Relationship between locomotor activity rhythm and corticosterone levels during HCC development, progression, and treatment in a mouse model

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and stress are common symptoms in cancer patients and represent early side effects of cancer treatment which affect the life quality of the patients. CRF may partly depend on disruption of the circadian rhythm. Locomotor activity and corticosterone rhythms are two important circadian outputs which can be used to analyze possible effects on the circadian function during cancer development and treatment. The present study analyzes the relationship between locomotor activity rhythm, corticosterone levels, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, and radiotherapy treatment in a mouse model. HCC was induced in mice by single injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and chronic treatment of phenobarbital in drinking water. Another group received chronic phenobarbital treatment only. Tumor bearing animals were divided randomly into four groups irradiated at four different Zeitgeber time points. Spontaneous locomotor activity was recorded continuously; serum corticosterone levels and p-ERK immunoreaction in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) were investigated. Phenobarbital treated mice showed damped corticosterone levels and a less stable 24 hours activity rhythm as well as an increase in activity during the light phase, reminiscent of sleep disruption. The tumor mice showed an increase in corticosterone level during the inactive phase and decreased activity during the dark phase, reminiscent of CRF. After irradiation, corticosterone levels were further increased and locomotor activity rhythms were disrupted. Lowest corticosterone levels were observed after irradiation during the early light phase; thus, this time might be the best to apply radiotherapy in order to minimize side effects.

Use of a Glass Membrane Pumping Emulsification Device Improves Systemic and Tumor Pharmacokinetics in Rabbit VX2 Liver Tumor in Transarterial Chemoembolization

PURPOSE

To evaluate the phamacokinetics of epirubicin in conventional transarterial chemoembolization using a developed pumping emulsification device with a microporous glass membrane in VX2 rabbits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Epirubicin solution (10 mg/mL) was mixed with ethiodized oil (1:2 ratio) using the device or 3-way stopcock. Forty-eight rabbits with VX2 liver tumor implanted 2 weeks prior to transarterial chemoembolization were divided into 2 groups: a device group (n = 24) and a 3-way-stopcock group (n = 24). Next, 0.5 mL of emulsion was injected into the hepatic artery, followed by embolization using 100-300-μm microspheres. The serum epirubicin concentrations (immediately after, 5 minutes after, and 10 minutes after) and the tumor epirubicin concentrations (20 minutes after and 48 hours after) were measured after transarterial chemoembolization. Histopathologic evaluation was performed with a fluorescence microscope.

RESULTS

The area under the curve and maximum concentrations of epirubicin in plasma were 0.45 ± 0.18 μg min/mL and 0.13 ± 0.06 μg/mL, respectively, in the device group and 0.71 ± 0.45 μg min/mL and 0.22 ± 0.17 μg/mL, respectively, in the 3-way-stopcock group (P = .013 and P = .021, respectively). The mean epirubicin concentrations in VX2 tumors at 48 hours in the device group and the 3-way-stopcock group were 13.7 ± 6.71 and 7.72 ± 3.26 μg/g tissue, respectively (P = .013). The tumor necrosis ratios at 48 hours were 62 ± 11% in the device group and 51 ± 13% in the 3-way-stopcock group (P = .039).

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional transarterial chemoembolization using the pumping emulsification device significantly improved the pharmacokinetics of epirubicin compared to the current standard technique using a 3-way stopcock.

Inhibitory effects of mushroom extracts on progression of carcinogenesis in mice

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common primary malignancy of hepatocytes that has caused many fatalities globally. To manage the increasing cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, natural products like mushrooms have been tested for their anti-oxidant, anti-tumour and therapeutic properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Agaricus bisporus on progression of chemically induced carcinogenesis in mice. Carcinogenesis was induced in experimental and positive group of mice. Development and progression of carcinogenesis was monitored by quantifying levels of Lactate dehydrogenase, total sialic acid and by histological analysis. The results of the study showed that, unlike lactate dehydrogenase, the levels of sialic acid consistently decreased throughout the experimental period in mice that were fed on mushroom extracts compared to the positive control. Histological analysis also showed protection of the hepatocytes from carcinogenesis progression. Overall, the results from tumour markers and histological analysis, showed that addition of Agaricus bisporus extracts to diet slowed down progression of carcinogenesis and these extracts therefore may be useful as supplementary diet to conventional cancer therapies.

Concanavalin a and Wheat Germ Agglutinin Receptors in the Ascitic Fluid of Rat Hepatomas

The presence of glycopeptide lectin receptors in the ascitic fluid of rats bearing Novikoff or AS-30D hepatoma was investigated. Macrosialoglycopeptides, resistant to pronase digestion, were partially purified from the ascitic fluid of hepatoma-bearing rats by gel filtration on Sephadex G-50. A macrosialoglycopeptide fraction, isolated from the ascitic fluid of rats bearing the Novikoff hepatoma, possessed potent concanavalin A (Con A) receptor activity. This fraction possessed higher Con A receptor activity than did the comparable macrosialoglycopeptide fraction from the ascitic fluid of rats bearing the AS-30D hepatoma; this observation is in agreement with the Con A-induced agglutination properties of these 2 hepatoma cell lines and with the Con A receptor activities of the glycopeptides released from the surface of the hepatoma cells by papain digestion. Rat blood serum contained a comparable macrosialoglycopeptide fraction, which possessed weak Con A receptor activity. The macrosialoglycopeptide fractions from the ascitic fluid of hepatoma-bearing rats possessed wheat germ agglutinin receptor activity. However, this activity was also present in normal rat serum. These results suggest that glycopeptides present on the surface of Novikoff hepatoma cells are shed into the ascitic fluid and may be distinguished from components in normal serum by their Con A receptor activity.

Reduction of liver tumerogenic effect of N-nitrosodiethylamine by treatment with ɣ-oryzanol in Balb/C mice

In recent years, naturally occurring phytochemicals with antioxidant capacity have generated surmount interest in their therapeutic usage against a wide range of pathological and toxicological conditions. The present study was designed to evaluate potential of ɣ-oryzanol (OZ), a bio-active natural antioxidant against hepatocellular carcinoma effect of the carcinogen N-nitrosodiethylamine in Balb/c mice. OZ inhibited the proliferation of Hep-3B cell line in concentration dependent manner. Administration of OZ to N-nitrosodiethylamine induced Balb/c mice for 16 and 32 weeks showed reduction in levels of liver injury markers, restored the levels of liver tumor markers, suppressed the hepatic nodular incidence and multiplicity, and favorably modulated the liver antioxidant status in a time dependent manner. Histologically, no obvious signs of neoplasia in the liver tissues were observed in OZ supplemented rats with N-nitrosodiethylamine induced liver tumerogenesis. OZ was found to be effective for reduction of N-nitrosodiethylamine induced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyl transferase-II inactivity aggravates lipid accumulation in rat hepatocarcinogenesis

AIM

To investigate the dynamic alteration of mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyl transferase II (CPT-II) expression during malignant transformation of rat hepatocytes.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley male rats were fed with normal, high fat (HF), and HF containing 2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA) diet, respectively. According to the Hematoxylin and Eosin staining of livers, rats were divided into control, fatty liver, degeneration, precancerous, and cancerous groups. Liver lipids were dyed with Oil Red O, CPT-II alterations were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and compared with CPT-II specific concentration (μg/mg protein). Levels of total cholesterol (Tch), triglyceride (TG), and amino-transferases [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)] were determined by the routine methods.

RESULTS

After intake of HF and/or HF+2-FAA diets, the rat livers showed mass lipid accumulation. The lipid level in the control group was significantly lower than that in other groups. The changes of serum TG and Tch levels were abnormally increasing, 2-3 times more than those in the controls (P < 0.05). During the rat liver morphological changes from normal to cancer development process with hepatocyte injury, serum AST and ALT levels were significantly higher (4-8 times, P < 0.05) than those in the control group. The specific concentration of CPT-II in liver tissues progressively decreased during hepatocyte malignant transformation, with the lowest CPT-II levels in the cancer group than in any of the other groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Low CPT-II expression might lead to abnormal hepatic lipid accumulation, which should promote the malignant transformation of hepatocytes.

