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Jönsson C, Bergram M, Kechagias S, Nasr P, Ekstedt M. Activin A levels in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease associates with fibrosis and the PNPLA3 I148M variant. Scand J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:737-741. [PMID: 38563432 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2024.2334804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver condition worldwide. There is an urgent need to develop new biomarkers to assess disease severity and to define patients with a progressive phenotype. Activin A is a new promising biomarker with conflicting results about liver fibrosis. In this study we investigate levels of Activin A in patients with biopsy proven MASLD. We assess levels of Activin A in regard to fibrosis stage and genetic variant I148M in the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3). METHODS Activin A levels were assessed in plasma samples from patients with biopsy-proven MASLD in a cross-sectional study. All patients were clinically evaluated and the PNPLA3 I148M genotype of the cohort was assessed. FINDINGS 41 patients were included and 27% of these had advanced fibrosis. In MASLD patients with advanced fibrosis, Activin A levels was higher (p < 0.001) and could classify advanced fibrosis with an AUROC for activin A of 0.836 (p < 0.001). Patients homozygous for PNPLA3 I148M G/G had higher levels of activin A than non-homozygotes (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS Circulating activin A levels were associated with advanced fibrosis and could be a potential blood biomarker for identifying advanced fibrosis in MASLD. Patients with the risk genotype PNPLA3 I148M G/G had higher levels of activin A proposing activin A as a contributor of the transition from simple steatosis to a fibrotic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Jönsson
- Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Martin Bergram
- Division of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Community Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Stergios Kechagias
- Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Patrik Nasr
- Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mattias Ekstedt
- Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Meng X, Zhao X, Zhou B, Song W, Liang Y, Liang M, Du M, Shi J, Gao Y. FSTL3 is associated with prognosis and immune cell infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:17. [PMID: 38240936 PMCID: PMC10799152 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05553-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE FSTL3 expression is altered in various types of cancer. However, the role and mechanism of action of FSTL3 in lung adenocarcinoma development and tumor immunity are unknown. We investigated the association between FSTL3 expression and clinical characteristics and immune cell infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and a separate validation set from our hospital. METHODS Data on immune system infiltration, gene expression, and relevant clinical information were obtained by analyzing lung adenocarcinoma sample data from TCGA database. Using online tools like GEPIA, the correlations between FSTL3 expression and prognosis, clinical stage, survival status, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells were examined. In a validation dataset, immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze FSTL3 expression and its related clinical characteristics. RESULTS FSTL3 expression was markedly reduced in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. N stage, pathological stage, and overall survival were significantly correlated with FSTL3 expression. According to GSEA, FSTL3 is strongly linked to signaling pathways such as DNA replication and those involved in cell cycle regulation. Examination of TCGA database and TIMER online revealed a correlation between FSTL3 and B cell, T cell, NK cell, and neutrophil levels. The prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma was significantly affected by six genes (KRT6A, VEGFC, KRT14, KRT17, SNORA12, and KRT81) related to FSTL3. CONCLUSION FSTL3 is significantly associated with the prognosis and progression of lung adenocarcinoma and the infiltration of immune cells. Thus, targeting FSTL3 and its associated genes in immunotherapy could be potentially beneficial for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhi Meng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chaoyang District, Panjiayuan, Nanli 17, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojian Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chaoyang District, Panjiayuan, Nanli 17, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Boxuan Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chaoyang District, Panjiayuan, Nanli 17, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijian Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chaoyang District, Panjiayuan, Nanli 17, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yicheng Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Mei Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chaoyang District, Panjiayuan, Nanli 17, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Minjun Du
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chaoyang District, Panjiayuan, Nanli 17, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwei Shi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chaoyang District, Panjiayuan, Nanli 17, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yushun Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chaoyang District, Panjiayuan, Nanli 17, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China.
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Li C, Fang C, Chan M, Chen C, Chang Y, Hsiao M. The cytoplasmic expression of FSTL3 correlates with colorectal cancer progression, metastasis status and prognosis. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:672-686. [PMID: 36807490 PMCID: PMC9983317 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Follistatin-like (FSTL) family members are associated with cancer progression. However, differences between FSTL members with identical cancer types have not been systematically investigated. Among the most malignant tumours worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) has high metastatic potential and chemoresistance, which makes it challenging to treat. A systematic examination of the relationship between the expression of FSTL family members in CRC will provide valuable information for prognosis and therapeutic development. Based on large cohort survival analyses, we determined that FSTL3 was associated with a significantly worse prognosis in CRC at the RNA and protein levels. Immunohistochemistry staining of CRC specimens revealed that FSTL3 expression levels in the cytosol were significantly associated with a poor prognosis in terms of overall and disease-free survival. Molecular simulation analysis showed that FSTL3 participated in multiple cell motility signalling pathways via the TGF-β1/TWIST1 axis to control CRC metastasis. The findings provide evidence of the significance of FSTL3 in the oncogenesis and metastasis of CRC. FSTL3 may be useful as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker, and as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chih‐Yeu Fang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and VaccinologyNational Health Research InstitutesMiaoliTaiwan
| | | | - Chi‐Long Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of MedicineTaipei Medical UniversityTaipeiTaiwan,Department of PathologyTaipei Medical University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yu‐Chan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological SciencesNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan,Department of BiochemistryKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
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Vachher M, Bansal S, Kumar B, Yadav S, Arora T, Wali NM, Burman A. Contribution of organokines in the development of NAFLD/NASH associated hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:1553-1584. [PMID: 35818831 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Globally the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is on an upsurge. Evidence is accumulating that liver disorders like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more progressive form nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are associated with increased risk of developing HCC. NAFLD has a prevalence of about 25% and 50%-90% in obese population. With the growing burden of obesity epidemic worldwide, HCC presents a major healthcare burden. While cirrhosis is one of the major risk factors of HCC, available literature suggests that NAFLD/NASH associated HCC also develops in minimum or noncirrhotic livers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the pathogenesis and risk factors associated with NAFLD and NASH related HCC that would help in early diagnosis and favorable prognosis of HCC secondary to NAFLD. Adipokines, hepatokines and myokines are factors secreted by adipocytes, hepatocytes and myocytes, respectively, playing essential roles in cellular homeostasis, energy balance and metabolism with autocrine, paracrine and endocrine effects. In this review, we endeavor to focus on the role of these organokines in the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH and its progression to HCC to augment the understanding of the factors stimulating hepatocytes to acquire a malignant phenotype. This shall aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies and tools for early diagnosis of NAFLD/NASH and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Vachher
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Savita Bansal
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Bhupender Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Sandeep Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Taruna Arora
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Nalini Moza Wali
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Archana Burman
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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5
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Barany N, Rozsas A, Megyesfalvi Z, Grusch M, Hegedus B, Lang C, Boettiger K, Schwendenwein A, Tisza A, Renyi-Vamos F, Schelch K, Hoetzenecker K, Hoda MA, Paku S, Laszlo V, Dome B. Clinical relevance of circulating activin A and follistatin in small cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2021; 161:128-135. [PMID: 34583221 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Circulating levels of activin A (ActA) and follistatin (FST) have been investigated in various disorders including malignancies. However, to date, their diagnostic and prognostic relevance is largely unknown in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Our aim was to evaluate circulating ActA and FST levels as potential biomarkers in this devastating disease. METHODS Seventy-nine Caucasian SCLC patients and 67 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included in this study. Circulating ActA and FST concentrations were measured by ELISA and correlated with clinicopathological parameters and long-term outcomes. RESULTS Plasma ActA and FST concentrations were significantly elevated in SCLC patients when compared to healthy volunteers (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, extensive-stage SCLC patients had significantly higher circulating ActA levels than those with limited-stage disease (p = 0.0179). Circulating FST concentration was not associated with disease stage (p = 0.6859). Notably, patients with high (≥548.8 pg/ml) plasma ActA concentration exhibited significantly worse median overall survival (OS) compared to those with low (<548.8 pg/ml) ActA levels (p = 0.0009). Moreover, Cox regression analysis adjusted for clinicopathological parameters revealed that high ActA concentration is an independent predictor of shorter OS (HR: 1.932; p = 0.023). No significant differences in OS have been observed with regards to plasma FST levels (p = 0.1218). CONCLUSION Blood ActA levels are elevated and correlate with disease stage in SCLC patients. Measurement of circulating ActA levels might help in the estimation of prognosis in patients with SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandor Barany
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary; 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anita Rozsas
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Megyesfalvi
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Michael Grusch
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Balazs Hegedus
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, University Clinic Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christian Lang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristiina Boettiger
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Schwendenwein
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Tisza
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary; 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Renyi-Vamos
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Karin Schelch
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Konrad Hoetzenecker
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mir Alireza Hoda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandor Paku
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktoria Laszlo
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Balazs Dome
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.
