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Liang Y, Liu Z, Zuo D, Chen S, Chen J, Yan X, Liu P, Wang Q. Single cell glycan-linkages profiling for hepatocellular carcinoma early diagnosis using lanthanide encoded bacteriophage MS2 based ICP-MS. Talanta 2024; 274:126056. [PMID: 38599123 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Early diagnosis is paramount for enhancing survival rates and prognosis in the context of malignant diseases. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, poses significant challenges for its early detection. In this study, we present an innovative approach which contributed to the early diagnosis of HCC. By lanthanide encoding signal amplification to map glycan-linkages at the single-cell level, the minute quantities of "soft" glycan-linkages on single cell surface were converted into "hard" elemental tags through the use of an MS2 signal amplifier. Harnessing the power of lanthanides encoded within MS2, we achieve nearly three orders of magnitude signal amplification. These encoded tags are subsequently quantified using single-cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SC-ICP-MS). Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) identifies seven specific glycan-linkages (α-2,3-Sia, α-Gal, α-1,2-Fuc, α-1,6-Fuc, α-2,6-Sia, α-GalNAc, and Gal-β-1,3-GalNAc) as biomarkers. Our methodology is initially validated at the cellular level with 100% accuracy in discriminating between hepatic carcinoma HepG2 cells and their normal HL7702 cells. We apply this approach to quantify and classify glycan-linkages on the surfaces of 55 clinical surgical HCC specimens. Leveraging these seven glycan-linkages as biomarkers, we achieve precise differentiation between 8 normal hepatic specimens, 40 early HCC specimens, and 7 colorectal metastasis HCC specimens. This pioneering work represents the first instance of employing single-cell glycan-linkages as biomarkers promising for the early diagnosis of HCC with a remarkable 100% predictive accuracy rate, which holds immense potential for enhancing the feasibility and precision of HCC diagnosis in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liang
- Department of Chemistry & the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China; Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Chemistry & the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Dongliang Zuo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen, 361004, China; The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, 445000, China
| | - Shi Chen
- Department of Chemistry & the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jianbin Chen
- Department of Chemistry & the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xiaowen Yan
- Department of Chemistry & the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Pingguo Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen, 361004, China.
| | - Qiuquan Wang
- Department of Chemistry & the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
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Sun LY, Cen WJ, Zeng XX, Zhong YY, Deng L, Yang JJ, Li M, Wang F. The Prognostic Value of Alpha-Fetoprotein Ratio in Patients With Resectable Alpha-Fetoprotein-Negative Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Am Surg 2024; 90:1240-1249. [PMID: 38214585 DOI: 10.1177/00031348241227202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ratio in patients with AFP-negative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 600 AFP-negative HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy. The AFP ratio was calculated as the ratio of AFP level 1 week before surgery to the level 20-40 days after hepatectomy. Immunohistochemistry assay was used to assess protein expression in HCC tissue. The primary outcome measures were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS The study found that a cutoff value of 1.6 ng/ml for AFP ratio, determined using X-tile software, was optimal for predicting prognosis. Patients with a high AFP ratio had a worse prognosis compare to those with a low AFP ratio (DFS, P = .026; OS, P = .034). Patients with a high AFP ratio had a worse prognosis compared to those with a low AFP ratio. Multivariate analysis revealed that AFP ratio >1.6, negative HepPar-1 expression, and vascular invasion were independent predictors of both DFS and OS. Vascular invasion had a higher area under the curve (AUC) than AFP ratio and HepPar-1 expression in predicting recurrence and death. The combination of AFP ratio, HepPar-1 expression, and vascular invasion provided better predictive accuracy for DFS and OS. CONCLUSION The AFP ratio is a potential prognostic marker for AFP-negative HCC patients after hepatectomy. Combining the analysis of AFP ratio with HepPar-1 expression and vascular invasion can enhance the accuracy of predicting prognosis in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yue Sun
- Second Department of Oncology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Jian Cen
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin-Xin Zeng
- Second Department of Oncology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu-Yun Zhong
- Department of Postdoctoral Workstation, HuaBo Biological Pharmaceutic Research Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ling Deng
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Li
- Medical Research Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Zhang HY, Zhu JJ, Liu ZM, Zhang YX, Chen JJ, Chen KD. A prognostic four-gene signature and a therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Construction and analysis of a circRNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA network. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2024; 23:272-287. [PMID: 37407412 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2023.06.009] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor long-term prognosis. The competition of circular RNAs (circRNAs) with endogenous RNA is a novel tool for predicting HCC prognosis. Based on the alterations of circRNA regulatory networks, the analysis of gene modules related to HCC is feasible. METHODS Multiple expression datasets and RNA element targeting prediction tools were used to construct a circRNA-microRNA-mRNA network in HCC. Gene function, pathway, and protein interaction analyses were performed for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in this regulatory network. In the protein-protein interaction network, hub genes were identified and subjected to regression analysis, producing an optimized four-gene signature for prognostic risk stratification in HCC patients. Anti-HCC drugs were excavated by assessing the DEGs between the low- and high-risk groups. A circRNA-microRNA-hub gene subnetwork was constructed, in which three hallmark genes, KIF4A, CCNA2, and PBK, were subjected to functional enrichment analysis. RESULTS A four-gene signature (KIF4A, CCNA2, PBK, and ZWINT) that effectively estimated the overall survival and aided in prognostic risk assessment in the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) cohort was developed. CDK inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors, and EGFR inhibitors were predicted as four potential mechanisms of drug action (MOA) in high-risk HCC patients. Subsequent analysis has revealed that PBK, CCNA2, and KIF4A play a crucial role in regulating the tumor microenvironment by promoting immune cell invasion, regulating microsatellite instability (MSI), and exerting an impact on HCC progression. CONCLUSIONS The present study highlights the role of the circRNA-related regulatory network, identifies a four-gene prognostic signature and biomarkers, and further identifies novel therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Yan Zhang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jia-Jie Zhu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Zong-Ming Liu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Zhang
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Jia-Jia Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Ke-Da Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China.
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Sun H, Liu N, Lou J. Diagnostic value of serum STIP1 in HCC and AFP-negative HCC. Lab Med 2024:lmae033. [PMID: 38780206 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmae033] [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] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1) in serum for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-negative HCC (ANHC). METHODS In this study, serum samples were collected from 158 HCC patients and 63 non-HCC patients. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors associated with HCC and ANHC. The diagnostic values of each index for HCC and ANHC were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS The STIP1, des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), and AFP levels were higher in the HCC groups than in the non-HCC groups (P < .05). Age, DCP, STIP1, and hepatitis B virus infection were independent predictors of HCC (P < .05). The diagnostic value of STIP1 for HCC was higher than that of DCP. Additionally, age, STIP1, and hepatitis B virus infection were independent predictors for ANHC patients. The ROC curve exhibited an area under the curve value of 0.919 for STIP1, with a diagnostic cutoff value of 68.5 U/mL. Moreover, 36 ANHC patients and 19 AFP-negative non-HCC patients were included to validate the diagnostic model. A total of 20 patients had STIP1 levels greater than 68.5 U/mL, resulting in diagnostic accuracy of 67.3%, sensitivity of 55.6%, and specificity of 89.5%. CONCLUSION STIP1 demonstrates excellent diagnostic value for HCC and ANHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinli Lou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Cai X, Peng S, Xiao X, Huang Z, Zhang P. Serum ApoB/ApoA1 ratio in patients with CHB and the occurrence of HBV related cirrhosis and HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10996. [PMID: 38744926 PMCID: PMC11094140 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61820-x] [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: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical research has suggested that chronic HBV infection exerts a certain effect on the occurrence of cardiovascular disease by regulating cholesterol metabolism in liver cells. High serum apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 (ApoB/ApoA1) ratio plays a certain role in the above regulation, and it serves as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, whether the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is correlated with chronic HBV infection and its disease progression remains unclear. In accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, all 378 participants administrated at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from March 2021 to March 2022, fell into Healthy Control (HC) group (50 participants), Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) group (107 patients), liver cirrhosis (LC) group (64 patients), chronic hepatitis B (CHB) group (62 patients), chronic hepatitis C (CHC) group (46 patients) and Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) group (49 patients). Serum ApoA1 and ApoB concentrations were measured at admission, and the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was determined. The levels of laboratory parameters in the respective group were compared and ApoB/ApoA1 ratios in HCC patients and LC patients with different severity were further analyzed. ROC curves were plotted to analyze the early diagnostic ability of ApoB/ApoA1 ratio for HBV-associated HCC. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to explore the correlation between ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and LC and HCC risk. A comparison was drawn in terms of ApoB/ApoA1 ratio between the groups, and the result was expressed in descending sequence: HEV group > CHB group > LC group > HCC group > CHC group > HC group, early-stage HCC < middle-stage HCC < advanced-stage HCC, Class A LC < Class B LC < Class C LC. Serum ApoB/ApoA1 ratio combined diagnosis with AFP exhibited the capability of increasing the detection efficacy and specificity of AFP for HCC and AFP-negative HCC. The incidence of LC and HCC in the respective logistic regression model showed a negative correlation with the serum ApoB/ApoA1 ratio in CHB patients (P < 0.05). After all confounding factors covered in this study were regulated, the result of the restricted cubic spline analysis suggested that in a certain range, serum ApoB/ApoA1 ratio showed an inverse correlation with the prevalence of LC or HCC in CHB patients. Serum ApoB/ApoA1 ratio in CHB patients may be conducive to identifying high-risk patients for HCC or LC, such that LC and HCC can be early diagnosed and treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Xiao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoyang Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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Yin X, Rong J, Shao M, Zhang S, Yin L, He Z, Wang X. Aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials (AFNs) for therapeutic management of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:243. [PMID: 38735927 PMCID: PMC11089756 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02486-5] [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: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the deadliest cancers globally, making the search for more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches particularly crucial. Aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials (AFNs), an innovative nanotechnology, have paved new pathways for the targeted diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Initially, we outline the epidemiological background of HCC and the current therapeutic challenges. Subsequently, we explore in detail how AFNs enhance diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency and reduce side effects through the specific targeting of HCC cells and the optimization of drug delivery. Furthermore, we address the challenges faced by AFNs in clinical applications and future research directions, with a particular focus on enhancing their biocompatibility and assessing long-term effects. In summary, AFNs represent an avant-garde therapeutic approach, opening new avenues and possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Yin
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Rong
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Min Shao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Saisai Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Likang Yin
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Zhenqiang He
