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Liu S, Wei Y, Nie L, Tang Z, Lu Q, Liang Q. Effect of novel anti-tumor and anti-angiogenesis drug taurolactone on angiogenic factor AGGF1 and angiogenesis mimicry in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:614. [PMID: 38773427 PMCID: PMC11106933 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12356-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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our study was to investigate the impact of taurolactone, a novel anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic drug, on AGGF1, an angiogenic factor, and angiogenesis mimicry in patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS A total of 120 HCC patients were enrolled from the Department of Oncology and Hepatobiliary Surgery at our hospital between May 2021 and December 2022. HCC diagnoses were confirmed through imaging or tissue biopsy for all patients. The age of patients ranged from 37 to 72 years, with an average age of 64.29 ± 4.58 years. These participants were divided equally into two groups: the control group and the observation group, each consisting of 60 individuals. While the control group received standard drug treatment, the observation group was administered taurolactone treatment. Before being included in the study, all participants or their legal representatives provided signed informed consent. Patient demographic information was collected through a questionnaire survey. ELISA was used to measure the levels of VEGF and AGGF1 in patients following treatment. Western blot was applied to assess the protein expression of PDGF, Angiopoietin, and AGGF1. MRI imaging technology was utilized to assess the perfusion characteristics of tumor blood vessels in patients. Tumor vessel density was compared between patients using ultrasonography. We also conducted a comparison between the two groups in terms of progression-free survival and overall survival. RESULTS General patient information between the two groups showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Of note, the observation group exhibited greatly lower levels of VEGF and AGGF1 compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the levels of PDGF, Angiopoietin, and AGGF1 protein expression were significantly reduced in the observation group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In terms of tumor perfusion, the observation group displayed lower average and maximum perfusion volumes in tumor blood vessels compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the observation group demonstrated delayed peak times and arrival times of tumor blood vessels in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the density of tumor blood vessels was notably lower in the observation group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Patients in the observation group had longer progression-free survival and overall survival than the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION In HCC patients, our study highlighted the potential efficacy of taurolactone treatment as it effectively inhibited angiogenic factors and angiogenesis mimicry, ultimately leading to an improved prognosis for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoping Liu
- Department of General Practice, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, No.43 Wuhan Road, Huangshigang District, Huangshi, 435000, Hubei, China
| | - Yinzhi Wei
- Department of General Practice, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, No.43 Wuhan Road, Huangshigang District, Huangshi, 435000, Hubei, China
| | - Lei Nie
- Department of Abdominal Tumor Surgery, Hubei Province Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Ze Tang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, China
| | - Qi Lu
- Department of HepatobiliarySurgery, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, China
| | - Qun Liang
- Department of General Practice, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, No.43 Wuhan Road, Huangshigang District, Huangshi, 435000, Hubei, China.