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6
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Wen KW, Joseph NM, Srivastava A, Saunders TA, Jain D, Rank J, Feely M, Zarrinpar A, Al Diffalha S, Shyn PB, Graham RP, Drage MG, Kakar S. Inhibin-positive hepatic carcinoma: proposal for a solid-tubulocystic variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Hum Pathol 2021; 116:82-93. [PMID: 34298064 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Inhibin-positive hepatic carcinoma is a rare primary liver neoplasm that resembles sex cord-stromal tumor and thyroid follicular tumors. The term "cholangioblastic variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma" has been proposed. This study describes the clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features of a small series (n = 6) of this rare tumor. Albumin in situ hybridization (ISH) and capture-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) were also performed. All tumors occurred in young women (mean age 32.5 years, range 19-44 years) as a solitary large mass (mean 15.8 cm, range 6.9-23.5 cm). All tumors showed a highly distinctive morphology with sheets and large nests of tumor cells alternating with tubular and cystic areas imparting a sex cord-like or thyroid follicle-like morphology. Cytologic atypia was mild, and mitotic activity was low. All cases were positive for inhibin, as well as pancytokeratin, CK7, CK19, and albumin ISH. Synaptophysin and chromogranin showed focal or patchy staining, whereas INSM1 was negative. Markers for hepatocellular differentiation, thyroid origin, and sex cord-stromal tumor were negative. There were no recurrent genomic changes based on capture-based NGS of ∼500 cancer genes. Recurrence and/or metastasis was seen in three (50%) cases (follow-up time range for all cases: 5 months to 2 years). In conclusion, this series describes the distinctive morphology, immunophenotypic features, and diffuse albumin staining in six cases of a rare inhibin-positive primary liver carcinoma that runs an aggressive course similar to intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Genomic changes typical of cholangiocarcinoma or hepatocellular carcinoma were not identified, and there were no recurrent genetic abnormalities. We propose the term "solid-tubulocystic variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma" to reflect the spectrum of morphologic patterns observed in this tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwun Wah Wen
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 91343, United States
| | - Nancy M Joseph
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 91343, United States
| | - Amitabh Srivastava
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Tara A Saunders
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 91343, United States
| | - Dhanpat Jain
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Joseph Rank
- Cellnetix Pathology & Laboratories, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
| | - Michael Feely
- Department of Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Ali Zarrinpar
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Sameer Al Diffalha
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Paul B Shyn
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Rondell P Graham
- Department of Pathology, Mayo Medical Laboratories, Rochester, MN 55901, United States
| | - Michael G Drage
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| | - Sanjay Kakar
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 91343, United States.
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7
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Qiu W, Kuo CY, Tian Y, Su GH. Dual Roles of the Activin Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070821. [PMID: 34356885 PMCID: PMC8301451 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, is involved in many physiological processes, such as embryonic development and follicle development, as well as in multiple human diseases including cancer. Genetic mutations in the activin signaling pathway have been reported in many cancer types, indicating that activin signaling plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. Recent evidence reveals that activin signaling may function as a tumor-suppressor in tumor initiation, and a promoter in the later progression and metastasis of tumors. This article reviews many aspects of activin, including the signaling cascade of activin, activin-related proteins, and its role in tumorigenesis, particularly in pancreatic cancer development. The mechanisms regulating its dual roles in tumorigenesis remain to be elucidated. Further understanding of the activin signaling pathway may identify potential therapeutic targets for human cancers and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanglong Qiu
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Chia-Yu Kuo
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yu Tian
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gloria H. Su
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Correspondence:
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Kang EA, Jang J, Choi CH, Kang SB, Bang KB, Kim TO, Seo GS, Cha JM, Chun J, Jung Y, Kim HG, Im JP, Kim S, Ahn KS, Lee CK, Kim HJ, Kim MS, Park DI. Development of a Clinical and Genetic Prediction Model for Early Intestinal Resection in Patients with Crohn's Disease: Results from the IMPACT Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040633. [PMID: 33562363 PMCID: PMC7915022 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early intestinal resection in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) is necessary due to a severe and complicating disease course. Herein, we aim to predict which patients with CD need early intestinal resection within 3 years of diagnosis, according to a tree-based machine learning technique. The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype data for 337 CD patients recruited from 15 hospitals were typed using the Korea Biobank Array. For external validation, an additional 126 CD patients were genotyped. The predictive model was trained using the 102 candidate SNPs and seven sets of clinical information (age, sex, cigarette smoking, disease location, disease behavior, upper gastrointestinal involvement, and perianal disease) by employing a tree-based machine learning method (CatBoost). The importance of each feature was measured using the Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) model. The final model comprised two clinical parameters (age and disease behavior) and four SNPs (rs28785174, rs60532570, rs13056955, and rs7660164). The combined clinical-genetic model predicted early surgery more accurately than a clinical-only model in both internal (area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC), 0.878 vs. 0.782; n = 51; p < 0.001) and external validation (AUROC, 0.836 vs. 0.805; n = 126; p < 0.001). Identification of genetic polymorphisms and clinical features enhanced the prediction of early intestinal resection in patients with CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Ae Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Jongha Jang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Korea; (J.J.); (S.K.)
| | - Chang Hwan Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06978, Korea;
| | - Sang Bum Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon 34943, Korea;
| | - Ki Bae Bang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan 31116, Korea;
| | - Tae Oh Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 48108, Korea;
| | - Geom Seog Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan 54538, Korea;
| | - Jae Myung Cha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gang Dong, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul 05278, Korea;
| | - Jaeyoung Chun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Korea;
| | - Yunho Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Chungnam 31151, Korea;
| | - Hyun Gun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04401, Korea;
| | - Jong Pil Im
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Sangsoo Kim
- Department of Bioinformatics, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Korea; (J.J.); (S.K.)
| | - Kwang Sung Ahn
- Functional Genome Institute, PDXen Biosystems Inc., Seoul 34129, Korea;
| | - Chang Kyun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyunghee University School of Medicine, Seoul 02454, Korea; (C.K.L.); (H.J.K.)
| | - Hyo Jong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyunghee University School of Medicine, Seoul 02454, Korea; (C.K.L.); (H.J.K.)
| | - Min Suk Kim
- Department of Human Intelligence and Robot Engineering, Sangmyung University, Chungcheongnam-do 31066, Korea;
| | - Dong Il Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2001-2049
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Ries A, Schelch K, Falch D, Pany L, Hoda MA, Grusch M. Activin A: an emerging target for improving cancer treatment? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:985-996. [PMID: 32700590 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1799350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Activin A is involved in the regulation of a surprisingly broad number of processes that are relevant for cancer development and treatment; it is implicated in cell autonomous functions and multiple regulatory functions in the tumor microenvironment. AREAS COVERED This article summarizes the current knowledge about activin A in cell growth and death, migration and metastasis, angiogenesis, stemness and drug resistance, regulation of antitumor immunity, and cancer cachexia. We explore the role of activin A as a biomarker and discuss strategies for using it as target for cancer therapy. Literature retrieved from Medline until 25 June 2020 was considered. EXPERT OPINION While many functions of activin A were investigated in preclinical models, there is currently limited experience from clinical trials. Activin A has growth- and migration-promoting effects, contributes to immune evasion and cachexia and is associated with shorter survival in several cancer types. Targeting activin A could offer the chance to simultaneously limit tumor growth and spreading, improve drug response, boost antitumor immune responses and improve cancer-associated or treatment-associated cachexia, bone loss, and anemia. Nevertheless, defining which patients have the highest likelihood of benefiting from these effects is challenging and will require further work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ries
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Schelch
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - David Falch
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Pany
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Mir Alireza Hoda
- Translational Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Grusch
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
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10
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Choi K, Jang HY, Ahn JM, Hwang SH, Chung JW, Choi YS, Kim JW, Jang ES, Choi GH, Jeong SH. The association of the serum levels of myostatin, follistatin, and interleukin-6 with sarcopenia, and their impacts on survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Mol Hepatol 2020; 26:492-505. [PMID: 32646201 PMCID: PMC7641544 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2020.0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims The role of serum myokine levels in sarcopenia and the outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are not clear. This study investigated the serum levels of myostatin, follistatin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in HCC patients and their association with sarcopenia and survival. Methods Using prospectively collected pretreatment samples from 238 HCC patients in a hospital from 2012 to 2015, the serum levels of 3 myokines were determined and compared to 50 samples from age and sex-matched healthy controls. Sarcopenia was evaluated using the psoas muscle index (PMI) measured at the third lumbar level in the computed tomography, and clinical data were collected until 2017. Results The median levels of the 3 myokines for the male and female HCC patients were as follow: myostatin (3,979.3 and 2,976.3 pg/mL), follistatin (2,118.5 and 2,174.6 pg/mL), and IL-6 (2.5 and 2.7 pg/mL), respectively. Those in the HCC patients were all significantly higher than in the healthy controls. In the HCC patient, the median PMI was 4.43 (males) and 2.17 cm2/m2 (females) with a sarcopenic prevalence of 56.4%. The serum levels of myostatin, IL-6 and follistatin in the HCC patients showed a positive, negative, and no correlation with PMI, respectively. The serum follistatin level was an independent factor for poor survival in HCC patients. Conclusions The serum levels of myostatin, follistatin, and IL-6 and their correlation with sarcopenia and survival were presented in HCC patients for the first time. The role of the serum follistatin level as a poor prognostic biomarker warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanghyug Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hee Yoon Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Joong Mo Ahn
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sung Ho Hwang
- Department of Nursing, Daewon Univeristy College, Jecheon, Korea
| | - Jung Wha Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital, Sanbon, Korea
| | - Yun Suk Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jin-Wook Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Eun Sun Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Gwang Hyeon Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sook-Hyang Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
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11
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Insights into Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity in Cattle: An In Vitro Whole-Transcriptomic Approach. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12070429. [PMID: 32610656 PMCID: PMC7404968 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12070429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins, and particularly aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), are toxic mycotoxins to humans and farm animal species, resulting in acute and chronic toxicities. At present, AFB1 is still considered a global concern with negative impacts on health, the economy, and social life. In farm animals, exposure to AFB1-contaminated feed may cause several untoward effects, liver damage being one of the most devastating ones. In the present study, we assessed in vitro the transcriptional changes caused by AFB1 in a bovine fetal hepatocyte-derived cell line (BFH12). To boost the cellular response to AFB1, cells were pre-treated with the co-planar PCB 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126), a known aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist. Three experimental groups were considered: cells exposed to the vehicle only, to PCB126, and to PCB126 and AFB1. A total of nine RNA-seq libraries (three replicates/group) were constructed and sequenced. The differential expression analysis showed that PCB126 induced only small transcriptional changes. On the contrary, AFB1 deeply affected the cell transcriptome, the majority of significant genes being associated with cancer, cellular damage and apoptosis, inflammation, bioactivation, and detoxification pathways. Investigating mRNA perturbations induced by AFB1 in cattle BFH12 cells will help us to better understand AFB1 toxicodynamics in this susceptible and economically important food-producing species.
