Evaluation of antiglypican-3 therapy as a promising target for amelioration of hepatic tissue damage in hepatocellular carcinoma

Desloratadine mitigates hepatocellular carcinoma in rats: Possible contribution of TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB pathway

Chemotherapeutic medication-induced systemic toxicity makes cancer treatment less effective. Thus, the need for drug repurposing, which aids in the development of safe and efficient cancer therapies, is urgent. The primary goal of this research was to assess desloratadine hepatoprotective abilities and its capacity to attenuate TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by thioacetamide (TAA). Male Sprague Dawely rats received TAA injections (200 mg/kg, i.p., 2 times/week) for 16 weeks. To confirm the development of HCC, liver function biomarkers and histopathological analysis were evaluated. Desloratadine (5 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered to rats in 2 treatment groups; HCC + DES 1 group received desloratadine with TAA for 1 month from week 13-16, HCC + DES 2 group received desloratadine with TAA for 2 months from week 9-16. Chronic TAA administration resulted in considerable overexpression of the profibrogenic cytokine TGF-β and elevation in protein expression of NF-κB besides levels of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, TAK1 and IL-1β. Desloratadine administration showed a significant improvement in liver function tests, as well as an increase in tissue antioxidant enzymes and an improvement in the liver's histopathological features. Collectively, desloratadine through modulating TLR4/MyD88/TRAF6/TAK1/NF-κB and acting as an antioxidant, is a promising treatment for HCC induced by TAA.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: Preclinical and clinical applications of nanotechnology with the potential role of carbohydrate receptors

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of liver cancer; accounts for 75-85% of cases. The treatment and management of HCC involve different sanative options like surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc. Recently, various advancements have been introduced for the diagnosis and targeting of hepatic tumor cells. Among these, biomarkers are considered the primary source for the diagnosis and differentiation of tumor cells. With the advancement in the field of nanotechnology, different types of nanocarriers have been witnessed in tumor targeting. Nanocarriers such as nanoparticles, liposomes, polymeric micelles, nanofibers, etc. are readily prepared for effective tumor targeting with minimal side-effects. The emergence of various approaches tends to improve the effectiveness of these nanocarriers as demonstrated in ample clinical trials. This review focuses on the significant role of carbohydrates such as mannose, galactose, fructose, etc. in the development, diagnosis, and therapy of HCC. Hence, the current focus of this review is to acknowledge various perspectives regarding the occurrence, diagnosis, treatment, and management of HCC.

Sulfatase 2 Along with Syndecan 1 and Glypican 3 Serum Levels are Associated with a Prognostic Value in Patients with Alcoholic Cirrhosis-Related Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

Sulfatase 2 (SULF2) is an enzyme related to heparan sulfate modifications. Its expression, as for some heparan sulfate proteoglycans expression, has been linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at mRNA level and immunohistochemistry staining on biopsy samples. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of serum levels of SULF2 in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis with or without HCC.

Patients and Methods

Two hundred and eighty-seven patients with alcoholic cirrhosis were enrolled in this study: 164 without HCC, 57 with early HCC, and 66 with advanced HCC at inclusion. We analyzed the association between SULF2 serum levels and prognosis using Kaplan-Meier method and univariate and multivariate analysis using a Cox model.

Results

Child-Pugh C Patients have higher serum levels of SULF2 than Child-Pugh A patients. Serum levels of SULF2 were also higher in patients with advanced HCC compared with the other groups. In patients with advanced HCC, high serum levels of SULF2 were associated with less favorable overall survival. Combination of SULF2 with Glypican 3 (GPC3) and Syndecan 1 (SDC1) serum levels enhanced the ability to discriminate worst prognostic in advanced HCC.

Conclusion

SULF2 along with GPC3 and SDC1 serum levels have been shown to be associated with a prognostic value in advanced HCC.