- Clinical Medical College, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
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Yeo YH, Lee YT, Tseng HR, Zhu Y, You S, Agopian VG, Yang JD. Alpha-fetoprotein: Past, present, and future. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0422. [PMID: 38619448 PMCID: PMC11019827 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000422] [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: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein that plays an important role in immune regulation with critical involvement in early human development and maintaining the immune balance during pregnancy. Postfetal development, the regulatory mechanisms controlling AFP undergo a shift and AFP gene transcription is suppressed. Instead, these enhancers refocus their activity to maintain albumin gene transcription throughout adulthood. During the postnatal period, AFP expression can increase in the setting of hepatocyte injury, regeneration, and malignant transformation. It is the first oncoprotein discovered and is routinely used as part of a screening strategy for HCC. AFP has been shown to be a powerful prognostic biomarker, and multiple HCC prognosis models confirmed the independent prognostic utility of AFP. AFP is also a useful predictive biomarker for monitoring the treatment response of HCC. In addition to its role as a biomarker, AFP plays important roles in immune modulation to promote tumorigenesis and thus has been investigated as a therapeutic target in HCC. In this review article, we aim to provide an overview of AFP, encompassing the discovery, biological role, and utility as an HCC biomarker in combination with other biomarkers and how it impacts clinical practice and future direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Hui Yeo
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yi-Te Lee
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hsian-Rong Tseng
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yazhen Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Ronald Reagan Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sungyong You
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vatche G. Agopian
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ju Dong Yang
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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8
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Mazza S, Frigerio C, Alfieri D, Mauro A, Torello Viera F, Scalvini D, Barteselli C, Sgarlata C, Veronese L, Bardone M, Rovedatti L, Agazzi S, Strada E, Pozzi L, Maestri M, Ravetta V, Anderloni A. Prognostic Role of Basal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Suitable for Curative Treatment. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:692. [PMID: 38792876 PMCID: PMC11123130 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a recognized affordable oncological marker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, AFP's prognostic role has been assessed mainly after specific treatments, and no unanimously recognized cut-offs have been identified. The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic role of different basal AFP cut-offs on survival and HCC course. Materials and Methods: In this single-center, retrospective study, all patients newly diagnosed with HCC between January 2009 and December 2021 were prospectively enrolled. Only patients suitable for curative HCC treatments were included in the analyses. Patients were stratified according to AFP cut-offs of 20, 200, 400, and 1000 ng/mL, which were correlated with survival outcomes and clinical parameters. Results: A total of 266 patients were analyzed, with a median follow-up time of 41.5 months. Median overall survival (OS) of all cohort was 43 months. At the multivariate Cox-regression analysis, AFP value ≥ 1000 ng/mL correlated with impaired OS (1-year OS: 67% vs. 88%, 5-year OS: 1% vs. 43%; p = 0.005); other risk factors were tumor dimension ≥ 5 cm (HR 1.73; p = 0.002), Child-Pugh class B-C (HR 1.72; p = 0.002), BCLC stage A (vs. 0) (HR 2.4; p = 0.011), and malignant portal vein thrombosis (HR 2.57; p = 0.007). AFP ≥ 1000 ng/mL was also associated with a reduced recurrence-free survival (HR 2.0; p = 0.038), while starting from AFP ≥ 20 ng/mL, a correlation with development of HCC metastases over time (HR 3.5; p = 0.002) was seen. AFP values ≥ 20 ng/mL significantly correlated with tumor size and higher histological grading; starting from AFP values ≥ 400 ng/mL, a significant correlation with Child-Pugh class B-C and female gender was also observed. Conclusions: Basal AFP correlates with relevant outcomes in patients with HCC. It could help identify patients at a higher risk of worse prognosis who might benefit from personalized surveillance and treatment programs. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Mazza
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Frigerio
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Alfieri
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Aurelio Mauro
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Torello Viera
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Davide Scalvini
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Barteselli
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Carmelo Sgarlata
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Letizia Veronese
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Bardone
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Rovedatti
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Agazzi
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Strada
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Lodovica Pozzi
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marcello Maestri
- General Surgery I, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Ravetta
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Anderloni
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Jabri A, Khan J, Taftafa B, Alsharif M, Mhannayeh A, Chinnappan R, Alzhrani A, Kazmi S, Mir MS, Alsaud AW, Yaqinuddin A, Assiri AM, AlKattan K, Vashist YK, Broering DC, Mir TA. Bioengineered Organoids Offer New Possibilities for Liver Cancer Studies: A Review of Key Milestones and Challenges. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:346. [PMID: 38671768 PMCID: PMC11048289 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11040346] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic cancer is widely regarded as the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite recent advances in treatment options, the prognosis of liver cancer remains poor. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more representative in vitro models of liver cancer for pathophysiology and drug screening studies. Fortunately, an exciting new development for generating liver models in recent years has been the advent of organoid technology. Organoid models hold huge potential as an in vitro research tool because they can recapitulate the spatial architecture of primary liver cancers and maintain the molecular and functional variations of the native tissue counterparts during long-term culture in vitro. This review provides a comprehensive overview and discussion of the establishment and application of liver organoid models in vitro. Bioengineering strategies used to construct organoid models are also discussed. In addition, the clinical potential and other relevant applications of liver organoid models in different functional states are explored. In the end, this review discusses current limitations and future prospects to encourage further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Jabri
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Jibran Khan
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Bader Taftafa
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Mohamed Alsharif
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Abdulaziz Mhannayeh
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Raja Chinnappan
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Alzhrani
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadab Kazmi
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
- Pathology and laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mohammad Shabab Mir
- School of Pharmacy, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh 147301, Punjab, India;
| | - Aljohara Waleed Alsaud
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Ahmed Yaqinuddin
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Abdullah M. Assiri
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled AlKattan
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yogesh K. Vashist
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dieter C. Broering
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tanveer Ahmad Mir
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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10
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Giselvania A, Juniantito V, Wibowo H, Siregar TP, Gondhowiardjo S. Induction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Conventional Domestic Swine Using N-Diethylnitrosamine and Phenobarbital. Cancer Manag Res 2024; 16:245-257. [PMID: 38560662 PMCID: PMC10979671 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s439787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Large animal models are still used in many studies because of their likeness to humans. It has not been documented that regular-sized conventional farm-breed pigs, generally bred for meat production, can be used to generate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) animal models. The goal of this study was to investigate how N-diethylnitrosamine (DENA) and phenobarbital (PB) together can generate HCC in ordinary farmed pigs. Materials and Methods Conventional domestic swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) were used. DENA 15 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected weekly for 12 weeks, while PB tablets (4 mg/kg) were also administered through food for 16 weeks. Blood testing and ultrasonography evaluation were performed to monitor the progress. Subsequently, computed tomography was conducted in cases with suspected nodules, followed by histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis. Results Ten swine (seven males, three females; age: 2 months; weight: 9-15 kg) were included in the study and followed up for 25 months; nine were experimental, and one was control for ethical considerations. The maximum weight of animals during this study reached 162-228 kg. The weight gain seen in the intervention swine was predominantly lower than that documented in the control. The laboratory analysis revealed no notable abnormalities in liver function markers but did demonstrate statistically significant changes in urea (p = 0.028) and creatinine (p = 0.003) levels. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed multiple liver nodules with characteristics resembling HCC. Serial imaging screening and more extended observations revealed that all animals eventually developed tumors. Histopathological confirmation at 15-22 weeks post-induction revealed that all intervened swine developed multiple nodules of well-differentiated HCC and some with hepatic angiosarcoma. Conclusion This study successfully generated HCC in conventional domestic swine with a DENA and PB combination. This investigation required at least 15 months to develop tumors. This model will be beneficial for future investigations of HCC in large animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Giselvania
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Vetnizah Juniantito
- Division of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Heri Wibowo
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Trifonia Pingkan Siregar
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Soehartati Gondhowiardjo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
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11
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Zhang BL, Liu J, Diao G, Chang J, Xue J, Huang Z, Zhao H, Yu L, Cai J. Construction and Validation of a Novel Nomogram Predicting Recurrence in Alpha-Fetoprotein-Negative Hepatocellular Carcinoma Post-Surgery Using an Innovative Liver Function-Nutrition-Inflammation-Immune (LFNII) Score: A Bicentric Investigation. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:489-508. [PMID: 38463544 PMCID: PMC10924898 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s451357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose We developed a nomogram based on the liver function, nutrition, inflammation, and immunity (LFNII) score to predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) post-resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibiting alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) negativity (AFP ≤20 ng/mL). Patients and Methods Clinical data of 661 patients diagnosed with alpha-fetoprotein-negative hepatocellular carcinoma (AFP-NHCC) who underwent surgical resection at two medical centers between 2012 and 2021 were collected. A total of 462 and 199 patients served as the training and validation sets, respectively. Pre-operative blood markers were collected and analyzed for LFNII. The LFNII score was formulated using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model. A nomogram model was developed using the training set to incorporate other relevant clinicopathological indicators and predict postoperative recurrence. Model discrimination was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration was evaluated using a calibration curve, and clinical applicability was assessed using clinical decision curve analysis. A comparison with liver cancer staging was performed using the nomogram model. Finally, a cohort study was conducted to validate our findings. Results We derived the LFNII scores from nine indicators. Elevated LFNII scores correlated with unfavorable clinicopathological features. The LFNII score area under the curve revealed superior predictive efficacy at 1-, 2-, and 5-year RFS intervals, with values of 0.675, 0.658, and 0.633, respectively. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that a high LFNII score independently increased RFS risk in patients with AFP-NHCC. The C-index of the LFNII-nomogram model was 0.686 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.651-0.721). The nomogram model's clinical application value surpassed that of standard HCC staging systems. Conclusion The LFNII score-derived nomogram effectively predicted the RFS of patients with AFP-NHCC after curative resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Lun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guanghao Diao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianping Chang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junshuai Xue