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12
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Upregulation of follistatin and low apoptotic activity in intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm of the pancreatobiliary system. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8179. [PMID: 32424306 PMCID: PMC7235027 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64920-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm (IOPN) is a rare intraductal tumor of the pancreatobiliary system. Currently, little is known about its distinct characteristics, unlike intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) and intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct (IPNB). The present study compared 22 IOPNs (18 pancreatic and 4 biliary) with those of 61 IPMNs/8 IPNBs. IOPNs were classified into pure and combined types, depending on the coexistence of IPMN/IPNB. Multiple gene expression analysis (nCounter system) was performed, and hierarchical clustering analysis separated IOPNs(n = 4) and IPMNs(n = 3)/ IPNBs(n = 3), and pathway score analysis supported the result. Volcano plot identified follistatin (FST) as the most upregulated mRNA in IOPN in comparison to the gastric subtype (log2 fold change of 5.34) and the intestinal subtype (that of 5.81) of IPMN/IPNB. The expression of FST in IOPN was also high in quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis. We also found lower apoptotic activity in IOPN, particularly in pure type, compared to high-grade or invasive IPMN/IPNB using immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase 3. But, combined type IOPN was more similar to IPMN/IPNB than pure IOPN. In conclusion, we proved that IOPN, particularly pure IOPN, is distinct from IPMN/IPNB in FST mRNA overexpression and exhibits lower apoptotic activity.
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13
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Li C, Dai L, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Lin Y, Cheng L, Tian H, Zhang X, Wang Q, Yang Q, Wang Y, Shi G, Cheng F, Su X, Yang Y, Zhang S, Yu D, Wei Y, Deng H. Follistatin-like protein 5 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis and regulating Bcl-2 family proteins. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:6190-6201. [PMID: 30255547 PMCID: PMC6237577 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and deadly malignant tumors in the world, especially in China. Follistatin‐like protein 5 (FSTL5) is a member of the FSTL family, which is involved in cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and embryo development. We aimed to investigate the function and underlying mechanism of FSTL5 in HCC. FSTL5 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry staining in a liver cancer tissue microarray (TMA) and the correlation between FSTL5 and the prognosis of HCC patients was analysed. Further proliferation assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and xenograft tumor model were performed to investigate the bioeffects of FSTL5 in HCC in vitro and in vivo. We found that FSTL5 expression was downregulated in HCC tissues and positively correlated with the prognosis of patients with HCC at tumor node metastasis stage I/II. Overexpression of FSTL5 efficiently impaired HCC growth both in vivo and in vitro with an exogenous manner. Mechanistic investigation demonstrated that FSTL5 promoted HCC cell apoptosis in a caspase‐dependent manner and regulated Bcl‐2 family proteins. These results indicate that FSTL5 may be a potential novel target for HCC treatment, and a biomarker for tumor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongwei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qingnan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianmei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Gang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fuyi Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaolan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dechao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongxin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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14
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Hoda MA, Rozsas A, Lang E, Klikovits T, Lohinai Z, Torok S, Berta J, Bendek M, Berger W, Hegedus B, Klepetko W, Renyi-Vamos F, Grusch M, Dome B, Laszlo V. High circulating activin A level is associated with tumor progression and predicts poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 7:13388-99. [PMID: 26950277 PMCID: PMC4924649 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A (ActA)/follistatin (FST) signaling has been shown to be deregulated in different tumor types including lung adenocarcinoma (LADC). Here, we report that serum ActA protein levels are significantly elevated in LADC patients (n=64) as compared to controls (n=46, p=0.015). ActA levels also correlated with more advanced disease stage (p<0.0001) and T (p=0.0035) and N (p=0.0002) factors. M1 patients had significantly higher ActA levels than M0 patients (p<0.001). High serum ActA level was associated with poor overall survival (p<0.0001) and was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor (p=0.004). Serum FST levels were increased only in female LADC patients (vs. female controls, p=0.031). Two out of five LADC cell lines secreted biologically active ActA, while FST was produced in all of them. Transcripts of both type I and II ActA receptors were detected in all five LADC cell lines. In conclusion, our study does not only suggest that measuring blood ActA levels in LADC patients might improve the prediction of prognosis, but also indicates that this parameter might be a novel non-invasive biomarker for identifying LADC patients with organ metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir Alireza Hoda
- Translational Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anita Rozsas
- Translational Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Elisabeth Lang
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Klikovits
- Translational Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zoltan Lohinai
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Torok
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Berta
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Matyas Bendek
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Walter Berger
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Balazs Hegedus
- Translational Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,MTA-SE Molecular Oncology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Walter Klepetko
- Translational Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ferenc Renyi-Vamos
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Michael Grusch
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Balazs Dome
- Translational Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Viktoria Laszlo
- Translational Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Sun X, Liu X. Cancer metastasis: enactment of the script for human reproductive drama. Cancer Cell Int 2017; 17:51. [PMID: 28469531 PMCID: PMC5414196 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-017-0421-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on compelling evidence from many biological disciplines, we put forth a hypothesis for cancer metastasis. In the hypothesis, the metastatic cascade is depicted as human reproduction in miniature. Illustrated in a reproductive light, the staggering resemblance of cancer metastasis to human reproduction becomes evident despite some ostensible dis-similarities. In parallel to the appearance of primordial germ cells during early embryogenesis, the cancer reproductive saga starts with the separation of metastasis initiating cells (MICs) from cancer initiating cells when the primary cancer is still in its infancy. Prime MICs embark on a journey to the host bone marrow where they undergo further development and regulation. Migrating MICs are guided by the same CXCR4/CYCL12 axis as used in the migration of primordial germ cells to the genital ridge. Like the ovary, the host bone marrow features immune privileges, coolness, hypoxia and acidity which are essential for stemness maintenance and regulation. Opportune activation of the MICs via fusion with bone marrow stem cells triggers a frenzy of cellular proliferation and sets them on the move again. This scenario is akin to oocyte fertilization in the Fallopian tube and its subsequent journey towards the decidum. Just as the human reproductive process is plagued with undesirable outcomes so is the cancer metastasis highly inefficient. The climax of the cancer metastatic drama (colonization) is reached when proliferating MIC clusters attempt to settle down on decidum-like premetastatic sites. Successfully colonized clusters blossom into overt macrometastases only after the execution of sophisticated immunomodulation, angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. Similarly, the implanted blastomere needs to orchestrate these feats before flourishing into a new life. What is more, the cancer reproductive drama seems to be directed by a primordial hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad axis. Pursuing this reproductive trail could lead to new frontiers and breakthroughs in cancer research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xichun Sun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGuire Holmes Veteran Affairs Medical Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249 USA.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Hunan, China
| | - Xiwu Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGuire Holmes Veteran Affairs Medical Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249 USA.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Hunan, China
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16
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Ottley EC, Reader KL, Lee K, Marino FE, Nicholson HD, Risbridger GP, Gold E. Over-Expression of Activin-β C Is Associated with Murine and Human Prostate Disease. Discov Oncol 2017; 8:100-107. [PMID: 28116672 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-017-0283-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins are members of the TGF-β superfamily and have been linked to prostate cancer. There are four mammalian activin subunits (βA, βB, βC, and βE) that dimerize to form functional proteins. The role of activin-A (βA-βA) has been relatively well characterized and has been shown to generally inhibit growth in the prostate. In contrast, little is known about the biological function of the βC and βE subunits. Previous work indicated activin-C (βC-βC) to be an antagonist of activin-A. This is important because resistance to activin-A growth inhibition occurs during prostate cancer progression. This paradox is not currently well understood. Hence, we hypothesize that local expression of the activin-βC subunit antagonizes activin-A-dependent growth inhibition and represents a key factor contributing to acquired insensitivity to activin-A observed in prostate cancer progression. To test our hypothesis, we characterized the ventral prostate lobes of 9-month-old transgenic mice over-expressing activin-βC and examined the expression of activin-βA, activin-βC, and the activin intracellular signaling factor, Smad-2, in human prostate diseases. Prostate epithelial cell hyperplasia, low-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions, alterations in cell proliferation, and reduced Smad-2 nuclear localization were evident in mice over-expressing activin-βC. Increased activin-βA and -βC subunit immunoreactive scores and decreased Smad-2 nuclear localization were also evident in human prostate cancer. This study suggests that over-expression of activin-βC is associated with murine and human prostate pathologies. We conclude that the activin-βC subunit may have therapeutic and/or diagnostic implications in human prostate disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward C Ottley
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Karen L Reader
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Kailun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Francesco E Marino
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Helen D Nicholson
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Gail P Risbridger
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Elspeth Gold
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
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17
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Shi L, Resaul J, Owen S, Ye L, Jiang WG. Clinical and Therapeutic Implications of Follistatin in Solid Tumours. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2017; 13:425-435. [PMID: 27807065 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Follistatin (FST), as a single-chain glycosylated protein, has two major isoforms, FST288 and FST315. The FST315 isoform is the predominant form whilst the FST288 variant accounts for less than 5% of the encoded mRNA. FST is differentially expressed in human tissues and aberrant expression has been observed in a variety of solid tumours, including gonadal, gastric and lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Based on the current evidence, FST is an antagonist of transforming growth factor beta family members, such as activin and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). FST plays a role in tumourigenesis, metastasis and angiogenesis of solid tumours through its interaction with activin and BMPs, thus resulting in pathophysiological function. In terms of diagnosis, prognosis and therapy, FST has shown strong promise. Through a better understanding of its biological functions, potential clinical applications may yet emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shi
- Urology Department, Yantai Yu Huang Ding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong Province, P.R. China.,Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Jeyna Resaul
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Sioned Owen
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Lin Ye
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Wen G Jiang
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K.
