMID: 39113854 PMCID: PMC11301285 DOI: 10.62347/vctw6889] [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: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Intricate signaling cascades involving chemokines and their cognate receptors on neoplastic and immune constituents within tumor microenvironment have garnered substantial research interest. Our investigation delineates the contribution of Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 16 (CCL16) to the clinico-pathological features and tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Analysis of 237 pairs of HCC specimens unraveled a significant association between CCL16 expression and vascular invasion, early-stage clinicopathological features, and diminished recurrence-free survival among HCC patients. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assays of the clinical HCC specimens indicated elevated CCL16 in tumorous versus normal hepatic tissues. Our in vivo experiments demonstrated CCL16 overexpression fostered tumor proliferation, whereas in vitro assays elucidated that CCL16-mediated chemotactic recruitment of monocytes and M2 macrophages was orchestrated via CCR1 and CCR5. In contrast to previous claims that CCL16 is physiologically irrelevant and has minimal affinity for its receptors (CCR1, CCR2, CCR5, CCR8), our findings unravel that inhibition of CCL16/CCR1 and CCL16/CCR5 interactions through receptor-specific antagonists markedly impeded CCL16-directed chemotaxis, migration, adhesion, and leukocyte recruitment. Moreover, CCL16-overexpression in HCCs significantly augmented levels of several cytokines implicated in tumor progression, namely IL-6, IL-10 and VEGFA. IHC analysis of CCL16-overexpressing xenografts elicited greatly enhanced levels of VEGFA and IL-6, while assessments of HCC specimens confirmed a positive correlation between CCL16 expression and IL-6 and VEGFA levels. Collectively, our study highlights oncogenic role of CCL16 in hepatocarcinogenesis and provides a foundational basis for novel therapeutic interventions targeting the CCL16/CCR1/CCR5 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiang-Cheng Chi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical UniversityTaichung 404, Taiwan
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical UniversityTaichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Hsiang Lin
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial HospitalLinkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Harn Wu
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chih Chang
- Department of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial HospitalChiayi 613016, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Heng Wu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial HospitalLinkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial HospitalLinkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chuan Hsieh
- Department of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial HospitalChiayi 613016, Taiwan
| | - Kwang-Huei Lin
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial HospitalLinkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung UniversityTaoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung UniversityTaoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and TechnologyTaoyuan 333, Taiwan
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2
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Muliawan GK, Lee TKW. The roles of cancer stem cell-derived secretory factors in shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1400112. [PMID: 38868769 PMCID: PMC11167126 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and has a poor prognosis. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have entered a new era of HCC treatment, their response rates are modest, which can be attributed to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment within HCC tumors. Accumulating evidence has shown that tumor growth is fueled by cancer stem cells (CSCs), which contribute to therapeutic resistance to the above treatments. Given that CSCs can regulate cellular and physical factors within the tumor niche by secreting various soluble factors in a paracrine manner, there have been increasing efforts toward understanding the roles of CSC-derived secretory factors in creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide an update on how these secretory factors, including growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes, contribute to the immunosuppressive TME, which leads to immune resistance. In addition, we present current therapeutic strategies targeting CSC-derived secretory factors and describe future perspectives. In summary, a better understanding of CSC biology in the TME provides a rational therapeutic basis for combination therapy with ICIs for effective HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Kenneth Muliawan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Terence Kin-Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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3
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Liu Y, Dong L, Ma J, Chen L, Fang L, Wang Z. The prognostic genes model of breast cancer drug resistance based on single-cell sequencing analysis and transcriptome analysis. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:113. [PMID: 38795164 PMCID: PMC11127859 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) represents a multifaceted malignancy, with escalating incidence and mortality rates annually. Chemotherapy stands as an indispensable approach for treating breast cancer, yet drug resistance poses a formidable challenge. Through transcriptome data analysis, we have identified two sets of genes exhibiting differential expression in this context. Furthermore, we have confirmed the overlap between these genes and those associated with exosomes, which were subsequently validated in cell lines. The investigation screened the identified genes to determine prognostic markers for BC and utilized them to formulate a prognostic model. The disparities in prognosis and immunity between the high- and low-risk groups were validated using the test dataset. We have discerned different BC subtypes based on the expression levels of prognostic genes in BC samples. Variations in prognosis, immunity, and drug sensitivity among distinct subtypes were examined. Leveraging data from single-cell sequencing and prognostic gene expression, the AUCell algorithm was employed to score individual cell clusters and analyze the pathways implicated in high-scoring groups. Prognostic genes (CCT4, CXCL13, MTDH, PSMD2, and RAB27A) were subsewoquently validated using RT-qPCR. Consequently, we have established a model for predicting prognosis in breast cancer that hinges on drug resistance and ERGs. Furthermore, we have evaluated the prognostic value of this model. The genes identified as prognostic markers can now serve as a reference for precise treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Lun Dong
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Linghui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Liaoqiong Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Medicine, Chongqing, 401121, China.
| | - Zhibiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Medicine, Chongqing, 401121, China.