Protective effect of yellow tea extract on N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced liver carcinogenesis

Context Yellow tea containing the same catechins as other types of tea but in different proportions has been suggested to possess potent anticancer activities. Objective This study investigates the chemopreventive effect of yellow tea aqueous extract against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced liver carcinogenesis in rats by employing histological and biochemical methods. Materials and methods Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups: control (I), yellow tea (II), NDEA (III), and yellow tea + NDEA (IV). Groups II and IV were exposed via a diet to yellow tea extract in a concentration of 10 g/kg feed; groups III and IV received 0.01% NDEA in drinking water. The experiment lasted for 13 weeks. Results Daily intake of yellow tea in an average dose of 800 mg/kg b.w. alleviated the carcinogenic effect of NDEA as evidenced by reversed histopathological changes towards normal hepatocellular architecture and decreased lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl formation, and DNA degradation by 64%, 37% and 15%, respectively, as compared with values obtained in NDEA alone-treated rats. Treatment with yellow tea extract caused protection of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT); their activity was recovered by 47% and 12%, respectively, as compared with the NDEA-treated rats. Moreover, the extract normalized the NDEA-induced activity of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), while a further increase in the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) was noticed. Conclusions On the basis of these findings, it can be concluded that treatment with yellow tea partially protected the livers of rats from NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and that its antioxidant activity contributed to this effect.

Inhibitory Effect of Anti-rheumatic Drug Iguratimod for Hepatocellular Carcinogenesis by Inhibition of Serum Interleukin-8 Production

BACKGROUND/AIM

Angiogenesis is a known factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to assess the property of iguratimod, that is an anti-inflammatory drug for rheumatoid arthritis, on anti-angiogenesis and anti-carcinogensis for HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured under interleukin-8 (IL-8) with or without iguratimod. In vivo, a rat model with HCC received iguratimod or distilled water for 6 weeks. Diameter of the largest tumor, number of tumors and serum interleukin-8 concentration were compared between iguratimod and control groups.

RESULTS

By an in vitro angiogenesis assay, it was found angiogenesis in iguratimod group was significantly lower than that in control group (p=0.013). In vivo, largest tumor diameter (p=0.036), number of the tumor (p=0.011) and serum interleukin-8 concentration (p=0.036) in the iguratimod group were significantly smaller and lower than those in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Iguratimod may inhibit hepatocellular carcinogensis by inhibition of interleukin-8 production in a rat model.

Validation of a Preclinical Model of Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatic Neoplasia in Yucatan Miniature Pigs

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to reduce the time to tumor onset in a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) swine model via partial liver embolization (PLE) and to characterize the model for use in translational research.

METHODS

Eight Yucatan miniature pigs were injected intraperitoneally with either saline (n = 2) or DEN (n = 6) solution weekly for 12 weeks. Three of the DEN-treated pigs underwent PLE. The animals underwent periodic radiological evaluation, liver biopsy, and blood sampling, and full necropsy was performed at study termination (∼29 months).

RESULTS

All DEN-treated pigs developed hepatic adenoma and HCC. PLE accelerated the time to adenoma development but not to HCC development. Biomarker analysis results showed that IGF1 levels decreased in all DEN-treated pigs as functional liver capacity decreased with progression of HCC. VEGF and IL-6 levels were positively correlated with disease progression. Immunohistochemical probing of HCC tissues demonstrated the expression of several important survival-promoting proteins.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate an accelerated development of hepatic neoplasia in Yucatan miniature pigs. Our HCC swine model closely mimics the human condition (i.e., progressive disease stages and expression of relevant molecular markers) and is a viable translational model.

Adult mouse model of early hepatocellular carcinoma promoted by alcoholic liver disease

AIM

To establish a mouse model of alcohol-driven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that develops in livers with alcoholic liver disease (ALD).

METHODS

Adult C57BL/6 male mice received multiple doses of chemical carcinogen diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) followed by 7 wk of 4% Lieber-DeCarli diet. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and liver Cyp2e1 were assessed. Expression of F4/80, CD68 for macrophages and Ly6G, MPO, E-selectin for neutrophils was measured. Macrophage polarization was determined by IL-1β/iNOS (M1) and Arg-1/IL-10/CD163/CD206 (M2) expression. Liver steatosis and fibrosis were measured by oil-red-O and Sirius red staining respectively. HCC development was monitored by magnetic resonance imaging, confirmed by histology. Cellular proliferation was assessed by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).

RESULTS

Alcohol-DEN mice showed higher ALTs than pair fed-DEN mice throughout the alcohol feeding without weight gain. Alcohol feeding resulted in increased ALT, liver steatosis and inflammation compared to pair-fed controls. Alcohol-DEN mice had reduced steatosis and increased fibrosis indicating advanced liver disease. Molecular characterization showed highest levels of both neutrophil and macrophage markers in alcohol-DEN livers. Importantly, M2 macrophages were predominantly higher in alcohol-DEN livers. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed increased numbers of intrahepatic cysts and liver histology confirmed the presence of early HCC in alcohol-DEN mice compared to all other groups. This correlated with increased serum alpha-fetoprotein, a marker of HCC, in alcohol-DEN mice. PCNA immunostaining revealed significantly increased hepatocyte proliferation in livers from alcohol-DEN compared to pair fed-DEN or alcohol-fed mice.

CONCLUSION

We describe a new 12-wk HCC model in adult mice that develops in livers with alcoholic hepatitis and defines ALD as co-factor in HCC.

Inflammation and cancer: inhibiting the progression of residual hepatic VX2 carcinoma by anti-inflammatory drug after incomplete radiofrequency ablation

BACKGROUND

Accelerated progression of residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after incomplete radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been reported more frequently. Recent data have redefined the concept of inflammation as a critical component of tumor progression. However, there has been little understanding regarding the relationship between progression of residual HCC and the inflammation induced by thermal destruction of the tumor after RFA. The present study was designed to determine whether inflammation facilitates rapid progression of residual hepatic VX2 carcinoma and to clarify the possible underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Forty-eight rabbits were each implanted with two VX2 hepatic tumors via supraumbilical median laparotomy. One of the tumors in two different lobes was ablated by RFA. All the rabbits were then randomly divided into four groups (12 rabbits in each group) receiving anti-inflammatory treatment with different doses of aspirin: control group, AS-L group (aspirin, 5 mg/kg/d), AS-M group (aspirin, 20 mg/kg/d), and AS-H group (aspirin, 100 mg/kg/d). The levels of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected to evaluate the effect of the anti-inflammation. Tumor growth, lung and kidney metastasis, and survival were assessed. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (caspase-3) in residual tumor was examined by immunohistochemistry and Western-blotting.

RESULTS

The levels of serum IL-6, hs-CRP, and TNF-α in the AS-H group decreased significantly in comparison with those of the control group (P<0.05). The focal tumor volume and lung and kidney metastases of rabbits in the AS-H group were less significant compared with those of the control group (P<0.05). The expression of PCNA, MMP-9, and VEGF in the AS-H group decreased significantly compared with the control group (P<0.05). Finally, the survival time of the AS-H group was longer than that of the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammation induced by thermal destruction of the tumor following RFA could be an important cause of rapid progression of residual hepatic VX2 carcinoma. The anti-inflammation effect of aspirin can inhibit proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of residual tumor cells, and aspirin may be a good candidate drug as an adjuvant therapy with RFA for treating HCC.

Mechanism of QHF-cisplatin against hepatocellular carcinoma in a mouse model

AIM: To study the effects of QHF-cisplatin on H₂₂ hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their mechanisms of action.

METHODS: Sixty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a model group (n = 48) and a normal control group (n = 12). An HCC xenograft tumor was created by injecting H₂₂ cells directly into the liver parenchyma of the mice. The 48 BALB/c mice in the model group were randomly divided into four groups: QHF, DDP (cisplatin), QHF plus DDP, and model control. The inhibitory effects of these drugs on tumor growth were evaluated by calculating the rate of tumor growth inhibition. The mice were examined by observing their general condition, body weight and survival time. Changes in tumor tissue were observed under an optical microscope. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in serum were measured. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition (c-Met) factor, phosphorylated (p)-c-Met, p38, p-p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p-ERK and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were evaluated in tumor and liver tissues using western blotting.