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18
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Tai WM, Yong WP, Lim C, Low LS, Tham CK, Koh TS, Ng QS, Wang WW, Wang LZ, Hartano S, Thng CH, Huynh H, Lim KT, Toh HC, Goh BC, Choo SP. A phase Ib study of selumetinib (AZD6244, ARRY-142886) in combination with sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ann Oncol 2016; 27:2210-2215. [PMID: 27681866 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment with sorafenib, although associated with inhibition of tumour growth and angiogenesis in in vivo studies, leads to up-regulation of pERK. The addition of MEK inhibition could potentially abrogate this effect and potentiate anti-tumour activity. This phase I study investigated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and biomarker correlates of selumetinib combined with sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Patients with Child-Pugh (CP) score ≤7 were treated with 400 mg twice daily of sorafenib with escalating doses of selumetinib in a 3 + 3 study design. The dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) evaluation period was 28 days. PK of selumetinib was determined. Angiogenic effect was evaluated with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). RESULTS Twenty-seven patients of Asian ethnicity were enrolled. The MTD was selumetinib 75 mg daily with sorafenib 400 mg twice daily. DLT included grade 3 transaminitis, diarrhoea and fatigue. Most common treatment-related adverse events at MTD (all grades) were diarrhoea (85%), rash (59%), hypertension (44%), fatigue (30%), anorexia (22%) and hand-foot syndrome (22%). Four patients (15%) had PR and 13 (48%) had SD. PR or SD was observed for ≥6 months in seven patients. The median overall survival was 14.4 months. Selumetinib exposures in combination with sorafenib were comparable to other monotherapy studies. A reduction in permeability-surface area product noted in DCE-MRI with treatment correlated with worse survival outcomes. CONCLUSION The MTD of selumetinib was 75 mg daily when combined with sorafenib 400 mg twice a day in CP ≤7 HCC. Acceptable adverse events and encouraging anti-tumour activity warrant further evaluation. DCE-MRI findings deserve prospective evaluation. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER NCT01029418.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Tai
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - W P Yong
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - C Lim
- Divisions of Clinical Trials and Epidemiological Sciences
| | - L S Low
- Divisions of Clinical Trials and Epidemiological Sciences
| | - C K Tham
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - T S Koh
- Oncologic Imaging, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Q S Ng
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - W W Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - L Z Wang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - S Hartano
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Radiological Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Singapore
| | - C H Thng
- Oncologic Imaging, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - H Huynh
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - K T Lim
- Department of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - H C Toh
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - B C Goh
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - S P Choo
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
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19
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Circulating activin A is a novel prognostic biomarker in malignant pleural mesothelioma – A multi-institutional study. Eur J Cancer 2016; 63:64-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2016.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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El-Abd N, Fawzy A, Elbaz T, Hamdy S. Evaluation of annexin A2 and as potential biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:211-6. [PMID: 26189841 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3524-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the fifth most common malignancy worldwide. Early detection of HCC is difficult due to the lack of reliable markers. We aimed to assess the diagnostic role of annexin A2 (ANXA2) and follistatin as serum markers for HCC patients. This study included 50 patients with confirmed diagnosis of HCC, 30 patients with chronic liver disease, and 20 normal persons. Subjects performed thorough assessment and laboratory investigations. Serum levels of alpha fetoprotein (AFP), annexin A2, and follistatin were measured using ELISA technique. Annexin A2 significantly increased in the sera of HCC patients (median, 69.6 ng/ml) compared to chronic liver disease patients (median, 16.8 ng/ml) and control group (median, 9.5 ng/ml) (p < 0.001). Follistatin was higher in sera of HCC patients (median, 24.4 ng/ml) compared to the control group (median, 4.2 ng/ml) (p = 0.002) while no such significant difference was achieved between HCC and chronic liver disease patients. At a cutoff level 29.3 ng/ml, area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for ANXA2 was 0.910 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.84-0.97). For follistatin, it was 0.631 (95 % confidence interval 0.52-0.74) at cutoff level 15.7 ng/ml. Combining both annexin A2 and AFP increased the diagnostic efficiency (98 % specificity, LR + 41 and 97.6 % PPV). Follistatin combined with AFP provided 92 % specificity while lower sensitivity (50 %) was observed. Serum ANXA2 is a promising biomarker for HCC, certainly when measured with AFP. Follistatin could not differentiate between HCC and chronic liver disease, but its combination with AFP improved the specificity for HCC diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevine El-Abd
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amal Fawzy
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tamer Elbaz
- Department of Endemic Hepatogastroenterology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Sherif Hamdy
- Department of Endemic Hepatogastroenterology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Refaat B, Ashshi AM, El-Shemi AG, Azhar E. Activins and Follistatin in Chronic Hepatitis C and Its Treatment with Pegylated-Interferon-α Based Therapy. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:287640. [PMID: 25969625 PMCID: PMC4417604 DOI: 10.1155/2015/287640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pegylated-interferon-α based therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is considered suboptimal as not all patients respond to the treatment and it is associated with several side effects that could lead to dose reduction and/or termination of therapy. The currently used markers to monitor the response to treatment are based on viral kinetics and their performance in the prediction of treatment outcome is moderate and does not combine accuracy and their values have several limitations. Hence, the development of new sensitive and specific predictor markers could provide a useful tool for the clinicians and healthcare providers, especially in the new era of interferon-free therapy, for the classification of patients according to their response to the standard therapy and only subscribing the novel directly acting antiviral drugs to those who are anticipated not to respond to the conventional therapy and/or have absolute contraindications for its use. The importance of activins and follistatin in the regulation of immune system, liver biology, and pathology has recently emerged. This review appraises the up-to-date knowledge regarding the role of activins and follistatin in liver biology and immune system and their role in the pathophysiology of CHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassem Refaat
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-'Abdiyah Campus, P. O. Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Mohamed Ashshi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-'Abdiyah Campus, P. O. Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Galal El-Shemi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-'Abdiyah Campus, P. O. Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 6515, Egypt
| | - Esam Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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Activin A is anti-lymphangiogenic in a melanoma mouse model. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 135:212-221. [PMID: 25084052 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma spreads primarily to the sentinel lymph nodes, and its risk correlates with lymphangiogenesis, which is mainly driven by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C. However, anti-lymphangiogenic factors are poorly characterized. We have shown in a melanoma model that Wnt1 reduces lymphangiogenesis by reducing VEGF-C expression. Screening this model for additional potentially anti-lymphangiogenic factors identified increased activin A expression and reduced expression of the antagonist, follistatin (FST), in Wnt1(+) cells. Activin A is known to reduce blood vessel formation, but the effects on lymphangiogenesis are unknown. Here we show that human primary melanoma expresses significantly higher levels of activin A and lower levels of FST compared with nevi and melanoma metastasis. Using our mouse model with melanoma cells overexpressing Wnt1, FST, Wnt1/FST, or the inhibin βA subunit (INHBA, resulting in activin A expression), we found both activin A and Wnt1 to reduce lymphangiogenesis. Whereas Wnt1 also reduced metastasis, this was not seen with activin A. In vitro, activin A phosphorylated SMAD2 in both melanoma and lymphatic endothelium but, although it reduced sprouting of lymphatic endothelium, it enhanced the migration of melanoma cells. In conclusion, activin A is an anti-lymphangiogenic factor, but because of its pleiotropic effects on cell mobility it appears not suitable as a pharmacological target.