Selective cytotoxic activity and protective effects of sodium ascorbate against hepatocellular carcinoma through its effect on oxidative stress and apoptosis in vivo and in vitro

Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by elevated in oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, which enhance destructive effects of the tumor. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the protective effects of sodium ascorbate against thioacetamide-induced HCC in rats through studying its effect on the apoptotic pathway in rats. In addition, in vitro activity of sodium ascorbate was investigated on HepG2 and compared with cisplatin.

Methods: HCC was experimentally induced by injecting rats with 200 mg/kg thioacetamide intraperitoneally twice weekly for 16 weeks. Part of HCC rats was concomitantly treated with 100 mg/kg sodium ascorbate intraperitoneally during the 16-week period. Hepatic tissues were used for the determination of NFκB, Nrf2, TNF-α, caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9.

Results: Sodium ascorbate significantly attenuated HCC-induced reduction in the expression of NrF2 associated with a reduction in concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion. In addition, sodium ascorbate blocked HCC-induced increase in the expression of NFκB and TNF-α. Sodium ascorbate slightly increased the activity of caspase-3, -8 and -9 in vitro but inhibited their activities in vivo.

Conclusion: In spite of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of sodium ascorbate, it produced selective cytotoxic activity via direct activation of the apoptotic pathway in cancer cells without affecting the apoptotic pathway in normal hepatic cells.

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans and their modification as promising anticancer targets in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of primary liver cancer. Despite advancements in the treatment strategies of HCC, there is an urgent requirement to identify and develop novel therapeutic drugs that do not lead to resistance. These novel agents should have the potential to influence the primary mechanisms participating in the pathogenesis of HCC. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are major elements of the extracellular matrix that perform structural and signaling functions. HSPGs protect against invasion of tumor cells by preventing cell infiltration and intercellular adhesion. Several enzymes, such as heparanase, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and sulfatase-2, have been reported to affect HSPGs, leading to their degradation and thus enhancing tumor invasion. In addition, some compounds that are produced from the degradation of HSPGs, including glypican-3 and syndecan-1, enhance tumor progression. Thus, the identification of enzymes that affect HSPGs or their degradation products in HCC may lead to the development of novel therapeutic targets. The present review discusses the main enzymes and compounds associated with HSPGs, and their involvement with the pathogenicity of HCC.

Antineoplastic Activity of Chrysin against Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma: New Insight on GPC3/SULF2 Axis and lncRNA-AF085935 Expression

The natural flavonoid chrysin possesses antiproliferative activity against various types of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is a common malignancy. However, the exact mechanism of chrysin antiproliferative activity remains unclear. This research was executed to explore the impact of chrysin on glypican-3 (GPC3)/sulfatase-2 (SULF2) axis and lncRNA-AF085935 expression in HCC using HepG2 cells. Cisplatin (20, 50, 100 μg/mL), chrysin (15, 30, and 60 μg/mL) and the combination of 50 μg/mL cisplatin with different concentrations of chrysin were applied for 24/48 h. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Protein levels of GPC3 and SULF2 were measured by ELISA at 24/48 h. GPC3 immunoreactivity was detected by immunocytochemistry. Moreover, GPC3 and SULF2 mRNA expressions in addition to lncRNA-AF085935 expression were assessed by qPCR at 48 h. The GPC3 protein, immunostaining and mRNA levels, SULF2 protein and mRNA levels, as well as lncRNA-AF085935 expression, were decreased significantly with cisplatin and chrysin alone when compared with the control untreated HepG2 cells. However, the combination treatment exhibited a better chemopreventive effect in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This study demonstrated, for the first time, the antiproliferative activity of chrysin against HCC through the suppression of the GPC3/SULF2 axis along with the downregulation of lncRNA-AF085935 expression. Synergistic effect of chrysin with cisplatin could potentiate their antiproliferative action in a dose- and time-dependent manner.