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Lizondo López T, Carro Méndez I, Carcelero San Martín E. Myositis and myocarditis with tremelimumab and durvalumab combination therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Med Clin (Barc) 2024; 162:358-359. [PMID: 38044186 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thais Lizondo López
- Pharmacy Service, Division of Medicines, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Iria Carro Méndez
- Pharmacy Service, Division of Medicines, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Saleh RO, Alkhafaji AT, Mohammed JS, Bansal P, Kaur H, Ahmad I, Hjazi A, Mohammed IH, Jawad MA, Zwamel AH. LncRNA NEAT1 in the pathogenesis of liver-related diseases. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e4006. [PMID: 38622913 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.4006] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that is widely expressed in a variety of mammalian cell types. Altered expression levels of the lncRNA NEAT1 have been reported in liver-related disorders including cancer, fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, viral hepatitis, and hepatic ischemia. lncRNA NEAT1 mostly acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to sponge various miRNAs (miRs) to regulate different functions. In regard to hepatic cancers, the elevated expression of NEAT1 has been reported to have a relation with the proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, apoptosis, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells. Furthermore, NEAT1 upregulation has contributed to the pathogenesis of other liver diseases such as fibrosis. In this review, we summarize and discuss the molecular mechanisms by which NEAT1 contributes to liver-related disorders including acute liver failure, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis, and liver carcinoma, providing novel insights and introducing NEAT1 as a potential therapeutic target in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raed Obaid Saleh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Al-Maarif University College, Al-Anbar, Iraq
| | | | | | - Pooja Bansal
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetics, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Department of Allied Healthcare and Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- School of Basic & Applied Sciences, Shobhit University, Gangoh, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Department of Health & Allied Sciences, Arka Jain University, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India
| | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammed Abed Jawad
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Al-Nisour University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Hussein Zwamel
- Medical laboratory technique college, the Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- Medical laboratory technique college, the Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- Medical laboratory technique college, the Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
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Gravina AG, Pellegrino R, Esposito A, Cipullo M, Romeo M, Palladino G, Iodice P, Federico A, Troiani T. The JAK-STAT Pathway as a Therapeutic Strategy in Cancer Patients with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Colitis: A Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:611. [PMID: 38339367 PMCID: PMC10854551 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a pivotal component in the treatment of various malignancies, encompassing lung, skin, gastrointestinal, and head and neck cancers. The foundation of this therapeutic approach lies in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). While ICIs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in impeding the neoplastic progression of these tumours, their use may give rise to substantial toxicity, notably in the gastrointestinal domain, where ICI colitis constitutes a significant aspect. The optimal positioning of Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway inhibitors in the therapeutic management of ICI colitis remains unclear. Numerous reports have highlighted notable improvements in ICI colitis through the application of pan-JAK-STAT inhibitors, with tofacitinib, in particular, reporting evident clinical remission of colitis. The precise mechanism by which JAK-STAT inhibitors may impact the pathogenetic process of ICI colitis remains inadequately understood. However, there is speculation regarding their potential role in modulating memory resident CD8+ T lymphocytes. The elucidation of this mechanism requires further extensive and robust evidence, and ongoing JAK-STAT-based trials are anticipated to contribute valuable insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Gerarda Gravina
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. de Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Pellegrino
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. de Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Esposito
- Oncology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. de Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Cipullo
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. de Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Romeo
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. de Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Palladino
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. de Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Patrizia Iodice
- Oncology Division, AORN Ospedali Dei Colli, Monaldi Hospital, Via L. Bianchi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Federico
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. de Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Troiani
