Circulating liver cancer stem cells and their stemness-associated MicroRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for viral hepatitis-induced liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Evaluation of hepatic cancer stem cells (CD73+, CD44+, and CD90+) induced by diethylnitrosamine in male rats and treatment with biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles

BACKGROUND

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a critical role in the initiation and heterogeneity of a variety of cancers due to their pluripotent nature and capacity for asymmetric cell division. Therefore, uncovering the carcinogens that increase the CSC population in target tissues is crucial for understanding the genesis of cancer. The therapeutic potential of Operculina turpethum (OT) derived silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was assessed in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced CSC populations; CD73+, CD44+, and CD90 + of hepatic tissues in male rats.

METHODS

Histopathology, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and RT-qPCR were performed on the control, DEN, DEN + AgNPs, and AgNPs-treated groups. AgNPs were characterized by FTIR, EDX, XRD, and SEM.

RESULTS

AgNPs were confirmed by intense surface plasmon resonance at 425 nm. Antioxidants, the reducing sugars responsible for Ag+ 1 reduction and subsequent conjugate formation with nanoparticles, were confirmed by vibrational spectra. The spherical morphology, composition, and conjugation of silver nanoparticles to phytoconstituents with partially crystalline, face-centered cubic structure were established through SEM, EDX spectrum, and XRD, respectively. Disrupted tissue architecture, cell enlargement, mild pleomorphism, and expanded central veins were observed in hepatic tissues of DEN-treated animals. However, a moderate inflammatory response was observed in the DEN + AgNPs-treated group. CSC populations were significantly increased in the DEN-treated group, but decreased with AgNPs-treatment. The mRNA expression levels of CD90, CD44, and CD73 genes were significantly up-regulated in the DEN-treated group compared to control group however, in DEN + AgNPs and AgNPs groups it were similar to control group.

CONCLUSION

All together, DEN-induced the hepatic CSC cell populations and the OT mediated AgNPs have therapeutic potential to attenuate the harmful effects of DEN. This study provides evidenced that OT-synthesised AgNPs may be considered as a therapeutic agent for liver related malignancies.

Key oncogenes and candidate drugs for hepatitis-B-driven hepatocellular carcinoma progression

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to uncover the key hepatitis-B (HB)-related liver cancer (LC) promoting genes, and clarity their interrelationships, enrichments, impacts on LC immune infiltration, and potential drugs targeting these genes.

METHODS

The LC-survival associated genes were acquired from the LIHC samples of the TCGA-database; and HB related genes from the DisGeNET database. The intersection was used to screen the key genes. Using the 8 HB-LC genes, we constructed prognostic models for survival prediction of HBV positive patients with LIHC and performed enrichment analysis, interaction analysis, immune infiltration analysis, and potential drug digging from the GTRP and GDSC databases.

RESULTS

In the core intersection of different sets. Based on these genes, prognostic cox regression models for OS and DFS were constructed. Overall, HB-LC genes were significantly negatively correlated with Th17, MAIT, monocytes, and CD4 Naive cells, while they were positively correlated with B cells, nTreg cells, and Tr1 cells. Among 8 genes, MKI67, EZH2, and CDCA5 were hub ones. Finally, 7 drugs target at least three HB-LC genes and can be used as novel drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, eight key HB-LC genes play important cancer-promoting roles in LC, which may be the molecular mechanism by which HBV drives the development of LC.

Detection of Cancer Stem Cells from Patient Samples

The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in various tumors has become increasingly clear in addition to their prominent role in therapy resistance, metastasis, and recurrence. For early diagnosis, disease progression monitoring, and targeting, there is a high demand for clinical-grade methods for quantitative measurement of CSCs from patient samples. Despite years of active research, standard measurement of CSCs has not yet reached clinical settings, especially in the case of solid tumors. This is because detecting this plastic heterogeneous population of cells is not straightforward. This review summarizes various techniques, highlighting their benefits and limitations in detecting CSCs from patient samples. In addition, methods designed to detect CSCs based on secreted and niche-associated signaling factors are reviewed. Spatial and single-cell methods for analyzing patient tumor tissues and noninvasive techniques such as liquid biopsy and in vivo imaging are discussed. Additionally, methods recently established in laboratories, preclinical studies, and clinical assays are covered. Finally, we discuss the characteristics of an ideal method as we look toward the future.

