A simple diagnostic index comprising epithelial membrane antigen and fibronectin for hepatocellular carcinoma

Exploring the Molecular Mechanisms and Shared Gene Signatures Between Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with increased susceptibility to cancer, including bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA). This study investigates the shared molecular mechanisms and gene signatures between SLE and BLCA, shedding light on potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Methods

We compiled gene datasets related to SLE and BLCA from various databases and identified common genes. Differential gene expression analysis, protein-protein interaction networks, and hub gene identification were performed. We studied functional enrichment, immune infiltration, and transcription factor/miRNA regulation networks. We also explored gene-disease interactions and protein-chemical/drug networks. Hub gene expression levels and diagnostic values were validated in TCGA and GEO databases. Prognostic analysis was performed on the core gene MMP9 in the TCGA-BLCA database to study its prognostic value. Finally, the mRNA expression of MMP9 was verified in bladder cancer cell lines and BLCA patient blood. The diagnostic value of MMP9 for BLCA was verified by receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis of the expression of MMP9 in patients' blood.

Results

We identified 524 common genes between SLE and BLCA, enriched in pathways related to apoptosis and cytokine regulation. Immune infiltration analysis for two diseases. Transcription factors and microRNAs were implicated in regulating these common genes. The gene-disease network linked hub genes with various diseases, emphasizing their roles in autoimmune disease and cancer. Protein-chemical/drug networks highlighted potential treatment options. Finally, our study found that MMP9 is a potential therapeutic target with diagnostic and prognostic value and Immune-related biomarkers in patients with BLCA and SLE.

Conclusion

Our study reveals shared molecular mechanisms, genetic signatures, and immune infiltrates between SLE and BLCA. MMP9 emerges as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in BLCA, warranting further investigation. These findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of SLE-associated BLCA and may guide future research and therapeutic strategies.

HCC-Check: A Novel Diagnostic Tool for Early Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Cytokeratin-1 and Epithelial Membrane Antigen: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is frequently diagnosed in advanced stages, leading to a poorer prognosis. Therefore, early diagnosis and identification of biomarkers may significantly improve outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 486 participants distributed among 3 groups: F1 to F3 = 184, F4 = 183, and hepatocellular carcinoma = 119. Liver fibrosis staging was performed using FibroScan, while imaging features were used for hepatocellular carcinoma detection. Epithelial membrane antigen and cytokeratin-1 levels in serum were quantified through Western blot and ELISA, respectively. Results: Patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma exhibited significantly elevated levels of epithelial membrane antigen and cytokeratin-1 compared to non-hepatocellular carcinoma patients, with a highly significant statistical difference (P < .0001). Epithelial membrane antigen demonstrated diagnostic performance with an area under the curve of 0.75, a sensitivity of 69.0%, and a specificity of 68.5%. Cytokeratin-1 for the identification of hepatocellular carcinoma showed a sensitivity of 79.0% and a specificity of 81.4%, resulting in an area under the curve of 0.87. The developed HCC-Check, which incorporates epithelial membrane antigen, cytokeratin-1, albumin, and alpha-fetoprotein, displayed a higher area under the curve of 0.95 to identify hepatocellular carcinoma, with a sensitivity of 89.8% and a specificity of 83.9%. Notably, HCC-Check values exceeding 2.57 substantially increased the likelihood of hepatocellular carcinoma, with an estimated odds ratio of 50.65, indicating a higher susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma development than those with lower values. The HCC-Check diagnostic test exhibited high precision in identifying patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those with small tumor sizes (<5 cm) and a single nodule, as reflected in area under the curve values of 0.92 and 0.85, respectively. HCC-Check was then applied to the validation study to test its accuracy and reproducibility, showing superior area under the curves for identifying different stages of hepatocellular carcinoma. These outcomes underscore the effectiveness of the test in the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: The HCC-Check test presents a highly accurate diagnostic method for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma in its early stages.