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Effects of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 and 4 on serum activins and follistatin in treatment naïve patients and their correlations with interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α, viral load and liver damage. Clin Exp Med 2014; 15:293-302. [DOI: 10.1007/s10238-014-0297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Serum Activins and Follistatin during the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Genotypes 1 and 4 and Their Correlations with Viral Load and Liver Enzymes: A Preliminary Report. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2014; 2014:628683. [PMID: 24799891 PMCID: PMC3995172 DOI: 10.1155/2014/628683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims. To measure the effect of pegylated interferon-α therapy on serum activin-A, activin-B, and follistatin and their correlation with viral load and liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Methods. This study was cross-sectional and sera were collected from 165 participants classified into 7 groups: 40 healthy negative control, 33 treatment naïve patients as positive control, 19 patients at week 4, 22 at week 12, and 19 at week 24 of treatment initiation and 21 responders and 11 nonresponders at the end of 48-week treatment protocol. Serum candidate proteins were measured using ELISA and liver fibrosis was assessed by AST platelet ratio index (APRI). Results. CHC significantly increased activins and decreased follistatin compared to negative control (P < 0.05). Activin-A and follistatin levels returned to the levels of negative control group at weeks 4, 12, and 24 following treatment initiation and were significantly different from positive control (P < 0.05). Both proteins were significantly different between responders and nonresponders. Activin-A correlated positively and significantly with the viral load and APRI. Conclusion. CHC modulates serum activin-A and follistatin and they appear to be influenced by pegylated interferon-α therapy. Further studies are needed to explore the role of activins in CHC.
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Tomoda T, Nouso K, Miyahara K, Kobayashi S, Kinugasa H, Toyosawa J, Hagihara H, Kuwaki K, Onishi H, Nakamura S, Ikeda F, Miyake Y, Shiraha H, Takaki A, Yamamoto K. Prognotic impact of serum follistatin in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 28:1391-6. [PMID: 23432377 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Follistatin (FST) is a glycoprotein expressed in most organs, which interacts with activins or other members of the transforming growth factor beta family. Recently, several reports have shown that FST regulates a variety of processes during tumor progression. Here, serum FST in patients with liver diseases was measured, and its clinical utility as a biomarker was assessed. METHODS Serum was collected from 162 patients (91 hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], 43 liver cirrhosis, and 28 chronic hepatitis) as well as from 16 healthy volunteers. FST was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and levels were compared with clinical parameters including survival of the HCC patients. RESULTS Median serum FST levels in HCC, liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and healthy volunteers were 1168, 1606, 1324, and 1661 pg/mL, respectively, not significantly different. In HCC patients, higher serum FST was associated with greater age, hepatitis C virus antibody-negativity, large tumor size, g-glutamyl transpeptidase, des-gamma carboxyprothrombin and presence of portal vein tumor thrombus. Survival of HCC patients with high FST levels was significantly shorter than for those with low levels (P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed that in addition to large tumor size and presence of portal vein thrombus, high FST levels were independently correlated with poor prognosis (hazard ratio = 2.41, 95% confidence interval = 1.16-5.00, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Serum FST levels are significantly associated with HCC prognosis and could represent a predictive biomarker in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Tomoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama City, Okayama, Japan.
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Merrick BA, Phadke DP, Auerbach SS, Mav D, Stiegelmeyer SM, Shah RR, Tice RR. RNA-Seq profiling reveals novel hepatic gene expression pattern in aflatoxin B1 treated rats. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61768. [PMID: 23630614 PMCID: PMC3632591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Deep sequencing was used to investigate the subchronic effects of 1 ppm aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a potent hepatocarcinogen, on the male rat liver transcriptome prior to onset of histopathological lesions or tumors. We hypothesized RNA-Seq would reveal more differentially expressed genes (DEG) than microarray analysis, including low copy and novel transcripts related to AFB1’s carcinogenic activity compared to feed controls (CTRL). Paired-end reads were mapped to the rat genome (Rn4) with TopHat and further analyzed by DESeq and Cufflinks-Cuffdiff pipelines to identify differentially expressed transcripts, new exons and unannotated transcripts. PCA and cluster analysis of DEGs showed clear separation between AFB1 and CTRL treatments and concordance among group replicates. qPCR of eight high and medium DEGs and three low DEGs showed good comparability among RNA-Seq and microarray transcripts. DESeq analysis identified 1,026 differentially expressed transcripts at greater than two-fold change (p<0.005) compared to 626 transcripts by microarray due to base pair resolution of transcripts by RNA-Seq, probe placement within transcripts or an absence of probes to detect novel transcripts, splice variants and exons. Pathway analysis among DEGs revealed signaling of Ahr, Nrf2, GSH, xenobiotic, cell cycle, extracellular matrix, and cell differentiation networks consistent with pathways leading to AFB1 carcinogenesis, including almost 200 upregulated transcripts controlled by E2f1-related pathways related to kinetochore structure, mitotic spindle assembly and tissue remodeling. We report 49 novel, differentially-expressed transcripts including confirmation by PCR-cloning of two unique, unannotated, hepatic AFB1-responsive transcripts (HAfT’s) on chromosomes 1.q55 and 15.q11, overexpressed by 10 to 25-fold. Several potentially novel exons were found and exon refinements were made including AFB1 exon-specific induction of homologous family members, Ugt1a6 and Ugt1a7c. We find the rat transcriptome contains many previously unidentified, AFB1-responsive exons and transcripts supporting RNA-Seq’s capabilities to provide new insights into AFB1-mediated gene expression leading to hepatocellular carcinoma.
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MESH Headings
- Aflatoxin B1/toxicity
- Animals
- Carcinogens/toxicity
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/chemically induced
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/chemically induced
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- E2F1 Transcription Factor/physiology
- Exons
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Gene Regulatory Networks
- Glucuronosyltransferase/genetics
- Glucuronosyltransferase/metabolism
- High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
- Liver/drug effects
- Liver/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/chemically induced
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Male
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- Precancerous Conditions/chemically induced
- Precancerous Conditions/metabolism
- Principal Component Analysis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Sequence Analysis, RNA
- Transcriptome
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Affiliation(s)
- B Alex Merrick
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America.
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Sepporta MV, Tumminello FM, Flandina C, Crescimanno M, Giammanco M, La Guardia M, di Majo D, Leto G. Follistatin as potential therapeutic target in prostate cancer. Target Oncol 2013; 8:215-23. [PMID: 23456439 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-013-0268-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Follistatin is a single-chain glycosylated protein whose primary function consists in binding and neutralizing some members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily such as activin and bone morphogenic proteins. Emerging evidence indicates that this molecule may also play a role in the malignant progression of several human tumors including prostate cancer. In particular, recent findings suggest that, in this tumor, follistatin may also contribute to the formation of bone metastasis through multiple mechanisms, some of which are not related to its specific activin or bone morphogenic proteins' inhibitory activity. This review provides insight into the most recent advances in understanding the role of follistatin in the prostate cancer progression and discusses the clinical and therapeutic implications related to these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Sepporta
- Operative Unit of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Palermo, via Augusto Elia, 3, 90127, Palermo, Italy
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Faust D, Vondráček J, Krčmář P, Šmerdová L, Procházková J, Hrubá E, Hulinková P, Kaina B, Dietrich C, Machala M. AhR-mediated changes in global gene expression in rat liver progenitor cells. Arch Toxicol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-012-0979-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Activins control the growth of several tumour types including thoracic malignancies. In the present study, we investigated their expression and function in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). METHODS The expression of activins and activin receptors was analysed by quantitative PCR in a panel of MPM cell lines. Activin A expression was further analysed by immunohistochemistry in MPM tissue specimens (N=53). Subsequently, MPM cells were treated with activin A, activin receptor inhibitors or activin-targeting siRNA and the impact on cell viability, proliferation, migration and signalling was assessed. RESULTS Concomitant expression of activin subunits and receptors was found in all cell lines, and activin A was overexpressed in most cell lines compared with non-malignant mesothelial cells. Similarly, immunohistochemistry demonstrated intense staining of tumour cells for activin A in a subset of patients. Treatment with activin A induced SMAD2 phosphorylation and stimulated clonogenic growth of mesothelioma cells. In contrast, treatment with kinase inhibitors of activin receptors (SB-431542, A-8301) inhibited MPM cell viability, clonogenicity and migration. Silencing of activin A expression by siRNA oligonucleotides further confirmed these results and led to reduced cyclin D1/3 expression. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that activin A contributes to the malignant phenotype of MPM cells via regulation of cyclin D and may represent a valuable candidate for therapeutic interference.
