Targeting p53/TRAIL/caspase-8 signaling by adiponectin reverses thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

Allopurinol abates hepatocellular carcinoma in rats via modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB pathway

The present research was performed to examine the possible capability of allopurinol to prevent developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to explore the fundamental mechanisms that control the hepatoprotective effect considering the enormous impact of HCC on patients' quality of life. Male Sprague Dawely rats were given i.p. injection of thioacetamide (TAA) (200 mg/kg) twice a week for 16 weeks in order to induce HCC. The histological analysis and assessment of the serum levels of liver function indicators verified the development of HCC. Two regimens of allopurinol (100 mg/kg, p.o.) were used; the first involved giving it concurrently with TAA from week 13 to week 16, and the second regimen started from week 9 to week 16. Chronic TAA damage was associated with considerable overexpression of the profibrogenic cytokine TGF-β, degradation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB, which released a number of inflammatory mediators, and upregulation of the NLRP3/caspase1 pathway. Administration of allopurinol demonstrated considerable enhancements in liver function and oxidative balance. Moreover, pathological characteristics like cirrhosis, dysplastic changes, and HCC nodules were greatly diminished. Allopurinol via suppressing TGF-β expression, inhibiting NF-κB nuclear translocation, and restricting inflammatory NLRP3/caspase1/IL-1β pathway was able to protect against TAA-induced liver damage, and it could be a promising therapy for HCC.

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.

Adipokines regulate the development and progression of MASLD through organellar oxidative stress

The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which is increasingly being recognized as a leading cause of chronic liver pathology globally, is increasing. The pathophysiological underpinnings of its progression, which is currently under active investigation, involve oxidative stress. Human adipose tissue, an integral endocrine organ, secretes an array of adipokines that are modulated by dietary patterns and lifestyle choices. These adipokines intricately orchestrate regulatory pathways that impact glucose and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function, thereby influencing the evolution of hepatic steatosis and progression to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This review examines recent data, underscoring the critical interplay of oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, and redox signaling in adipokine-mediated mechanisms. The role of various adipokines in regulating the onset and progression of MASLD/MASH through mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress and the underlying mechanisms are discussed. Due to the emerging correlation between adipokines and the development of MASLD positions, these adipokines are potential targets for the development of innovative therapeutic interventions for MASLD management. A comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of MASLD/MASH is instrumental for identifying therapies for MASH.

Targeting caspase-8: a new strategy for combating hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer and has a high mortality rate. Caspase-8 plays a pivotal role in an array of cellular signaling pathways and is essential for the governance of programmed cell death mechanisms, inflammatory responses, and the dynamics of the tumor microenvironment. Dysregulation of caspase-8 is intricately linked to the complex biological underpinnings of HCC. In this manuscript, we provide a comprehensive review of the regulatory roles of caspase-8 in apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and PANoptosis, as well as its impact on inflammatory reactions and the intricate interplay with critical immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, such as tumor-associated macrophages, T cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. Furthermore, we emphasize how caspase-8 plays pivotal roles in the development, progression, and drug resistance observed in HCC, and explore the potential of targeting caspase-8 as a promising strategy for HCC treatment.

The N-terminal fragment of histone deacetylase 4 (1-669aa) promotes chondrocyte apoptosis via the p53-dependent endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway

Exogenous administration of the histone deacetylation 4 (HDAC4) protein can effectively delay osteoarthritis (OA) progression. However, HDAC4 is unstable and easily degrades into N-terminal (HDAC4-NT) and C-terminal fragments, and the HDAC4-NT can exert biological effects, but little is known about its role in chondrocytes and cartilage. Thus, the roles of HDAC4-NT fragments (1-289aa, 1-326aa and 1-669aa) in chondrocytes and cartilage were evaluated via real-time cell analysis (RTCA), safranin O staining, Sirius Red staining and nanoindentation. Molecular mechanisms were profiled via whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) and verified in vitro and in vivo by a live cell real-time monitoring system, flow cytometry, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that 1-669aa induced chondrocyte death and cartilage injury significantly, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched mainly in the apoptotic term and p53 signalling pathway. The validation experiments showed that 1-669aa induced chondrocyte apoptosis via the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) pathway, and up-regulated p53 expression was essential for this process. Thus, we concluded that the HDAC4-NT fragment 1-669aa induces chondrocyte apoptosis via the p53-dependent ERS pathway, suggesting that in addition to overexpressing HDAC4, preventing it from degradation may be a new strategy for the treatment of OA.