Synergistic impacts of rifampicin and doxorubicin against thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

Background and aims

Combination therapy is a promising new strategy that has been proposed to increase the efficacy of cancer treatment. We aimed to investigate the anti-cancer activity of rifampicin monotherapy and its combination with doxorubicin against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and methods

The in vitro half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and selectivity index (SI) of the drugs under investigation against HepG2 and human lung fibroblast (WI38) cell lines were determined. For the in vivo experiment, male Sprague-Dawley albino rats were injected with thioacetamide at 200 mg/kg twice a week for 90 days; HCC development was confirmed histopathologically. Following HCC induction, the rats were treated with intraperitoneal doxorubicin, rifampicin, or their combination for 45 or 90 days. After sacrifice, the livers were examined histopathologically. The levels of aminotransferases, albumin, bilirubin, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and nitric oxide were measured by spectrophotometry. Alpha-fetoprotein, cancer antigen 19-9, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, Bcl-2-associated X protein, caspase 3, caspase 8, and p53 were estimated using ELISA.

Results

In vitro, the combination of doxorubicin and rifampicin showed the highest SI of 3.43. In vivo, among the measured markers, the levels of TAC, CAT, SOD, and p53 decreased (P < 0.001) and the rest of the measured marker levels increased (P < 0.001) in the HCC-bearing rats; after treatment in all groups, all these changes improved toward normal in a time-dependent manner. The combination of doxorubicin and rifampicin optimized the effects of the two individual drugs and exerted the best antioxidant effects.

Conclusions

In general, compared with rifampicin or doxorubicin alone, combination therapy has favorable outcomes. Based on our results, the combination of rifampicin and doxorubicin might be applicable for HCC chemotherapy.

Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Origin to Clinical Diagnosis

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and HCC-related deaths has increased over the last few decades. There are several risk factors of HCC such as viral hepatitis (B, C), cirrhosis, tobacco and alcohol use, aflatoxin-contaminated food, pesticides, diabetes, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and metabolic and genetic diseases. Diagnosis of HCC is based on different methods such as imaging ultrasonography (US), multiphasic enhanced computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and several diagnostic biomarkers. In this review, we examine the epidemiology of HCC worldwide and in Egypt as well as risk factors associated with the development of HCC and, finally, provide the updated diagnostic biomarkers for the diagnosis of HCC, particularly in the early stages of HCC. Several biomarkers are considered to diagnose HCC, including downregulated or upregulated protein markers secreted during HCC development, circulating nucleic acids or cells, metabolites, and the promising, recently identified biomarkers based on quantitative proteomics through the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). In addition, a diagnostic model used to improve the sensitivity of combined biomarkers for the diagnosis of early HCC is discussed.

Pluronic-F-127-Passivated SnO2 Nanoparticles Derived by Using Polygonum cuspidatum Root Extract: Synthesis, Characterization, and Anticancer Properties

Nanotechnology has emerged as the most popular research topic with revolutionary applications across all scientific disciplines. Tin oxide (SnO₂) has been gaining considerable attention lately owing to its intriguing features, which can be enhanced by its synthesis in the nanoscale range. The establishment of a cost-efficient and ecologically friendly procedure for its production is the result of growing concerns about human well-being. The novelty and significance of this study lie in the fact that the synthesized SnO₂ nanoparticles have been tailored to have specific properties, such as size and morphology. These properties are crucial for their applications. Moreover, this study provides insights into the synthesis process of SnO₂ nanoparticles, which can be useful for developing efficient and cost-effective methods for large-scale production. In the current study, green Pluronic-coated SnO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) utilizing the root extracts of Polygonum cuspidatum have been formulated and characterized by several methods such as UV-visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), field emission-scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies. The crystallite size of SnO₂ NPs was estimated to be 45 nm, and a tetragonal rutile-type crystalline structure was observed. FESEM analysis validated the NPs' spherical structure. The cytotoxic potential of the NPs against HepG2 cells was assessed using the in vitro MTT assay. The apoptotic efficiency of the NPs was evaluated using a dual-staining approach. The NPs revealed substantial cytotoxic effects against HepG2 cells but failed to exhibit cytotoxicity in different liver cell lines. Furthermore, dual staining and flow cytometry studies revealed higher apoptosis in NP-treated HepG2 cells. Nanoparticle treatment also inhibited the cell cycle at G0/G1 stage. It increased oxidative stress and promoted apoptosis by encouraging pro-apoptotic protein expression in HepG2 cells. NP treatment effectively blocked the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis in HepG2 cells. Thus, green Pluronic-F-127-coated SnO₂ NPs exhibits enormous efficiency to be utilized as an talented anticancer agent.