- Oncology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. de Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Tey PY, Dufner A, Knobeloch KP, Pruneda JN, Clague MJ, Urbé S. Rapid turnover of CTLA4 is associated with a complex architecture of reversible ubiquitylation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.31.573735. [PMID: 38260548 PMCID: PMC10802369 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.31.573735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The immune checkpoint regulator CTLA4 is an unusually short-lived membrane protein. Here we show that its lysosomal degradation is dependent on ubiquitylation at Lysine residues 203 and 213. Inhibition of the v-ATPase partially restores CTLA4 levels following cycloheximide treatment, but also reveals a fraction that is secreted in exosomes. The endosomal deubiquitylase, USP8, interacts with CTLA4 and its loss enhances CTLA4 ubiquitylation in cancer cells, mouse CD4+ T cells and in cancer cell-derived exosomes. Depletion of the USP8 adapter protein, HD-PTP, but not ESCRT-0 recapitulates this cellular phenotype, but shows distinct properties vis-à-vis exosome incorporation. Re-expression of wild-type USP8, but neither a catalytically inactive, nor a localization-compromised ΔMIT domain mutant can rescue delayed degradation of CTLA4, or counteract its accumulation in clustered endosomes. UbiCRest analysis of CTLA4-associated ubiquitin chain linkages identifies a complex mixture of conventional Lys63- and more unusual Lys27- and Lys29-linked polyubiquitin chains that may underly the rapidity of protein turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Yee Tey
- Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Almut Dufner
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Knobeloch
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan N. Pruneda
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Michael J. Clague
- Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Sylvie Urbé
- Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
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Alshammari K, Alotaibi FM, Alsugheir F, Aldawoud M, Alolayan A, Algarni MA, Sabatin F, Mohammad MF, Alosaimi A, Sanai FM, Odah H, Alshehri AS, Aldibasi OS, Alrehaily S, Al Saleh AS. Antibiotic Exposure Concurrently with Anti-PD1 Blockade Therapy Reduces Overall Survival in Patients with Child-Pugh Class A Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:133. [PMID: 38201560 PMCID: PMC10777962 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide with a poor prognosis. Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has improved overall survival in patients with HCC. However, not all patients benefit from the treatment. In this study, 59 patients with HCC were enrolled from two medical centers in Saudi Arabia, with 34% using antibiotics concurrently with their Nivolumab (anti-PD1 blockade). The impact of antibiotic use on the clinical outcomes of patients with HCC undergoing treatment with anti-PD1 blockade was examined. The patients' overall survival (OS) was 5 months (95% CI: 3.2, 6.7) compared to 10 months (95% CI: 0, 22.2) (p = 0.08). Notably, patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis receiving anti-PD1 blockade treatment without concurrent antibiotic use showed a significantly longer median OS reaching 22 months (95% CI: 6.5, 37.4) compared to those who were given antibiotics with a median OS of 6 months (95% CI: 2.7, 9.2) (p = 0.02). This difference in overall survival was particularly found in Child-Pugh class A patients receiving anti-PD1 blockade. These findings suggest that antibiotic use may negatively affect survival outcomes in HCC patients undergoing anti-PD1 blockade, potentially due to antibiotic-induced alterations to the gut microbiome impacting the anti-PD1 blockade response. This study suggests the need for careful consideration when prescribing antibiotics to patients with HCC receiving anti-PD1 blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanan Alshammari
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.A.); (F.A.); (M.A.); (A.A.); (M.A.A.); (F.S.); (A.A.); (O.S.A.); (A.S.A.S.)
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faizah M. Alotaibi
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.A.); (F.A.); (M.A.); (A.A.); (M.A.A.); (F.S.); (A.A.); (O.S.A.); (A.S.A.S.)
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- College of Science and Health Professions, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Alahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Futoon Alsugheir
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.A.); (F.A.); (M.A.); (A.A.); (M.A.A.); (F.S.); (A.A.); (O.S.A.); (A.S.A.S.)
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Aldawoud
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.A.); (F.A.); (M.A.); (A.A.); (M.A.A.); (F.S.); (A.A.); (O.S.A.); (A.S.A.S.)
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashwaq Alolayan
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.A.); (F.A.); (M.A.); (A.A.); (M.A.A.); (F.S.); (A.A.); (O.S.A.); (A.S.A.S.)
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Ahmad Algarni
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.A.); (F.A.); (M.A.); (A.A.); (M.A.A.); (F.S.); (A.A.); (O.S.A.); (A.S.A.S.)
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fouad Sabatin
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.A.); (F.A.); (M.A.); (A.A.); (M.A.A.); (F.S.); (A.A.); (O.S.A.); (A.S.A.S.)
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad F. Mohammad
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Abdominal Imaging Section, Department of Radiology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alosaimi
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.A.); (F.A.); (M.A.); (A.A.); (M.A.A.); (F.S.); (A.A.); (O.S.A.); (A.S.A.S.)
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal M. Sanai
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia; (F.M.S.); dr.hassan-@hotmail.com (H.O.); (A.S.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Hassan Odah
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia; (F.M.S.); dr.hassan-@hotmail.com (H.O.); (A.S.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Ahmed Saleh Alshehri
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia; (F.M.S.); dr.hassan-@hotmail.com (H.O.); (A.S.A.); (S.A.)