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Du J, Lin Z, Fu XH, Gu XR, Lu G, Hou J. Research progress of the chemokine/chemokine receptor axes in the oncobiology of multiple myeloma (MM). Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:177. [PMID: 38475811 PMCID: PMC10935833 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01544-7] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of multiple myeloma (MM), a type of blood cancer affecting monoclonal plasma cells, is rising. Although new drugs and therapies have improved patient outcomes, MM remains incurable. Recent studies have highlighted the crucial role of the chemokine network in MM's pathological mechanism. Gaining a better understanding of this network and creating an overview of chemokines in MM could aid in identifying potential biomarkers and developing new therapeutic strategies and targets. PURPOSE To summarize the complicated role of chemokines in MM, discuss their potential as biomarkers, and introduce several treatments based on chemokines. METHODS Pubmed, Web of Science, ICTRP, and Clinical Trials were searched for articles and research related to chemokines. Publications published within the last 5 years are selected. RESULTS Malignant cells can utilize chemokines, including CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CXCL7, CXCL8, CXCL12, and CXCL13 to evade apoptosis triggered by immune cells or medication, escape from bone marrow and escalate bone lesions. Other chemokines, including CXCL4, CCL19, and CXCL10, may aid in recruiting immune cells, increasing their cytotoxicity against cancer cells, and inducing apoptosis of malignant cells. CONCLUSION Utilizing anti-tumor chemokines or blocking pro-tumor chemokines may provide new therapeutic strategies for managing MM. Inspired by developed CXCR4 antagonists, including plerixafor, ulocuplumab, and motixafortide, more small molecular antagonists or antibodies for pro-tumor chemokine ligands and their receptors can be developed and used in clinical practice. Along with inhibiting pro-tumor chemokines, studies suggest combining chemokines with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy is promising and efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Du
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zheng Lin
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xue-Hang Fu
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xiao-Ran Gu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Guang Lu
- Department of Hematology, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, 257099, China.
| | - Jian Hou
- Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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Wang X, Yuan Z, Li Z, He X, Zhang Y, Wang X, Su J, Wu X, Li M, Du F, Chen Y, Deng S, Zhao Y, Shen J, Yi T, Xiao Z. Key oncogenic signaling pathways affecting tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma: basic principles and recent advances. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1354313. [PMID: 38426090 PMCID: PMC10902128 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1354313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks first among primary liver cancers, and its mortality rate exhibits a consistent annual increase. The treatment of HCC has witnessed a significant surge in recent years, with the emergence of targeted immune therapy as an adjunct to early surgical resection. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has shown promising results in other types of solid tumors. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate interactions between different types of TILs and their impact on HCC, elucidate strategies for targeting neoantigens through TILs, and address the challenges encountered in TIL therapies along with potential solutions. Furthermore, this article specifically examines the impact of oncogenic signaling pathways activation within the HCC tumor microenvironment on the infiltration dynamics of TILs. Additionally, a concise overview is provided regarding TIL preparation techniques and an update on clinical trials investigating TIL-based immunotherapy in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zijun Yuan
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhengbo Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Longmatan District People’s Hospital, Luzhou, China
| | - Xinyu He
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xingyue Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiahong Su
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuai Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Yi
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Tavakoli Pirzaman A, Alishah A, Babajani B, Ebrahimi P, Sheikhi SA, Moosaei F, Salarfar A, Doostmohamadian S, Kazemi S. The Role of microRNAs in Hepatocellular Cancer: A Narrative Review Focused on Tumor Microenvironment and Drug Resistance. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241239188. [PMID: 38634139 PMCID: PMC11025440 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241239188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, hepatic cancer ranks fourth in terms of cancer-related mortality and is the sixth most frequent kind of cancer. Around 80% of liver cancers are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), which are the leading cause of cancer death. It is well known that HCC may develop resistance to the available chemotherapy treatments very fast. One of the biggest obstacles in providing cancer patients with appropriate care is drug resistance. According to reports, more than 90% of cancer-specific fatalities are caused by treatment resistance. By binding to the 3'-untranslated region of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), a group of noncoding RNAs which are around 17 to 25 nucleotides long, regulate target gene expression. Moreover, they play role in the control of signaling pathways, cell proliferation, and cell death. As a result, miRNAs play an important role in the microenvironment of HCC by changing immune phenotypes, hypoxic conditions, and acidification, as well as angiogenesis and extracellular matrix components. Moreover, changes in miRNA levels in HCC can effectively resist cancer cells to chemotherapy by affecting various cellular processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, and membrane transporter activity. In the current work, we narratively reviewed the role of miRNAs in HCC, with a special focus on tumor microenvironment and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Alishah
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Bahareh Babajani
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Pouyan Ebrahimi
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Seyyed Ali Sheikhi
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Farhad Moosaei
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | | | | | - Sohrab Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Huang LH, Rau CS, Liu YW, Lin HP, Wu YC, Tsai CW, Chien PC, Wu CJ, Huang CY, Hsieh TM, Hsieh CH. Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide Acts as a Tumor Suppressor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15652. [PMID: 37958632 PMCID: PMC10647698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with high rates of metastasis and recurrence, and is one of the most common causes of cancer-associated death worldwide. This study examined the protein changes within circulating exosomes in patients with HCC against those in healthy people using isobaric tags for a relative or absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomics analysis. The protein levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF), cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP), and proteasome subunit beta type-2 (PSMB2) were altered in HCC. The increased levels of VWF and PSMB2 but decreased CAMP levels in the serum of patients with HCC were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The level of CAMP (the only cathelicidin found in humans) also decreased in the circulating exosomes and buffy coat of the HCC patients. The serum with reduced levels of CAMP protein in the HCC patients increased the cell proliferation of Huh-7 cells; this effect was reduced following the addition of CAMP protein. The depletion of CAMP proteins in the serum of healthy people enhances the cell proliferation of Huh-7 cells. In addition, supplementation with synthetic CAMP reduces cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner and significantly delays G1-S transition in Huh-7 cells. This implies that CAMP may act as a tumor suppressor in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien-Hung Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (L.-H.H.); (C.-S.R.)