RESULTS: Compared with the DDP group, a lower incidence of toxic reactions and a higher survival time were observed in the QHF plus DDP group. Tumor weight was significantly lower in the QHF, DDP and QHF plus DDP groups than in the model control group (0.24 ± 0.07, 0.18 ± 0.03 and 0.14 ± 0.01 g vs 0.38 ± 0.05 g, respectively), and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The rate of tumor growth inhibition in the QHF, DDP and QHF plus DDP groups was 38.7%, 52.6% and 63.5%, respectively. AST, ALT and AFP levels in serum were significantly lower in the QHF, DDP and QHF plus DDP groups compared to the model control group (P < 0.05). Similarly, HGF, p-c-Met, p-p38, p-ERK and VEGF levels in tumor tissue were significantly lower in the QHF, DDP and QHF plus DDP groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: QHF and DDP have an antiangiogenic effect on H₂₂ HCC in mice. QHF inhibits tumor growth via blocking the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway, inhibiting p38, ERK and VEGF signaling.

INHIBITORY EFFECT OF TETRAMETHYLPYRAZINE ON HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA: POSSIBLE ROLE OF APOPTOSIS AND CELL CYCLE ARREST

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer. An important approach to control HCC is chemoprevention. This study aims at investigating the antitumor effect of Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP). Rats were injected with N-Nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) to establish HCC. Tumor development was observed. Liver function was evaluated. Apoptosis and cell cycle arrest-related makers and signaling cascades were determined by Western blot, RT-PCR and flow cytometric analysis. The administration of TMP could significantly inhibit tumor development in DEN-induced HCC rats, shown by reduced incidence of tumor, decreased number of tumor nodules and reduced maximal size of tumor. DEN-induced increase of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly inhibited by TMP. TMP exhibited inhibitory effect on HCC through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in rats. TMP induced apoptosis through increasing Bax, decreasing Bcl-2, increasing the release of cytochrome c, and activating caspase, which consisted of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. TMP induced G2/M cell cycle arrest through down-regulation of cyclin B1/cdc2. In addition, inhibition of Akt and ERK signaling and the antioxidant activities of TMP may also contribute to its antitumor effect. These data provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying the antitumor effect of TMP.

[DYNAMICS OF NITROGEN OXIDE METABOLITES IN THE PLASMA AND ASCITES DURING ZAJDEL HEPATOMA GROWTH IN VIVO]

The dynamics of extracellular nitrogen oxide metabolites localized in the plasma and ascites during Zajdel ascites hepatoma growth in the abdominal cavity has been investigated. An increase in peroxynitrite concentration was found by the levels of nitrotyrosine (up to 10-11 nM) in blood plasma at the initial stage of tumor cell development. In the course of further tumor development, an oxidative stress developed, which might cause oxidation of protein components including tyrosine. All these processes may cause a decrease in the accessible amount of tyrosine for nitration and lead to a fall in nitrotyrosine level (to 3-6 nM) at the final stages of tumor growth. Nitrotyrosine dynamics in the region of tumor growth is essentially analogous to that in the plasma because proteins during tumor growth cames from the blood plasma of tumor bearer. In studying the dynamics of nitrosylation of sulfur-bearing protein groups, an increase in the concentration of S-nitrosothyols was found to occur in the blood plasma for up to 6 days of the experiment, subsequently their concentration decreased. In the ascites, where protein R-SNO arrives, the mean concentration of nitrosothyols upon tumor growth is lower compared to that of the plasma. In studying the dynamics of final stable nitrogen oxide decay products--nitrites/nitrates, it has been found that during tumor development the concentration of these metabolites in the plasma varies only moderately within some range and sharply increases at the final stage of the experiment. In the area of tumor growth, an analogous trend in the behavior of nitrites/nitriaes has been registered (noted, marked), but with a higher background level, which might be due to both the functioning of immunocompetent cells, microphages in particular, and a decreased rate of utilization of substances from the ascites. Based on the aforesaid, it has been concluded that the nitrosylating stress in the organism of the bearer of a tumor is being developed along with the oxidative stress.

Serum biomarkers for personalization of nanotherapeutics-based therapy in different tumor and organ microenvironments

Enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect, the mechanism by which nanotherapeutics accumulate in tumors, varies in patients based on differences in the tumor and organ microenvironment. Surrogate biomarkers for the EPR effect will aid in selecting patients who will accumulate higher amounts of nanotherapeutics and show better therapeutic efficacy. Our data suggest that the differences in the vascular permeability and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) accumulation are tumor type as well as organ-specific and significantly correlated with the relative ratio of MMP-9 to TIMP-1 in the circulation, supporting development of these molecules as biomarkers for the personalization of nanoparticle-based therapy.

Inhibitory effect of cordycepin on experimental hepatic metastasis of B16-F0 mouse melanoma cells

In a previous study performed by our group, we demonstrated that the water extract of Cordyceps sinensis (WECS) significantly prevented tumor metastasis from the spleen to the liver, using B16-F0 mouse melanoma cells as a model. In this study, we investigated the anti-metastatic activity of cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), one of the components of WECS, using an identical model of mice injected with B16-F0 cells into the spleen. All mice inoculated with B16-F0 cells died due to liver metastases via the portal vein from the spleen. Control mice not administered cordycepin exhibited higher serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) due to damage to the liver by metastasized B16-F0 cells from the spleen, and survival times ranged from 17 to 22 days after tumor inoculation. Cordycepin was intraperitoneally administered to mice, and resulted in significantly lower serum ALT levels and longer survival times than those observed in control mice. Taken together, these results indicate that cordycepin may be the active ingredient in C. sinensis exerting an anti-metastatic effect, and may be a potential candidate anti-metastatic agent.

Lysophosphatidic acid aberrancies and hepatocellular carcinoma: studies in the MDR2 gene knockout mouse

Studies show that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) reprogramming is associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This manuscript evaluates the MDR2(-/-) model of HCC as a tool to examine the role of LPA reprogramming in the initiation/progression of HCC and identify novel treatment targets. Hepatic tumors developed in MDR2(-/-) mice between 9-12 m and serum LPA levels were greater in MDR2(-/-) when compared to controls. Blocking LPA biosynthesis/signaling significantly reduced tumor burden. LPA biosynthesis/signaling plays an important role in murine MDR2(-/-) model and is potentially linked to regulation of TNFα or other cytokines that are relevant to high-risk patients.

[Influence of bear bile on rat hepatocarcinoma induced by diethylnitrosamine]

To investigate the influence of bear bile on rat hepatocarcinoma induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN), a total of 40 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group, model group, and two bear bile treatment groups. The rat liver cancer model was induced by breeding with water containing 100 mg x L(-1) DEN for 14 weeks. The rats of the bear bile groups received bear bile powder (200 or 400 mg x kg(-1)) orally 5 times per week for 18 weeks. The general condition and the body weight of rats were examined every day. After 18 weeks the activities of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBIL) were detected. Meanwhile, the pathological changes of liver tissues were observed after H&E staining. The expression of proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and a-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) in liver tissue were detected by immunohistochemical method. After 4 weeks the body weights of rats in normal group were significantly more than that in other groups (P < 0.05); and that in the two bile groups was significantly more than that in the model group. Compared with normal group, the level of serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and total bilirubin increased significantly in other groups; compared with model group, these two indexes decreased significantly in two bile groups. Hepatocellular carcinoma occurred in all rats except for normal group; there were classic cirrhosis and cancer in model group while there were mild cirrhosis and high differentiation in two bile groups. There were almost no expressions of PCNA and alpha-SMA in normal group while there were high expressions in model group; the two bile groups had some expressions but were inferior to the model group, and alpha-SMA reduced markedly. It indicated that bear bile restrained the development of liver cancer during DEN inducing rat hepatocarcinoma, which may be related to its depressing hepatic stellate cell activation and relieving hepatic lesion and cirrhosis.

[Analysis of the dynamic changes of blood hormone levels in H22 liver cancer mice of poisonous pathogenic factors syndromes to different degrees]

OBJECTIVE

To study the dynamic changes of blood hormone levels in H22 liver cancer mice of poisonous pathogenic factors syndromes (PPFS) to different degrees.