Unveiling thioacetamide-induced toxicity: Multi-organ damage and omitted bone toxicity

Thioacetamide (TAA), a widely employed hepatotoxic substance, has gained significant traction in the induction of liver failure disease models. Upon administration of TAA to experimental animals, the production of potent oxidative derivatives ensues, culminating in the activation of oxidative stress and subsequent infliction of severe damage upon multiple organs via dissemination through the bloodstream. This review summarized the various organ damages and corresponding mechanistic explanations observed in previous studies using TAA in toxicological animal experiments. The principal pathological consequences arising from TAA exposure encompass oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid peroxidation, fibrosis, apoptosis induction, DNA damage, and osteoclast formation. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies on TAA bone toxicity have confirmed that long-term high-dose use of TAA not only induces liver damage in experimental animals but also accompanies bone damage, which was neglected for a long time. By using TAA to model diseases in experimental animals and controlling TAA dosage, duration of use, and animal exposure environment, we can induce various organ injury models. It should be noted that TAA-induced injuries have a time-dependent effect. Finally, in our daily lives, especially for researchers, we should take precautions to minimize TAA exposure and reduce the probability of related organ injuries.

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Adiponectin in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as an important risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), whose prevalence is rising. Although the mechanisms of progression from NAFLD to HCC are not fully elucidated, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and adiponectin, as well as their interplay, which seems to be antagonistic, may contribute to the pathophysiology of NAFLD-associated HCC. TNF-α initially aims to protect against hepatocarcinogenesis, but during the progression of NAFLD, TNF-α is increased, thus probably inducing hepatocarcinogenesis in the long-term, when NAFLD is not resolved. On the other hand, adiponectin, which is expected to exert anti-tumorigenic effects, is decreased during the progression of the disease, a trend that may favor hepatocarcinogenesis, but is paradoxically increased at end stage disease, i.e., cirrhosis and HCC. These observations render TNF-α and adiponectin as potentially diagnostic biomarkers and appealing therapeutic targets in the setting of NAFLD-associated HCC, possibly in combination with systematic therapy. In this regard, combination strategy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with anti-TNF biologics and/or adiponectin analogs or medications that increase endogenous adiponectin, may warrant investigation against NAFLD-associated HCC. This review aims to summarize evidence on the association between TNF-α and adiponectin with NAFLD-associated HCC, based on experimental and clinical studies, and to discuss relevant potential therapeutic considerations.

Selenium nanoparticles overcomes sorafenib resistance in thioacetamide induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats by modulation of mTOR, NF-κB pathways and LncRNA-AF085935/GPC3 axis

AIMS

The first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib (SOR). Sofafenib resistance is linked to protein kinase B/ mammalian target of rapamycin (AKT/mTOR) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation, apoptosis inhibition and oxidative stress. This study investigated selenium nanoparticles (SeNps) to overcome SOR resistance in thioacetamide (TAA) induced HCC in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TAA (200 mg/kg/twice weekly, i.p.) was administered for 16 weeks to induce HCC.s. Rats were treated with oral SOR (10 mg/Kg daily), selenium, and SeNps (5 mg/kg three times/week) alone or in combination, for two weeks. Apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and drug resistance were assessed. Cleaved caspase 3 (C. CASP3), mTOR, and NF-κB were determined by western blotting. Expression of p53 gene and long-noncoding RNA-AF085935 was determined by qRT-PCR. Expression of B- Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Bcl associated X protein (Bax)and glypican 3 (GPC3) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Liver functions, antioxidant capacity, histopathology and CD34 immunohistochemistry were performed.

