A pilot study of Livin gene and Yes-associated protein 1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Targeting the Hippo/YAP1 signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: From mechanisms to therapeutic drugs (Review)

The Hippo signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating cell growth and organ size. Its regulatory effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) encompass diverse aspects, including cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, tumor drug resistance, metabolic reprogramming, immunomodulatory effects and autophagy. Yes‑associated protein 1 (YAP1), a potent transcriptional coactivator and a major downstream target tightly controlled by the Hippo pathway, is influenced by various molecules and pathways. The expression of YAP1 in different cell types within the liver tumor microenvironment exerts varying effects on tumor outcomes, warranting careful consideration. Therefore, research on YAP1‑targeted therapies merits attention. This review discusses the composition and regulation mechanism of the Hippo/YAP1 signaling pathway and its relationship with HCC, offering insights for future research and cancer prevention strategies.

YAP-based nomogram predicts poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after curative surgery

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks prominently in cancer-related mortality globally. Surgery remains the main therapeutic option for the treatment of HCC, but high post-operative recurrence rate makes prognostic prediction challenging. The quest for a reliable model to predict HCC recurrence continues to enhance prognosis. We aim to develop a nomogram with multiple factors to accurately estimate the risk of post-operative recurrence in patients with HCC.

Methods

A single-center retrospective study on 262 patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for HCC at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital from May 2010 to April 2013 was conducted where immunohistochemistry assessed Yes-associated protein (YAP) expression in HCC. In the training cohort, a nomogram that incorporated YAP expression and clinicopathological features was constructed to predict 2-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS). The performance of the nomogram was assessed with respect to discrimination calibration, and clinical usefulness with external validation.

Results

A total of 262 patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for HCC at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital were included in our study. HCC patients with high YAP expression exhibited significantly higher recurrence and reduced overall survival (OS) rates compared to those with low YAP expression (P<0.001). YAP was significantly associated with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (P=0.03), microvascular invasion (MVI) (P<0.001), and tumor differentiation grade (P<0.001). In the training cohort, factors like YAP expression, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV-DNA), Child-Pugh stage, tumor size, MVI, and tumor differentiation were identified as key elements for the predictive model. Two YAP-centric Nomograms were developed, with one focused on predicting postoperative OS and the other on RFS. The calibration curve further confirmed the model's accuracy in the training cohort. The validation cohort confirmed the model's predictive accuracy.

Conclusions

The proposed nomogram combining the YAP, a predictor of HCC progression, and clinical features achieved more-accurate prognostic prediction for patients with HCC after partial hepatectomy, which may help clinicians implement more appropriate interventions.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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