METHODS

Two hundred and twenty mice were injected with H22 tumor cells from their armpits. On the ninth day after inoculation the mice of severe poisonous pathogenic factors syndrome (SPPFS) and of mild poisonous pathogenic factors syndrome (MPPFS) were screened. Besides, another normal control group consisting of 30 mice was set up. The mice were killed on the tenth and eleventh day after inoculation (as the 1st and 2nd time window). The weight of the tumor, the wet weight of the thymus and the spleen were weighed. The plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone, aldosterone, thyroid hormone T3 and T4, testosterone, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma were detected by ELISA. All the aforesaid laboratory parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

The tumor weight was obviously larger in mice of the SPPFS group than in those of the MPPFS group at the same time window (P < or = 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the thymus was obviously atrophied (P < or = 0.05), the spleen was significantly enlarged (P < or = 0.05), the plasma ACTH significantly increased (P < or = 0.05) in the SPPFS group at the two time windows. But the increment of ACTH was less in the MPPFS group. The plasma corticosterone showed similar tendency as that of ACTH. At the 1st time window the plasma testosterone significantly increased in the two groups (P < or = 0.05). The plasma testosterone and T4 showed a decreasing tendency in the SPPFS group. The plasma TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma levels showed an increasing trend in the two groups. Correlation study showed that the degree of PPFS was negatively correlated with qi deficiency (r = -0.766, P < or = 0.05) and T4 (r = -0.738, P < or = 0.05). The degrees of PPFS was positively correlated with the plasma ACTH level (r = 0.635, P < or = 0.05). The degree of qi deficiency was positively correlated with yang heat syndrome (r = 0.632, P < or = 0.05). The plasma ACTH was negatively correlated with T4 (r = -0.504, P < or = 0.05). The plasma testosterone was positively correlated with TNF-alpha (r = 0.619, P < or = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PPFS occurs naturally and shows difference to different degrees in the development of H22 liver cancer. The disorders of neuroendocrine hormones and the suppression of the immune function show dynamic changing trends.

Circulating microRNAs, possible indicators of progress of rat hepatocarcinogenesis from early stages

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level, are believed promising biomarkers for several diseases as well as a novel target of drugs, including cancer. In particular, miRNAs might allow detection of early stages of carcinogenesis. The present study was conducted to provide concrete evidence using chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rat as a model. We thereby observed aberrant fluctuation of circulating miRNAs in the serum of rats not only with neoplastic lesions such as hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but also with preneoplastic lesions, such as foci of hepatocellular alteration (FHA). Additional qRT-PCR analysis revealed gradual elevation of some circulating miRNAs (i.e., let-7a, let-7f, miR-34a, miR-98, miR-331, miR-338 and miR-652) with progress of hepatocarcinogenesis. Interestingly, increased levels of let-7a, let-7f and miR-98 were statistically significant even in the serum of rats at very early stages. These findings provide the first evidences that circulating miRNAs have the potential to predict carcinogenesis at earlier stages, preneoplastic lesions than with previous biomarkers and that they might be utilized to monitor the progress of tumor development.

[Variations in cell population size and reactive oxygen species level in the blood and the ascites liquid of tumor carrier]

Using Seidel ascites hepatoma as a model, we studied in detail changes in cell population size and in the level of reactive oxygen species in the tumor growth zone and in the blood plasma of tumor carrier. It was found that reduction-oxidation conditions in the blood plasma and in the tumor growth zone were different. Thus, because of hyperactivity and increase in the number of leukocytes, the blood plasma exhibited strong oxidative stress inducing damage to healthy cells, whereas the tumor growth zone showed the decrease in macrophage concentration, as well as in oxygen and ROS levels. These conditions favor intensive growth of tumor cells.

[Effect of proteins extracted from mycelia of Omphalia lapidescens on inhibiting H, liver cancer in mice and regulating immune function]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of proteins extraceed from mycelia of Omphalia lapidescens on inhibiting H22 liver cancer in vivo.

METHODS

50 hepatoma 22 tumor bearing mice models were divided into five groups randomly:control group( CG), cyclophosphamide group, and 3 groups of incremental Hepatoma 22 dosages (5, 3, 1 mg/kg). All groups were i.v. with drugs once a day. After 8 consecutive days, the concentrations of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). The weight changes of tumor, thymus, liver, heart, spleen, lung and kidney were observed.

RESULTS

It showed the tumors' weight were significant heavier in CG than in EGs. The tumor-inhibition rate (IR) was 36.4% in high dosage group,which was lower than 43.2% in cyclophosphamide group. The spleen mass of proteins groups increased significantly. The concentration of IFN-gamma in serum of proteins groups increased as CG, but IL-4 in inverse direction. The observations of thymus, liver, heart, lung and kidney in EGs were the same as CG.

CONCLUSION

The proteins extracted from mycelium of Omphalia lapidescens can inhibit the growth of tumour and enhance the immune function of H22 tumor-bearing mice.

[Inhibitory effects of Scutellaria barbate extracts on diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinoma in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inhibitory effects of Scutellaria barbate extracts on diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinoma in rats.

METHODS

Hepatocarcinoma model rats were induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Sixty SD male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group, hepatocarcinoma model group, ESB of high dose group and ESB of low dose group. All rats were killed in the 18th week, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) and alpha-L-fucosidase (AFU) in serum were measured by biochemical examinations; Hematoxy and eosin (HE) methods were used to examine the changes of liver pathology.

RESULTS

The levels of ALT, AST, TBIL, ALP, gamma-GT, AFU in hepatocarcinoma model group and ESB groups were higher than that of control group (P < 0.05). ESB could relieve hepatic injures. The levels of liver function indexes in ESB groups were lower than that of model group. Histological examination demonstrated that the number of liver cancer nodus in ESB groups were lower than that of model group. Furthermore, ESB could attenuate the grade of cancer cell differentiation.

CONCLUSION

ESB could inhibit experimental hepatocarcinoma and relieve hepatic injures in rats.

[Nanogold inhibits angiogenesis and growth of liver cancer: experiment with mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of nanogold in inhibition of angiogenesis and growth of liver cancer cells.

METHODS

Nanogold was co-incubated with VEGF165 and VDGF121 respectively. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to observe the changes of the form of the particles. Human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) were serum-starved for 24 hours, then co-cultured with VEGF165 + nanogold or VEGF121 + nanogold for 24 h. ATM was used to observe the ultrastructure of the cells. Another HUVEC were serum-starved for 24 hours and then cultured with VEGF165 (10 microg/L) 100 microl + nanogold 125, 250, and 500 nmol/L 100 microl respectively for 5 min. Then Western blotting was used to detect the phosphorylation protein of phospholipase C (PLC)-gamma1 on VEGFR-2. Hepatocellular cancer cells of the line H22 were injected subcutaneously into the right armpit of 20 Balb/c nude mice. When the size of transplanted tumor reached about 8 mm, the mice were divided into 2 equal groups: experimental group undergoing injection of nanogold into the tumor once a day for 8 days, and control group injected with normal saline. On day 14 the mice were sacrificed with the liver tumors taken out to measure the size and weight. The microvascular density (MVD) of tumor was determined by immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

ATM showed that acted with VEGF165, the size of nanogold became over 30 nm. Treated with VEGF165 the HUVEC became larger with obvious pseudopodium. However, such changes were obviously milder in those HUVEC treated with nanogold + VEGF165. The PLC-gamma1 phosphorylation level VEGF receptor-2 was decreased along with the increase of the concentration of nanogold. The MVD of liver cancer tissue in the experimental group was 14.27 +/- 1.08, significantly lower than that of the control group [(23.52 +/- 1.36), P < 0.01]. The mean weight and volume of tumor of the experimental group were (1.39 +/- 0.08) g and (1.37 +/- 0.34) cm(3) respectively, both significantly lower than those of the control group [(2.47 +/- 0.15) g and (2.49 +/- 0.78) cm(3) respectively, both P < 0.05] with a tumor growth inhibition rate of 43.72%.

CONCLUSION

Nanogold significantly inhibits the angiogenesis and growth of liver cancer cells with the possible mechanism that nanogold inhibits the VEGF165-induced signaling.

[Distribution of 5-FU in rat plasma and liver tissue after local 5-FU infusion]

OBJECTIVE

To study the distribution of 5-FU in rat plasma and liver tissue following systemic or local 5-FU infusion.

METHODS

5-FU was administered at the dose of 20 mg/kg systemically via bolus injection through the jugular vein or locally via infusion through the hepatic artery and portal vein of the rats. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure 5-FU concentration in the plasma and liver tissue, and the pharmacokinetic parameters, penetration rate and therapeutic dominance of 5-FU were calculated.