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar S. Aldibasi
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.A.); (F.A.); (M.A.); (A.A.); (M.A.A.); (F.S.); (A.A.); (O.S.A.); (A.S.A.S.)
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samah Alrehaily
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia; (F.M.S.); dr.hassan-@hotmail.com (H.O.); (A.S.A.); (S.A.)
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah S. Al Saleh
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia; (K.A.); (F.A.); (M.A.); (A.A.); (M.A.A.); (F.S.); (A.A.); (O.S.A.); (A.S.A.S.)
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
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Zhang WQ, Zhang Q, Tan L, Guan ZF, Tian F, Tang HT, He K, Chen WQ. Postoperative adjuvant immunotherapy for high-risk hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1289916. [PMID: 38179173 PMCID: PMC10766105 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1289916] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Standardized approach to postoperative adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. This study endeavors to examine the effects of postoperative PD-1 adjuvant therapy on the short-term and long-term prognosis of patients at a heightened risk of post-surgical recurrence. Methods The data of HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy at our center from June 2018 to March 2023 were collected from the hospital database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to perform a 1:1 match between the postoperative anti-PD-1 antibody group and the postoperative non-anti-PD-1 antibody group. Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to compare the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the two groups. Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify the prognostic factors affecting patient outcomes. Subgroup analyses were performed for different high-risk factors. Results Among the 446 patients included in the study, 122 patients received adjuvant therapy with postoperative anti-PD-1 antibodies. After PSM, the PD-1 group had postoperative 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 4-year OS rates of 93.1%, 86.8%, 78.2%, and 51.1%, respectively, while the non-PD-1 group had rates of 85.3%, 70.2%, 47.7%, and 30.0%. The PD-1 group had postoperative 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 4-year RFS rates of 81.7%, 77.0%, 52.3%, and 23.1%, respectively, whereas the non-PD-1 group had rates of 68.4%, 47.7%, and 25.8% in 1-year, 2-year, 3-year. A multifactorial Cox regression analysis revealed that postoperative PD-1 use was a prognostic protective factor associated with OS and RFS. Subgroup analysis results indicated that HCC patients with high recurrence risks significantly benefited from postoperative anti-PD-1 antibody treatment in terms of OS and RFS. Conclusion For HCC patients with high-risk recurrence factors and undergoing hepatectomy, postoperative adjuvant therapy with anti-PD-1 antibodies can effectively improve their survival prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Zhongshan Hospital, Zhongshan, China
| | - Li Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Zhongshan, China
| | - Zhi-Feng Guan
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Zhongshan, China
| | - Feng Tian
- Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
| | | | - Kun He
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Zhongshan, China
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Yang D, Kuang T, Zhou Y, Su Y, Shen J, Yu B, Zhao K, Ding Y. Tumor-associated endothelial cell prognostic risk model and tumor immune environment modulation in liver cancer based on single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing: Experimental verification. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110870. [PMID: 37690233 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To build a prognostic and immunotherapeutic response prediction model for liver cancer based on marker genes of tumor-associated endothelial cell (TEC). METHOD Single cell sequencing data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) liver cancer patients were utilized to identify TEC subpopulations. Models were built from transcriptomic and clinical data of TCGA liver cancer patients. The GSE76427 and ICGC databases were used as independent validation sets. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to verify the ability of the model to predict survival. XCELL, TIMER, QUANTISEQ, CIBERSORT, CIBERSORT-ABS, and ssGSEA were applied to evaluate tumor immune cell infiltration. The TIDE score was used to predict the effect of immunotherapy. Immune blockade checkpoint gene, tumor mutational load and GSVA enrichment analyses were further explored. The expression levels of candidate genes were measured and validated by real-time PCR between liver cancer tissues and adjacent nontumor liver tissues. RESULTS Eighty-seven genes were identified as marker genes for TECs. IGFBP3, RHOC, S100A16, FSCN1, and CLEC3B were included in the constructed prognostic model. Time-dependent ROC curve values were higher than 0.700 in both the model and validation groups. The low risk group exhibited high immune cell infiltration and function than the higher risk group. The TIDE score indicated that the low-risk group benefited more from immunotherapy than the high-risk group. The risk score and multiple immune blockade checkpoint genes and immune-related pathways were strongly correlated. CONCLUSION Novel signatures of TEC marker genes showed a powerful ability to predict prognosis and immunotherapy response in patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dashuai Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Tianrui Kuang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Yang Su
