Lipid metabolism in the immune niche of tumor-prone liver microenvironment

Increased Immune Infiltration and Improved Prognosis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Associated with Reduced Ancient Ubiquitous Protein 1 Gene Expression

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the prognostic role of ancient ubiquitous protein 1 (AUP1) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its relationship with the tumor immune microenvironment. Various web resources were used to analyze the differential expression of AUP1 and its role in the HNSCC pathogenesis. A nomogram aimed at predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates was developed based on the patient's clinicopathological characteristics and AUP1 expression pattern. Several algorithms and analytical tools were used to explore the correlation between AUP1 expression and sensitivity to immune checkpoint gene therapy by evaluating infiltrating immune cells in patients with HNSCC. Higher AUP1 mRNA and protein expression levels were observed in most tumors and HNSCC than in the normal tissues. High AUP1 expression was an independent predictive risk factor for the overall survival of patients as it was closely associated with the patients' T, M, clinical, and pathological stages and lymphovascular invasion in HNSCC. In conclusion, AUP1 is involved in the occurrence and progression of HNSCC, may be used as an independent prognostic factor in patients with HNSCC, and could serve as a potential intervention target to improve immunotherapy sensitivity in HNSCC.

Unveiling the cancer risk nexus of the steatotic liver

Steatotic liver, characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, poses significant health risks including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and an elevated risk of primary liver cancer. Emerging evidence indicates a robust association between steatotic liver and increased susceptibility to extrahepatic primary cancers and their metastases. The deposition of fat induces dynamic changes in hepatic microenvironments, thereby fostering inflammation and immune responses that enhance liver metastasis from extrahepatic primary cancers. This review explores the impact of steatotic liver on hepatic carcinogenesis and metastasis from extrahepatic cancers, with a specific focus on hepatocyte-derived factors and the immune microenvironment. By emphasizing novel conclusions, this article underscores the timely relevance of understanding these intricate connections.

Altered lipid metabolism as a predisposing factor for liver metastasis in MASLD

Recently, the incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasing due to the high prevalence of metabolic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Steatotic liver is a hotspot for cancer metastasis in MASLD. Altered lipid metabolism, a hallmark of MASLD, remodels the tissue microenvironment, making it conducive to the growth of metastatic liver cancer. Tumors exacerbate the dysregulation of hepatic metabolism by releasing extracellular vesicles and particles into the liver. Altered lipid metabolism influences the proliferation, differentiation, and functions of immune cells, contributing to the formation of an immunosuppressive and metastasis-prone liver microenvironment in MASLD. This review discusses the mechanisms by which the steatotic liver promotes liver metastasis progression, focusing on its role in fostering an immunosuppressive microenvironment in MASLD. Furthermore, this review highlights lipid metabolism manipulation strategies for the therapeutic management of metastatic liver cancer.