RESULTS

Systemic administration of 5-FU resulted in the peak 5-FU concentration (Cmax) and area under curve (AUC) in the liver tissue of 13.79-/+4.56 microg/g and 342.20-/+108.20 microg.min(-1).g(-1)g-1, with the plasma Cmax and AUC of 36.85-/+5.96 microg/g and 842.00-/+158.00 microg.min(-1).ml(-1), respectively. Local 5-FU administration through the hepatic artery resulted in Cmax and AUC in the liver tissue of 29.58-/+4.30 microg/g and 794.60-/+115.40 microg.min(-1).g(-1) and Cmax and AUC in the plasma of 24.39-/+4.63 microg/g and 639.70-/+133.80 microg.min(-1).ml(-1), respectively. After administration through the portal vein, the Cmax and AUC of 5-FU was 28.21-/+4.46 microg/g and 733.60-/+180.3 microg.min(-1).g(-1) in the liver tissue, and 21.02-/+4.06 microg/ml and 529.80-/+111.50 microg.min(-1).ml(-1) in the plasma, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Compared with systemic venous bolus injection, administration through the hepatic artery and portal vein can significantly increase 5-FU concentration in the liver, and decrease its concentration in the peripheral blood.

[A comparison of antioxidant properties of hypoxen and duroquinone by the method of chemiluminescence]

The antioxidant activity of duroquinone and hypoxen was compared with that of alpha-tocopherol and vitamin C in a model system (luminol-peroxidase-H2O2), and their influence on the level of reactive oxygen species in systems containing polymorphonuclear leukocytes of healthy and tumor-bearing animals was studied. It was shown that, in a model chemical system, the concentrations of antioxidants (the inverse of antioxidant activity) necessary to decrease twice the intensity of the chemiluminescence answer (C50%) are arranged in the following order: alpha-tocopherol > duroquinone > hypoxen > ascorbic acid. In this case, the concentrations of the hydrophobic antioxidants (C50% for alpha-tocopherol and duroquinone 10-30 mkM) should be 20-50 times higher than for hydrophilic antioxidants (C50% for vitamin C and hypoxen 0.5-0.6 mkM). It was revealed that the generation of reactive oxygen species by blood phagocytes of tumor-bearing animals is 2-2.5 times higher than by phagocytes of healthy animals. The antioxidant concentration necessary to decrease the chemiluminescence answer in the cellular system should be one order of magnitude higher than in the model chemical system. The distribution of a hydrophobic antioxidant between water/lipid phases promotes an increase in the concentration of the antioxidant necessary to decrease the level of reactive oxygen species twice. Thus, the major factor influencing the antioxidant activity is the constant of distribution of these compounds in a water/lipid system.

[Toxicity attenuation and efficacy potentiation effects of Fu Zheng Yang Yin Decoction with HIFU on the experimental model of VX2 cancer in rabbits' liver]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the toxicity attenuation and efficacy potentiation effects of Fu Zheng Yang Yin Decoction with HIFU on the experimental model of VX2 liver cancer in rabbits.

METHODS

The rabbits were all transplanted with VX2 cancer on livers. The 30 rabbits were divided into three groups: HIFU group (HIFU therapy), Combination group (HIFU + Fu Zheng Yang Yin decoction), Control group (without any treatment). Each group involved 10 rabbits. After treatment, the volume of the tumor was observed by sonography. Metastases, pathological changes, Immunoglobulin, ALT were also observed.

RESULTS

After treatment, ALT and temperature of Combination group and HIFU group were lower than Control group (P < 0.05). The tumor volume of Combination group and HIFU group showed significant difference with control group (P < 0.05). Immunoglobulin of HIFU group and Combination group increased, that of Control group decreased. One month after treatment, all animals were dissected. Combination group had no lung transferred, HIFU group had 2 lung transferred, all of control group had lung transferred.

CONCLUSION

The combination therapy of Fu Zheng Yang Yin decoction with HIFU can effectively inhibited VX2 cancer growth in rabbit's liver. Fu Zheng Yang Yin decoction can reduce side-effect, improve immune function, and has special effects of toxicity attenuation and efficacy potentiation.

Effects of neuraminidase on apoptosis of blood lymphocytes in rats with implanted Morris tumor

In this study we examined the influence of neuraminidase on apoptosis of peripheral blood lymphocytes in rats with an implanted Morris tumor. The main objectives of the study were to determine whether the percentage of apoptotic blood lymphocytes would depend on the dosing regimen of neuraminidase and whether neuraminidase would affect caspase-3 activity, a marker of the apoptosis, in blood lymphocytes. A total of 51 rats were used for the study. In three groups, totalling 39 animals, Morris tumor was implanted and neuraminidase was injected intravenously using two dosing regimens: 10 units three times on Day 4, Day 7, and Day 14 and 5 units as a single dose on Day 4 of the experiment or was skipped (control). The remaining 12 rats constituted a reference group of healthy animals. At the end of the experimental period on Day 21, blood was drawn from the heart, and mononuclear cells were separated and cultured. Apoptosis of blood lymphocytes was assessed in cell cultures from fluorescence spectra generated by a Sybr Green I dye forming bonds with nuclear DNA. Caspase-3 activity was measured colorimetrically in homogenates of lymphocyte cultures using a CASP-3-C kit (Sigma, St. Louis, MO). On the whole, the results demonstrate that the bigger, but not the smaller, dose of neuraminidase was markedly effective in preserving the vitality of blood lymphocytes and in decreasing both the number of apoptotic lymphocytes and capsase-3 activity in the rats with Morris tumor. Neuraminidase treatment failed, however, to lessen the tumor size. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that neuraminidase caused an appreciable decline in apoptosis of blood lymphocytes in rats with the Morris tumor; the effect was dose-dependent. Although neuraminidase failed to influence the local cancer development in terms of tumor size, its anti-apoptotic effect toward the cells of the immune system of a cancer host is of research interest as it may potentially offer a way to strengthen the host's immune response.

[An evaluation of transforming growth factor-beta 1 in diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma and metastasis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the dynamic expressions of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 1 mRNA at different stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and their use in clinical diagnosis.

METHODS

Hepatoma models were developed with 2-FAA using male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Morphological changes of the rat liver histological preparations (H and E stained) were studied. The fragment of TGF-beta 1 gene obtained was amplified by nested RT-PCR. Dynamic change of TGF-beta 1 level was quantitatively analyzed by ELISA. The distribution of TGF-beta 1 in the cells and its gene expression were detected in human HCC tissues.

RESULTS

The progressive increases of hepatic TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 1 mRNA were observed in rat hepatocytes which progressed from granular degeneration, atypical hyperplasia and finally to HCC development induced by 2-FAA. The expression levels in HCC tissues were significantly higher than those in the normal and degenerative ones. TGF-beta 1 was shown in rat hepatocytes by immunohistochemistry. Plasma TGF-beta 1 was detected in 89.5% of all the patients with HCC, but it was detected in 93.3% of them who had an AFP less than 400 microg/L. TGF-beta 1 mRNA showed a stronger expression in HCC tissues. TGF-beta 1 mRNA was found in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from all HCC patients with extrahepatic metastasis.

CONCLUSION

TGF-beta 1 may participate in hepatocyte canceration. The overexpression of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 1 mRNA could be useful markers for early diagnosis and predicting prognosis of HCC.

[Effect of Fuzheng Yiliu Granule contained-serum from tumor bearing mice on apoptotic rate, free radicals content and mitochondrial membrane potential of hepatoma cell lines H22 in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of traditional Chinese herbs Fuzheng Yiliu Granule (FYG)-contained serum from tumor bearing mice on apoptotic rate, free radicals content and mitochondrial membrane potential of hepatoma cell lines H22 in vitro.

METHODS

The effect of FYG drug-serum on apoptosis of hepatoma cell line H22 was determined using flow cytometry. The changes of DNA RNA, free radicals and mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi m) in H22 cell were detected through laser scanning confocal microscope.

RESULTS

FYG-contained serum can induce the apoptosis of H22 cell, enhance the free radicals content, and reduce the content of DNA RNA and delta psi m of H22 cell in vitro.

CONCLUSION

The apoptosis of hepatoma cell line H22 induced by FYG is probably correlated to the change of free radicals content and delta psi m.