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College in Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Kailiang Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Youming Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
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Sara A, Ruff SM, Noonan AM, Pawlik TM. Real-World Use of Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pragmat Obs Res 2023; 14:63-74. [PMID: 37637511 PMCID: PMC10455985 DOI: 10.2147/por.s397972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and accounts for 90% of all primary liver cancers. Chronic inflammation is the hallmark across most prevalent etiologies among which HBV is the leading cause worldwide (33%), followed by alcohol (30%), HCV (21%), other factors like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis linked to insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome, and obesity associated inflammation (16%). Deregulation of the tightly controlled immunological network leads to liver disease, including chronic infection, autoimmunity, and tumor development. While inflammation drives oncogenesis in the liver, HCC also recruits ICOS+ FOXP3+ Tregs and MDSCs and upregulates immune checkpoints to induce a state of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. As such, research is focused on targeting and modulating the immune system to treat HCC. The Checkmate 040 and Keynote 224 studies established the role of immunotherapy in the treatment of patients with HCC. In Phase I and II trials, nivolumab and pembrolizumab demonstrated durable response rates of 15-20% and were subsequently approved as second-line agents after sorafenib. Due to the success of the IMbrave 150 and HIMALAYA trials, which examined the combination of atezolizumab/bevacizumab and tremelimumab/durvalumab, respectively, the FDA approved these regimens as first-time treatment options for patients with advanced HCC. The encouraging results of immunotherapy in the management of HCC has led researchers to evaluate if combination with locoregional therapies may result in a synergistic effect. Real-world studies represent an invaluable tool to assess and verify the applicability of clinical trials in the bedside setting with a more varied patient population. We herein review current real-life use of ICIs in the management of HCC and highlight some of the ongoing clinical trials that are expected to change current recommended first-line treatment in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Sara
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samantha M Ruff
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anne M Noonan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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Chen C, Lin HG, Yao Z, Jiang YL, Yu HJ, Fang J, Li WN. Transcription factor glucocorticoid modulatory element-binding protein 1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating Yes-associate protein 1. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:988-1004. [PMID: 37389116 PMCID: PMC10302989 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i6.988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucocorticoid modulatory element-binding protein 1 (GMEB1), which has been identified as a transcription factor, is a protein widely expressed in various tissues. Reportedly, the dysregulation of GMEB1 is linked to the genesis and development of multiple cancers.
AIM To explore GMEB1’s biological functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and figuring out the molecular mechanism.
METHODS GMEB1 expression in HCC tissues was analyzed employing the StarBase database. Immunohistochemical staining, Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were conducted to examine GMEB1 and Yes-associate protein 1 (YAP1) expression in HCC cells and tissues. Cell counting kit-8 assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry were utilized to examine HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis, respectively. The JASPAR database was employed for predicting the binding site of GMEB1 with YAP1 promoter. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR were conducted to verify the binding relationship of GMEB1 with YAP1 promoter region.
RESULTS GMEB1 was up-regulated in HCC cells and tissues, and GMEB1 expression was correlated to the tumor size and TNM stage of HCC patients. GMEB1 overexpression facilitated HCC cell multiplication, migration, and invasion, and suppressed the apoptosis, whereas GMEB1 knockdown had the opposite effects. GMEB1 bound to YAP1 promoter region and positively regulated YAP1 expression in HCC cells.