| | - Cheng-Shyuan Rau
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (L.-H.H.); (C.-S.R.)
| | - Yueh-Wei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan;
| | - Hui-Ping Lin
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (H.-P.L.); (Y.-C.W.); (C.-W.T.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-J.W.); (C.-Y.H.); (T.-M.H.)
| | - Yi-Chan Wu
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (H.-P.L.); (Y.-C.W.); (C.-W.T.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-J.W.); (C.-Y.H.); (T.-M.H.)
| | - Chia-Wen Tsai
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (H.-P.L.); (Y.-C.W.); (C.-W.T.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-J.W.); (C.-Y.H.); (T.-M.H.)
| | - Peng-Chen Chien
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (H.-P.L.); (Y.-C.W.); (C.-W.T.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-J.W.); (C.-Y.H.); (T.-M.H.)
| | - Chia-Jung Wu
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (H.-P.L.); (Y.-C.W.); (C.-W.T.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-J.W.); (C.-Y.H.); (T.-M.H.)
| | - Chun-Ying Huang
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (H.-P.L.); (Y.-C.W.); (C.-W.T.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-J.W.); (C.-Y.H.); (T.-M.H.)
| | - Ting-Min Hsieh
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (H.-P.L.); (Y.-C.W.); (C.-W.T.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-J.W.); (C.-Y.H.); (T.-M.H.)
| | - Ching-Hua Hsieh
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
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Ding X, Wang W, Tao X, Li Z, Huang Y. Construction of a novel prognostic model in skin cutaneous melanoma based on chemokines-related gene signature. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18172. [PMID: 37875556 PMCID: PMC10598024 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44598-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cutaneous melanoma, SKCM, is one of the most aggressive treatment-resistant tumours. Despite the fact that the BRAF oncogene and immunological checkpoints such as PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 have enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of SKCM, the subsequent resistance mechanisms and remedies have raised concerns. Chemokines have a significant role in the immunological milieu of tumor, which may increase the efficacy of checkpoint blockade and serve as a possible therapeutic intervention route. However, there is still no chemokine-based typing and risk model to provide a prognosis and therapeutic efficacy assessment for SKCM patients. In this study, we verified the distinct differences of prognostic stratification as well as immune characteristics between two chemokine-related clusters in SKCM patients. Two clusters of DEGs were discovered to be primarily enriched in B and T cell receptor signaling pathways as well as TNF signaling via NF-kappa-B. Based on 14 prognosis-related DEGs from aforementioned two clusters (CCL8, GBP2, GBP4, SRNG, HLA-DMB, RARRES3, HLA-DQA1, PARP12, APOL3, IRF1, HLA-DRA, UBE2L6, IL2RA and CD38), a chemokine-related 14-gene prognostic model was established. At the same time, researchers explored differences between the low-risk and high-risk groups in clinical traits, the proportion of infiltration of 22 different types of immune cells, and how well medications worked. The risk score model's immunotherapy and prognostic predictions were also confirmed in testing groups. Based on the finding, we can claim that there is a clear link between chemokines and TME in SKCM. The risk score may perform as a trustworthy prediction model, giving therapeutic benefits for both chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as being beneficial for clinical decision making in SKCM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Ding
- Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Dermatology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaohua Tao
- Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Dermatology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiming Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Youming Huang
- Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Dermatology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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9
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Fan Y, Jin L, He Z, Wei T, Luo T, Zhang J, Liu C, Dai C, A C, Liang Y, Tao X, Lv X, Gu Y, Li M. A cell transcriptomic profile provides insights into adipocytes of porcine mammary gland across development. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:126. [PMID: 37805503 PMCID: PMC10560433 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00926-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studying the composition and developmental mechanisms in mammary gland is crucial for healthy growth of newborns. The mammary gland is inherently heterogeneous, and its physiological function dependents on the gene expression of multiple cell types. Most studies focused on epithelial cells, disregarding the role of neighboring adipocytes. RESULTS Here, we constructed the largest transcriptomic dataset of porcine mammary gland cells thus far. The dataset captured 126,829 high-quality nuclei from physiological mammary glands across five developmental stages (d 90 of gestation, G90; d 0 after lactation, L0; d 20 after lactation, L20; 2 d post natural involution, PI2; 7 d post natural involution, PI7). Seven cell types were identified, including epithelial cells, adipocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts cells, immune cells, myoepithelial cells and precursor cells. Our data indicate that mammary glands at different developmental stages have distinct phenotypic and transcriptional signatures. During late gestation (G90), the differentiation and proliferation of adipocytes were inhibited. Meanwhile, partly epithelial cells were completely differentiated. Pseudo-time analysis showed that epithelial cells undergo three stages to achieve lactation, including cellular differentiation, hormone sensing, and metabolic activation. During lactation (L0 and L20), adipocytes area accounts for less than 0.5% of mammary glands. To maintain their own survival, the adipocyte exhibited a poorly differentiated state and a proliferative capacity. Epithelial cells initiate lactation upon hormonal stimulation. After fulfilling lactation mission, their undergo physiological death under high intensity lactation. Interestingly, the physiological dead cells seem to be actively cleared by immune cells via CCL21-ACKR4 pathway. This biological process may be an important mechanism for maintaining homeostasis of the mammary gland. During natural involution (PI2 and PI7), epithelial cell populations dedifferentiate into mesenchymal stem cells to maintain the lactation potential of mammary glands for the next lactation cycle. CONCLUSION The molecular mechanisms of dedifferentiation, proliferation and redifferentiation of adipocytes and epithelial cells were revealed from late pregnancy to natural involution. This cell transcriptomic profile constitutes an essential reference for future studies in the development and remodeling of the mammary gland at different stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Long Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Zhiping He