Biochemical and pathophysiological improvements in rats with thioacetamide induced-hepatocellular carcinoma using aspirin plus vitamin C

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, so we should be concerned and look for effective/less-harmful treatments than chemotherapeutics already clinically in application. Aspirin works well ''in conjunction'' with other therapies for HCC since aspirin can boost the sensitivity of anti-cancer activity. Vitamin C also was shown to have antitumor effects. In this study, we examined the anti-HCC activities of synergistic combination (aspirin and vitamin C) vs. doxorubicin on HCC-bearing rats and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2) cells.

METHODS

In vitro, we evaluated IC₅₀ and selectivity index (SI) using HepG-2 and human lung fibroblast (WI-38) cell lines. In vivo, four rat groups were used: Normal, HCC (intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered 200 mg thioacetamide/kg/twice a week), HCC + DOXO (HCC-bearing rats i.p. administered 0.72 mg doxorubicin (DOXO)/rat/once a week), and HCC + Aspirin + Vit. C (i.p. administered vitamin C (Vit. C) 4 g/kg/day after day concomitant with aspirin 60 mg/kg/orally day after day). We evaluated biochemical factors [aminotransferases (ALT and AST), albumin, and bilirubin (TBIL) spectrophotometrically, caspase 8 (CASP8), p53, Bcl2 associated X protein (BAX), caspase 3 (CASP3), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), cancer antigen 19.9 (CA19.9), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) using ELISA], and liver histopathologically.

RESULTS

HCC induction was accompanied by significant time-dependent elevations in all measured biochemical parameters except the p53 level significantly declined. Liver tissue architecture organization appeared disturbed with cellular infiltration, trabeculae, fibrosis, and neovascularization. Following drug medication, all biochemical levels significantly reversed toward normal, with fewer signs of carcinogenicity in liver tissues. Compared to doxorubicin, aspirin & vitamin C therapy ameliorations were more appreciated. In vitro, combination therapy (aspirin & vitamin C) exhibited potent cytotoxicity (HepG-2 IC₅₀ of 17.41 ± 1.4 µg/mL) and more excellent safety with a SI of 3.663.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, aspirin plus vitamin C can be considered reliable, accessible, and efficient synergistic anti-HCC medication.

Association of the Gelatinase B/Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) Gene Haplotype in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in the Pediatric Egyptian Population

Permanent systemic inflammation is a defining feature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which affects multiple organs. Gelatinase B/matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is an essential protease investigated in inflammation that has been linked to SLE. The study’s objective was to investigate the relationship between the rs3918249 T/C and rs17576 A/G SNPs in the MMP-9 gene with SLE. The study was conducted with 100 SLE cases and 100 age/sex-matched healthy individuals. TaqManTM SNP was used for genotyping by real time PCR on the Artus Rotor-Gene Qiagen equipment. Haplotypes (TG: OR = 0.226, 95% CI = 0.119−0.429) and (CA: OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.2206−0.631), both with a p-value < 0.001 were substantially linked to a lower incidence of SLE. Conversely, the risk of SLE was not associated with the individual SNPs studied. The haplotype analysis was more significant than the SNP analysis and may correlate with the decreased risk of SLE in children and adolescents in Egypt.