KEY FINDINGS

SOR/SeNps reversed TAA-induced HCC in rats, through reduction of oxidative stress, activation of p53, Bax and CASP3, and inhibition of Bcl2. SOR/SeNps ameliorated the HCC-induced effect on cell proliferation and drug resistance by targeting mTOR and NF-κB pathways. SOR/SeNps decreased CD34 immunostaining indicating a decrease in angiogenesis and metastasis. SOR/SeNps regulated HCC epigenetically through the lncRNA-AF085935/GPC3 axis.

SIGNIFICANCE

SOR/SeNps are a promising combination for tumor suppression and overcoming sorafenib resistance in HCC by modulating apoptosis, AKT/mTOR and NF-κB pathways, as well as CD34 and lncRNA-AF085935/GPC3 axis.

Sec62 promotes pro-angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells under hypoxia

This study aimed to investigate the underlying molecular pathogenic mechanism of Sec62 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Microarray analysis was conducted to profile the global gene expression in the HCC cell line Huh7 cells transfected with Sec62high vs. NC and Sec62low vs. NC. Ingenuity pathway analysis and gene set enrichment analysis were used to perform Sec62-related signaling pathway analysis from screened differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A protein-protein interaction network was constructed. Experimental validation of the expression of key DEGs was conducted. Hypoxia-induced tube formation was undertaken to investigate the role of Sec62 in angiogenesis. A total of 74 intersected DEGs were identified from Huh7 cells with Sec62high vs. NC and Sec62low vs. NC. Among them, 65 DEGs were correlated with the expression of Sec62. The P53 signaling pathway was found to be enriched in Huh7 cells with Sec62high vs. NC, while the acute phase response signaling pathway was enriched in Huh7 cells with Sec62low vs. NC. DEGs, such as serine protease inhibitor E (SERPINE) and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 11B (TNFRSF11B), were not only identified as the lead genes of these enriched pathways, but were also found to be closely related to Sec62. Moreover, knockdown of Sec62 decreased the expression of SERPINE1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1)) and TNFRSF11B, whereas overexpression of Sec62 had the opposite effects. In addition, knockdown of Sec62 inhibited hypoxia-induced tube formation via PAI-1. Sec62 promoted pro-angiogenesis of HCC under hypoxia by regulating PAI-1, and it may be a crucial angiogenic switch in HCC.

QNZ alleviated hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting inflammatory pathways in a rat model

The pathogenicity of HCC could be enhanced by TNF-α and NFκB, which are crucial parts of the inflammatory pathway inside the HCC microenvironment. Therefore, we aimed to discover the therapeutic effects of QNZ, an inhibitor of both TNF-α and NFκB, in an experimental model of HCC in rats. HCC was experimentally induced in rats by thioacetamide, and some of the rats were treated with QNZ. The expression levels of nuclear factor (NF)κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, apoptosis signal regulating kinase (ASK)-1, β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3 and TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF) were examined in hepatic samples. In addition, hepatic tissues were stained with hematoxylin/eosin and anti-TNF-α antibodies. QNZ blocked HCC-induced expression of both NFκB and TNF-α. It significantly reduced both α-fetoprotein and the average number of nodules and increased the survival rate of the HCC rats. Moreover, hematoxylin and eosin liver sections from the HCC rats showed vacuolated cytoplasm and necrotic nodules. All of these effects were alleviated by QNZ treatment. Finally, treating HCC rats with QNZ resulted in a reduction in the expression of TRAF, ASK-1 and β-catenin, as well as increased expression of GSK-3. In conclusion, inhibition of the inflammatory pathway in HCC with QNZ produced therapeutic effects, as indicated by an increased survival rate, reduced serum α-fetoprotein levels, decreased liver nodules and improved the hepatocyte structure. In addition, QNZ significantly reduced the expression of TRAF, ASK-1 and β-catenin that were associated with increased expression of GSK-3.