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, 610000 China
| | - Tiantian Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Tingting Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Jiaman Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Can Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Changjiu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Chao A
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Yan Liang
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, 610000 China
| | - Xuan Tao
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, 610000 China
| | - Xuebin Lv
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, 610000 China
| | - Yiren Gu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, 610000 China
| | - Mingzhou Li
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
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Chen Y, Zou P, Bu C, Jiang Q, Xue L, Bao J, Zhang T. Upregulated CXCL8 in placenta accreta spectruma regulates the migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:8189-8199. [PMID: 37563526 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08669-x] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is mainly characterized by excessive invasion of the uterine muscle layer accompanied by a large number of foreign blood vessels, leading to severe bleeding during and after delivery. However, the mechanism of excessive invasion of nutrient cells in placenta accreta is currently unclear. METHODS We performed RNA sequencing of 6 PAS patients and 4 control donors, coupled with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The mRNA and protein expression of C-X-C motif ligand 8 (CXCL8) in the placental tissue was measured by qRT‒PCR, immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. HTR-8/SVneo human villous trophoblast Neo cells were used for in vitro investigation of cell migration and invasion as well as the expression level of CXCL8. RESULTS A total of 1120 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified in PAS patients. Moreover, GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the differentially expressed mRNAs were most closely associated with immune system processes, biological adhesion and Wnt signaling pathway. The CXCL8 mRNA and protein levels in PAS tissue were significantly higher than those in normal placental tissue. Forced overexpression of CXCL8 significantly increased the migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells, accompanied by the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and the downregulation of E-cadherin, which was reversed by knockdown of CXCL8. CONCLUSIONS CXCL8 was highly expressed in PAS, and knockdown of CXCL8 suppressed the migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for PAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejuan Chen
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Ping Zou
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Chaozhi Bu
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Qianying Jiang
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Lili Xue
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Junfeng Bao
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, China.
| | - Ting Zhang
- Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, China.
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11
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Zhu J, Liu X, Zhan X, Wang M, Zhang Y, Na L, Li S. Predictive value of chemokines (CCL 2) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for refractory mycoplasma pneumonia in children. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:125. [PMID: 37740208 PMCID: PMC10517484 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01528-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are relatively few studies investigating C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP), and the relationship between CCL2 level in BALF and refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) is unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between chemokine CCL2 level in BALF and clinical characteristics and clinical outcome in children with MPP. METHODS A total of 51 children with confirmed acute MPP and requiring bronchoalveolar lavage in Department of Pediatrics, Huanghe Sanmenxia Hospital and The First Clinical College of Xinxiang Medical University from October 2021 to February 2023 were selected as the study group. And 11 children with bronchial foreign body were selected as the control group. The study group was divided into the non-refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (NRMPP) group and the RMPP group based on the response to treatment. BALF and clinical data of the patients were collected. And CCL2 levels were tested in the patients. Differences in CCL2 level in BALF and clinical characteristics were tested and compared. RESULTS The CCL2 level in BALF of the study group was higher than that of the control group, with significant difference (P < 0.05). With ROC curve, the area under the curve (AUC) of CCL2 in BALF predicting RMPP was 0.94, the cut-off value was 0.645 ng/ml, the sensitivity was 85%, and the specificity was 94%, and the diagnostic value was better than that of serum CRP and LDH. Logistic regression analysis was used to build the RMPP prediction model, and CCL2 showed good predictive value. CONCLUSION The level of CCL2 in BALF was high in children with MPP and had a high predictive value for RMPP. CCL2 can be used as one of the biomarkers for predicting RMPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangwei Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Huanghe Sanmenxia Hospital, Sanmenxia, 472000, China
| | - Xue Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.88 of Jiankang road, Weihui, 453100, Henan province, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.88 of Jiankang road, Weihui, 453100, Henan province, China
| | - Mengzhu Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.88 of Jiankang road, Weihui, 453100, Henan province, China
| | - Yuling Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.88 of Jiankang road, Weihui, 453100, Henan province, China
| | - Li Na
- Department of Pediatrics, Huanghe Sanmenxia Hospital, Sanmenxia, 472000, China
| | - Shujun Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.88 of Jiankang road, Weihui, 453100, Henan province, China.