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Ng W, Uetrecht J. Changes in gene expression induced by aromatic amine drugs: Testing the danger hypothesis. J Immunotoxicol 2012; 10:178-91. [DOI: 10.3109/1547691x.2012.707699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Brüning A, Matsingou C, Brem GJ, Rahmeh M, Mylonas I. Inhibin beta E is upregulated by drug-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress as a transcriptional target gene of ATF4. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2012; 264:300-4. [PMID: 22935518 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2012.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Revised: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Inhibins and activins are gonadal peptide hormones of the transforming growth factor-β super family with important functions in the reproductive system. By contrast, the recently identified inhibin βE subunit, primarily expressed in liver cells, appears to exert functions unrelated to the reproductive system. Previously shown downregulation of inhibin βE in hepatoma cells and anti-proliferative effects of ectopic inhibin βE overexpression indicated growth-regulatory effects of inhibin βE. We observed a selective re-expression of the inhibin βE subunit in HepG2 hepatoblastoma cells, MCF7 breast cancer cells, and HeLa cervical cancer cells under endoplasmic reticulum stress conditions induced by tunicamycin, thapsigargin, and nelfinavir. Analysis of XPB1 splicing and ATF4 activation revealed that inhibin βE re-expression was associated with induction of the endoplasmic reticulum stress reaction by these drugs. Transfection of an ATF4 expression plasmid specifically induced inhibin βE expression in HeLa cells and indicates inhibin βE as a hitherto unidentified target gene of ATF4, a key transcription factor of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. Therefore, the inhibin βE subunit defines not only a new player but also a possible new marker for drug-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansgar Brüning
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Voumvouraki A, Notas G, Koulentaki M, Georgiadou M, Klironomos S, Kouroumalis E. Increased serum activin-A differentiates alcoholic from cirrhosis of other aetiologies. Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42:815-22. [PMID: 22304651 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2012.02647.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activin-A is a molecule of the TGF superfamily, implicated in liver fibrosis, regeneration and stem cell differentiation. However, data on activins in liver diseases are few. We therefore studied serum levels of activin-A in chronic liver diseases. To identify the origin of activin-A, levels in the hepatic vein were also estimated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nineteen controls and 162 patients participated in the study: 39 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC: 19 viral associated and 20 alcohol associated), 18 with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), 47 with primary biliary cirrhosis (26 PBC stage I-II and 21 stage IV), 22 with alcoholic cirrhosis (AC, hepatic vein blood available in 16), 20 with HCV cirrhosis (hepatic vein blood available in 18) and 16 patients with alcoholic fatty liver with mild to moderate fibrosis but no cirrhosis. RESULTS Activin-A levels were significantly increased (P < 0·001) in serum of patients with AC (median 673 pg/mL, range 449-3279), compared with either controls (149 pg/mL, 91-193) or patients with viral cirrhosis (189 pg/mL, 81-480), CHC (142 pg/mL, 65-559) PBC stage I-II (100 pg/mL, 59-597) and PBC stage IV (104 pg/mL, 81-579). Only patients with AC-associated HCC had significantly increased levels of activin-A (2403 pg/mL, 1561-7220 pg/mL). Activin-A serum levels could accurately discriminate AC from cirrhosis of other aetiologies and noncirrhotic alcoholic fatty liver with fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Increased serum levels of activin-A only in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis or HCC suggest a possible role of this molecule in the pathophysiology of AC. Further research is warranted to elucidate its role during the profibrotic process and its possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyro Voumvouraki
- University Hospital Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Remke M, Hielscher T, Korshunov A, Northcott PA, Bender S, Kool M, Westermann F, Benner A, Cin H, Ryzhova M, Sturm D, Witt H, Haag D, Toedt G, Wittmann A, Schöttler A, von Bueren AO, von Deimling A, Rutkowski S, Scheurlen W, Kulozik AE, Taylor MD, Lichter P, Pfister SM. FSTL5 is a marker of poor prognosis in non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma. J Clin Oncol 2011; 29:3852-61. [PMID: 21911727 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.36.2798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Integrated genomics approaches have revealed at least four distinct biologic variants of medulloblastoma: WNT (wingless), SHH (sonic hedgehog), group C, and group D. Because of the remarkable clinical heterogeneity of group D tumors and the dismal prognosis of group C patients, it is vital to identify molecular biomarkers that will allow early and effective treatment stratification in these non-WNT/non-SHH tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS We combined transcriptome and DNA copy-number analyses for 64 primary medulloblastomas. Bioinformatic tools were used to discover marker genes of molecular variants. Differentially expressed transcripts were evaluated for prognostic value in the screening cohort. The prognostic power of follistatin-like 5 (FSTL5) immunopositivity was tested for 235 nonoverlapping medulloblastoma samples on two independent tissue microarrays. RESULTS Comprehensive analyses of transcriptomic and genetic alterations delineate four distinct variants of medulloblastoma. Stable subgroup separation was achieved by using the 300 transcripts that varied the most. Distinct expression patterns of FSTL5 in each molecular subgroup were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunopositivity of FSTL5 identified a large cohort of patients (84 of 235 patients; 36%) at high risk for relapse and death. Importantly, more than 50% of non-WNT/non-SHH tumors displayed FSTL5 negativity, delineating a large patient cohort with a good prognosis who would otherwise be considered intermediate or high-risk on the basis of current molecular subgrouping. CONCLUSION FSTL5 expression denoted a dismal prognosis both within and across medulloblastoma subgroups. The addition of FSTL5 immunohistochemistry to existing molecular stratification schemes constitutes a reliable and cost-effective tool for prognostication in future clinical trials of medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Remke
- German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Fibroblast growth factor receptors as therapeutic targets in human melanoma: synergism with BRAF inhibition. J Invest Dermatol 2011; 131:2087-95. [PMID: 21753785 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2011.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a tumor with rising incidence and a very poor prognosis at the disseminated stage. Melanomas are characterized by frequent mutations in BRAF and also by overexpression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), offering opportunities for therapeutic intervention. We investigated inhibition of FGF signaling and its combination with dacarbazine or BRAF inhibitors as an antitumor strategy in melanoma. The majority of melanoma cell lines displayed overexpression of FGF2 but also FGF5 and FGF18 together with different isoforms of FGF receptors (FGFRs) 1-4. Blockade of FGF signals with dominant-negative receptor constructs (dnFGFR1, 3, or 4) or small-molecule inhibitors (SU5402 and PD166866) reduced melanoma cell proliferation, colony formation, as well as anchorage-independent growth, and increased apoptosis. DnFGFR constructs also significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Combination of FGF inhibitors with dacarbazine showed additive or antagonistic effects, whereas synergistic drug interaction was observed when combining FGFR inhibition with the multikinase/BRAF inhibitor sorafenib or the V600E mutant-specific BRAF inhibitor RG7204. In conclusion, FGFR inhibition has antitumor effects against melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Combination with BRAF inhibition offers a potential for synergistic antimelanoma effects and represents a promising therapeutic strategy against advanced melanoma.
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Inhibin/activin expression in human and rodent liver: subunits α and βB as new players in human hepatocellular carcinoma? Br J Cancer 2011; 104:1303-12. [PMID: 21407220 PMCID: PMC3078591 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2011.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Activins and inhibins belong to the TGFβ-superfamily, which controls cell proliferation and differentiation in many organs. Activin A, the dimer of inhibin βA subunit, acts strongly anti-proliferative in hepatocytes. Little is known on the other activin/inhibin subunits in human liver and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We studied the expression of the complete inhibin family α, βA, βB, βC, βE in normal liver, tumour-adjacent and HCC tissue, 12 additional organs and rodent liver. A total of 16 HCC and 10 disease-free livers were analysed. Expression of inhibin subunits was determined by qRT–PCR, normalised to RNA input and by geNorm algorithm, and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Remarkably, βA expression was not decreased in HCC. Similarly, βC and βE exhibited no major changes. In contrast, inhibin α, barely detectable in normal liver, was strongly increased in tumour-adjacent liver and dramatically enhanced in HCC. βB was strongly enhanced in some HCC. At variance with human liver, rodent liver showed higher inhibin α and βC expression, but βA was somewhat, and βB dramatically lower. Conclusions: Upregulation of inhibin α – and possibly of βB – may shield HCC cells from anti-proliferative effects of activin A. Dramatic variations between humans and rodents may reflect different functions of some inhibins/activins.