Evaluating antitumor activity of antiglypican-3 therapy in experimentally induced skin cancer in mice

Glypican-3 (GPC3) is considered as a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan. It is overexpressed in skin cancer and promotes tumor progression and pathogenicity. Therefore, we aimed to find out the therapeutic effects of immuno-suppressing GPC3 in skin cancer experimentally induced in mice as well as to underline molecular mechanisms especially inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Skin cancer was experimentally induced in mice by repeated rubbing of mice skin with 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene. Mice were injected with anti-GPC3. Skin samples were isolated to investigate the gene and protein expression of GPC3, Wnt-1, NFκB, TNF-α, IGF-1, p38 MAPK and caspase-3 using PCR, Western blot and ELISA. Moreover, skin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Treating skin cancer mice with anti-GPC3 significantly blocked GPC3, which is accompanied by amelioration of skin cancer-induced increase in the numbers of tumors and scratching behavior. Moreover, anti-GPC3 attenuated skin cancer-induced increase in the expression of Wnt-1, NFκB, TNF-α, IGF-1, p38 MAPK and caspase-3. In parallel, anti-GPC3 reduced degeneration of melanocyte cells and reduced phagocytic cells epidermal hyperplasia and dysplasia in skin sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain. In conclusion, anti-GPC3 produced anti-tumor effects against skin cancer, which can be explained by reduction in both inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Targeting GPC3 is a promising therapeutic approach for skin cancer.

The therapeutic effects of blocking IGF-R1 on mice model of skin cancer

Background and objectives: The incidence of skin cancer has raised in the last few years. One of the important growth factors found in the skin layers is insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. It is directly linked with many cancers in different organs. Therefore, we aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of blocking IGF-1 receptor (IGF-R1) pathway by PQ401 in skin cancer as well as studying its effect on tumor invasion markers.Materials and methods: We experimentally induced skin cancer in mice by the application of 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene. Skin samples were removed for determination of gen and protein expression of IGF-1, IGF-R1, glypican-3, MMP9, syndecan-1 and fascin-1 by Western blot and PCR. Moreover, skin sections were stained with hematoxylin/eosin and Mallory.Results: Treatment with PQ401 blocked the expression of IGF-R1 in the skin, which is associated with reduction in the skin cancer-induced tumors and scratches. In addition, PQ401 ameliorated skin cancer induced formation of epidermal atypia and hyperplasia. PQ401 reduced both gene and protein expression of the tumor invasion markers, MMP9, syndecan-1 and fascin-1, without affecting gene and protein expression of glypican-3 and IGF-1 in skin cancer group.Conclusion: Blocking IGF-R1 has therapeutic effects against experimental skin cancer induced in mice. In addition, blocking IGF = R1 attenuated skin cancer-induced activation of tumor invasion markers.Key pointsIGF-1/IGF-R1is highly expressed in different cancers as skin cancer.Blocking IGF-R1 production ameliorated skin cancer.Blocking IGF-R1 attenuated skin cancer-induced activation of tumor invasion markers.

Hesperidin suppressed hepatic precancerous lesions via modulation of exophagy in rats

The enormous cost of modern medicines warrants alternative strategies for the better management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently, exosomes have been shown to relay the oncogenic information through the horizontal transfer of RNAs between the cells. In this study, we modulated exosomal production and autophagy (exophagy) by the administration of hesperidin and evaluated its effect on the development of hepatic precancerous lesion (HPC) in rats. Diethylnitrosamine and 2-acetylaminofluorene were used in vivo to induce HPC in rats. Rats were allocated into five groups: naïve, HPC, and three hesperidin treated (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/d; orally) for 4 consecutive days per week for 16 weeks. Liver tissues and blood samples were collected for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and transmission electron microscope examinations, liver function, alfa-fetoprotein level, and isolation of exosomal and autophagy RNAs. Hesperidin administration showed hepato-protective effects and improved the microscopic hepatic features with a decrease in glutathione S-transferase placental precancerous foci and the abundance of exosomes in liver tissues. Hesperidin improved liver function with a significant decrease in alfa-fetoprotein levels. Hesperidin dose-dependently decreased exosomal RAB11A messsenger RNA and long noncoding RNA-RP11-583F2.2 along with the increase in exosomal miR-1298, involved in the exophagy process. In conclusion, hesperidin likely suppresses liver carcinogenesis in rat model via the modulation of exosomal secretion and autophagy.