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Kotsari M, Dimopoulou V, Koskinas J, Armakolas A. Immune System and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): New Insights into HCC Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11471. [PMID: 37511228 PMCID: PMC10380581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the WHO's recently released worldwide cancer data for 2020, liver cancer ranks sixth in morbidity and third in mortality among all malignancies. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common kind of liver cancer, accounts approximately for 80% of all primary liver malignancies and is one of the leading causes of death globally. The intractable tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the development and progression of HCC and is one of three major unresolved issues in clinical practice (cancer recurrence, fatal metastasis, and the refractory tumor microenvironment). Despite significant advances, improved molecular and cellular characterization of the tumor microenvironment is still required since it plays an important role in the genesis and progression of HCC. The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the HCC immune microenvironment, distinct cellular constituents, current therapies, and potential immunotherapy methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kotsari
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Dimopoulou
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - John Koskinas
- B' Department of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Armakolas
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Serum CXCL5 Detects Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Indicates Tumor Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065295. [PMID: 36982370 PMCID: PMC10049661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokines or chemotactic cytokines play a pivotal role in the immune pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, comprehensive cytokine profiling data across different etiologies of liver diseases are lacking. Chemokines might serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In our study, we analyzed serum concentrations of 12 inflammation-related chemokines in a cohort of patients (n = 222) with cirrhosis of different etiologies and/or HCC. We compared 97 patients with cirrhosis and treatment-naïve HCC to the chemokine profile of 125 patients with cirrhosis but confirmed absence of HCC. Nine out of twelve chemokines were significantly elevated in sera of cirrhotic patients with HCC compared to HCC-free cirrhosis controls (CCL2, CCL11, CCL17, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11). Among those, CXCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 were significantly elevated in patients with early HCC according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages 0/A compared to cirrhotic controls without HCC. In patients with HCC, CXCL5 serum levels were associated with tumor progression, and levels of CCL20 and CXCL8 with macrovascular invasion. Importantly, our study identified CXCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL10 as universal HCC markers, independent from underlying etiology of cirrhosis. In conclusion, regardless of the underlying liver disease, patients with cirrhosis share an HCC-specific chemokine profile. CXCL5 may serve as a diagnostic biomarker in cirrhotic patients for early HCC detection as well as for tumor progression.
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Yang Z, Li X, Pan C, Li Y, Lin L, Jin Y, Zheng J, Yu Z. A comprehensive study based on exosome-related immunosuppression genes and tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1344. [PMID: 36550445 PMCID: PMC9773453 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10463-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exosomes play an important role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the mechanisms of tumor immune escape in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is known that immunosuppressive genes, involved in the processes of tumor immunosuppression, are associated with cancer progression. This study aimed to explore the prognostic values of exosome-related immunosuppression genes (ERIGs) in HCC. METHODS The RNA-seq transcriptome data of 374 HCC patients were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The TCGA cohort was randomly divided into the training cohort and validation cohort in a 1:1 ratio. WGCNA analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were used to identify ERIGs. The Lasso regression method was used to construct a 5-ERIG signature. The prognostic value of our signature was examined in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (FAHWMU) cohort. RESULTS Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to screen prognostic ERIGs. Subsequently, these prognostic ERIGs were included in Lasso regression analyses to identify 5 key ERIGs (ASAP1, IARS1, GTF3C2, TPD5L2 and SLC52A2) and construct a 5-ERIG signature. The patients in the low-risk group had better prognosis than those in the high-risk group. Univariate and multivariate cox regression revealed that risk score was an independent prognostic risk factor of HCC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that this signature was highly associated with TME-related pathways. Subsequent analyses revealed the potential role of the signature in regulating the TME in HCC. In addition, a lower immunotherapy score was found in patients with high risk-score. Of note, this signature was confirmed to have a good performance in predicting HCC prognosis in the FAHWMU cohort. Moreover, knockdown of 5 ERIGs of this signature contributed to the suppression the Hep3B cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS We generated a novel prognostic 5-ERIG signature to accurately predict the prognosis of patients with HCC, and this signature may serve as an indicator of immunotherapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Yang
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No.2 fuxue lane, Wenzhou, 325000 Zhejiang China
| | - Xinmiao Li
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No.2 fuxue lane, Wenzhou, 325000 Zhejiang China
| | - Chaoran Pan
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No.2 fuxue lane, Wenzhou, 325000 Zhejiang China
| | - Yifei Li
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No.2 fuxue lane, Wenzhou, 325000 Zhejiang China
| | - Lifan Lin
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No.2 fuxue lane, Wenzhou, 325000 Zhejiang China
| | - Yan Jin
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No.2 fuxue lane, Wenzhou, 325000 Zhejiang China
| | - Jianjian Zheng
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No.2 fuxue lane, Wenzhou, 325000 Zhejiang China
| | - Zhengping Yu
- grid.414906.e0000 0004 1808 0918Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No.2 fuxue lane, Wenzhou, 325000 Zhejiang China
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Wang G, Luo G, Zhao M, Miao H. Significance of exosomes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1056379. [PMID: 36531059 PMCID: PMC9748478 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1056379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the most prevalent cancers in the world, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high mortality rate. The diagnosis and management of HCC are presently hindered by difficulties in early detection and suboptimal treatment outcomes. Exosomes have been shown to play an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis and can also be used for diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we discussed the research progress on exosomes in hepatocarcinogenesis development, tumor microenvironment remodeling, treatment resistance, and immunosuppression. HCC can be diagnosed and treated by understanding the pathogenesis and identifying early diagnostic markers. This review will be a significant reference for scholars with an initial understanding of the field to fully understand the role of exosomes in the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- GuoYun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - GaiXiang Luo
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Gansu Provincial People’s Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - MeiJing Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - HuiLai Miao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Injury Diagnosis and Repair, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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16
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Targeted blocking of CCR2 and CXCR2 improves the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocarcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:362. [PMID: 36403057 PMCID: PMC9675208 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02771-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been shown to prolong survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the long-term survival remains dismal. Targeting macrophage and neutrophil infiltration is a promising strategy. The CCL2/CCR2 and CXCLs/CXCR2 axes are required for recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils, respectively, in HCC. We investigated the feasibility of CCL2/CCR2 and CXCLs/CXCR2 as therapeutic targets in combination with TACE for treating HCC. Methods Expression of CCL2/CCR2 and CXCLs/CXCR2 was analyzed in the primary rat HCC model and one HCC cohort. The relationship between expression levels, neutrophil and macrophage infiltration, hepatocarcinogenesis progression in the rat model, and survival of HCC patients was assessed. The anti-tumor effects of blocking the CCL2/CCR2 and CXCLs/CXCR2 axes by CCR2 and CXCR2 antagonists in combination with TACE were evaluated in HCC rats. The numbers of macrophages, neutrophils, and hepatic progenitor cells were further determined to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results High macrophage and neutrophil infiltration and CXCL8 expression were associated with poor prognosis in the TCGA liver cancer dataset. High expression of CCL2/CCR2 and CXCL8/CXCR2 in clinical HCC specimens was associated with reduced survival. Expression of CCL2/CCR2 and CXCL1/CXCR2 was correlated with hepatocarcinogenesis progression in the primary rat HCC model. Blockade of CCL2/CCR2 and CXCLs/CXCR2 enhanced the anti-tumor effect of TACE treatment in this model. Blocking the CCL2/CCR2 and CXCLs/CXCR2 axes with CCR2 and CXCR2 antagonists in TACE-treated rats reduced macrophage and neutrophil infiltration and hepatic progenitor cell activation and thus overcame TACE resistance in HCC. Conclusions The results demonstrate the translational potential of immunotherapy targeting the CCL2/CCR2 and CXCLs/CXCR2 axes in combination with TACE therapy for the treatment of HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02771-z.