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingxiang Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianqiang Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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12
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Liu C, Li Z, Zhang Z, Li J, Xu C, Jia Y, Zhang C, Yang W, Wang W, Wang X, Liang K, Peng L, Wang J. Prediction of survival and analysis of prognostic factors for patients with AFP negative hepatocellular carcinoma: a population-based study. BMC Gastroenterol 2024; 24:93. [PMID: 38438972 PMCID: PMC10910698 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03185-z] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is widely used to evaluate HCC. However, the proportion of AFP-negative individuals cannot be disregarded. This study aimed to establish a nomogram of risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with AFP-negative HCC and to evaluate its diagnostic efficiency. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data from patients with AFP-negative initial diagnosis of HCC (ANHC) between 2004 and 2015 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for model establishment and validation. We randomly divided overall cohort into the training or validation cohort (7:3). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to identify the risk factors. We constructed nomograms with overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) as clinical endpoint events and constructed survival analysis by using Kaplan-Meier curve. Also, we conducted internal validation with Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and Decision curve analysis (DCA) to validate the clinical value of the model. RESULTS This study included 1811 patients (1409 men; 64.7% were Caucasian; the average age was 64 years; 60.7% were married). In the multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors affecting prognosis were age, ethnicity, year of diagnosis, tumor size, tumor grade, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The nomogram-based model related C-indexes were 0.762 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.752-0.772) and 0.752 (95% CI: 0.740-0.769) for predicting OS, and 0.785 (95% CI: 0.774-0.795) and 0.779 (95% CI: 0.762-0.795) for predicting CSS. The nomogram model showed that the predicted death was consistent with the actual value. The ROC analysis and DCA showed that the nomogram had good clinical value compared with TNM staging. CONCLUSION The age(HR:1.012, 95% CI: 1.006-1.018, P-value < 0.001), ethnicity(African-American: HR:0.946, 95% CI: 0.783-1.212, P-value: 0.66; Others: HR:0.737, 95% CI: 0.613-0.887, P-value: 0.001), tumor diameter(HR:1.006, 95% CI: 1.004-1.008, P-value < 0.001), year of diagnosis (HR:0.852, 95% CI: 0.729-0.997, P-value: 0.046), tumor grade(Grade 2: HR:1.124, 95% CI: 0.953-1.326, P-value: 0.164; Grade 3: HR:1.984, 95% CI: 1.574-2.501, P-value < 0.001; Grade 4: HR:2.119, 95% CI: 1.115-4.027, P-value: 0.022), surgery(Liver Resection: HR:0.193, 95% CI: 0.160-0.234, P-value < 0.001; Liver Transplant: HR:0.102, 95% CI: 0.072-0.145, P-value < 0.001), chemotherapy(HR:0.561, 95% CI: 0.471-0.668, P-value < 0.001), and radiotherapy(HR:0.641, 95% CI: 0.463-0.887, P-value:0.007) were independent prognostic factors for patients with ANHC. We developed a nomogram model for predicting the OS and CSS of patients with ANHC, with a good predictive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyu Liu
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 169 Tianshan Street, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Xingtai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Xingtai People's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, Hebei, China
| | - Zikang Li
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhilei Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 169 Tianshan Street, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- Xingtai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Xingtai People's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, Hebei, China
| | - Congxi Xu
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yuming Jia
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 169 Tianshan Street, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 169 Tianshan Street, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Wuhan Yang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 169 Tianshan Street, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Wenchuan Wang
- Xingtai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Xingtai People's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Xingtai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Xingtai People's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, Hebei, China
| | - Kuopeng Liang
- Xingtai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Xingtai People's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, Hebei, China
| | - Li Peng
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 169 Tianshan Street, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
| | - Jitao Wang
- Xingtai Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Xingtai People's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, Hebei, China.
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Cirrhosis & Portal Hypertension, 145 Xinhua North Road, Xingtai, Hebei, China.
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Ahmadi Badi S, Bereimipour A, Rohani P, Khatami S, Siadat SD. Interplay between gut microbiota and the master iron regulator, hepcidin, in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Pathog Dis 2024; 82:ftae005. [PMID: 38555503 PMCID: PMC10990161 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftae005] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a proven role for hepcidin and the composition of gut microbiota and its derivatives in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis. AREA COVERED This review focuses on the literature search regarding the effect of hepcidin and gut microbiota on regulating liver physiology. We presented the regulating mechanisms of hepcidin expression and discussed the possible interaction between gut microbiota and hepcidin regulation. Furthermore, we investigated the importance of the hepcidin gene in biological processes and bacterial interactions using bioinformatics analysis. EXPERT OPINION One of the main features of liver fibrosis is iron accumulation in hepatic cells, including hepatocytes. This accumulation can induce an oxidative stress response, inflammation, and activation of hepatic stellate cells. Hepcidin is a crucial regulator of iron by targeting ferroportin expressed on hepatocytes, macrophages, and enterocytes. Various stimuli, such as iron load and inflammatory signals, control hepcidin regulation. Furthermore, a bidirectional relationship exists between iron and the composition and metabolic activity of gut microbiota. We explored the potential of gut microbiota to influence hepcidin expression and potentially manage liver fibrosis, as the regulation of iron metabolism plays a crucial role in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ahmadi Badi
- Biochemistry Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1963737611, Iran
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, 1416753955, Iran
| | - Ahmad Bereimipour
- Department of Biological Sciences and BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Pejman Rohani
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, 1416753955, Iran
| | - Shohreh Khatami
- Biochemistry Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1963737611, Iran
| | - Seyed Davar Siadat
- Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1963737611, Iran
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran,1963737611, Iran
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14
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Wu Y, Liu S, Fan Z, Tian Y, Zhang L, Liu S. Establishment and Validation of a Blood Test-based Nomogram to Diagnose Patients with AFP-negative HCC. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:556-564. [PMID: 38178672 DOI: 10.2174/0115680096264770231113103930] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Alpha-protein (AFP) is the most widely used blood biomarker for HCC. However, elevated serum AFP is only observed in part of HCC. AIMS This study aimed to develop an efficient nomogram model to distinguish patients with alpha- protein-negative HCC and liver cirrhosis. OBJECTIVES A total of 1130 patients (508 HCC patients + 622 cirrhosis patients) were enrolled in the training cohort. A total of 244 HCC patients and 246 cirrhosis patients were enrolled in the validation cohort. METHODS A total of 41 parameters about blood tests were analyzed with logistic regression. The nomogram was based on independent factors and validated both internally and externally. RESULTS Independent factors were eosinophils %, hemoglobin concentration distribution width, fibrinogen, platelet counts, total bile acid, and mitochondria aspartate aminotransferase. The calibration curve for the probability of HCC showed good agreement between prediction by nomogram and actual observation. The concordance index was 0.851. In the validation cohort, the nomogram distinguished HCC from liver cirrhosis with an area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic of 0.754. CONCLUSION This proposed nomogram was an accurate and useful method to distinguish patients with AFP-negative HCC from liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Wu
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Zhijuan Fan
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Yaqiong Tian
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300170, China
| | - Shuye Liu
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, 83 Jintang Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300170, China
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15
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Pang BY, Leng Y, Wang X, Wang YQ, Jiang LH. A meta-analysis and of clinical values of 11 blood biomarkers, such as AFP, DCP, and GP73 for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Med 2023; 55:42-61. [PMID: 36476015 PMCID: PMC9744221 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2153163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma lacks ideal diagnostic biomarkers. There is a lack of scientific evaluation of relevant promising biomarkers as well. Therefore this study reanalyzes the related studies of 11 blood biomarkers of HCC, and compares the diagnostic value of these biomarkers for HCC systematically. METHODS The relevant literatures on the diagnostic value in HCC of 11 blood indexes in recent 5 years were searched in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries. Data were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS Finally, 83 literature studies were brought into meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of AFP were 0.61 and 0.87, respectively. The AUC of AFP were 0.78. The AUC and sum of sensitivity and specificity of the combination of AFP and other biomarkers were all significantly higher than that of AFP, including AFP + AFP-L3 + DCP, AFP + DCP, AFP/DCP, AFP + GPC3. Among other biomarkers, the AUC and sum of sensitivity and specificity of biomarkers including DCP, GPC3, GP73, Hsp90alpha, midkine, and OPN were significantly higher than that of AFP. In this study, GP73 had the highest sum of sensitivity and specificity (1.78) and AUC (0.95). CONCLUSIONS The pooled sensitivity and specificity of AFP were 0.61 and 0.87, respectively. The AUC of AFP were 0.78. The combination of AFP and other biomarkers improved the diagnostic efficiency. The diagnostic value of biomarkers including DCP, GPC3, GP73, Hsp90alpha, midkine, and OPN was higher than that of AFP. GP73 had the best diagnostic value for HCC with the highest sum of sensitivity and specificity (1.78) and AUC (0.95).KEY MESSAGESThe pooled sensitivity and specificity of AFP were 0.61 and 0.87, respectively. The AUC of AFP were 0.78. The combination of AFP and other biomarkers improved the diagnostic efficiency of HCC.The diagnostic value of biomarkers including DCP, GPC3, GP73, Hsp90alpha, midkine, and OPN was higher than that of AFP.GP73 had the best diagnostic value for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Yao Pang
- Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Leng
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Li-Hong Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
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16
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Kocheise L, Schoenlein M, Behrends B, Joerg V, Casar C, Fruendt TW, Renné T, Heumann A, Li J, Huber S, Lohse AW, Pantel K, Riethdorf S, Wege H, Schulze K, von Felden J. EpCAM-positive circulating tumor cells and serum AFP levels predict outcome after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20827. [PMID: 38012205 PMCID: PMC10682153 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47580-0] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has high recurrence rates exceeding 50% despite curative resection. The serum biomarker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a well-known prognostic marker for HCC. EpCAM-positive circulating tumor cells (CTC) have a high predictive value for early HCC recurrence after curatively intended resection, most likely indicating micro-metastases at the time of resection. However, sensitivity remains low. The objective of this study was to evaluate a composite test comprising both CTC and AFP to identify patients at high risk for early HCC recurrence. We prospectively enrolled 58 patients undergoing curative intended resection for HCC at a tertiary referral center. Blood specimens were obtained prior to resection and analyzed for EpCAM-positive CTC and serum AFP levels. A positive result was defined as either detection of CTC or AFP levels ≥ 400 ng/ml. Eight patients tested positive for CTC, seven for AFP, and two for both markers. A positive composite test was significantly associated with shorter early recurrence-free survival (5 vs. 16 months, p = 0.005), time to recurrence (5 vs. 16 months, p = 0.011), and overall survival (37 vs. not reached, p = 0.034). Combining CTC and AFP identified patients with poor outcome after surgical resection, for whom adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapies may be particularly desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Kocheise
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Schoenlein
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Berit Behrends