A Newly Synthesized Derivative and a Natural Parent Molecule: Which Would Be More Beneficial as a Future Antitumor Candidate? Docking and In Vivo Study

Seeking for new effectual anticancer drugs is of great importance. In this study, a newly synthesized and well-characterized chromene derivative (ethyl 2-amino-4-phenyl-4H-benzo(h)chromene-3-carboxylate) "C" was prepared. Molecular docking studies were done. The new compound "C" in compare to the natural parent Quercetin "Q," as a well-known natural chromene derivative with antioxidant and antitumor activities, were tested for their antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice. Both reduced ascites volume, decreased viable EAC cells, and prolonged EAC-bearing mice life span. They normalized troponin, creatine kinase-MB, lactate dehydrogenase, and urea levels, reversed liver enzyme activities towards normal, and increased antioxidant levels while reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. Compared to each other, the new synthetic derivative "C" showed stronger antineoplastic effects than the natural parent "Q" may via the anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, the newly synthesized chromene derivative is more promising as a future antitumor candidate than the natural parent molecule "Quercetin." Finally, our results encourage researchers to pay more attention to developing more novel natural-based derivatives that would be more beneficial as future therapeutics than their natural parents.

Palladium(II) Schiff base complex arrests cell cycle at early stages, induces apoptosis, and reduces Ehrlich solid tumor burden: a new candidate for tumor therapy

Although many cancer drugs are clinically approved, they still suffer from no adequate efficiency or drug resistance, or bad side effects. Therefore, developing safer alternatives of competitive efficiency is needed. This study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the antitumor and apoptotic activities of palladium(II) 2-hydroxyimino-3-(2-hydrazonopyridyl)-butane complex against Ehrlich carcinoma. In vitro, EAC cells were incubated with the complex, and the cells' viability, caspase 8 activity, and cell cycle changes were evaluated. In vivo, eighty adult female Swiss albino mice were distributed randomly in the following groups (n = 10): Normal, EAC, EAC + Cisplatin, and four groups EAC + Complex as well as Normal + Complex. Bodyweight changes were noted. On day 22 mice were sacrificed. Tumors' volume and weight were recorded. Blood picture was routinely investigated. The median survival time (MST) and percent increase in life span (%ILS) were monitored. In vitro, the complex reduced the %viable EAC cells, increased caspase 8 activity, arrested cell cycle at G0/G1, and reduced G2(M) population indicating antiproliferative and antitumor activities via inducing apoptosis. Treatment with the complex in a dose-dependent mode significantly decreased tumor volume and weight, extended the MST and the %ILS, increased mice body weight gain, and improved the blood indexes. Treatment of EAC-bearing mice with the complex highest dose showed more desirable outcomes than treatment with cisplatin. The Normal + Complex group showed no pathological changes indicating safety. In conclusion, our outcomes recommend the Pd(II) complex as a new optimistic candidate for tumor therapy after further studies for validation.

Schiff base 4-ethyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl) thiosemicarbazide up-regulates the antioxidant status and inhibits the progression of Ehrlich solid tumor in mice

Cisplatin is an approved cancer therapeutic drug used to treat many solid tumors but its accumulation in the kidney, which causes nephrotoxicity, limits its clinical use. Therefore, investigators seek new alternatives to cisplatin that may be more effective and/or safer. Thiosemicarbazides are of great significance due to their expected biological activity including anticancer activities. The aim of this work is the study of the antitumor effect of Schiff base 4-ethyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl) thiosemicarbazide (HEPTS) on Ehrlich solid tumor-bearing mice in comparison to cancer therapeutic drug cisplatin. The experiment was run using sixty adult female Swiss albino mice. Mice were allocated into six groups (n = 10 mice). Healthy control, EAC control (untreated tumor), EAC + cisplatin, EAC + HEPTS, Healthy + HEPTS, and Healthy + solvent. After scarification, blood samples, liver organs, and solid tumors were collected. Tumor weights and volumes were registered. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), SOD, catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), uric acid, creatinine, and urea were assessed. Median survival time (MST) and the percentage increase in lifespan (%ILS) were also calculated. Treatment of tumorized mice with HEPTS significantly reduced both tumor volume and weight while it significantly increased the MST, antioxidant marks and prolonged the %ILS. It also, significantly reduced MAD, creatinine, urea, uric acid, and NO levels. Compared to cisplatin, HEPTS effects were better. Our results recommend HEPTS as one of the probable cisplatin-alternatives for tumor treatment after more validation.