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Wanninger J, Neumeier M, Hellerbrand C, Schacherer D, Bauer S, Weiss TS, Huber H, Schäffler A, Aslanidis C, Schölmerich J, Buechler C. Lipid accumulation impairs adiponectin-mediated induction of activin A by increasing TGFbeta in primary human hepatocytes. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2010; 1811:626-33. [PMID: 21070865 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Revised: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fatty liver is commonly detected in obesity and has been identified as a risk factor for the progression of hepatic fibrosis in a wide range of liver diseases. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) and activin A, both members of the TGFβ superfamiliy, are central regulators in liver fibrosis and regeneration, and the effect of hepatocyte lipid accumulation on the release of these proteins was studied. Primary human hepatocytes (PHH) were incubated with palmitic acid or oleic acid to increase lipid storage. Whereas activin A and its natural inhibitor follistatin were not affected, TGFβ was 2-fold increased. The hepatoprotective adipokine adiponectin dose-dependently induced activin A while lowering follistatin but did not alter TGFβ. Activin A was markedly reduced in hepatocyte cell lines compared to PHH and was not induced upon adiponectin incubation demonstrating significant differences of primary and transformed cells. In free fatty acid (FFA)-incubated PHH adiponectin-mediated induction of activin A was impaired. Inhibition of TGFβ receptors ALK4/5 and blockage of SMAD3 phosphorylation rescued activin A synthesis in FFA and in TGFβ incubated cells suggesting that FFA inhibit adiponectin activity by inducing TGFβ. To evaluate whether serum levels of activin A and its antagonist are altered in patients with hepatic steatosis, both proteins were measured in the serum of patients with sonographically diagnosed fatty liver and age- and BMI-matched controls. Systemic adiponectin was significantly reduced in patients with fatty liver but activin A and follistatin were not altered. In summary the current data demonstrate that lipid accumulation in hepatocytes induces TGFβ which impairs adiponectin bioactivity, and thereby may contribute to liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Wanninger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Gao X, Wei S, Lai K, Sheng J, Su J, Zhu J, Dong H, Hu H, Xu Z. Nucleolar follistatin promotes cancer cell survival under glucose-deprived conditions through inhibiting cellular rRNA synthesis. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:36857-64. [PMID: 20843798 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.144477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumor development is frequently accompanied by energy-deficient conditions such as glucose deprivation and hypoxia. Follistatin (FST), a secretory protein originally identified from ovarian follicular fluid, has been suggested to be involved in tumor development. However, whether it plays a role in cancer cell survival under energy-deprived conditions remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that glucose deprivation markedly enhanced the expression and nucleolar localization of FST in HeLa cells. The nucleolar localization of FST relied on its nuclear localization signal (NLS) comprising the residues 64-87. Localization of FST to the nucleolus attenuated rRNA synthesis, a key process for cellular energy homeostasis and cell survival. Overexpression of FST delayed glucose deprivation-induced apoptosis, whereas down-regulation of FST exerted the opposite effect. These functions depended on the presence of an intact NLS because the NLS-deleted mutant of FST lost the rRNA inhibition effect and the cell protective effect. Altogether, we identified a novel nucleolar function of FST, which is of importance in the modulation of cancer cell survival in response to glucose deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangwei Gao
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Ventura-Holman T, Mamoon A, Subauste MC, Subauste JS. The effect of oncoprotein v-erbA on thyroid hormone-regulated genes in hepatocytes and their potential role in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Biol Rep 2010; 38:1137-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-010-0211-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2010] [Accepted: 06/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Chang KP, Kao HK, Liang Y, Cheng MH, Chang YL, Liu SC, Lin YC, Ko TY, Lee YS, Tsai CL, Wang TH, Hao SP, Tsai CN. Overexpression of activin A in oral squamous cell carcinoma: association with poor prognosis and tumor progression. Ann Surg Oncol 2010; 17:1945-56. [PMID: 20309641 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-010-0926-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both activin A, a member of transforming growth factor beta superfamily, and its inhibitor follistatin have been shown to be overexpressed in various cancers. We examined the potential role of activin A and follistatin in tissue and blood samples from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS For activin A and follistatin, the expression of tissue samples from 92 patients was examined by immunohistochemical study, and the serum levels of blood samples from 111 patients and 91 healthy controls were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS We found that overexpression of immunohistochemically detected activin A was correlated with positive N stage, poor histological differentiation, and perineural invasion (P = 0.029, 0.002, and 0.014, respectively). In survival analyses, patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, whose tumors overexpressed activin A, had a worse prognosis for overall survival and disease-free survival (P = 0.009 and 0.007). However, expression of follistatin in tumor was not correlated with overall survival or disease-free survival. Serum activin A and follistatin levels in 111 untreated patients were neither significantly different from those of 91 control samples nor associated with any clinicopathological manifestations. In vitro suppression of activin A expression in OC3 cells using specific interfering RNA-attenuated cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that activin A overexpression in oral squamous cell carcinomas is associated with patients' survival and may contribute to tumor progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Ping Chang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
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Kreidl E, Oztürk D, Metzner T, Berger W, Grusch M. Activins and follistatins: Emerging roles in liver physiology and cancer. World J Hepatol 2009; 1:17-27. [PMID: 21160961 PMCID: PMC2999257 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v1.i1.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2009] [Revised: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 09/17/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Activins are secreted proteins belonging to the TGF-β family of signaling molecules. Activin signals are crucial for differentiation and regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis in multiple tissues. Signal transduction by activins relies mainly on the Smad pathway, although the importance of crosstalk with additional pathways is increasingly being recognized. Activin signals are kept in balance by antagonists at multiple levels of the signaling cascade. Among these, follistatin and FLRG, two members of the emerging family of follistatin-like proteins, can bind secreted activins with high affinity, thereby blocking their access to cell surface-anchored activin receptors. In the liver, activin A is a major negative regulator of hepatocyte proliferation and can induce apoptosis. The functions of other activins expressed by hepatocytes have yet to be more clearly defined. Deregulated expression of activins and follistatin has been implicated in hepatic diseases including inflammation, fibrosis, liver failure and primary cancer. In particular, increased follistatin levels have been found in the circulation and in the tumor tissue of patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma as well as in animal models of liver cancer. It has been argued that up-regulation of follistatin protects neoplastic hepatocytes from activin-mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis. The use of follistatin as biomarker for liver tumor development is impeded, however, due to the presence of elevated follistatin levels already during preceding stages of liver disease. The current article summarizes our evolving understanding of the multi-faceted activities of activins and follistatins in liver physiology and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Kreidl
- Emanuel Kreidl, Deniz Öztürk, Thomas Metzner, Walter Berger, Michael Grusch, Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, Vienna A-1090, Austria
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Rohrbeck A, Borlak J. Cancer genomics identifies regulatory gene networks associated with the transition from dysplasia to advanced lung adenocarcinomas induced by c-Raf-1. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7315. [PMID: 19812696 PMCID: PMC2754338 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2009] [Accepted: 09/13/2009] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer morbidity. To improve an understanding of molecular causes of disease a transgenic mouse model was investigated where targeted expression of the serine threonine kinase c-Raf to respiratory epithelium induced initially dysplasia and subsequently adenocarcinomas. This enables dissection of genetic events associated with precancerous and cancerous lesions. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS By laser microdissection cancer cell populations were harvested and subjected to whole genome expression analyses. Overall 473 and 541 genes were significantly regulated, when cancer versus transgenic and non-transgenic cells were compared, giving rise to three distinct and one common regulatory gene network. At advanced stages of tumor growth predominately repression of gene expression was observed, but genes previously shown to be up-regulated in dysplasia were also up-regulated in solid tumors. Regulation of developmental programs as well as epithelial mesenchymal and mesenchymal endothelial transition was a hall mark of adenocarcinomas. Additionally, genes coding for cell adhesion, i.e. the integrins and the tight and gap junction proteins were repressed, whereas ligands for receptor tyrosine kinase such as epi- and amphiregulin were up-regulated. Notably, Vegfr- 2 and its ligand Vegfd, as well as Notch and Wnt signalling cascades were regulated as were glycosylases that influence cellular recognition. Other regulated signalling molecules included guanine exchange factors that play a role in an activation of the MAP kinases while several tumor suppressors i.e. Mcc, Hey1, Fat3, Armcx1 and Reck were significantly repressed. Finally, probable molecular switches forcing dysplastic cells into malignantly transformed cells could be identified. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study provides insight into molecular pertubations allowing dysplasia to progress further to adenocarcinoma induced by exaggerted c-Raf kinase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Rohrbeck
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jürgen Borlak
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Implication of activin E in glucose metabolism: Transcriptional regulation of the inhibin/activin βE subunit gene in the liver. Life Sci 2009; 85:534-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2009.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2009] [Revised: 06/08/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Staflin K, Zuchner T, Honeth G, Darabi A, Lundberg C. Identification of proteins involved in neural progenitor cell targeting of gliomas. BMC Cancer 2009; 9:206. [PMID: 19558675 PMCID: PMC2713262 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-9-206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2008] [Accepted: 06/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma are highly aggressive tumors with an average survival time of 12 months with currently available treatment. We have previously shown that specific embryonic neural progenitor cells (NPC) have the potential to target glioma growth in the CNS of rats. The neural progenitor cell treatment can cure approximately 40% of the animals with malignant gliomas with no trace of a tumor burden 6 months after finishing the experiment. Furthermore, the NPCs have been shown to respond to signals from the tumor environment resulting in specific migration towards the tumor. Based on these results we wanted to investigate what factors could influence the growth and progression of gliomas in our rodent model. METHODS Using microarrays we screened for candidate genes involved in the functional mechanism of tumor inhibition by comparing glioma cell lines to neural progenitor cells with or without anti-tumor activity. The expression of candidate genes was confirmed at RNA level by quantitative RT-PCR and at the protein level by Western blots and immunocytochemistry. Moreover, we have developed in vitro assays to mimic the antitumor effect seen in vivo. RESULTS We identified several targets involved in glioma growth and migration, specifically CXCL1, CD81, TPT1, Gas6 and AXL proteins. We further showed that follistatin secretion from the NPC has the potential to decrease tumor proliferation. In vitro co-cultures of NPC and tumor cells resulted in the inhibition of tumor growth. The addition of antibodies against proteins selected by gene and protein expression analysis either increased or decreased the proliferation rate of the glioma cell lines in vitro. CONCLUSION These results suggest that these identified factors might be useful starting points for performing future experiments directed towards a potential therapy against malignant gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Staflin