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Vincent Joerg
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Casar
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorben W Fruendt
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Renné
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Asmus Heumann
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jun Li
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Samuel Huber
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Riethdorf
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henning Wege
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Cancer Center Esslingen, Klinikum Esslingen, Esslingen, Germany
| | - Kornelius Schulze
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johann von Felden
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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Ju L, Zhou Q, Qi Q, She Y, Cai W, Cao Y, Lu R, Shao J, Chen L. circSLCO1B7 suppresses the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via the miR-556-3p/DAB2IP axis. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:13329-13344. [PMID: 38015711 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are noncoding RNAs with a circular colsed structure that play an important role in the occurrence and development of cancers. The functional mechanism of circRNAs as ceRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its effect on the invasion and metastasis of HCC need to be further studied. Five pairs of HCC tissues were selected for high-throughput sequencing, and 19 circRNAs with differential expression were obtained. The expression of circSLCO1B7 was obviously downregulated in 50 pairs of tumor tissues and plasma of HCC patients, which was closely related to the TNM stage, lymph node metastasis and tumor size. Cell functional experiments showed that circSLCO1B7 could inhibit cell growth, migration, invasion and promote cell apoptosis. In the regulatory mechanism, circSLCO1B7 sponged miR-556-3p to regulate the expression of the downstream target gene DAB2IP and induced the Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression. Our results indicated that circSLCO1B7 significantly inhibits the metastasis of HCC via the miR-556-3p/DAB2IP axis. Thus, circSLCO1B7 is a good candidate as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linling Ju
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People`s Hospital, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changshu Second People’s Hospital, Changshu 215500, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianyi Qi
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongjun She
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People`s Hospital, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weihua Cai
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People`s Hospital, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yali Cao
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People`s Hospital, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rujian Lu
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People`s Hospital, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianguo Shao
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People`s Hospital, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong Third People`s Hospital, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu, China
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18
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Nagakawa K, Hidaka M, Hara T, Matsushima H, Imamura H, Tanaka T, Adachi T, Soyama A, Kanetaka K, Eguchi S. Serum wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive human Mac-2 binding protein is unsuitable as a diagnostic marker of occult hepatocellular carcinoma in end-stage liver cirrhosis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293593. [PMID: 37910585 PMCID: PMC10619783 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Serum glycosylated Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2 binding protein (WFA+-M2BP) is a marker of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic ability of WFA+-M2BP for occult HCC, which current diagnostic imaging tests fail to detect. METHODS Patients who underwent hepatectomy for liver transplantation (LT) and whose whole liver could be sliced and subjected to histological examination between 2010 and 2018 were eligible for this study (n = 89). WFA+-M2BP levels were measured in samples collected before the LT. Comparison of the postoperative histological test results with the preoperative imaging data grouped the patients into histologically no group (N), histologically detected group (D), histologically increased group (I), and histologically decreased or same group (DS), and the results were compared with the WFA+-M2BP values. In addition, comparisons were made between each data with and without HCC, including occult HCC, and total tumor diameter. RESULTS Irrespective of underlying hepatic disease conditions, there were 6 patients in the N group, 10 in the D group, 41 in the I group, and 32 in the DS group. The median of the serum WFA+-M2BP level for each group was as follows: N group, 8.05 (1.25-11.9); D group, 11.025 (1.01-18.21); I group, 9.67 (0.29-17.83); and DS group, 9.56 (0.28-19.44) confidence of interval. We found no significant differences between the pairings. Comparison of underlying hepatic diseases revealed that liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis B and C and non-B and -C liver cirrhosis had no significant differences. AFP levels, on the other hand, had significant relationships in comparison between the presence or absence of histological HCC, in correlation between total tumor diameter, and in the ROC analysis for the diagnosis of HCC including occult HCC. CONCLUSION Serum WFA+-M2BP cannot help diagnose occult HCC that is already undetected using imaging tests in decompensated liver cirrhosis patients requiring LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kantoku Nagakawa
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masaaki Hidaka
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takanobu Hara
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hajime Matsushima
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hajime Imamura
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takayuki Tanaka
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Adachi
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akihiko Soyama
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kengo Kanetaka
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Susumu Eguchi
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
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Wang J, Wang F, Wang N, Zhang MY, Wang HY, Huang GL. Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Protein Post-translational Modifications in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1192-1200. [PMID: 37577238 PMCID: PMC10412711 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00006s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with high incidence and cancer mortality worldwide. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins have a great impact on protein function. Almost all proteins can undergo PTMs, including phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, and so on. Many studies have shown that PTMs are related to the occurrence and development of cancers. The findings provide novel therapeutic targets for cancers, such as glypican-3 and mucin-1. Other clinical implications are also found in the studies of PTMs. Diagnostic or prognostic value, and response to therapy have been identified. In HCC, it has been shown that glycosylated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has a higher detection rate for early liver cancer than conventional AFP. In this review, we mainly focused on the diagnostic and prognostic value of PTM, in order to provide new insights into the clinical implication of PTM in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
- China-America Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory for Epigenetics of Dongguan City, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Fangfang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
- China-America Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory for Epigenetics of Dongguan City, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
- China-America Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory for Epigenetics of Dongguan City, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Mei-Yin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui-Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guo-Liang Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
- China-America Cancer Research Institute, Key Laboratory for Epigenetics of Dongguan City, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
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Shehab-Eldeen S, Essa A, Arafat ES, Sleem AS, Alhosary AA, Darwish E, Essa A, Al-Omair OA, Al-Khoufi EA, Al Abdulqader AK, Nada A. Serum LINC00152 and UCA1 in HCV-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Clinical Significance and Prognostic Value. Biologics 2023; 17:137-149. [PMID: 37854341 PMCID: PMC10581015 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s433872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite significant advancements in the molecular characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), no oncogene addiction has been discovered. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a lot of promise as cancer biomarkers. LINC00152 and UCA1 have shown potential as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets for human cancers. Aim To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of serum LINC00152 and UCA1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The expression levels of LINC00152 and UCA1 in blood samples from 120 patients (60 with HCC, 60 with liver cirrhosis) and 40 healthy subjects were assessed using real-time qRT-PCR. Results Serum LINC00152 and UCA1 expression were considerably higher in HCC patients compared to patients with liver cirrhosis and the healthy controls (p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively). And their expressions in the liver cirrhosis group were significantly higher than in healthy controls. Both lncRNAs performed well in the ROC analysis, distinguishing HCC patients from patients with liver cirrhosis. Higher levels of LINC00152 expression were linked to lesions in both lobes of the liver (p=0.02), while higher levels of UCA1 expression were linked to vascular invasion and the late stage (p=0.01, p=0.03 respectively). The multivariate analysis showed that a high level of LINC00152 in the blood was an independent indicator of a bad outcome for HCC patients (HR=2.23, 95% CI= 1.30-5.29, p=0.03). Conclusion Serum LINC00152 and UCA1 expression were upregulated in patients with HCC, suggesting their use as non-invasive biomarkers for HCC. Furthermore, LINC00152 has the potential to serve as a prognostic indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somaia Shehab-Eldeen
- Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Abdallah Essa
- Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Eman Salah Arafat
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Shaaban Sleem
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | | | - Ehab Darwish
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases Unit, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Essa
- Medical Student, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Omar Ahmed Al-Omair
- Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad Ali Al-Khoufi
- Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ali Nada
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
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Safrastyan A, Zu Siederdissen CH, Wollny D. Decoding cell-type contributions to the cfRNA transcriptomic landscape of liver cancer. Hum Genomics 2023; 17:90. [PMID: 37798661 PMCID: PMC10552294 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-023-00537-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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liquid biopsy, particularly cell-free RNA (cfRNA), has emerged as a promising non-invasive diagnostic tool for various diseases, including cancer, due to its accessibility and the wealth of information it provides. A key area of interest is the composition and cellular origin of cfRNA in the blood and the alterations in the cfRNA transcriptomic landscape during carcinogenesis. Investigating these changes can offer insights into the manifestations of tissue alterations in the blood, potentially leading to more effective diagnostic strategies. However, the consistency of these findings across different studies and their clinical utility remains to be fully elucidated, highlighting the need for further research in this area. RESULTS In this study, we analyzed over 350 blood samples from four distinct studies, investigating the cell type contributions to the cfRNA transcriptomic landscape in liver cancer. We found that an increase in hepatocyte proportions in the blood is a consistent feature across most studies and can be effectively utilized for classifying cancer and healthy samples. Moreover, our analysis revealed that in addition to hepatocytes, liver endothelial cell signatures are also prominent in the observed changes. By comparing the classification performance of cellular proportions to established markers, we demonstrated that cellular proportions could distinguish cancer from healthy samples as effectively as existing markers and can even enhance classification when used in combination with these markers. CONCLUSIONS Our comprehensive analysis of liver cell-type composition changes in blood revealed robust effects that help classify cancer from healthy samples. This is especially noteworthy, considering the heterogeneous nature of datasets and the etiological distinctions of samples. Furthermore, the observed differences in results across studies underscore the importance of integrative and comparative approaches in the future research to determine the consistency and robustness of findings. This study contributes to the understanding of cfRNA composition in liver cancer and highlights the potential of cellular deconvolution in liquid biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aram Safrastyan
- RNA Bioinformatics and High Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
- Leibniz Institute On Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany.
| | | | - Damian Wollny
- RNA Bioinformatics and High Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
- Leibniz Institute On Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.