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Ahmad M, Dhasmana A, Harne PS, Zamir A, Hafeez BB. Chemokine clouding and liver cancer heterogeneity: Does it impact clinical outcomes? Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:1175-1185. [PMID: 35189322 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity is a predominant feature of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that plays a crucial role in chemoresistance and limits the efficacy of available chemo/immunotherapy regimens. Thus, a better understanding regarding the molecular determinants of tumor heterogeneity will help in developing newer strategies for effective HCC management. Chemokines, a sub-family of cytokines are one of the key molecular determinants of tumor heterogeneity in HCC and are involved in cell survival, growth, migration, and angiogenesis. Herein, we provide a panoramic insight into the role of chemokines in HCC heterogeneity at genetic, epigenetic, metabolic, immune cell composition, and tumor microenvironment levels and its impact on clinical outcomes. Interestingly, our in-silico analysis data showed that expression of chemokine receptors impacts infiltration of various immune cell populations into the liver tumor and leads to heterogeneity. Thus, it is evident that aberrant chemokines clouding impacts HCC tumor heterogeneity and understanding this phenomenon in depth could be harnessed for the development of personalized medicine strategies in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudassier Ahmad
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX 78504, United States
| | - Anupam Dhasmana
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX 78504, United States; Department of Biosciences and Cancer Research Institute, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, India
| | - Prateek Suresh Harne
- DHR Health Gastroenterology, 5520 Leonardo da Vinci Drive, Suite 100, Edinburg, TX 78539, United States
| | - Asif Zamir
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX 78504, United States; DHR Health Gastroenterology, 5520 Leonardo da Vinci Drive, Suite 100, Edinburg, TX 78539, United States
| | - Bilal Bin Hafeez
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX 78504, United States; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX 78504, United States.
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Investigation of Anti-Liver Cancer Activity of the Herbal Drug FDY003 Using Network Pharmacology. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5765233. [PMID: 36118098 PMCID: PMC9481369 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5765233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Globally, liver cancer (LC) is the sixth-most frequently occurring and the second-most fatal malignancy, responsible for 0.83 million deaths annually. Although the application of herbal drugs in cancer therapies has increased, their anti-LC activity and relevant mechanisms have not been fully studied from a systems perspective. To address these issues, we conducted a system-perspective network pharmacological investigation into the activity and mechanisms underlying the action of the herbal drug. FDY003 reduced the viability of human LC treatment. FDY003 reduced the viability of human LC cells and elevated their chemosensitivity. There were a total of 16 potential bioactive chemical components in FDY003 and they had 91 corresponding targets responsible for the pathological processes in LC. These FDY003 targets were functionally involved in regulating the survival, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of LC cells. Additionally, we found that FDY003 may target key signaling cascades connected to diverse LC pathological mechanisms, namely, PI3K-Akt, focal adhesion, IL-17, FoxO, MAPK, and TNF pathways. Overall, this study contributed to integrative mechanistic insights into the anti-LC potential of FDY003.