Saxagliptin defers thioacetamide-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats: A novel suppressive impact on Wnt/Hedgehog/Notch1 signaling

AIM

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly invasive form of hepatic cancer. It is a highly intricate disease with multiple pathophysiological mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The results of the current investigation shed light on the ability of saxagliptin (SAXA) (12.5 mg/kg) to defer HCC progression in an experimental model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.

RESULTS

SAXA administration improved liver function biomarkers, with a concomitant histopathological recovery. Mechanistically, the observed hepatoprotective impact was associated with significant suppression of the hepatic content of Wnt3a, β-catenin, Notch1, Smo, and Gli2 and enhanced expression of GSK 3β. Nevertheless, the hepatic expression of PCNA, P53, and cyclin D1 was significantly enhanced, with a parallel increase in the tumor expression of caspase-3. Thus, it appears that SAXA significantly enhanced tumor apoptosis, with concomitant suppression of HCC proliferation.

CONCLUSION

SAXA deferred experimentally-induced HCC via suppressing Wnt/Hedgehog/Notch1 Signaling, with enhanced tumor apoptosis and suppressed proliferation.

Nifuroxazide mitigates cholestatic liver injury by synergistic inhibition of Il-6/Β-catenin signaling and enhancement of BSEP and MDRP2 expression

Cholestasis is a complex hepatic disorder underlined with retention of the highly toxic bile components within the hepatocytes. Nifuroxazide (NIF); a nitrofuran derivative, is widely used drug for treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea. The current study was performed to investigate the curative effect of NIF (25 and 50 mg/kg) on lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced cholestasis and compare the observed impact to that of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Intriguingly, NIF significantly attenuated LCA-induced cholestatic injury. NIF successfully reversed cholestatic injury to a similar extent compared to the mainstay drug, UDCA. NIF administration remarkably attenuated liver/body index and restored liver functions. Moreover, it restored the disrupted balance in oxidative homeostasis. On the other hand, NIF induced a marked improvement in histopathological and immuno-histochemical analysis of liver specimens. Ultimately, NIF mitigated inflammatory response and proliferative ability of hepatocytes with significant reduction in hepatic expression of proliferatingcellnuclearantigen(PCNA), cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), interlukin-6 (Il-6) and β-catenin. Interestingly, NIF successfully increased bile transformation with increased the hepatic expression of bile salt export pump (BSEP) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MDRP2). Nevertheless, molecular docking of NIF with β-catenin and BSEP showed a better alignment inside the pocket with strong interaction for both protein binding sites. In conclusion, NIF attenuated experimentally-induced cholestatic dysfunction with an underlined synergistic inhibition of Il-6/Β-catenin pathways and direct enhancement of bile acids transporters gene expression.

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.

Synthesis, anticancer and antimicrobial evaluation of new benzofuran based derivatives: PI3K inhibition, quorum sensing and molecular modeling study

A new series of benzofuran derivatives has been designed and synthesized. The structures of the synthesized compounds have been confirmed by the use of ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, 2D ¹H-¹H NOESY NMR, and IR. Anticancer activity is evaluated against Hepatocellular carcinoma (HePG2), mammary gland breast cancer (MCF-7), Epitheliod carcinoma cervix cancer (Hela) and human prostate cancer (PC3). Compounds 8, 9, and 11 showed the highest activity towards the four cell lines with an IC₅₀ range of 8.49-16.72 µM, 6.55-13.14 µM and 4-8.99 µM respectively in comparison to DOX (4.17-8.87 µM). Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases (PI3K) inhibition was evaluated against the most active anticancer compounds 8, 9 and 11. Compounds 8, 9 and 11 showed good inhibitory activity against PI3Kα with IC₅₀ values 4.1, 7.8, and 20.5 µM, respectively in comparison to 6.18 µM for the reference compound LY294002. In addition, activity of compounds 8 and 9 on cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in different phases of MCF-7 cells were assessed and detected pre-G1 apoptosis and cell growth arrest at G2/M. Also, both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis in MCF-7 cells induced by compounds 8 and 9. Molecular docking, binding affinity surface mapping, and contact preference of the synthesized compounds 8, 9 and 11 against PI3K were estimated and studied computationally using molecular operating environment software (MOE) and showed good interaction with essential residues for inhibition Val851. In addition, antimicrobial activity was evaluated against gram positive isolates as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, gram negative isolate as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and antifungal potential against Candida albicans. Compound 17 showed outstanding anti Gram-positive activity with MIC values 8 and 256 µg/mL in Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus respectively. Also, compounds 15, 17, 18 and 21 showed good anti Gram-negative activity with MIC value 512 µg/mL for all compounds. In addition, the state-of-art quorum sensing (QS) inhibiting effects were detected using Chromobacterium violaceum and compounds 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12 showed good QS inhibition (3, 3, 5, 2, and 7 mm).