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22
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Sun Y, Xiong Y, Wang Q, Qiao W, Zhang H, Zhang Y. Development and validation of a nomogram to predict the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with dynamic changes in AFP undergoing locoregional treatments. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1206345. [PMID: 37700838 PMCID: PMC10494718 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1206345] [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: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an important clinical indicator for screening, diagnosis, and prognosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our team's previous study showed that patients with negative AFP at baseline and positive AFP at relapse had a worse prognosis (N-P). Therefore, the aim of our study was to develop and validate a nomogram for this group of patients. Methods A total of 513 patients with HCC who received locoregional treatments at Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2012 to December 2019 were prospectively enrolled. Patients admitted from 2012 to 2015 were assigned to the training cohort (n = 335), while 2016 to 2019 were in the validation cohort (n =183). The clinical and pathological features of patients were collected, and independent risk factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis as a basis for developing a nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by C-index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves in the training and validation cohorts. Results The content of the nomogram includes gender, tumor number, tumor size, lymphocyte, direct bilirubin (DBIL), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and prealbumin. The C-index (0.717 and 0.752) and 1-, 3-, and 5-year AUCs (0.721, 0.825, 0.845, and 0.740, 0.868, 0.837) of the training and validation cohorts proved the good predictive performance of the nomogram. Calibration curves and DCA curves suggested accuracy and net clinical benefit rates. The nomogram enabled to classify of patients with dynamic changes in AFP into three groups according to the risk of recurrence: low risk, intermediate risk, and high risk. There was a statistically significant difference in RFS between the three groups in the training and validation cohorts (P<0.001). Conclusion The nomogram developed and validated in this study had good predictive power for patients with dynamic changes in AFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sun
- Interventional Therapy Center for Oncology, Beijing You’an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiqi Xiong
- Interventional Therapy Center for Oncology, Beijing You’an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Interventional Therapy Center for Oncology, Beijing You’an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenying Qiao
- Interventional Therapy Center for Oncology, Beijing You’an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Honghai Zhang
- Interventional Therapy Center for Oncology, Beijing You’an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yonghong Zhang
- Interventional Therapy Center for Oncology, Beijing You’an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Biomedical Resources, Beijing You’an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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23
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Jyothi V, Pottakkat B, V B, Verma SK. Serum Levels of Netrin-4 and Its Association With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Results From a Case-Control Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e43844. [PMID: 37736464 PMCID: PMC10510428 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43844] [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] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis plays a vital role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by contributing to tumor growth and metastasis. Netrin-4 (NTN4) is a secreted glycoprotein that regulates angiogenesis and maintains endothelial homeostasis. There were no studies found focusing on the value of NTN4 as a serum biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the systemic expression of NTN4 in patients with HCC. We also explore the association of NTN4 with major clinicopathological and biochemical characteristics of HCC. METHODS A total of 116 patients with HCC and 44 healthy volunteers were recruited in this case-control study. Clinical characteristics and liver function parameters were recorded among the study subjects. The levels of α-fetoprotein (AFP) were quantified in patients with HCC. The serum levels of NTN4 (pg/ml) were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS The median NTN4 levels were significantly decreased in patients with HCC when compared to control subjects (p < 0.0001). There was no difference between NTN4 levels in AFP-positive patients and AFP-negative patients (p = 0.39). Of note, NTN4 levels were significantly decreased in HCC patients with metastasis (p < 0.02) and portal vein invasion (p < 0.04). Further, NTN4 levels were significantly reduced in HCC patients with Child-Pugh C score (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve for serum levels of NTN4 in the HCC group and control group was generated. At a cut-off of 30 pg/ml, the sensitivity and specificity for NTN4 were 80% and 82%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.894. CONCLUSIONS Low levels of NTN4 were associated with increased tumor aggressiveness and metastasis in HCC. Estimation of circulating NTN4 has prognostic value as a minimally invasive biomarker in HCC. Future studies might shed the role of NTN4 in the development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vennela Jyothi
- Surgical Gastroenterology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND
| | - Biju Pottakkat
- Surgical Gastroenterology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND
| | - Balasubramaniyan V
- Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND
| | - Surendra Kumar Verma
- Pathology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND
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Rao G, Peng X, Tian Y, Fu X, Zhang Y. Circular RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: biogenesis, function, and pathology. Front Genet 2023; 14:1106665. [PMID: 37485335 PMCID: PMC10361733 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1106665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Both genetic and environmental factors through a multitude of underlying molecular mechanisms participate in the pathogenesis of HCC. Recently, numerous studies have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs), an emerging class of non-coding RNAs characterized by the presence of covalent bonds linking 3' and 5' ends, play an important role in the initiation and progression of cancers, including HCC. In this review, we outline the current status of the field of circRNAs, with an emphasis on the functions and mechanisms of circRNAs in HCC and its microenvironment. We also summarize and discuss recent advances of circRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. These efforts are anticipated to throw new insights into future perspectives about circRNAs in basic, translational and clinical research, eventually advancing the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guocheng Rao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cancer Center West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Peng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cancer Center West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cancer Center West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cancer Center West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Yang Z, Tang N, Zheng M, Chang Y. Exosomal Long Noncoding RNAs Serve as Biomarkers for Liver Disease. THE TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF TURKISH SOCIETY OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2023; 34:674-680. [PMID: 37326156 PMCID: PMC10441155 DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2023.22741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are tiny vesicles secreted by cells, with a diameter of 40-160 nm, which contain proteins, DNA, mRNA, long noncoding RNA, etc. Because of the low sensitivity and specificity of the conventional biomarkers for liver diseases, it is of utmost importance to discover novel, sensitive, specific, and non-invasive biomarkers. Exosomal long noncoding RNAs have been considered as potential diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive biomarkers in a wide range of liver pathologies. In this review, we discuss the recent progress on exosomal long noncoding RNAs that serve as potential diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive markers and molecular targets in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, cholestatic liver injury, viral hepatitis, and alcohol-related liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Yang
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-tech Company Limited, Shanghai, China
| | - Naping Tang
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-tech Company Limited, Shanghai, China
| | - Minhui Zheng
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-tech Company Limited, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Chang
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-tech Company Limited, Shanghai, China
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26
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Wang H, Wang R, Fang J. A spliceosome-associated gene signature aids in predicting prognosis and tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:204765. [PMID: 37301543 PMCID: PMC10292887 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204765] [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: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Splicing alterations have been shown to be key tumorigenesis drivers. In this study, we identified a novel spliceosome-related genes (SRGs) signature to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 25 SRGs were identified from the GSE14520 dataset (training set). Univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses were utilized to construct the signature using genes with predictive significance. We then constructed a risk model using six SRGs (BUB3, IGF2BP3, RBM3, ILF3, ZC3H13, and CCT3). The reliability and predictive power of the gene signature were validated in two validation sets (TCGA and GSE76427 dataset). Patients in training and validation sets were divided into high and low-risk groups based on the gene signature. Patients in high-risk groups exhibited a poorer OS than in low-risk groups both in the training set and two validation sets. Next, risk score, BCLC staging, TNM staging, and multinodular were combined in a nomogram for OS prediction, and the decision curve analysis (DCA) curve exhibited the excellent prediction performance of the nomogram. The functional enrichment analyses demonstrated high-risk score patients were closely related to multiple oncology characteristics and invasive-related pathways, such as Cell cycle, DNA replication, and Spliceosome. Different compositions of the tumor microenvironment and immunocyte infiltration ratio might contribute to the prognostic difference between high and low-risk score groups. In conclusion, a spliceosome-related six-gene signature exhibited good performance for predicting the OS of patients with HCC, which may aid in clinical decision-making for individual treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaxiang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei, China
| | - Ruling Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
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Wei H, Yang J, Chen X, Liu M, Zhang H, Sun W, Wang Y, Zhou Y. BAIAP2L2 is a novel prognostic biomarker related to migration and invasion of HCC and associated with cuprotosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8692. [PMID: 37248248 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35420-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and its pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown. IRSp53 family members, such as BAIAP2L1, participate in the progression of multiple tumors. However, the role of BAIAP2L2 in HCC remains unclear. This study comprehensively analyzed the potential role of BAIAP2L2 in HCC using bioinformatic techniques. The expression of BAIAP2L2 in HCC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases and in vitro experiments. In addition, the prognostic value of BAIAP2L2 in HCC was analyzed using the TCGA database. TCGA and GEO database were used to analyze the role of BAIAP2L2 in immune features. We also explored the function of BAIAP2L2 in methylation and cuprotosis. The CellMiner database was used to analyze the relationship between BAIAP2L2 expression and drug sensitivity. Our study revealed that BAIAP2L2 is overexpressed in HCC and promotes the migration and invasion of HCC cells. BAIAP2L2 may affect the prognosis of HCC by regulating immunity, methylation, and cuprotosis. BAIAP2L2 is a novel HCC prognostic gene involved in immune infiltration associated with cuprotosis and may be a potential prognosis and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wei
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jing Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xia Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Mengxiao Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Huiyun Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Weiming Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China.
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Yongning Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China.