The therapeutic effects of nicotinamide in hepatocellular carcinoma through blocking IGF-1 and effecting the balance between Nrf2 and PKB

Insulin growth factor (IGF) family and their receptors play a great role in tumors' development. In addition, IGF-1 enhances cancer progression through regulating cell proliferation, angiogenesis, immune modulation and metastasis. Moreover, nicotinamide is association with protection against cancer. Therefore, we conducted this research to examine the therapeutic effects of nicotinamide against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) both in vivo and in vitro through affecting IGF-1 and the balance between PKB and Nrf2. HCC was induced in rats by 200 mg/kg, ip thioacetamide. The rat survival, number and size of tumors and serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) were measured. The gene and protein levels of IGF-1, Nrf2, PKB and JNK-MAPK were assessed in rat livers. In addition, HepG2 cells, human HCC cell lines, were treated with different concentrations of nicotinamide. We found that nicotinamide enhanced the rats' survival and reduced the number and size of hepatic tumors as well as it reduced serum AFP and HepG2 cells survival. Nicotinamide ameliorated HCC-induced reduction in the expression of Nrf2. Moreover, nicotinamide blocked HCC-induced elevation in IGF-1, PKB and JNK-MAPK. In conclusion, nicotinamide produced cytotoxic effects against HCC both in vivo and in vitro. The cytotoxic activity can be explained by inhibition of HCC-induced increased in the expression of IGF-1 and leads to disturbances in the balance between the cell death signal by PKB and MAPK; and the cell survival signal by Nrf2, directing it towards cell survival signals in normal liver cells providing more protection for body against tumor.

Antitumor activity of sulforaphane in mice model of skin cancer via blocking sulfatase-2

Although there are many treatment options for skin cancer, the chemotherapeutic agents for skin cancer are linked with many adverse effects as well as the development of multidrug resistance. Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate, which is found in cruciferous vegetables. Consumption of sulforaphane-rich diet has been linked to inhibition of UV-exposed skin carcinogenesis. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine the ability of sulforaphane to reduce skin cancer in mice through inhibition of sulfatase-2 enzyme. Epicutaneous application of 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene was performed on the shaved dorsal skin of mice followed by croton oil. Sulforaphane (9 μmol/mouse/day) was administered to mice orally. Skin was removed from the dorsal area for assessment of sulfatase-2, glypican-3, heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPGs), nuclear factor (NF)κB, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β and caspase-3. In addition, skin sections were stained with haematoxylin/eosin, Mallory and cytokeratin immunostaining. We found that, sulforaphane blocked sulfatase-2 activity, leading to significant elevation in HSPGs as well as significant reduction in glypican-3. In addition, sulforaphane significantly activated Nrf2 and reduced both the gene and protein expression of NFκB, TNF-α, IL-1β and caspase-3. In parallel, stained sections obtained from skin cancer mice treated with sulforaphane showed significant reduction in hyperkeratosis, acanthosis and epithelial dysplasia. The collective results indicate that sulforaphane suppresses skin cancer via blocking sulfatase-2 with subsequent elevation in HSPGs and reduction in glypican-3. Moreover, sulforaphane attenuated skin cancer-induced activation of inflammatory and apoptotic pathways.