The association of leptin and adiponectin with hepatocellular carcinoma risk and prognosis: a combination of traditional, survival, and dose-response meta-analysis

Background

An increasing number of studies have focused on the association between leptin, adiponectin levels and the risk as well as the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the reported results are conflicting.

Methods

A meta-analysis was performed to assess the correlation between leptin, adiponectin levels and risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (CRD42020195882). Through June 14, 2020, PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases were searched, including references of qualifying articles. Titles, abstracts, and main texts were reviewed by at least 2 independent readers. Stata 16.0 was used to calculate statistical data.

Results

Thirty studies were included in this meta-analysis and results showed that hepatocellular carcinoma group had significantly higher leptin levels than the cancer-free control group (SMD = 1.83, 95% CI (1.09, 2.58), P = 0.000), the healthy control group (SMD = 4.32, 95% CI (2.41, 6.24), P = 0.000) and the cirrhosis group (SMD = 1.85, 95% CI (0.70, 3.01), P = 0.002). Hepatocellular carcinoma group had significantly higher adiponectin levels than the healthy control group (SMD = 1.57, 95% CI (0.37, 2.76), P = 0.010), but no statistical difference compared with the cancer-free control group (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI (− 0.35, 0.82), P = 0.430) and the cirrhosis group (SMD = − 0.51, 95% CI (− 1.30, 0.29), P = 0.213). The leptin rs7799039 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (G vs A: OR = 1.28, 95% CI (1.10, 1.48), P = 0.002). There were linear relationships between adiponectin levels and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 1.066, 95% CI (1.03, 1.11), P = 0.001). In addition, the results showed that high/positive expression of adiponectin was significantly related to lower overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients (HR = 1.70, 95% CI (1.22, 2.37), P = 0.002); however, there was no significantly association between the leptin levels and overall survival (HR = 0.92, 95% CI (0.53, 1.59), P = 0.766).

Conclusion

The study shows that high leptin levels were associated with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Adiponectin levels were proportional to hepatocellular carcinoma risk, and were related to the poor prognosis.

Chemo-preventive effect of crocin against experimentally-induced hepatocarcinogenesis via regulation of apoptotic and Nrf2 signaling pathways

The results of the current study investigated the chemo-preventive effect of crocin against hepatocarcinogenesis in rats with particular focus on the evaluation of the modulatory impact of crocin on apoptotic and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways. Thioacetamide (TAA) (200 mg/kg, I.P.) was used for experimental induction of hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. Crocin administration significantly attenuated TAA-induced cancerous lesions with concomitant attenuation of impaired liver functions. This was associated with significant enhancement in hepatic Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression with parallel suppression in Keap-1 expression. Inline, crocin induced a significant improvement in hepatic oxidative status with enhanced antioxidant batteries. Crocin administration significantly suppressed the hepatic content of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (c-JNK) with significant upregulation in TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and caspase-8 protein expression as well as p53 gene expression; biomarkers of apoptosis. Moreover, hepatic expression of the apoptotic BAX significantly increased and the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 significantly decreased in the liver specimen; biomarkers of intrinsic apoptosis. In conclusion; crocin attenuates experimentally induced hepato-carcinogenesis via modulation of oxidative/apoptotic signaling. Namely, crocin induced hepatic expression of Nrf2 with downstream modulation of endogenous HO-1 and Keap-1 signaling with modulation of various key players of apoptosis including; c-JNK, p53, TRAIL, caspase-8, BAX, and Bcl-2.