Livin/BIRC7 gene expression as a possible diagnostic biomarker for endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Livin/BIRC7 is a member of the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins family which are implicated in development of cancer through the inhibition of apoptosis process. This case-control study was intended to investigate livin/BIRC7 gene expression in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma and its correlation to some oxidative stress markers in addition to its possible diagnostic performance.

METHODS

This study included 90 participants [30 endometrial hyperplasia patients, 30 endometrial carcinoma patients, and 30 healthy controls]. Livin/BIRC7 gene expression was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serum catalase activity was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and malondialdehyde level was measured by the colorimetric method.

RESULTS

Livin/BIRC7 gene expression was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in endometrial carcinoma from patients with endometrial hyperplasia when compared to controls. A positive correlation was found between livin/BIRC7 expression and serum catalase activity and malondialdehyde level in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. The detection of livin/BIRC7 in endometrial carcinoma has excellent sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Livin/BIRC7 was overexpressed in endometrial carcinoma with excellent power to differentiate endometrial carcinoma from endometrial hyperplasia or healthy subjects, suggesting that it might be a useful molecular marker for endometrial carcinoma diagnosis.

Amyloid-like Fibronectin Deposits in the Liver: A Novel Morphologic Finding

Amyloid deposits in the liver are recognized by their hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) findings, consisting of acellular eosinophilic deposits in various compartments of the liver parenchyma, including the stroma, vessels, and rarely the hepatocytes. H&E findings that suggest amyloid are then confirmed by Congo red stains and subtyped when clinically needed. Two cases are reported with sinusoidal deposits of acellular material that closely mimicked amyloid on H&E, but were Congo red negative. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis identified the material as fibronectin. In 1 case, the deposits were located in the sinusoids of a well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma and in 1 case in the sinusoids of a benign liver.

Loading of some quinoxaline derivatives in poly (l-lactic) acid/Pluronic® F-127 nanofibers enhances their anticancer efficiency and induces a p53 and p21 apoptotic-signaling pathway

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anticancer activity on cancer cell models of a drug delivery system consisting of poly (l-lactic) acid/Pluronic® F-127 (PLLA/PF127) loaded with the new N-butylpyridoquinoxaline 1,4-dioxide (NBPQD) or 2-amino-3-cyano-6-methylquinoxaline 1,4-dioxide (ACMQD) that was synthesized using an electrospinning process compared to free NBPQD and ACMQD. PLLA/PF127-NBPQD and PLLA/PF127-ACMQD nanofibers were prepared, and their shape, size, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, water contact angel (WCA), drug release, anticancer activity against five human cancer cell lines, and flowcytometeric analyses of cell cycle, p21 and p53 activities were investigated. PLLA/PF127 nanofibers with NBPQD or ACMQD were smooth, and no NBPQD or ACMQD clusters were found on nanofibers surface. FTIR analysis indicated that intermolecular hydrogen bonding between NBPQD or ACMQD and the polymer matrix is present. PLLA/PF127 nanofibers with NBPQD or ACMQD showed quite stable thermal stability with degradation at about 400 °C, and showed high WCA values of 68.72 ± 3.83° and 110.59 ± 0.21°, respectively. They showed higher in vitro anticancer activity towards all investigated cell lines compared to free NBPQD or free ACMQD. The lowest IC₅₀ value for PLLA/PF127-NBPQD was 1.7 μg/ml with colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) and was 4.5 μg/ml for PLLA/PF127-ACMQD with hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2). PLLA/PF127 nanofibers with NBPQD or ACMQD increased anticancer efficiency via inducing cancer cell apoptosis through activation of a p53 and p21 apoptotic-signaling pathway.

Clinical value of a diagnostic score for colon cancer based on serum CEA, CA19-9, cytokeratin-1 and mucin-1

BACKGROUND

Although established markers such as CEA and CA19-9 are important for diagnosing early stages of colon cancer, they are not ideal. Developing promising markers include cytokeratin 1 (CK1) and mucin-1 (MUC1), but the combined value of each of these markers is unclear. We therefore evaluated the value of a combined laboratory-based score of these four markers in the diagnosis of colon cancer.