Autophagy-related miRNAs, exosomal miRNAs, and circRNAs in tumor progression and drug-and radiation resistance in colorectal cancer

Targeted therapies are often more tolerable than traditional cytotoxic ones. Nurses play a critical role in providing patients and caregivers with information about the disease, available therapies, and the kind, severity, and identification of any potential adverse events. By doing this, it may be possible to ensure that any adverse effects are managed quickly, maximizing the therapeutic benefit. In colorectal cancer (CRC), autophagy-related activities are significantly influenced by miRNAs and exosomal miRNAs. CRC development and treatment resistance have been associated with the cellular process of autophagy. miRNAs, which are short non-coding RNA molecules, have the ability to control the expression of genes by binding to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs and either preventing or suppressing translation. It has been discovered that several miRNAs are significant regulators of CRC autophagy. By preventing autophagy, these miRNAs enhance the survival and growth of cancer cells. Exosomes are small membrane vesicles that are released by cells and include miRNAs among other bioactive compounds. Exosomes have the ability to modify recipient cells' biological processes by delivering their cargo, which includes miRNAs. It has been demonstrated that exosomal miRNAs control autophagy in CRC in both autocrine and paracrine ways. We will discuss the potential roles of miRNAs, exosomal miRNAs, and circRNAs in CRC autophagy processes and how nursing care can reduce unfavorable outcomes.

Artificial intelligence-based evaluation of prognosis in cirrhosis

Cirrhosis represents a significant global health challenge, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates that severely impact human health. Timely and precise prognostic assessments of liver cirrhosis are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates as they enable physicians to identify high-risk patients and implement early interventions. This paper features a thorough literature review on the prognostic assessment of liver cirrhosis, aiming to summarize and delineate the present status and constraints associated with the application of traditional prognostic tools in clinical settings. Among these tools, the Child-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scoring systems are predominantly utilized. However, their accuracy varies significantly. These systems are generally suitable for broad assessments but lack condition-specific applicability and fail to capture the risks associated with dynamic changes in patient conditions. Future research in this field is poised for deep exploration into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with routine clinical and multi-omics data in patients with cirrhosis. The goal is to transition from static, unimodal assessment models to dynamic, multimodal frameworks. Such advancements will not only improve the precision of prognostic tools but also facilitate personalized medicine approaches, potentially revolutionizing clinical outcomes.

Confined Gel-Electromembrane Extraction of Oligonucleotides

Gel-electromembrane extraction (G-EME) is an increasingly popular green variant of electromembrane extraction (EME). However, the electroendosmosis (EEO) flow associated with G-EME greatly limits the development of this technology. To address this challenge, the current study proposed the concept of confined G-EME (CG-EME), and a three-dimensional-printed modular device was elaborately designed to realize this concept. The device blocked the EEO flow by limiting the volume of the sample compartment. Moreover, the mesh structure at the bottom of the extraction module helps to prepare thin and stable gel films, which enhance the electromigration driving force and shorten the migration path. In addition, polar oligonucleotides, a nucleic acid analyte, were extracted for the first time to prove the concept of CG-EME. After optimization, 62% of the oligonucleotides were extracted at 50 V voltage for 15 min using a 3 mm thick agarose (3%) gel film. Finally, the application capability of CG-EME was further demonstrated by recovering DNA primers and isolating disease biomarkers (miRNA-181b) from real samples. In combination with CG-EME and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis, the upregulation of miRNA-181b expression in the peripheral blood of patients with schizophrenia was observed. In conclusion, this study proposes CG-EME to diminish EEO and push EME into the clinical field to isolate nucleic acid biomarkers, which will greatly expand the application scenarios of this emerging technology.

Interdisciplinary gene manipulation, molecular cloning, and recombinant expression of modified human growth hormone isoform-1 in E. coli system

BACKGROUND

Growth hormone (GH) is a hormone that promotes growth, cell reproduction, and cell restoration in humans and animals.

OBJECTIVES

Production of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and assessment of its characteristics and proliferation stimulatory activity.

METHODS

The hGH gene was cloned into a pET 3a expression vector and transformed into a competent E. coli cell. The refolded hGH was purified, Western blot and batch fermentation were performed. Cell cytotoxicity was tested on Vero cells, and MALDI-TOF and Nano-LC-ESI MS/MS were used for protein and target peptide analysis.

RESULTS

Induced rhGH was purified with a concentration of 511.9 mg/ml. Western blot confirmed the molecular identity of rhGH, showing a single 22 kDa band. The bacterial growth at OD600 after 24 h in batch fermentation was 9.78 ± 0.26, and wet cell weight (WCWg/L) was 15.2 ± 0.32. Purified rhGH activity on Vero cells was 0.535 IU/mg. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a score of 70.51 % and coverage of 60.37 %.

CONCLUSION

Biologically active native rhGH protein was successfully expressed in the Prokaryotic system. Our goal is to increase its production on a pilot level in the native form at a high activity effect identical to isoform 1.

