Aberrant STAT1 methylation as a non-invasive biomarker in blood of HCV induced hepatocellular carcinoma

Correlation and clinical significance of GSTP1 hypermethylation in hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent and fatal cancers globally, with poor prognosis due to late-stage diagnosis and limited early detection methods. GSTP1 gene hypermethylation has been implicated in various cancers, including HCC, as a potential biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between GSTP1 hypermethylation and HCC, and its clinical significance.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to identify studies examining GSTP1 hypermethylation in HCC. Studies included in the meta-analysis were observational (case-control, cohort) or experimental studies (clinical trials) that reported on the correlation between GSTP1 hypermethylation and clinical outcomes in HCC patients. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs) were calculated using random or fixed-effects models based on heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 10 case-control studies were included, comprising 1,133 participants. The analysis revealed a significant association between GSTP1 hypermethylation and the presence of HCC (OR = 6.64, 95% CI: 2.17-20.38). GSTP1 hypermethylation was more frequently observed in liver cancer tissue compared to liver tissue from patients with other diseases (P < 0.00001). Additionally, a significant correlation between GSTP1 hypermethylation and poor clinical outcomes, such as advanced tumor stage, recurrence, and reduced overall survival, was observed (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.80-3.64). Subgroup analyses based on study design, sample type, and detection method showed no significant heterogeneity in most comparisons.

Conclusion

GSTP1 hypermethylation is significantly associated with the presence of HCC and poorer clinical outcomes, making it a promising biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis. These findings highlight the potential for GSTP1 methylation as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in HCC management. Further large-scale, multicenter studies are required to standardize detection methods and evaluate the therapeutic potential of epigenetic reactivation of GSTP1 in HCC patients.

Mechanisms and therapeutic prospect of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in liver cancer

Liver cancer (LC) poses a significant global health challenge due to its high incidence and poor prognosis. Current systemic treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and immunotherapy, have shown limited effectiveness for advanced LC patients. Moreover, owing to the heterogeneous nature of LC, it is crucial to uncover more in-depth pathogenic mechanisms and develop effective treatments to address the limitations of the existing therapeutic modalities. Increasing evidence has revealed the crucial role of the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway in the pathogenesis of LC. The specific mechanisms driving the JAK-STAT pathway activation in LC, participate in a variety of malignant biological processes, including cell differentiation, evasion, anti-apoptosis, immune escape, and treatment resistance. Both preclinical and clinical investigations on the JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors have exhibited potential in LC treatment, thereby opening up avenues for the development of more targeted therapeutic strategies for LC. In this study, we provide an overview of the JAK-STAT pathway, delving into the composition, activation, and dynamic interplay within the pathway. Additionally, we focus on the molecular mechanisms driving the aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway in LC. Furthermore, we summarize the latest advancements in targeting the JAK-STAT pathway for LC treatment. The insights presented in this review aim to underscore the necessity of research into the JAK-STAT signaling pathway as a promising avenue for LC therapy.

The Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Hepatitis C Infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic virus that can be transmitted through unsafe medical procedures, such as injections, transfusions, and dental treatment. The infection may be self-limiting or manifest as a chronic form that induces liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or progression into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epigenetic mechanisms are major regulators of gene expression. These mechanisms involve DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the activity of non-coding RNAs, which can enhance or suppress gene expression. Abnormal activity or the dysregulated expression of epigenetic molecules plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various pathological disorders, including inflammatory diseases and malignancies. In this review, we summarise the current evidence on epigenetic mechanisms involved in HCV infection and progression to HCC.

Epirubicin Enhances the Anti-Cancer Effects of Radioactive 125I Seeds in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Downregulation of the JAK/STAT1 Pathway

The application and promotion of ¹²⁵I seed implantation technology have increased the safety and effectiveness of the clinical treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epirubicin (EPI) is a traditional anthracycline chemotherapy agent that has minimal side effects and has been widely used in the clinical treatment of HCC. We hypothesized that EPI would enhance the anti-cancer effects of ¹²⁵I seeds via the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether EPI could enhance the radiosensitivity of HCC cells to ¹²⁵I and determine the underlying molecular mechanism. This basic study was conducted in an animal laboratory at Shandong University. BALB/C male nude mice were used, and all animals were fed and treated according to the standards of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Shandong University. Both in vitro and in vivo models of ¹²⁵I irradiation of HCC cells were created. The anti-cancer effects of ¹²⁵I and the role of EPI in promoting these effects were evaluated using flow cytometry for apoptosis and cell cycle, CCK-8 assay for EPI drug cytotoxicity, and transwell assays for migration and invasion. The potential mediating effect of the JAK/STAT1 pathway was assessed using an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins after ¹²⁵I treatment. Transfection of HCC cells with STAT1-RNAi were performed to determine the effect of STAT1 downregulation on ¹²⁵I and EPI treatment effects. The radiosensitivity concentration of EPI promoted ¹²⁵I-induced anti-cancer effects, including apoptosis, anti-proliferation, and inhibition of migration and invasion. These effects were mediated via the JAK/STAT1 pathway. Downregulation of STAT1 compromised measured anti-cancer effects, which were both confirmed in the in vivo and in vitro models. EPI can promote ¹²⁵I-induced anti-cancer effects in HCC. The JAK/STAT1 pathway may be a potential target for ¹²⁵I seed implantation in the treatment of HCC.