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Zajkowska M, Mroczko B. Chemokines in Primary Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168846. [PMID: 36012108 PMCID: PMC9408270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is responsible for extremely important functions in the human body. In the liver’s structure, we distinguish between connective tissue (stroma) and parenchyma, the latter of which is formed from the basic structural and functional units of the liver—hepatocytes. There are many factors, that negatively affect the liver cells, contributing to their damage. This may lead to fibrosis, liver failure and, in consequence, primary liver cancer, which is the sixth most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Chemokines are a large family of secreted proteins. Their main role is to direct the recruitment and migration of cells to sites of inflammation or injury. Some authors suggest that these proteins might play a potential role in the development of many malignancies, including primary liver cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate and summarize the knowledge regarding liver diseases, especially primary liver cancer (HCC) and the participation of chemokines in the development of this malignancy. Chemokines involved in the initiation of this type of tumor belong mainly to the CC and CXC chemokines. Their significant role in the course of hepatocellular carcinoma proves their usefulness in detecting and monitoring the course and treatment in patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Zajkowska
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-686-5168; Fax: +48-686-5169
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
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Wang J, Wang X, Zhang X, Shao T, Luo Y, Wang W, Han Y. Extracellular Vesicles and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Opportunities and Challenges. Front Oncol 2022; 12:884369. [PMID: 35692794 PMCID: PMC9175035 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.884369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing worldwide. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain sufficient bioactive substances and are carriers of intercellular information exchange, as well as delivery vehicles for nucleic acids, proteins and drugs. Although EVs show great potential for the treatment of HCC and their role in HCC progression has been extensively studied, there are still many challenges such as time-consuming extraction, difficult storage, easy contamination, and low drug loading rate. We focus on the biogenesis, morphological characteristics, isolation and extraction of EVs and their significance in the progression of HCC, tumor invasion, immune escape and cancer therapy for a review. EVs may be effective biomarkers for molecular diagnosis of HCC and new targets for tumor-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaoya Wang
- Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xintong Zhang
- Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Tingting Shao
- Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yanmei Luo
- Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yunwei Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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A Novel Gene Signature Based on CDC20 and FCN3 for Prediction of Prognosis and Immune Features in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:9117205. [PMID: 35402624 PMCID: PMC8986430 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9117205] [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] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term survivals of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unfavorable, which is largely attributed to active carcinogenesis. Growing studies have suggested that the reliable gene signature could act as an independent prognosis factor for HCC patients. We tried to screen the survival-related genes and develop a prognostic prediction model for HCC patients based on the expression profiles of the critical survival-related genes. In this study, we analyzed TCGA datasets and identified 280 genes with differential expressions (125 increased genes and 155 reduced genes). We analyzed the prognosis value of the top 10 dysregulated genes in HCC patients and identified three critical genes, including FCN3, CDC20, and E2F1, which were confirmed to be associated with long-term survival in both TCGA and ICGC datasets. The results of the LASSO model screened CDC20 and FCN3 for the development of the prognostic model. The CDC20 expression was distinctly increased in HCC specimens, while the FCN3 expression was distinctly decreased in HCC. At a suitable cutoff, patients were divided into low-risk and high-risk groups. Survival assays revealed that patients in high-risk groups exhibited a shorter overall survival than those in low-risk groups. Finally, we examine the relationships between risk score and immune infiltration abundance in HCC and observed that risk score was positively correlated with infiltration degree of B cells, T cell CD4+ cells, neutrophil, macrophage, and myeloid dendritic cells. Overall, we identified three critical survival-related genes and used CDC20 and FCN3 to develop a novel model for predicting outcomes and immune landscapes for patients with HCC. The above three genes also have a high potential for targeted cancer therapy of patients with HCC.
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22
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Immune suppressive checkpoint interactions in the tumour microenvironment of primary liver cancers. Br J Cancer 2022; 126:10-23. [PMID: 34400801 PMCID: PMC8727557 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01453-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers, and the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The therapeutic options for the main types of primary liver cancer-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA)-are very limited. HCC and CCA are immunogenic cancers, but effective immune-mediated tumour control is prevented by their immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. Despite the critical involvement of key co-inhibitory immune checkpoint interactions in immunosuppression in liver cancer, only a minority of patients with HCC respond to monotherapy using approved checkpoint inhibitor antibodies. To develop effective (combinatorial) therapeutic immune checkpoint strategies for liver cancer, in-depth knowledge of the different mechanisms that contribute to intratumoral immunosuppression is needed. Here, we review the co-inhibitory pathways that are known to suppress intratumoral T cells in HCC and CCA. We provide a detailed description of insights from preclinical studies in cellular crosstalk within the tumour microenvironment that results in interactions between co-inhibitory receptors on different T-cell subsets and their ligands on other cell types, including tumour cells. We suggest alternative immune checkpoints as promising targets, and draw attention to the possibility of combined targeting of co-inhibitory and co-stimulatory pathways to abrogate immunosuppression.