A state-of-the-art review on the NRF2 in Hepatitis virus-associated liver cancer

According to a paper released and submitted to WHO by IARC scientists, there would be 905,700 new cases of liver cancer diagnosed globally in 2020, with 830,200 deaths expected as a direct result. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV) all play critical roles in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), despite the rising prevalence of HCC due to non-infectious causes. Liver cirrhosis and HCC are devastating consequences of HBV and HCV infections, which are widespread worldwide. Associated with a high mortality rate, these infections cause about 1.3 million deaths annually and are the primary cause of HCC globally. In addition to causing insertional mutations due to viral gene integration, epigenetic alterations and inducing chronic immunological dysfunction are all methods by which these viruses turn hepatocytes into cancerous ones. While expanding our knowledge of the illness, identifying these pathways also give possibilities for novel diagnostic and treatment methods. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation is gaining popularity as a treatment option for oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and metabolic abnormalities. Numerous studies have shown that elevated Nrf2 expression is linked to HCC, providing more evidence that Nrf2 is a critical factor in HCC. This aberrant Nrf2 signaling drives cell proliferation, initiates angiogenesis and invasion, and imparts drug resistance. As a result, this master regulator may be a promising treatment target for HCC. In addition, the activation of Nrf2 is a common viral effect that contributes to the pathogenesis, development, and chronicity of virus infection. However, certain viruses suppress Nrf2 activity, which is helpful to the virus in maintaining cellular homeostasis. In this paper, we discussed the influence of Nrf2 deregulation on the viral life cycle and the pathogenesis associated with HBV and HCV. We summed up the mechanisms for the modulation of Nrf2 that are deregulated by these viruses. Moreover, we describe the molecular mechanism by which Nrf2 is modulated in liver cancer, liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), and liver cancer caused by HBV and HCV. Video Abstract.

The role of oncolytic virotherapy and viral oncogenes in the cancer stem cells: a review of virus in cancer stem cells

Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are the main "seeds" for the initiation, growth, metastasis, and recurrence of tumors. According to many studies, several viral infections, including the human papillomaviruses, hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis C virus, promote the aggressiveness of cancer by encouraging the development of CSC features. Therefore, a better method for the targeted elimination of CSCs and knowledge of their regulatory mechanisms in human carcinogenesis may lead to the development of a future tool for the management and treatment of cancer. Oncolytic viruses (OVs), which include the herpes virus, adenovirus, vaccinia, and reovirus, are also a new class of cancer therapeutics that have favorable properties such as selective replication in tumor cells, delivery of numerous eukaryotic transgene payloads, induction of immunogenic cell death and promotion of antitumor immunity, as well as a tolerable safety profile that essentially differs from that of other cancer therapeutics. The effects of viral infection on the development of CSCs and the suppression of CSCs by OV therapy were examined in this paper. The purpose of this review is to investigate the dual role of viruses in CSCs (oncolytic virotherapy and viral oncogenes).

Circular SERPINA3 and its target microRNA-944 as potential biomarkers in hepatitis C virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian population

Background

The most prevalent cancer in Egypt is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mainly due to the infection with the hepatitis C virus. So it is critical to find sensitive biomarkers for early diagnosis of HCC and avoid post-operation tumor recurrence. Therefore, this research was designed to demonstrate the circSERPINA3 role in the regulation of microRNA-944 gene expression in HCV-related HCC cases and compare these results with circSERPINA3 and microRNA-944 gene expression levels in HCV-infected patients.

Methodology

Study participants were divided into three groups: healthy controls, HCV- infected, and HCV-induced HCC patients. The gene expression levels of circSERPINA3 and microRNA-944 were evaluated using Real-Time qPCR. Then the immunoblotting procedure was applied to measure the serum levels of MDM2 and E-cadherin besides, the serum concentration levels of glypican-3 and alpha-fetoprotein were measured by sandwich ELISA.

Results

The gene expression level of circSERPINA3 was significantly upregulated in both HCV-infected and HCC patients causing suppression of the antitumor effect of miR-944 and showing a lower 1-year survival rate than the participants who had low circSERPINA3 gene expression levels. Subsequently, the miR-944 downstream protein, MDM2 was remarkably upregulated, exaggerating the metastasis and oxidative stress in HCC cases. Additionally, the results confirmed the downregulation of microRNA-944 improved the progression of viral hepatitis C cases to hepatocarcinogenesis through the significantly increased serum level of the metastatic marker, E-cadherin. Although alpha-fetoprotein is a common diagnostic marker used in the diagnosis of HCC, our results showed that glypican-3 had greater sensitivity and specificity and positively correlated to the IGF-1 signaling pathway of HCC cases. Moreover, the gene expression levels of circSERPINA3 and E-cadherin in both the HCV and HCV-induced HCC were significantly positively correlated.

Conclusion

circSERPINA3 and miR-944 were sensitive molecular markers for early diagnosis of HCC and could be prospective treatment targets for HCV-infected patients to avoid tumor recurrence in HCC cases.