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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Rou WS, Eun HS, Choung S, Jeon HJ, Joo JS, Kang SH, Lee ES, Kim SH, Kwon IS, Ku BJ, Lee BS. Prognostic Value of Erythroblastic Leukemia Viral Oncogene Homolog 2 and Neuregulin 4 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092634. [PMID: 37174100 PMCID: PMC10177431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092634] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the roles of erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2 (ERBB2), neuregulin 4 (NRG4), and mitogen-inducible gene 6 (MIG6) in epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other malignancies have been previously investigated, the prognostic value of their serum levels in HCC remains undetermined. In the present study, correlations between serum levels and tumor characteristics, overall survival, and tumor recurrence were analyzed. Furthermore, the prognostic potential of the serum levels of these biomarkers was evaluated relative to that of alpha-fetoprotein. Both ERBB2 and NRG4 correlated with the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, ERBB2 correlated with the tumor-maximal diameter, and NRG4 correlated with a tumor number. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that ERBB2 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.719; p = 0.007) was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Furthermore, ERBB2 (HR, 2.338; p = 0.002) and NRG4 (HR, 431.763; p = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for tumor recurrence. The products of ERBB2 and NRG4 had a better area under the curve than alpha-fetoprotein for predicting 6-month, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year mortality. Therefore, these factors could be used to evaluate prognosis and monitor treatment response in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Sun Rou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong 30099, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Soo Eun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Sorim Choung
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Jae Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong 30099, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seok Joo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong 30099, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Hyung Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Eaum Seok Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - In Sun Kwon
- Clinical Trial Center, Statistics Office, Biomedical Research Institute, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Bon Jeong Ku
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Seok Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
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Hu M, Zhang R, Yang J, Zhao C, Liu W, Huang Y, Lyu H, Xiao S, Guo D, Zhou C, Tang J. The role of N-glycosylation modification in the pathogenesis of liver cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:222. [PMID: 36990999 PMCID: PMC10060418 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05733-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
N-glycosylation is one of the most common types of protein modifications and it plays a vital role in normal physiological processes. However, aberrant N-glycan modifications are closely associated with the pathogenesis of diverse diseases, including processes such as malignant transformation and tumor progression. It is known that the N-glycan conformation of the associated glycoproteins is altered during different stages of hepatocarcinogenesis. Characterizing the heterogeneity and biological functions of glycans in liver cancer patients will facilitate a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of liver injury and hepatocarcinogenesis. In this article, we review the role of N-glycosylation in hepatocarcinogenesis, focusing on epithelial-mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix changes, and tumor microenvironment formation. We highlight the role of N-glycosylation in the pathogenesis of liver cancer and its potential applications in the treatment or diagnosis of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Hu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaren Yang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenshu Zhao
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Lyu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuai Xiao
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong Guo
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cefan Zhou
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jingfeng Tang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Ding Y, Feng M, Ma D, Zhao G, Wang X, An B, Xu Y, Lou S, Lin L, Xie Q, Liu K, Bao S, Wang H. The 20 years transition of clinical characteristics and metabolic risk factors in primary liver cancer patients from China. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1109980. [PMID: 36998463 PMCID: PMC10043326 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1109980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe clinical characteristics of primary liver cancer (PLC) patients are changing, maybe due to hepatitis viral vaccination and lifestyle changes, etc. The linkage between these changes and outcomes among these PLCs has not yet been fully elucidated.MethodsIt was identified total of 1691 PLC cases diagnosed between 2000 ~ 2020. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to determine the connections between the clinical presentations and their close risk factor(s) from PLC patients.ResultsThe average age of PLC patients increased gradually from 52.74 ± 0.5 years in 2000 ~ 2004 to 58.63 ± 0.44 years in 2017 ~ 2020, accompanied by an increased proportion of females from 11.11% to 22.46%, and non-viral hepatitis-related PLC was raised from 1.5% to 22.35%. 840 (49.67%) PLC patients with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) < 20ng/mL (AFP-negative). The mortality was 285 (16.85%) or 532 (31.46%) PLC patients with alanine transaminase (ALT) between 40 ~ 60 IU/L or ALT > 60 IU/L. The PLC patients with pre-diabetes/diabetes or dyslipidemia also increased from 4.29% or 11.1% in 2000 ~ 2004 to 22.34% or 46.83% in 2017 ~ 2020. The survival period of the PLC patients with normoglycemia or normolipidemic was 2.18 or 3.14 folds longer than those patients with pre-diabetes/diabetes or hyperlipidemia (P<0.05).ConclusionsIt was gradually increased that age, the proportion of females, non-viral hepatitis-related causes, AFP-negative, and abnormal glucose/lipids among PLC patients. Proper control of glucose/lipids or ALT may improve the prognosis of PLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yezhou Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyang Feng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gangde Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Baoyan An
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yumin Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shike Lou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lanyi Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kehui Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Wang, ; Shisan Bao, ; Kehui Liu,
| | - Shisan Bao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Wang, ; Shisan Bao, ; Kehui Liu,
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Wang, ; Shisan Bao, ; Kehui Liu,
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Li M, Li L, Zheng J, Li Z, Li S, Wang K, Chen X. Liquid biopsy at the frontier in renal cell carcinoma: recent analysis of techniques and clinical application. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:37. [PMID: 36810071 PMCID: PMC9942319 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01745-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a major pathological type of kidney cancer and is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. The unremarkable symptoms of early stages, proneness to postoperative metastasis or recurrence, and low sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy pose a challenge for the diagnosis and treatment of RCC. Liquid biopsy is an emerging test that measures patient biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA/cell-free tumor DNA, cell-free RNA, exosomes, and tumor-derived metabolites and proteins. Owing to its non-invasiveness, liquid biopsy enables continuous and real-time collection of patient information for diagnosis, prognostic assessment, treatment monitoring, and response evaluation. Therefore, the selection of appropriate biomarkers for liquid biopsy is crucial for identifying high-risk patients, developing personalized therapeutic plans, and practicing precision medicine. In recent years, owing to the rapid development and iteration of extraction and analysis technologies, liquid biopsy has emerged as a low cost, high efficiency, and high accuracy clinical detection method. Here, we comprehensively review liquid biopsy components and their clinical applications over the past 5 years. Additionally, we discuss its limitations and predict its future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Li
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning Shenyang, 110004 People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Li
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning Shenyang, 110004 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianyi Zheng
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning Shenyang, 110004 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zeyu Li
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning Shenyang, 110004 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shijie Li
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kefeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaonan Chen
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Liaoning, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.
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Pan A, Truong TN, Su YH, Dao DY. Circulating Biomarkers for the Early Diagnosis and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Potential Application in Resource-Limited Settings. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13040676. [PMID: 36832164 PMCID: PMC9954913 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13040676] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the world's third most lethal cancers. In resource-limited settings (RLS), up to 70% of HCCs are diagnosed with limited curative treatments at an advanced symptomatic stage. Even when HCC is detected early and resection surgery is offered, the post-operative recurrence rate after resection exceeds 70% in five years, of which about 50% occur within two years of surgery. There are no specific biomarkers addressing the surveillance of HCC recurrence due to the limited sensitivity of the available methods. The primary goal in the early diagnosis and management of HCC is to cure disease and improve survival, respectively. Circulating biomarkers can be used as screening, diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers to achieve the primary goal of HCC. In this review, we highlighted key circulating blood- or urine-based HCC biomarkers and considered their potential applications in resource-limited settings, where the unmet medical needs of HCC are disproportionately highly significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Pan
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thai N. Truong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Campus in Thanh Hoa, Hanoi Medical University, Thanh Hoa 40000, Vietnam
| | - Ying-Hsiu Su
- Department of Translational Medical Science, The Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Doan Y Dao
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Center of Excellence for Liver Disease in Vietnam, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Correspondence:
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Wang S, Gao S, Shan L, Qian X, Luan J, Lv X. Comprehensive genomic signature of pyroptosis-related genes and relevant characterization in hepatocellular carcinoma. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14691. [PMID: 36650832 PMCID: PMC9840857 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14691] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, the most predominant type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is also the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the global population. Pyroptosis is an emerging form of cell death that affects the prognosis of cancer patients by modulating tumor cell migration, proliferation and invasion. However, the evaluation of pyroptosis in the prognosis of HCC is still insufficient. Methods A total of 365 HCC patients from the TCGA-LIHC cohort were classified into two distinct subtypes using consensus clustering of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs). Following univariate Cox analysis of differentially expressed genes between subtypes, we established a prognostic model (PRGs-score, PRGS) by LASSO Cox analysis. We further tested the predictive power of the prognostic model in the ICGC (LIRI-JP) and GEO (GSE14520) cohorts. The tumor microenvironment (TME) was studied using the CIBERSORT. The enrichment scores for immune cells and immune functions in low- and high-PRGS groups were assessed using ssGSEA. The IMvigor210 cohort was used to investigate the immunotherapy efficacy. Furthermore, we validated the expression of prognostic genes in PRGS by RT-qPCR in vitro. Results The subtyping of HCC based on PRGs exhibited distinct clinical characteristics. We developed a prognostic model PRGS by differentially expressed genes between different subtypes. The results showed that PRGS could well forecast the survival of HCC patients in different cohorts and was associated with the immune microenvironment. Moreover, PRGS was considered to be an independent prognostic risk factor and superior to other pyroptosis-related signatures. Low-PRGS implied greater immune cell infiltration and better overall survival with immunotherapy. The results of RT-qPCR also showed that prognostic genes were significantly dysregulated in HCC. Conclusions PRGS has promising application in forecasting the prognosis of HCC patients, and its relationship with the immune microenvironment provides a basis for the subsequent treatment and research of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui, China,The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Liver Disease, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Songsen Gao
- Department of Orthopedics (Spinal Surgery), The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Liang Shan
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Liver Disease, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xueyi Qian
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Jiajie Luan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Liver Disease, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Elleithi YA, El-Gayar AM, Amin MN. Simvastatin Induces Apoptosis And Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Induced In Rats. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:1656-1674. [PMID: 36367620 PMCID: PMC9928804 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-04203-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent primary aggressive cancer, a crucial cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Simvastatin is a well-known safe cholesterol-lowering medication that has been recently shown to suppress cancer progression. Apoptosis is a well-organized and controlled cellular process that happens both physiologically and pathologically leading to executing cell death. Apoptosis is frequently downregulated in cancer cells. In the present study, we aimed to test the effect of simvastatin on HCC progression. HCC was induced in experimental rats by means of diethylnitrose amine (DEN) and thioacetamide (TAA) injections. Gross examination and liver index along with biochemical analysis of hepatic function were evaluated. Serum alpha-feto protein (AFP) concentration was measured by ELISA. Histopathological examination was used for assessing necroinflammatory scores and fibrosis degree. Apoptosis was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Simvastatin was found to induce apoptosis successfully in HCC and improve liver fibrosis, overall hepatic function, and necroinflammatory score. Simvastatin, therefore, may be a potential adjunctive therapeutic option in clinical settings of treating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yomna A. Elleithi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 3551 Egypt
| | - Amal M. El-Gayar
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 3551 Egypt
| | - Mohamed N. Amin
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 3551 Egypt ,Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Salman International University, Ras Sedr, South Sinai Egypt