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23
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Yang X, Sun J, Wen B, Wang Y, Zhang M, Chen W, Zhao W, He C, Zhong X, Liu Y, Li T, Sun H, He S. Biejiajian Pill Promotes the Infiltration of CD8 + T Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating the Expression of CCL5. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:771046. [PMID: 34899325 PMCID: PMC8661106 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.771046] [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: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating CD8+T lymphocytes are mostly associated with a favorable prognosis in numerous cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Biejiajian Pill (BJJP) is a common type of traditional Chinese medicine that is widely used in the treatment of HCC in China. Previous studies showed that BJJP suppressed the growth of HCC cells both in vivo and in vitro, by exerting direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells. The present study demonstrated that in addition to direct cytotoxicity, BJJP inhibits the growth of tumor cells by promoting the infiltration of CD8+T cells into the tumor in H22-bearing mice. Mechanistically, chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) was identified as one of the most highly expressed chemokines by tumor cells in vivo after treatment with BJJP. Additionally, CCL5 was knocked down in H22 cells and the results showed that knockdown of the gene significantly impaired the infiltration of CD8+T cells in vivo. Furthermore, the effects of BJJP on human HCC cell lines were assessed in vitro. Similarly, cells treated with BJJP had higher expression of CCL5 mRNA, which was consistent with increased levels of CCL5 protein in human tumor cells. These findings provide new insights into the anticancer effects of BJJP, which regulated the expression of CCL5 and the infiltration of CD8+T cells. The results, therefore, suggest that BJJP has great potential application in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Yang
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jialing Sun
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Wen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hospital of PLA, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingjia Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weicong Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenting Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunyu He
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodan Zhong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Sun
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songqi He
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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24
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Shabangu CS, Siphepho PY, Li CY, Cheng WC, Lu MY, Huang CF, Yeh ML, Dai CY, Huang JF, Chuang WL, Lin ZY, Yu ML, Wang SC. The Persistence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Hepatocytes Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Pro-Inflammatory Interluekin-8 Expression. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101446. [PMID: 34680563 PMCID: PMC8533125 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A large amount of epidemiological evidence indicates that persistent HCV infection is the main risk factor for HCC. We aimed to study the effects of persistent HCV infection on the interaction of the virus and host cell to identify cancer gene profiles. Methods: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to identify differentially expressed genes between uninfected Huh7.5.1 control cells, short-term HCV (S-HCV), early long-term HCV (eL-HCV), and long-term HCV (L-HCV) infections, which were analyzed using different dynamic bioinformatics and analytic tools. mRNA expression was validated and quantified using q-PCR. One hundred ninety-six serum samples of HCV patients with IFN/RBV treatment were used to study chemokine levels. Results: S-HCV activates an inflammatory response and drives cell death and apoptosis through cell cycle arrest via MAPK signaling. L-HCV promotes cell growth and alters cell adhesion and chemokine signaling via CXCL8-mediated-SRC regulation. A total of 196 serum samples from the HCV and HCV-HCC cohorts demonstrated significantly upregulated pro-inflammatory CXCL8 in non-SVR (persistent HCV infection) patients in the HCV-HCC group. Conclusions: Persistent infection with HCV induced pro-inflammatory CXCL8 and the oncogene SRC, thereby triggering and promoting hepatocarcinogenesis. CXCL8 may be a potential biomarker for monitoring HCV-related HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciniso Sylvester Shabangu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.S.S.); (C.-Y.L.); (M.-Y.L.)
- Center for Cancer Research, Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (M.-L.Y.)
| | - Phumelele Yvonne Siphepho
- Program in Tropical Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Chia-Yang Li
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.S.S.); (C.-Y.L.); (M.-Y.L.)
| | - Wei-Chung Cheng
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Ying Lu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.S.S.); (C.-Y.L.); (M.-Y.L.)
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-F.H.); (M.-L.Y.); (C.-Y.D.); (W.-L.C.); (Z.-Y.L.)
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-F.H.); (M.-L.Y.); (C.-Y.D.); (W.-L.C.); (Z.-Y.L.)
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-F.H.); (M.-L.Y.); (C.-Y.D.); (W.-L.C.); (Z.-Y.L.)
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Center for Cancer Research, Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (M.-L.Y.)
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-F.H.); (M.-L.Y.); (C.-Y.D.); (W.-L.C.); (Z.-Y.L.)
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-F.H.); (M.-L.Y.); (C.-Y.D.); (W.-L.C.); (Z.-Y.L.)
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Zu-Yau Lin
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-F.H.); (M.-L.Y.); (C.-Y.D.); (W.-L.C.); (Z.-Y.L.)
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Center for Cancer Research, Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (M.-L.Y.)
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-F.H.); (M.-L.Y.); (C.-Y.D.); (W.-L.C.); (Z.-Y.L.)
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chi Wang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.S.S.); (C.-Y.L.); (M.-Y.L.)
- Center for Cancer Research, Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (J.-F.H.); (M.-L.Y.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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25
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Granito A, Muratori L, Lalanne C, Quarneti C, Ferri S, Guidi M, Lenzi M, Muratori P. Hepatocellular carcinoma in viral and autoimmune liver diseases: Role of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the immune microenvironment. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:2994-3009. [PMID: 34168403 PMCID: PMC8192285 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i22.2994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 90% of cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs in patients with cirrhosis, of which hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus are the leading causes, while the tumor less frequently arises in autoimmune liver diseases. Advances in understanding tumor immunity have led to a major shift in the treatment of HCC, with the emergence of immunotherapy where therapeutic agents are used to target immune cells rather than cancer cells. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are the most abundant suppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment and their presence has been correlated with tumor progression, invasiveness, as well as metastasis. Tregs are characterized by the expression of the transcription factor Foxp3 and various mechanisms ranging from cell-to-cell contact to secretion of inhibitory molecules have been implicated in their function. Notably, Tregs amply express checkpoint molecules such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 and programmed cell-death 1 receptor and therefore represent a direct target of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy. Taking into consideration the critical role of Tregs in maintenance of immune homeostasis as well as avoidance of autoimmunity, it is plausible that targeting of Tregs by ICI immunotherapy results in the development of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Since the use of ICI becomes common in oncology, with an increasing number of new ICI currently under clinical trials for cancer treatment, the occurrence of irAEs is expected to dramatically rise. Herein, we review the current literature focusing on the role of Tregs in HCC evolution taking into account their opposite etiological function in viral and autoimmune chronic liver disease, and we discuss their involvement in irAEs due to the new immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Granito
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
- Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Luigi Muratori
- Division of Internal Medicine and Immunorheumatology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Claudine Lalanne
- Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Chiara Quarneti
- Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Silvia Ferri
- Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Marcello Guidi
- Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Marco Lenzi
- Division of Internal Medicine and Immunorheumatology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Center for the Study and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Paolo Muratori
- Division of Internal Medicine, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì 47100, Italy
- Department of Science for the Quality of Life, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
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