An investigative study of antitumor properties of a novel thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine small molecule revealing superior antitumor activity with CDK1 selectivity and potent pro-apoptotic properties

New thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine analogues were synthesized and biologically assessed in-vitro for their antineoplastic activity. The growth inhibitory effects of these compounds were assessed through the National Cancer Institute-United States of America (NCI-USA) anticancer screening program. Compound5(7-Chloro-3-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-methylthiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine-2(3H)-thione) was found to have a potent and broad-spectrum cytotoxic action against NCI panel with GI₅₀ (50% growth inhibition concentration) mean graph midpoint (MG-MID) = 2.88 µM. MTT assay was used to determine IC₅₀ values of the most potent agent against HCT-116 colorectal carcinoma and WI-38 human lung fibroblast cell lines; 5.33 µM ± 0.69 and 21.69 µM ± 1.04, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that compound5triggered apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest. The ability of compound5to inhibit CDK1 (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1)/Cyclin B complex was evaluated, and its IC₅₀ value was 97 nM ± 2.33. Moreover, according to the gene expression analysis, compound5up-regulated p53, BAX, cytochrome c, caspases-3,-8 and-9 besides down-regulated Bcl-2. In conclusion, compound5exerted a potent pro-apoptotic activity through the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase.

The role of MDM2-p53 axis dysfunction in the hepatocellular carcinoma transformation

Liver cancer is the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death globally. The main histological subtype is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is derived from hepatocytes. According to the epidemiologic studies, the most important risk factors of HCC are chronic viral infections (HBV, HCV, and HIV) and metabolic disease (metabolic syndrome). Interestingly, these carcinogenic factors that contributed to HCC are associated with MDM2-p53 axis dysfunction, which presented with inactivation of p53 and overactivation of MDM2 (a transcriptional target and negative regulator of p53). Mechanically, the homeostasis of MDM2-p53 feedback loop plays an important role in controlling the initiation and progression of HCC, which has been found to be dysregulated in HCC tissues. To maintain long-term survival in hepatocytes, hepatitis viruses have lots of ways to destroy the defense strategies of hepatocytes by inducing TP53 mutation and silencing, promoting MDM2 overexpression, accelerating p53 degradation, and stabilizing MDM2. As a result, genetic instability, chronic ER stress, oxidative stress, energy metabolism switch, and abnormalities in antitumor genes can be induced, all of which might promote hepatocytes' transformation into hepatoma cells. In addition, abnormal proliferative hepatocytes and precancerous cells cannot be killed, because of hepatitis viruses-mediated exhaustion of Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and CD4+T cells by disrupting their MDM2-p53 axis. Moreover, inefficiency of hepatic immune response can be further aggravated when hepatitis viruses co-infected with HIV. Unlike with chronic viral infections, MDM2-p53 axis might play a dual role in glucolipid metabolism of hepatocytes, which presented with enhancing glucolipid catabolism, but promoting hepatocyte injury at the early and late stages of glucolipid metabolism disorder. Oxidative stress, fatty degeneration, and abnormal cell growth can be detected in hepatocytes that were suffering from glucolipid metabolism disorder, and all of which could contribute to HCC initiation. In this review, we focus on the current studies of the MDM2-p53 axis in HCC, and specifically discuss the impact of MDM2-p53 axis dysfunction by viral infection and metabolic disease in the transformation of normal hepatocytes into hepatoma cells. We also discuss the therapeutic avenues and potential targets that are being developed to normalize the MDM2-p53 axis in HCC.