CONCLUSION GMEB1 facilitates HCC malignant proliferation and metastasis by promoting the transcription of the YAP1 promoter region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou 311202, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hai-Guan Lin
- Department of General Surgery, People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zheng Yao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yi-Ling Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou 311202, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hong-Jin Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou 311202, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jing Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou 311202, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wei-Na Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou 311202, Zhejiang Province, China
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Nevola R, Delle Femine A, Rosato V, Kondili LA, Alfano M, Mastrocinque D, Imbriani S, Perillo P, Beccia D, Villani A, Ruocco R, Criscuolo L, La Montagna M, Russo A, Marrone A, Sasso FC, Marfella R, Rinaldi L, Esposito N, Barberis G, Claar E. Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Systemic Therapies in Loco-Regional Treatments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Are We at the Dawn of a New Era? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112950. [PMID: 37296912 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite maximizing techniques and patient selection, liver resection and ablation for HCC are still associated with high rates of recurrence. To date, HCC is the only cancer with no proven adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy used in association to potentially curative treatment. Perioperative combination treatments are urgently needed to reduce recurrence rates and improve overall survival. Immunotherapy has demonstrated encouraging results in the setting of adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatments for non-hepatic malignancies. Conclusive data are not yet available in the context of liver neoplasms. However, growing evidence suggests that immunotherapy, and in particular immune checkpoint inhibitors, could represent the cornerstone of an epochal change in the treatment of HCC, improving recurrence rates and overall survival through combination treatments. Furthermore, the identification of predictive biomarkers of treatment response could drive the management of HCC into the era of a precision medicine. The purpose of this review is to analyze the state of the art in the setting of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies for HCC in association with loco-regional treatments in patients not eligible for liver transplantation and to hypothesize future scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Nevola
- Liver Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Augusto Delle Femine
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Valerio Rosato
- Liver Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Maria Alfano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Simona Imbriani
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Beccia
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Villani
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Rachele Ruocco
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Livio Criscuolo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco La Montagna
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Russo
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Aldo Marrone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Marfella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Ernesto Claar
- Liver Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy
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Shivapurkar N, Gay MD, He A(R, Chen W, Golnazar S, Cao H, Duka T, Kallakury B, Vasudevan S, Smith JP. Treatment with a Cholecystokinin Receptor Antagonist, Proglumide, Improves Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Antibodies in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043625. [PMID: 36835036 PMCID: PMC9965856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. Treatment with immune checkpoint antibodies has shown promise in advanced HCC, but the response is only 15-20%. We discovered a potential target for the treatment of HCC, the cholecystokinin-B receptor (CCK-BR). This receptor is overexpressed in murine and human HCC and not in normal liver tissue. Mice bearing syngeneic RIL-175 HCC tumors were treated with phosphate buffer saline (PBS; control), proglumide (a CCK-receptor antagonist), an antibody to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1Ab), or the combination of proglumide and the PD-1Ab. In vitro, RNA was extracted from untreated or proglumide-treated murine Dt81Hepa1-6 HCC cells and analyzed for expression of fibrosis-associated genes. RNA was also extracted from human HepG2 HCC cells or HepG2 cells treated with proglumide and subjected to RNA sequencing. Results showed that proglumide decreased fibrosis in the tumor microenvironment and increased the number of intratumoral CD8+ T cells in RIL-175 tumors. When proglumide was given in combination with the PD-1Ab, there was a further significant increase in intratumoral CD8+ T cells, improved survival, and alterations in genes regulating tumoral fibrosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. RNAseq results from human HepG2 HCC cells treated with proglumide showed significant changes in differentially expressed genes involved in tumorigenesis, fibrosis, and the tumor microenvironment. The use of the CCK receptor antagonist may improve efficacy of immune checkpoint antibodies and survival in those with advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martha D. Gay
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Aiwu (Ruth) He
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Wenqiang Chen
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Shermineh Golnazar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Tetyana Duka
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Bhaskar Kallakury
- Department of Pathology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Sona Vasudevan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Jill P. Smith
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
- Correspondence:
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