Proteoglycans-Biomarkers and Targets in Cancer Therapy

Proteoglycans (PGs), important constituents of the extracellular matrix, have been associated with cancer pathogenesis. Their unique structure consisting of a protein core and glycosaminoglycan chains endowed with fine modifications constitutes these molecules as capable cellular effectors important for homeostasis and contributing to disease progression. Indeed, differential expression of PGs and their interacting proteins has been characterized as specific for disease evolvement in various cancer types. Importantly, PGs to a large extent regulate the bioavailability of hormones, growth factors, and cytokines as well as the activation of their respective receptors which regulate phenotypic diversibility, gene expression and rates of recurrence in specific tumor types. Defining and targeting these effectors on an individual patient basis offers ground for the development of newer therapeutic approaches which may act as either supportive or a substitute treatment to the standard therapy protocols. This review discusses the roles of PGs in cancer progression, developing technologies utilized for the defining of the PG "signature" in disease, and how this may facilitate the generation of tailor-made cancer strategies.

Hepatoprotective effect of hesperidin in hepatocellular carcinoma: Involvement of Wnt signaling pathways

AIMS

Wnt3a and Wnt5a are ligands orchestrating the canonical and non-canonical pathways, respectively, with involvement in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hesperidin (HP) is a natural product found in citrus fruits and reputed for its antitumor activity. The present study aims to investigate the potential hepatoprotective effect of HP against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced HCC focusing on its potential role on Wnt3a and Wnt5a signaling pathways.

MAIN METHODS

Forty rats were equally divided into groups; normal control, HP control (receiving HP, 150mg/kg/day), HCC (receiving TAA, 200mg/kg twice weekly for 14weeks) and HP-HCC (receiving HP and TAA). Gene expressions of Wnt3a, Wnt5a, β-catenin and Cyclin D1 were assessed by qPCR, while their protein levels, along with active caspase-3 level, were quantified by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Liver functions, oxidative stress parameters and myeloperoxidase activity were measured. MTT assay of hepG2 cells treated with recombinant Wnt3a (10ng/ml) in presence or absence of HP (100μM) was performed.

KEY FINDINGS

HCC group exhibited a significant increase in Wnt3a, β-catenin, Cyclin D1 and Wnt5a gene expressions, as well as, their protein levels. HP significantly prevented TAA-activated Wnt3a/β-catenin and Wnt5a pathways. Moreover, HP exerted hepatoprotective effect by significantly improving the oxidative imbalance, inflammation and liver function parameters, serum ALT, AST activities, and albumin level.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our study is the first to report the possible role of Wnt3a/β-catenin and Wnt5a pathways in TAA-induced early HCC model in rats. HP has a prophylactic effect against hepatocarcinogenesis via preventing the induction of both canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways.

Hepatoprotective and anti-tumor effects of targeting MMP-9 in hepatocellular carcinoma and its relation to vascular invasion markers

The current study aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antitumor efficacy of doxycycline, as an matrix metalloproteases-9 (MMP-9) inhibitor, in an in vivo model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC was induced experimentally by thiocetamide (200 mg/kg) in rats that were treated with doxycycline (5 mg/kg for 16 weeks). Tumor severity was evaluated by measuring α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, histopathologically by investigating liver sections stained with hematoxylin/eosin and assessing the survival rate. Liver homogenates were used for the measurements of MMP-9, fascin and hepatic heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) levels. Oxidative stress markers [malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione] as well as fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) gene expression were also among the assessed indicators. HCC in human and animal samples showed significant elevation in the levels of MMP-9 (231.7, 90 %), fascin (33.17, 140 %), as well as FGF-2 gene expression (342 % in animal samples; all respectively), associated with a significant decrease in hepatic HSPG level. Treatment of rats with doxycycline increased the animal survival rate (90 %) and decreased serum AFP level. Moreover, doxycycline ameliorated fibrosis and the induced massive hepatic tissue breakdown. It also restored the integrity of hepatic HSPGs and showed a magnificent inhibitory effect of tumor invasion cascade by significantly reducing the activities of MMP-9 (42 %) and fascin (50 %), as well as reducing the gene expression of FGF-2 (85.7 %). Furthermore, the antioxidant impact of doxycycline was evidenced by the significant elevation in glutathione level and depressing MDA level. To this end, doxycycline, proved promising hepatoprotective and antitumor activity and opens, thereby, a new horizon against vascular migration ability of the tumor cells.