- CNS Gene Therapy Unit, Dept Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Dept Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Thole Zuchner
- Ultrasensitive Protein Detection Unit, Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Anna Darabi
- Glioma Immunotherapy Unit, The Rausing Laboratory, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Lundberg
- CNS Gene Therapy Unit, Dept Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Sagmeister S, Drucker C, Losert A, Grusch M, Daryabeigi A, Parzefall W, Rohr-Udilova N, Bichler C, Smedsrød B, Kandioler D, Grünberger T, Wrba F, Schulte-Hermann R, Grasl-Kraupp B. HB-EGF is a paracrine growth stimulator for early tumor prestages in inflammation-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. J Hepatol 2008; 49:955-64. [PMID: 18929421 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2008.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2008] [Accepted: 06/27/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS We studied the impact of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) on inflammation-driven hepatocarcinogenesis. METHODS HB-EGF expression was determined by qRT-PCR and immunodetection in hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma and in mesenchymal (MC) and parenchymal liver cells obtained from different models of inflammation. The functions of HB-EGF in early hepatocarcinogenesis were assessed in co-cultures of unaltered and initiated/premalignant hepatocytes. RESULTS In human and rat (pre)malignant liver lesions, HB-EGF levels were comparable to that of the surrounding tissue. In inflamed livers HB-EGF was expressed predominantly in MC and was further increased by pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or linoleic acid hydroperoxide (LOOH). In culture, DNA-replication occurred rather in initiated/premalignant than unaltered hepatocytes and was further elevated by LOOH- or LPS-stimulated MC-supernatants. The supernatant effects were abrogated by pre-incubation with HB-EGF-neutralizing antisera. HB-EGF itself induced DNA-replication and mitosis preferentially in the initiated/premalignant cells. When transducing hepatocytes with a dominant-negative ErbB1-construct, HB-EGF-induced DNA-replications were blocked completely in unaltered hepatocytes but incompletely in initiated/premalignant cells, which suggests elevated ErbB-mediated signal transduction in first stages of hepatocarcinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Pro-inflammatory stimuli induce the release of HB-EGF from MC, which stimulates DNA-replication in initiated/premalignant hepatocytes. Similar mechanisms may contribute to carcinogenesis in human inflammatory liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Sagmeister
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Rhee DK, Park SH, Jang YK. Molecular signatures associated with transformation and progression to breast cancer in the isogenic MCF10 model. Genomics 2008; 92:419-28. [PMID: 18804527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2008.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2008] [Revised: 06/26/2008] [Accepted: 08/06/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Comparative microarray analyses provided insight into understanding transcript changes during cancer progression; however, a reproducible signature underlying breast carcinogenesis has yet to be little available. We utilized gene expression profiling to define molecular signatures associated with transformation and cancer progression in a series of isogenic human breast cancer cell lines including a normal, benign, noninvasive and invasive carcinoma. Clustering analysis revealed four distinct expression patterns based on upregulation or downregulation patterns. These profiles proved quite useful for describing breast cancer tumorigenesis and invasiveness. Downregulation of TNFSF7, S100A4, S100A7, S100A8, and S100A9 (calcium-binding protein family), and upregulation of kallikrein-5 and thrombospondin-1 were associated with transformation and progression of breast cancer cells. Importantly, downregulation of the genes was reversed by treatment with silencing inhibitors, implying the potential roles of epigenetic inactivation in breast carcinogenesis. Exogenous expressions of S100A8 and S100A9 inhibit growth in benign and noninvasive carcinoma cells, suggesting their negative role in cell proliferation. The data presented here may facilitate the identification and functional analyses of prognostic biomarkers for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Keun Rhee
- Department of Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea
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Necela BM, Su W, Thompson EA. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma down-regulates follistatin in intestinal epithelial cells through SP1. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:29784-94. [PMID: 18768463 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m804481200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) down-regulates the expression of follistatin mRNA in intestinal epithelial cells in vivo. The mechanism of PPARgamma-mediated down-regulation of follistatin was investigated using non-transformed, rat intestinal epithelial cells (RIE-1). RIE cells expressed activin A, the activin receptors ActRI and ActRII, and the follistatin-315 mRNA. RIE-1 cells responded to endogenous activin A, and this response was antagonized by follistatin, as evidenced by changes in cell growth and regulation of an activin-responsive reporter. Using RIE-1 cells, we show that activation of PPARgamma by rosiglitazone reduced follistatin mRNA levels in a dose- and concentration-dependent manner. Down-regulation of follistatin by rosiglitazone required the DNA binding domain of PPARgamma and was dependent upon dimerization with the retinoid X receptor. Inhibition of follistatin expression by rosiglitazone was not associated with decreased follistatin mRNA stability, suggesting that regulation may be at the promoter level. Analysis of the follistatin promoter revealed consensus binding sites for AP-1, AP-2, and Sp1. Targeting the AP-1 pathway with SP600125, an inhibitor of JNK, and TAM67, a dominant negative c-Jun, had no effect on PPARgamma-mediated down-regulation of follistatin. However, the follistatin promoter was dramatically regulated by Sp1, and this regulation was inhibited by PPARgamma expression. Knockdown of Sp1 expression relieved repression of follistatin levels by rosiglitazone. Moreover, PPARgamma was found to interact with Sp1 and repress its transcriptional activation function. Collectively, our data indicate that repression of Sp1 transcriptional activity by PPARgamma is the underlying mechanism responsible for PPARgamma-mediated regulation of follistatin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Necela
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA.
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Beale G, Chattopadhyay D, Gray J, Stewart S, Hudson M, Day C, Trerotoli P, Giannelli G, Manas D, Reeves H. AFP, PIVKAII, GP3, SCCA-1 and follisatin as surveillance biomarkers for hepatocellular cancer in non-alcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease. BMC Cancer 2008; 8:200. [PMID: 18638391 PMCID: PMC2488355 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-8-200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2008] [Accepted: 07/18/2008] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence and mortality of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) complicating alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (ALD and NAFLD) is rising in western societies. Despite knowing the at risk populations for HCC development, the lack of sensitive and specific means of surveillance hampers disease detection at curable stages. The most widely used serum HCC marker is alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), while PIVKA-II, glypican-3 (GP3) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen -1 (SCCA-1) have been proposed as new biomarkers. Assessment of these HCC biomarkers has largely been performed in patients with viral hepatitis. We conducted a cross sectional study assessing the value of these serum proteins, as well a novel candidate biomarker -follistatin – in patients with HCC arising on a background of ALD or NAFLD. Methods Pre-treatment serum samples from 50 patients with HCC arising on a background of ALD (n = 31) or NAFLD (n = 19) were assessed by specific ELISA assay for PIVKAII, Glypican-3, SCCA-1 and Follistatin. Results were compared and contrasted with a control patient group with biopsy proven steatohepatitis-related cirrhosis (n = 41). The diagnostic accuracy of each of the candidate biomarkers was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, reporting the area under the curve (AUC) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Performance was compared to that of the established biomarker, AFP. Results Serum levels of all proteins were assessed by specific ELISA assays. GP3, SCCA-1 and follistatin had no HCC surveillance benefit in these patients. AFP and PIVKAII were superior to the other markers, particularly in combination. Conclusion We conclude that while novel means of surveillance are urgently required, the combination of AFP and PIVKAII for HCC is an improvement on AFP alone in ALD/NAFLD patients. Furthermore, our data in this homogenous subset of patients- particularly that confirming no role for SCCA-1 – suggests that the choice of optimal biomarkers for HCC surveillance may be determined by the aetiology of underlying chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Beale
- Paul 'O Gorman Building, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, The Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
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Lee CY, Hsu YC, Wang JY, Chen CC, Chiu JH. Chemopreventive effect of selenium and Chinese medicinal herbs on N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in Syrian hamsters. Liver Int 2008; 28:841-55. [PMID: 18346132 PMCID: PMC2440552 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2008.01698.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Oxidative DNA damage by reactive oxygen species is involved in the process of liver carcinogenesis. To test the hypothesis that a remedy containing Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Sb) and Bupleurum scorzonerifolfium Willd (Bs) (Sb/Bs remedy) modulates hepatic neoplastic growth, BOP (N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine)-induced liver cancers in hamsters were established. METHODS Parameters such as survival rate, tumour area, tumour foci, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), caspase-3, transforming growth factor (TGF-beta1) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured after Sb/Bs remedy treatment during BOP-induced carcinogenesis. RESULTS The results showed that the Sb/Bs remedy and its constituents Sb and Bs suppressed the tumour area in BOP-induced liver tumours. Because selenium (Sel) is toxic at a high dose (10 mg/kg), with a low survival rate (0%), the combination of Sb/Bs remedy and low-dose Sel (1 mg/kg) was found to decrease the tumour area and the number of tumour foci while increasing serum TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1, but not IL-6 levels. Besides, the Sb/Bs remedy, when combined with low-dose Sel, not only decreased the expression of 8-OHdG and increased caspase-3 expression within the glutathione S-transferase placental form-positive tumour foci but also increased tumour apoptosis in BOP-induced hamsters. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that low-dose Sel has a chemoprevention effect on BOP-induced liver tumours and such an effect was more enhanced when combined with Sb/Bs treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Yin Lee
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming UniversityTaipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Chao Hsu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming UniversityTaipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jir-You Wang
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming UniversityTaipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chien-Chih Chen
- National Research Institute of Chinese MedicineTaipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jen-Hwey Chiu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming UniversityTaipei, Taiwan, Republic of China,Cheng-Hsiung Rehabilitation Medical CenterTaipei, Taiwan, Republic of China,Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Veterans General HospitalTaipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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