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Sun H, Yang W, Zhou W, Zhou C, Liu S, Shi H, Tian W. Prognostic value of des-γ-carboxyprothrombin in patients with AFP-negative HCC treated with TACE. Oncol Lett 2022; 25:69. [PMID: 36644150 PMCID: PMC9827467 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with AFP-negative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), des-γ-carboxyprothrombin (DCP) is an important prognostic indicator for the preoperative assessment of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, the association between the serum DCP levels and the degree of progression and prognosis of patients with AFP-negative HCC treated with TACE has not been thoroughly investigated to date, and the molecular mechanism is also unclear. The present study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 107 patients with AFP-negative HCC treated with TACE and divided them into two groups based on the median serum DCP levels. The association between DCP and the clinical characteristics of the patients was analyzed, and the survival data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models. The results demonstrated that the median follow-up time was 755 days (range, 64-1,556 days), and patients in the low-DCP group (n=11; 20.8%) had a lower mortality rate than those in the high-DCP group (n=20; 37.0%). Cox multivariate regression analysis suggested that preoperative lymph node metastasis [hazard ratio (HR), 3.903; 95% CI, 1.778-8.519; P=0.001] and DCP group (HR, 2.465; 95% CI, 1.038-5.854; P=0.041) were independent risk factors. Furthermore, the Gene Expression Omnibus database was utilized to screen differentially expressed mRNAs. Enrichment analyses were then performed, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify hub genes. A total of 169 differentially expressed genes were screened. Enrichment analyses revealed that cancer-related and ribosomal pathways were significantly enriched. Furthermore, 10 hub genes were identified in the PPI network by counting the number of gene interactions, the majority of which belonged to the ribosomal protein (RPS) family, and the top three significant genes were RPS23, RPS11 and RPS3A. In patients with AFP-negative HCC, higher serum DCP levels were associated with poor prognosis after TACE. This may be associated with genes such as those belonging to the RPS family, which may contribute to future personalized therapy for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyao Sun
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Weizhong Zhou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Chungao Zhou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Haibin Shi
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Dr Haibin Shi or Dr Wei Tian, Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
| | - Wei Tian
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Dr Haibin Shi or Dr Wei Tian, Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
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Roa-Colomo A, López Garrido MÁ, Molina-Vallejo P, Rojas A, Sanchez MG, Aranda-García V, Salmeron J, Romero-Gomez M, Muntane J, Padillo J, Alamo JM, Lorente JA, Serrano MJ, Garrido-Navas MC. Hepatocellular carcinoma risk-stratification based on ASGR1 in circulating epithelial cells for cancer interception. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1074277. [PMID: 36518850 PMCID: PMC9742249 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1074277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Lack of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma impedes stratifying patients based on their risk of developing cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity of circulating epithelial cells (CECs) based on asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGR1) and miR-122-5p expression as potential diagnostic and prognostic tools in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis (LC). Methods: Peripheral blood samples were extracted from LC and HCC patients at different disease stages. CECs were isolated using positive immunomagnetic selection. Genetic and phenotypic characterization was validated by double immunocytochemistry for cytokeratin (CK) and ASGR1 or by in situ hybridization with miR-122-5p and CECs were visualized by confocal microscopy. Results: The presence of CECs increased HCC risk by 2.58-fold, however, this was only significant for patients with previous LC (p = 0.028) and not for those without prior LC (p = 0.23). Furthermore, the number of CECs lacking ASGR1 expression correlated significantly with HCC incidence and absence of miR-122-5p expression (p = 0.014; r = 0.23). Finally, overall survival was significantly greater for patients at earlier cancer stages (p = 0.018), but this difference was only maintained in the group with the presence of CECs (p = 0.021) whereas progression-free survival was influenced by the absence of ASGR1 expression. Conclusion: Identification and characterization of CECs by ASGR1 and/or miR-122-5p expression may be used as a risk-stratification tool in LC patients, as it was shown to be an independent prognostic and risk-stratification marker in LC and early disease stage HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amparo Roa-Colomo
- Clinical Medicine and Public Health Doctoral Program, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Molina-Vallejo
- Genyo-Centro Pfizer-Universidad De Granada-Junta De Andalucía De Genómica e Investigación Oncológica, Granada, Spain
| | - Angela Rojas
- Seliver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/ Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad De Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Biomedical Research in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes González Sanchez
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Virgen De Las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - Violeta Aranda-García
- Statistician at Fundación para la Investigación Biosanitaria Andalucía Oriental Alejandro Otero (FIBAO), Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Salmeron
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Romero-Gomez
- Seliver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/ Hospital Universitario Virgen Del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad De Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Spanish Network for Biomedical Research in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Muntane
- Spanish Network for Biomedical Research in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Javier Padillo
- General and Gastrointestinal Surgery Division, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jose María Alamo
- General and Gastrointestinal Surgery Division, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jose A. Lorente
- Genyo-Centro Pfizer-Universidad De Granada-Junta De Andalucía De Genómica e Investigación Oncológica, Granada, Spain
- Legal Medicine Department, Medicine School, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María José Serrano
- Genyo-Centro Pfizer-Universidad De Granada-Junta De Andalucía De Genómica e Investigación Oncológica, Granada, Spain
- Comprehensive Oncology Division, Clinical University Hospital, Virgen de las Nieves-IBS, Granada, Spain
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - M. Carmen Garrido-Navas
- Genyo-Centro Pfizer-Universidad De Granada-Junta De Andalucía De Genómica e Investigación Oncológica, Granada, Spain
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37
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Heo CK, Lim WH, Park I, Choi YS, Lim KJ, Cho EW. Serum BRD2 autoantibody in hepatocellular carcinoma and its detection using mimotope peptide‑conjugated BSA. Int J Oncol 2022; 61:158. [PMID: 36321789 PMCID: PMC9635863 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor‑associated (TA) autoantibodies are considered to be promising biomarkers for the early detection of cancer, prior to the development of clinical symptoms. In the present study, a novel TA autoantibody was detected, which may prove to be useful as a diagnostic marker of human HCC using an HBx‑transgenic (HBx‑tg) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse model. Its target antigen was identified as the bromodomain‑containing protein 2 (BRD2), a transcriptional regulator that plays a pivotal role in the transcriptional control of diverse genes. BRD2 was upregulated in HCC tissues of the H‑ras12V‑tg mouse and human subjects, as demonstrated using western blotting or immunohistochemical analysis, with the BRD2 autoantibody. In addition, the truncated BRD2 reactive to the BRD2 autoantibody was detected in tumor cell‑derived exosomes, which possibly activated TA immune responses and the generation of autoantibodies. For the detection of the serum BRD2 autoantibody, epitope mimicries of autoantigenic BRD2 were screened from a random cyclic peptide CX<sub>7</sub>C library with the BRD2 autoantibody. A mimotope with the sequence of CTSVFLPHC, which was cyclized by one pair of cysteine residues, exhibited high affinity to the BRD2 autoantibody and competitively inhibited the binding of the autoantibody to the cellular BRD2 antigen. The use of this cyclic peptide as a capture antigen in human serum enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay allowed the distinction of patients with HCC from healthy subjects with 64.41% sensitivity and 82.42% specificity (area under the ROC curve, 0.7761), which is superior to serum alpha‑fetoprotein (AFP; 35.83% sensitivity; 100% specificity; area under the ROC curve, 0.5337) for the diagnosis of HCC. In addition, the detection of the BRD2 autoantibody combined with other autoantibody biomarkers or AFP has increased the accuracy of HCC diagnosis, suggesting that the combinational detection of cancer biomarkers, including the BRD2 autoantibody, is a promising assay for HCC diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Kyu Heo
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Hee Lim
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Inseo Park
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yon-Sik Choi
- ProteomeTech Inc., Seoul 07528, Republic of Korea
| | - Kook-Jin Lim
- ProteomeTech Inc., Seoul 07528, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Wie Cho
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea,Correspondence to: Dr Eun-Wie Cho, Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea, E-mail:
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38
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Abdel-Hamid NM, Sherif MH, Al Samahy AE, Abdelhamid MS. Plasma Insulin/Erythrocytic Aldose Reductase Ratio as a Predictor for Hepatocellular Carcinoma among Type II Diabetics and Hepatitis C Virus-infected Patients. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2022; 23:3815-3823. [PMID: 36444594 PMCID: PMC9930971 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2022.23.11.3815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a possible oncogenic progression during persistent hepatitis C-infection +/- type II diabetes mellitus (DM). We aim to investigate the plasma insulin, erythrocytic aldose reductase (AR) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) as possible predictive tools for HCC in hepatitis C-infected patients (HCV) +/- DM. Erythrocytes (RBCs) were adopted as a possible vehicle for pre-malignant variations being of short life span. Methods: The study included 20 healthy control and 100 patients of 48-64 years old, divided into 5 equal groups as; type II DM, HCC, HCC with DM, DM- HCV infected and non-DM HCV infected. Plasma levels of AFP and insulin were measured. RESULTS It showed an elevated AR, significant reduction of SDH in RBCs and plasma of DM patients. These values were greatly elevated among HCV, HCC, diabetic HCV, and diabetic HCC patients. All DM patients showed elevated insulin levels than normoglycemic controls. CONCLUSION The study substantiated the use of RBCs as a vehicle for early diagnostic markers better than plasma. We recommend the use of insulin/ erythrocytic AR ratio as a new laboratory marker for predicting HCC among type II diabetics or non-treated HCV-infected patients with control insulin/ erythrocytic AR ratio by each laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Mohie Abdel-Hamid
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt. ,For Correspondence:
| | - Mohamad H Sherif
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Asmaa E Al Samahy
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
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39
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Kramvis A, Chang KM, Dandri M, Farci P, Glebe D, Hu J, Janssen HLA, Lau DTY, Penicaud C, Pollicino T, Testoni B, Van Bömmel F, Andrisani O, Beumont-Mauviel M, Block TM, Chan HLY, Cloherty GA, Delaney WE, Geretti AM, Gehring A, Jackson K, Lenz O, Maini MK, Miller V, Protzer U, Yang JC, Yuen MF, Zoulim F, Revill PA. A roadmap for serum biomarkers for hepatitis B virus: current status and future outlook. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:727-745. [PMID: 35859026 PMCID: PMC9298709 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00649-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Globally, 296 million people are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and approximately one million people die annually from HBV-related causes, including liver cancer. Although there is a preventative vaccine and antiviral therapies suppressing HBV replication, there is no cure. Intensive efforts are under way to develop curative HBV therapies. Currently, only a few biomarkers are available for monitoring or predicting HBV disease progression and treatment response. As new therapies become available, new biomarkers to monitor viral and host responses are urgently needed. In October 2020, the International Coalition to Eliminate Hepatitis B Virus (ICE-HBV) held a virtual and interactive workshop on HBV biomarkers endorsed by the International HBV Meeting. Various stakeholders from academia, clinical practice and the pharmaceutical industry, with complementary expertise, presented and participated in panel discussions. The clinical utility of both classic and emerging viral and immunological serum biomarkers with respect to the course of infection, disease progression, and response to current and emerging treatments was appraised. The latest advances were discussed, and knowledge gaps in understanding and interpretation of HBV biomarkers were identified. This Roadmap summarizes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges of HBV biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Kyong-Mi Chang
- The Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maura Dandri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems partner site, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patrizia Farci
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dieter Glebe
- National Reference Center for Hepatitis B Viruses and Hepatitis D Viruses, Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jianming Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daryl T Y Lau
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Capucine Penicaud
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Department of Human Pathology, University Hospital "G. Martino" of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Barbara Testoni
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France
- University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France
| | - Florian Van Bömmel
- Department of Hepatology, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ourania Andrisani
- Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | | | | | - Henry L Y Chan
- Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
- Union Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | | | | | - Anna Maria Geretti
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fondazione PTV, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Adam Gehring
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kathy Jackson
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Mala K Maini
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Veronica Miller
- Forum for Collaborative Research, University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, Washington DC Campus, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM Unit 1052 - Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon University, Lyon, France
| | - Peter A Revill
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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A Genomic Instability-Related Long Noncoding RNA Signature for Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:3090523. [PMID: 36072979 PMCID: PMC9444385 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3090523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are found to be novel biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and play an important role in tumor progression. We established a genomic instability-related long noncoding RNA signature (GIlncSig) as an independent prognosis factor and also investigated its impact on prognosis significance. Method. Somatic mutation profiles, clinical characteristics, and RNA sequencing data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Lasso regression was used to construct GIlncSig. KEGG was used to identify the possible biological pathways. ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms were used to calculate the immune microenvironment scores and proportion of immune cells in HCC patients. The expression of LINC00501 was conducted by qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation was measured by EdU, CCK-8, and colony formation assay, and cell migration and invasion ability were measured by wound healing and transwell assay. Results. 135 genomic instability-related lncRNAs were identified, and GIlncSig was constructed using 13 independent lncRNAs with significant prognosis values. Based on the GIlncSig, high-risk group had worse clinical outcomes than low-risk group, while high-risk group also had higher UBQLN4, KRAS, ARID1A, and PIK3CA expression. Moreover, the efficiency of GIlncSig combining single-gene mutation was higher than single-gene mutation alone such as TP53. The results of CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE showed that GS group and GU group had significantly different immune infiltration. In addition, LINC00501 was identified as a potential biomarker in HCC with strong relationship with clinical characteristics. In vitro assays validated that LINC00501 promoted proliferation and migration of HCC cell lines. Conclusion. Our results showed that GIlncSig serves as a potential independent prognosis factor to predict HCC patients’ prognosis for exploring potential mechanism and therapy strategy. Besides, LINC00501 plays an important role in the progression of HCC, which may be a potential therapy target.