METHODS

Two hundred patients who had undergone colonoscopic examination (150 colon cancer, 50 benign growths) were recruited. The study was controlled by 35 healthy subjects. CEA, CA19-9, CK1 and MUC1 were measured by ELISA and evaluated for cancer diagnosis using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Serum levels of all four markers were increased in the order colon cancer > benign disease > healthy controls (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, CA19.9 (p = 0.025), CK1 (p < 0.001) and MUC1 (p = 0.009) were significant independent predictors of colon cancer. A score that gave the greatest power of discrimination for colon cancer was defined as 1.06 + [0.001 × CA19.9 result] + [0.003 × CEA result] + [0.03 × CK1 result] + [0.05 × MUC1 result]. The colon score provided superior discrimination, AUC, and sensitivity and specificity for colon cancer versus benign growth than each of the individual markers. Similarly, the colon score provided superior AUC, and sensitivity and specificity that each individual marker for tumour stage, lymph node invasion and distant organ metastases than each individual marker.

CONCLUSION

A colon score derived from serum CEA, CA19-9, CK1 and MUC1 is a potential valuable non-invasive index that could be used for detection and screening early stage colon cancer patients.

Clinical significance of C/D box small nucleolar RNA U76 as an oncogene and a prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence has suggested novel roles of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in tumorigenicity. However, the roles of C/D box snoRNA U76 (SNORD76) in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. Herein, we systematically evaluated dysregulation of snoRNAs in HCC and clarified the biomarker potential and biological significance of SNORD76 in HCC.

METHODS

We performed quantitative analyses of the expression of SNORD76 in 66 HCC specimens to compare its expression pattern between tumor tissue and matched non-tumor tissue. The effects of SNORD76 on HCC tumorigenicity were investigated in SK-Hep1 and Huh7 cells as well as in a xenograft nude mouse model.

RESULTS

SNORD76 expression was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues compared to corresponding non-tumor tissues. This upregulation of SNORD76 in HCC tumors was significantly associated with poorer patient survival. Furthermore, inhibiting SNORD76 expression suppressed cell proliferation by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Low SNORD76 expression also resulted in decreased HCC growth in an animal model. Conversely, overexpressing SNORD76 promoted cell proliferation. SNORD76 increased HCC cell invasion by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Finally, we found that SNORD76 promoted HCC tumorigenicity through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, we demonstrated for the first time that SNORD76 may function as a novel tumor promoter in HCC and may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker in patients with HCC.

Diagnostic performance of T lymphocyte subpopulations in assessment of liver fibrosis stages in hepatitis C virus patients: simple noninvasive score

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Evaluation of liver fibrosis in patients infected with hepatitis C virus is highly useful for the diagnosis of the disease as well as therapeutic decision. Our aim was to develop and validate a simple noninvasive score for liver fibrosis staging in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and compare its performance against three published simple noninvasive indexes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CHC patients were divided into two groups: an estimated group (n=70) and a validated group (n=52). Liver fibrosis was tested in biopsies using the Metavair score system. CD4 and CD8 count/percentage were assayed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis.

RESULTS

The multivariate discriminant analysis selects a function on the basis of absolute values of five biochemical markers: immune fibrosis index (IFI); score=3.07+3.06×CD4/CD8+0.02×α-fetoprotein (U/l)-0.07×alanine aminotransferase ratio-0.005×platelet count (10/l)-1.4×albumin (g/dl). The IFI score produced areas under curve of 0.949, 0.947, and 0.806 for differentiation of all patient categories [significant fibrosis (F2-F4), advanced fibrosis (F3-F4), and cirrhosis (F4)].

CONCLUSION

The IFI score, a novel noninvasive test, can be used easily for the prediction of liver fibrosis stage in CHC patients. Our score was more efficient than aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, fibrosis index, and fibroQ and more suitable for use in Egyptian hepatitis C virus patients.