Metabolic fluxes in the liver of rats bearing the Walker-256 tumour: influence of the circulating levels of substrates and fatty acids

Studies on fatty acid and amino acid metabolism in the liver of Walker-256 tumour-bearing rats have revealed several changes. Comparisons, however, have been based on experiments performed with non-physiological, frequently unrealistic, substrate concentrations. The aim of the present work was to examine the influence of physiological substrate concentrations on gluconeogenesis, ketogenesis and related parameters. Isolated livers were perfused and substrates were infused at concentrations that were reported to occur in healthy and tumour-bearing rats. Ketogenesis and the mitochondrial NADH/NAD+ ratio were smaller in the tumour-bearing condition at low (0.2 mM) and high (0.8 mM) oleate concentrations. In the absence of oleate, gluconeogenesis from alanine (0.7 mM) and gluconeogenesis plus the associated changes in oxygen uptake due to lactate/pyruvate (2/0.2 and 6/0.3 mM) were smaller in livers of tumour-bearing rats. However, the response of gluconeogenesis from lactate/pyruvate in livers of tumour-bearing rats to 0.8 mM oleate was more pronounced so that a trend towards normalization was apparent at high substrate and oleate concentrations. Gluconeogenesis from 0.7 mM alanine was not significantly changed by oleate in the tumour-bearing state; in the control condition, stimulation occurred at 0.2 mM oleate and inhibition at 0.8 mM oleate. This diminution almost equalized the hepatic alanine-dependent gluconeogenesis of both control and tumour-bearing rats. Ureogenesis was smaller in the tumour-bearing state and was not affected by oleate. It was concluded that the high concentrations of fatty acids and lactate/pyruvate, which predominate in rats bearing the Walker-256 tumour, could be effective in normalizing the gluconeogenic response of livers from tumour-bearing rats.

[Experimental study on anti-tumor effect of extractive from Celastrus orbiculatus in vivo]

OBJECTIVE

To study the anti-tumor activity of extractive from Celastrus orbiculatus in vivo.

METHOD

Mice bearing transplanted tumor S180 and Heps were used to study the effects of acetoacetate and n-butanol extractive from C. orbiculatus. The changes in serum contents of SOD and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were assayed.

RESULT

Acetoacetate and n-butanol extractive from C. orbiculatus significantly inhibited the growth of S180 and Heps tumor in mice. SOD content was obviously increased, MDA content obviously decreased in the serum after extractive treatment.

CONCLUSION

Acetoacetate and n-butanol extractive from C. orbiculatus have anti-tumor effects and anti-oxidative capacity.

Celecoxib induces regression of putative preneoplastic lesions in rat liver

BACKGROUND

Celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, may reduce the risk and mortality of certain types of human cancer. The chemopreventive effect of celecoxib on preneoplastic lesions induced by chemical hepatocarcinogenesis was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed a celecoxib-supplemented diet between days 18 and 26 post-initiation (1500 ppm) and sacrificed on day 26. The effects of celecoxib on proliferation, apoptosis, COX-2 activity and liver function were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, TUNEL assay, enzyme-immunoassay and spectrophotometry, respectively.

RESULTS

Celecoxib decreased, in area and number, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and glutathione S-transferase placental-positive lesions, below levels found after 18 days, by 55.2% and 62.2%, and by 50.5% and 71.1%, respectively, (p < 0.05). Celecoxib neither induced apoptosis nor altered the levels of prostaglandin E2, bilirubin or alanine aminotransferase in the plasma; however, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin D1 decreased by 77.7% and 94.9%, respectively, (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Celecoxib regresses existing preneoplastic liver lesions through antiproliferative processes, without altering liver function.

Effects of administration of Embelin and Curcumin on lipid peroxidation, hepatic glutathione antioxidant defense and hematopoietic system during N-nitrosodiethylamine/Phenobarbital-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Wistar rats

The effects of administration of Embelin (EMB) and Curcumin (CUR) on lipid peroxidation, hepatic glutathione antioxidant defense and hematopoietic cells were examined during N-nitrosodiethylamine (DENA-200 mg kg(-1)body wt, single I.P injection) initiated and Phenobarbital (PB-0.05% in drinking water orally for 13 weeks) promoted hepatocarcinogenesis in Wistar strain male albino rats. DENA/PB-induced hepatic damage was manifested by a significant drop in the hepatic glutathione antioxidant defense, increased lipid peroxidation and histological alterations like dysplasia, and atypical cells with abnormal chromatin pattern. Treatment with Curcumin (100 mg kg(-1)body wt) and Embelin (50 mg kg(-1)body wt) prevented the drop in hepatic glutathione antioxidant defense, decreased lipid peroxidation, minimized the histological alterations induced by DENA/PB, but showed toxic effects on the hematopoietic cells. Results indicate the beneficial effects of Embelin and Curcumin against oxidative tissue damage during chemically-induced hepatocarinogenesis in rats.

Dual-color imaging of nuclear-cytoplasmic dynamics, viability, and proliferation of cancer cells in the portal vein area

We used dual-color in vivo cellular imaging to visualize trafficking, nuclear-cytoplasmic dynamics, and the viability of cancer cells after their injection into the portal vein of mice. For these studies, we used dual-color fluorescent cancer cells that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) linked to histone H2B in the nucleus and retroviral red fluorescent protein (RFP) in the cytoplasm. Human HCT-116-GFP-RFP colon cancer and mouse mammary tumor (MMT) cells were HCT-116-GFP-RFP in the portal vein of nude mice. The cells were observed intravitally in the liver at the single-cell level using the Olympus OV100 whole-mouse imaging system. Most HCT-116-GFP-RFP cells remained in sinusoids near peripheral portal veins. Only a small fraction of the cancer cells invaded the lobular area. Extensive clasmocytosis (destruction of the cytoplasm) of the HCT-116-GFP-RFP cells occurred within 6 hours. The number of apoptotic cells rapidly increased within the portal vein within 12 hours of injection. Apoptosis was readily visualized in the dual-color cells by their altered nuclear morphology. The data suggest rapid death of HCT-116-GFP-RFP cells in the portal vein. In contrast, dual-color MMT-GFP-RFP cells injected into the portal vein mostly survived in the liver of nude mice 24 hours after injection. Many surviving MMT-GFP-RFP cells showed invasive figures with cytoplasmic protrusions. The cells grew aggressively and formed colonies in the liver. However, when the host mice were pretreated with cyclophosphamide, the HCT-116-GFP-RFP cells also survived and formed colonies in the liver after portal vein injection. These results suggest that a cyclophosphamide-sensitive host cellular system attacked the HCT-116-GFP-RFP cells but could not effectively kill the MMT-GFP-RFP cells.

Evaluation of the carcinogenic potential of clofibrate in the rasH2 mouse

The purpose of the study was to support of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) alternative carcinogenicity models initiative to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of the nongenotoxic carcinogen, clofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha agonist, following oral administration to rasH2 mice. Peroxisome proliferators are one of the most widely studied of the nongenotoxic carcinogens and have diverse industrial and therapeutic uses (Gonzalez et al. J. Nat. Cancer Inst. 90: 1702-1709, 1998); however, the nongenotoxic mechanism of carcinogenicity is currently unknown. Male mice were administered doses of clofibrate at 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day and female mice were administered doses of 50, 150, or 250 mg/kg/day by oral gavage at 10 ml/kg for 27 weeks. In addition, rasH2 male and female mice were treated with N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU). Nontransgenic male and female mice were treated with 200 and 250 mg/kg/day, respectively, of clofibrate. The NMU-treated mice were given a single intraperitoneal dose of 75 mg/kg, which was followed by a 90-day observation period; all others were sacrificed after 6 months of daily dosing. Hepatocellular neoplasms were observed in clofibrate-treated rasH2 male mice after 6 months of treatment but not in nontransgenic males or females. Clofibrate treatment (250 mg/kg/day) of female rasH2 mice was associated with a slight increase in the incidence of various neoplasms (harderian gland, lungs, skin, spleen, tail, thymus, and uterus) compared with untreated transgenic mice and with similarly treated nontransgenic mice. Non-neoplastic changes were found in the liver of transgenic and nontransgenic mice of both sexes and in the kidneys of male mice. NMU produced findings are consistent with previous studies. The data suggest that the rasH2 mice are a good model for testing epigenetic carcinogens in a shorter timeframe than conventional mouse carcinogenicity bioassays.

Comparison of the expression profiles induced by genotoxic and nongenotoxic carcinogens in rat liver

Application of recently developed gene expression techniques using microarrays in toxicological studies (toxicogenomics) facilitate the interpretation of a toxic compound's mode of action and may also allow the prediction of selected toxic effects based on gene expression changes. In order to test this hypothesis, we investigated whether carcinogens at doses known to induce liver tumors in the 2-year rat bioassay deregulate characteristic sets of genes in a short term in vivo study and whether these deregulated genes represent defined biological pathways. Male Wistar rats were dosed with the four nongenotoxic hepatocarcinogens methapyrilene (MPy, 60 mg/kg/day), diethylstilbestrol (DES, 10 mg/kg/day), Wy-14643 (Wy, 60 mg/kg/day), and piperonylbutoxide (PBO, 1200 mg/kg/day). After 1, 3, 7, and 14 days, the livers were taken for histopathological evaluation and for analysis of the gene expression profiles on Affymetrix RG_U34A arrays. The expression profile of the four nongenotoxic carcinogens were compared to the profiles of the four genotoxic carcinogens 2-nitrofluorene (2-NF), dimethylnitrosamine (DMN), 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), and aflatoxin B1 (AB1) from a similar study reported previously. By using statistical and clustering tools characteristically deregulated genes were extracted and functionally classified. Distinct cellular pathways were affected by the nongenotoxic carcinogens compared to the genotoxic carcinogens which at least partly correlated with the two-stage model of carcinogenesis. Characteristic to genotoxic carcinogens were a DNA damage response and the activation of proliferative and survival signaling. Nongenotoxic carcinogens showed responses to oxidative DNA or protein damage, as well as cell cycle progression and signs of regeneration. Many of the gene alterations found with the nongenotoxic carcinogens imply compound-specific mechanisms. Although neither a single gene nor a single pathway will be sufficient to discriminate the two classes of carcinogens, it became evident that combinations of pathway-associated gene expression profiles may be used to predict a genotoxic or nongenotoxic carcinogenic potential of a compound in short-term studies.

Suppression of chemically-induced liver tumors by castration or estradiol-3-benzoate treatment in F344 rats

Epidemiological data reveal that the incidence of liver cancer is markedly higher in men than women. To clarify the mechanism responsible for the induction of higher incidence of liver tumors in male animals, we investigated the modifying effect of sex hormones in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced rat hepatocarcinogenesis. F344 male rats (n=120) were divided into two experiments, experiment I (Exp I) and experiment II (Exp II). In each experiment, 60 rats were randomly allocated into four groups. The mini-osmotic pumps containing doses of 47.5 mg (Exp I) or 23.75 mg (Exp II) of DEN were inserted into the abdominal cavity of each animal to initiate liver carcinogenesis. Animals in group 2 were castrated one week prior to DEN treatment, and animals in groups 3 and 4 were treated with 1 or 10 microg of estradiol-3-benzoate (EB), respectively, one week prior to DEN treatment. Animals in group 1 were treated with DEN alone and sham-operated at the same time. All animals were sacrificed 26 weeks after DEN treatment. In Exp I, liver tumor incidence of group 3 decreased significantly compared with that of group 1 (p<0.05), and tumor multiplicities of groups 2, 3 and 4 were decreased significantly compared to that of group 1 (p<0.01). In Exp II, tumor incidence of group 3 was significantly different (p<0.05) when compared to that of group 1. Immunohistochemical expression of ERalpha was shown in normal appearing cells, but not in tumor cells. Western blot analysis confirmed that ERalpha expression was higher in normal liver tissue compared to tumor tissues. Taken together, we conclude that castration or EB treatment has an inhibitory effect in DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in F344 rats. The reason for ERalpha loss in tumor cells should be further elucidated.

[Antitumor effects of interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 combined with gemcitabine]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), a member of alpha-chemoattractant family, is an inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis. Chemotherapy combined with antiangiogenic therapy has synergistic effects. This study was designed to explore antitumor effect of IP-10 combined with gemcitabine in tumor-bearing mice.

METHODS

pBLAST-IP-10 was transferred into E.coli to prepare and purify plasmid IP-10. Hepatocarcinoma H22 model was established in BALB/c miceu Lewis lung cancer LL/2 model was established in C57BL/6 mice. The mice were divided into 4 groups, and treated with IP-10, gemcitabine, IP-10 plus gemcitabine, and normal saline (control), respectively. Protein level of IP-10 in serum was detected by ELISA. Survival rate of mice, tumor volume, and side effects of treatment were observed. Microvessel density (MVD) of tumor tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis of tumor cells was detected by TUNEL method.

RESULTS

After treatment of IP-10, IP-10 protein reached the peak level of (16.8+/-3.6) ng/ml at the 14th day, and remained a high level of (14.0+/-2.1) ng/ml at the 35th day. Compared with the controls, tumor volume of mice in the combination therapy group had significant regression, or disappeared. Nine weeks after inoculation of tumor cells, survival rate of mice was significantly higher in combination group than in IP-10, gemcitabine, and control groups (90% vs. 55%, 0%, and 0%, P < 0.005). No obvious side effects were observed. MVD of tumor tissues was significantly lower in combination group than in IP-10, gemcitabine, and control groups (15.8+/-2.4 vs. 45.6+/-2.0, 50.2+/-3.5, and 51.3+/-3.0, P < 0.01). At the 35th day after inoculation of tumor cells, apoptosis index was significantly higher in combination group than in IP-10, gemcitabine, and control groups (85.5+/-10.2 vs. 21.4+/-5.5, 8.4+/-2.0, 4.2+/-0.7, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Therapy of IP-10 combined with gemcitabine has significantly synergistic antitumor effect compared with IP-10 or gemcitabine alone.

Hepcidin excess induces the sequestration of iron and exacerbates tumor-associated anemia

The iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin has been proposed as the mediator of anemia of inflammation (AI). We examined the acute and chronic effects of hepcidin in the mouse. Injections of human hepcidin (50 μg/mouse), but not of its diluent, induced hypoferremia within 4 hours. To examine the chronic effects of hepcidin, we implanted either tumor xenografts engineered to overexpress human hepcidin or control tumor xenografts into nonobese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD-SCID) mice. Despite abundant dietary iron, mice with hepcidin-producing tumors developed more severe anemia, lower serum iron, and increased hepatic iron compared with mice with control tumors. Hepcidin contributes to AI by shunting iron away from erythropoiesis and sequestering it in the liver, predominantly in hepatocytes. (Blood. 2005;105:1797-1802)

[Correlation between TXB2, 6-Keto-PGF1alpha and liver metastasis in rats model with blood stasis]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the correlation between serum level of TXB2, 6-Keto-PGF1alpha and liver metastasis.

METHODS

The metastatic model was made by injection of W256 carcinosarcoma. Rats were randomly divided into two groups: rats with blood stasis group and control group. Rats in control group were given normal saline via abdominal cavity once a day. Rats in blood stasis group were injected adrenalin in the fourteenth day. Tumor size and liver metastasis were observed. Serum TXB2 and 6-Keto-PGF1alpha were tested by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

Tumor size in rats with blood stasis was significantly smaller than that of the control group (P<0.01). Occurrence of liver metastasis in rats with blood stasis was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.01). The values of 6-Keto-PGF1alpha, TXB2, and TXB2/6-Keto-PGF1alpha were higher in the group with blood stasis.

CONCLUSION

In the status of blood stasis, W256 carcinosarcoma grows slowly, and liver metastasis increases insignificantly, with the elevations of 6-Keto-PGF1alpha, TXB2 and TXB2/6-Keto-PGF1alpha.

[Revelation and identification of laminin in the structure of plasma membrane of ascitic Zajdela hepatoma cells]

Cell dysdifferentiation during neoplastic transformation is a crucial problem of cell biology and oncology. Antigenic diversion of cancer cells is a typical characteristic of dysdifferentiation. It involves the appearance of antigens which are unusual for normal tissue of this type. Components organospecific for membrane proteins of normal kidney were previously found among plasma membrane proteins of hepatocellular rat tumors, rat hepatocytes after carcinogen treatment, and regenerating liver, respectively. In the present work we showed that a protein with mol. weight about 200 kDa reacting with laminin-1 immunoserum is the basic component of plasma membranes of the rat Zajdela hepatoma cells, which is responsive for organospecific anti-kidney immunoserum in Western blot. A mass-spectrometer analysis of trypsin proteolysis fragments was carried out in SDS-PAGE slices containing the investigated component. The analysis showed the presence of beta1, beta2 and alpha4 laminin chains peptides. The component with mol. weight about 180 kDa, found in the Western blot with laminin-1 immunoserum, was also subjected to the mass spectrometer analysis. As a result, a gamma1 laminin chain was found. An increased amount of laminin was revealed in the ascitic liquid and sera of rat with developed Zajdela hepatoma, in comparison with sera of normal rats. In addition, we found the appearance of laminin on the hepatocyte surface on the 4th day after hepatocarcinogen injection (N-diethylnitrosamine, DENA). Thus, for the first time tumor associated antigens were revealed and identified in the structure of plasma membranes of Zajdela hepatoma cells, being specific to rat kidneys. Our results allow to conclude that in the process of carcinogenesis in rat liver laminin synthesis occurs, which is also characteristic of the rat hepatoma Zajdela cells.

Oxidative metabolism of rat blood in the course of alveolar hepatic carcinoma PC-1 growth

AIM

To evaluate oxidative metabolism of rat blood in the course of alveolar hepatic cancer growth in vivo.

METHODS

The oxidation imbalance was assessed by the rise in the values of the integral index of oxidation stress. The structural and functional state of erythrocyte membranes was investigated by spin electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.

RESULTS

The growth of alveolar carcinoma was found to be associated with intensification of lipid peroxidation processes with increased blood content of conjugated dienes, malonic dialdehyde against the background of decreased concentration of endogenous antioxidants tocopherol and retinol. Destabilization of the structural state of erythrocyte membranes of rat tumor hosts at the development of oxidation stress was studied, which was characterized by nonspecific structural changes of membrane sorption centres, reduction in specific capacity in the protein-lipid contact area and its increase in the phospholipid bilayer, rise in the degree of order and polarity.

CONCLUSION

Alveolar carcinoma growth in rats resulted in intensification of free radical lipid peroxidation processes with a shift of the prooxidant-antioxidant balance to the left and development of oxidation stress.

Serum Lipid Levels Correlate with Solid Tumor Weight in Hepatoma-Bearing Rats Fed Dietary Fish Oil

The effects of dietary fish oil (FO) on serum lipid levels and tumor proliferation were studied in Donryu rats subcutaneously implanted with the ascites hepatoma cell line AH109A. Solid tumor weight was significantly less and serum total cholesterol (T-Ch) level significantly lower in the groups fed the FO diet both before and after AH109A implantation than in the groups fed the corn oil diet. There were no significant effects in the serum lipid levels and tumor proliferation in the groups fed the FO diet only before or after the hepatoma implantation. The serum triacylglyceride, phospholipid, nonesterified fatty acid, T-Ch, and very-low-density lipoprotein+low-density lipoprotein-Ch levels showed significant positive correlations with the solid tumor weight. These results suggest that dietary FO ingestion after hepatoma implantation suppresses tumor proliferation and reduces serum lipid levels along with suppressing tumor proliferation.

Reduced hepatocyte proliferation is the basis of retarded liver tumor progression and liver regeneration in mice lacking N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III

Mice lacking N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GlcNAc-TIII) exhibit slightly but significantly retarded liver tumor progression after a single injection of 10 micro g/g diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and continued administration of phenobarbital (PB) in drinking water. A key question is whether the absence of GlcNAc-TIII inhibits cell proliferation or induces apoptosis. Because PB aids tumor progression, we tested whether it diminished the difference in tumor progression between Mgat3(+/+) and Mgat3(Delta/Delta) mice. Here, we show that in the absence of PB, control males developed about twice as many liver tumor nodules as males lacking GlcNAc-TIII. Both the size of liver tumors and liver weights were significantly greater in DEN-treated wild-type or heterozygous mice. Apoptosis assays performed monthly after DEN treatment showed no differences between mutant and wild-type. However, there was a marked retardation in liver regeneration after partial (70%) hepatectomy (PH). Wild-type mice incorporated bromodeoxyuridine in approximately 15% of hepatocyte nuclei at 48 h after PH, whereas mice lacking GlcNAc-TIII had only approximately 5% positive nuclei. This was not because of enhanced apoptosis in mutant mice after PH. Expression of the Mgat3 gene remained undetectable in wild-type liver by Northern analysis after tumor induction or after PH. In addition, transgenic overexpression of GlcNAc-TIII in hepatocytes did not enhance tumor progression in Mgat3(Delta/Delta) mice, and there were no differences in tumor progression or liver regeneration after PH between control and transgenic mice overexpressing GlcNAc-TIII in liver. Therefore, the nonhepatic action of GlcNAc-TIII promotes hepatocyte proliferation after PH, as well as the progression of DEN-induced tumors, providing evidence for a functional role of the bisecting GlcNAc on circulating glycoprotein growth factor(s) that stimulate hepatocyte proliferation.

Hypolipidemic action of dietary resveratrol, a phytoalexin in grapes and red wine, in hepatoma-bearing rats

Resveratrol is an antioxidant present in grapes and their related products. We investigated whether dietary resveratrol could inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of tumors and hyperlipidemia in Donryu rats subcutaneously implanted with an ascites hepatoma cell line of AH109A. By feeding 10 or 50 ppm resveratrol in the diet to hepatoma-bearing rats for 20 days, solid tumor growth and metastasis tended to be suppressed dose-dependently. Resveratrol (50 ppm) significantly suppressed the serum lipid peroxide level, indicating its antioxidative properties or those of its metabolite(s) in vivo. Resveratrol dose-dependently suppressed both the serum triglyceride and very-low-density lipoprotein + low-density lipoprotein (VLDL + LDL)-cholesterol levels. The hypocholesterolemic action of resveratrol is attributed, at least in part, to an increased excretion of neutral sterols and bile acids into feces. These results suggest that dietary resveratrol is hypolipidemic with a tendency for anti-tumor-growth and anti-metastasis effects in hepatoma-bearing rats.

Nested RT-PCR in detection of blood AFPmRNA in animal model of human hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To detect blood AFPmRNA in the nude mice bearing with human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by using nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (nested RT-PCR), and assess its significance in HCC distant metastasis.

METHOD

We detected 20 blood samples from the nude mice bearing with human HCC by nested RT-PCR to find out AFPmRNA.

RESULT

AFPmRNA was detected in 6 blood samples from the nude mice bearing with human HCC (30.0%), in which 4 mice developed distant metastasis.

CONCLUSION

AFPmRNA may be used as an efficient and sensitive marker to detect blood spread of HCC cells. It can predict the occurrence of HCC distant metastasis.

The relationship between RANTES and mast cells recruitment in the surroundings of intrahepatic implanted tumors

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between the RANTES, TGFbeta1 and amount of mast cells (MC) surrounding the implanted tumors.

METHOD

Pieces of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma were implanted in the liver of 40 male Wistar rats and the formed intrahepatic implanted tumors were then divided into 3 groups: group without MC infiltration, group with little MC infiltration and group with MC infiltration; 8 normal rats served as control group. The sera of rats in the different groups were tested by ELISA to find the serum RANTES content of the tumor bearing rats, then the chemotactic activity of the serum RANTES of different tumor bearing groups vs peritoneal MC of normal rats was tested by the microBoyden chamber.

RESULTS

The MC amount of the tumor bearing rats was quite different, some of them showed a significantly increased amount. The groups with more MC infiltration showed a higher RANTES content in the sera and a stronger chemotactic activity vs MC.

CONCLUSION

The RANTES was an effective chemotactic factor to MC. The serum concentration of RANTES of the tumor bearing rats is related to the difference of the MC amount surrounding the tumor.

[Changes in some parameters of nitric oxide synthesis in the early periods of development of hepatocarcinogenesis]

Our objective in this study was to determine some indices for the synthesis of nitric oxide in the early periods of diethylnitrosoamine-induced (10 mg/kg 5 times a week for two months) hepatocarcinogenesis in mature male rats (n = 100) and to gain insights into their relation to lipid peroxidation process. During the time-related course of hepatocarcinogenesis the blood serum level of L-arginin has been found to change significantly with time of the study while that of malonic dialdehyde tended to be on the increase. The SOD activity increased somewhat during the period of initiation, with its significant reduction recordable during the period of promotion and a striking increase in the initial period of progression. Unlike SOD, catalase was showing a tendency to increase after some decline in its activity.