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Hu X, Zhou J, Zhang Y, Zeng Y, Jie G, Wang S, Yang A, Zhang M. Identifying potential prognosis markers in hepatocellular carcinoma via integrated bioinformatics analysis and biological experiments. Front Genet 2022; 13:942454. [PMID: 35928445 PMCID: PMC9343963 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.942454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one kind of clinical common malignant tumor with a poor prognosis, and its pathogenesis remains to be clarified urgently. This study was performed to elucidate key genes involving HCC by bioinformatics analysis and experimental evaluation. Methods: We identified common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on gene expression profile data of GSE60502 and GSE84402 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, REACTOME pathway enrichment analysis, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to analyze functions of these genes. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using Cytoscape software based on the STRING database, and Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) was used to pick out two significant modules. Hub genes, screened by the CytoHubba plug-in, were validated by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. Then, the correlation between hub genes expression and immune cell infiltration was evaluated by Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database, and the prognostic values were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier plotter. Finally, biological experiments were performed to illustrate the functions of RRM2. Results: Through integrated bioinformatics analysis, we found that the upregulated DEGs were related to cell cycle and cell division, while the downregulated DEGs were associated with various metabolic processes and complement cascade. RRM2, MAD2L1, MELK, NCAPG, and ASPM, selected as hub genes, were all correlated with poor overall prognosis in HCC. The novel RRM2 inhibitor osalmid had anti-tumor activity, including inhibiting proliferation and migration, promoting cell apoptosis, blocking cell cycle, and inducing DNA damage of HCC cells. Conclusion: The critical pathways and hub genes in HCC progression were screened out, and targeting RRM2 contributed to developing new therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Hu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yindi Zeng
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guitao Jie
- Department of Hematology, Linyi Central Hospital, Yishui, Shandong, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Hematology, Linyi Central Hospital, Yishui, Shandong, China
| | - Aixiang Yang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Aixiang Yang, ; Menghui Zhang,
| | - Menghui Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Linyi Central Hospital, Yishui, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Aixiang Yang, ; Menghui Zhang,
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Ahmad E, Ali A, Nimisha, Kumar Sharma A, Apurva, Kumar A, Dar GM, Sumayya Abdul Sattar R, Verma R, Mahajan B, Singh Saluja S. Molecular markers in cancer. Clin Chim Acta 2022; 532:95-114. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.cca.2022.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
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Hu YM, Ran R, Yang C, Liu SM. The diagnostic and prognostic implications of PRKRA expression in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Infect Agent Cancer 2022; 17:34. [PMID: 35729579 PMCID: PMC9211784 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-022-00430-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for more than half of total HCC patients in developing countries. Currently, HBV-related HCC diagnosis and prognosis still lack specific biomarkers. Here, we investigated if PRKRA expression in peripheral blood could be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis/prognosis of HBV-related HCC. Methods The expression of PRKRA in HBV-related HCC was firstly analyzed using TCGA and GEO databases. The results were confirmed in a validation cohort including 152 blood samples from 77 healthy controls and 75 HCC patients, 60 of which were infected with HBV. The potential diagnostic and prognostic values of PRKRA were also evaluated by the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) and Kaplan–Meier method, respectively. Results PRKRA was significantly upregulated in HCC patients, especially in those with HBV infections. In addition, the combination of PRKRA expression in peripheral blood with serum AFP and CEA levels displayed a better diagnostic performance (AUROC = 0.908, 95% CI 0.844–0.972; p < 0.001). Notably, when serum AFP is less than 200 ng/mL, PRKRA expression demonstrated better diagnostic capability. Furthermore, PRKRA expression levels were associated with expression of EIF2AK2 and inflammatory cytokine genes. Conclusions Triple combination testing of blood PRKRA expression, serum AFP and CEA levels could be a noninvasive strategy for diagnosis; and the elevation of PRKRA expression could predicate poor prognosis for HBV-related HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13027-022-00430-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Min Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005, China
| | - Ruoxi Ran
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Center for Gene Diagnosis, and Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Chaoqi Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Center for Gene Diagnosis, and Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Song-Mei Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Center for Gene Diagnosis, and Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China.
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Zhou JM, Han FL, Zhang HL, Sun Y, Li ZH, Wang T, Zhang KH. Aptamer-Based Triple Serum Fluorescence Intensity Assay: A Novel and Feasible Method for the Clinical Diagnosis of Primary Hepatic Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:897775. [PMID: 35747812 PMCID: PMC9210211 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.897775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Aptamers are artificial ligands that bind to biological targets with high specificity and affinity. We previously selected a group of aptamers against the serum of primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) via systematic evolution of ligands by exponential and enrichment (SELEX) method, and some of the aptamers were valuable for PHC diagnosis in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis. Here, we used aptamers to develop a novel method suitable for the clinical diagnosis of PHC. Methods The intensities of serum autofluorescence, cell-free DNA (cfDNA)-related fluorescence and aptamer-related fluorescence, named the aptamer-based triple serum fluorescence intensity (ATSFI), were sequentially measured at 8 °C and 37 °C in one tube by using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system as a fluorimeter in patients with PHC (n=346) or liver cirrhosis (n=321). The diagnostic performances of ATSFI indicators alone and in combination were evaluated by area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC), and the underlying clinical mechanisms were analyzed by bivariate correlation. Results The measurement of ATSFI was high throughput, rapid, convenient, and low cost. The aptamer-related fluorescence indicator SEA-SE37 was the most valuable for PHC diagnosis among all fluorescence indicators and superior to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (AUROC 0.879 vs. 0.836). The logistic model of ATSFI indicators exhibited excellent diagnostic performance for PHC, including AFP-negative, early and small PHCs, with AUROCs of 0.935-0.950 and accuracies of 86.8-88.3%. The diagnostic performance was further improved when ATSFI indicators were combined with AFP, with AUROCs of approximately 0.95 and accuracies of approximately 90%, suggesting ATSFI was independent of but complementary to AFP in PHC diagnosis. ATSFI models were highly valuable in clinical decision-making. The aptamer-related fluorescence intensity was generally independent of the clinicopathological characteristics of PHC but correlated with laboratory characteristics of PHC serum. Conclusions The ATSFI assay is a novel, robust and feasible method for the clinical diagnosis of PHC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ting Wang
- *Correspondence: Kun-He Zhang, ; Ting Wang,
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Utility of mean platelet volume in differentiating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma from hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:288. [PMID: 35668355 PMCID: PMC9171941 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the most prevalent histologic types of primary liver cancer. HCC and ICC differ in treatment and prognosis, warranting an effective differential diagnosis between them. This study aimed to explore the clinical value of mean platelet volume (MPV) to discriminate between HCC and ICC. Material/methods We performed a retrospective analysis of ICC and HCC patients who were from the Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, China. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent factors for the differentiation of HCC and ICC. A receiver operating characteristic curve was built to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the potential model. An independent validation study was performed to validate the diagnostic ability. Results ICC patients were detected in 146 out of 348 patients in the primary cohort. MPV levels were decreased in ICC patients compared with those in HCC patients. Logistic regression analysis revealed that MPV was an independent factor in distinguishing HCC from ICC. A combination of sex, hepatitis B surface antigen, MPV, alpha-fetoprotein, and carbohydrate antigen 19–9 demonstrated a good capability to differentiate HCC from ICC. Similar results were achieved in the validation cohort. Conclusions MPV may be a new marker to help distinguish ICC from HCC. Further validation studies are required. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-022-02348-0.
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Ahmad E, Ali A, Nimisha, Kumar Sharma A, Apurva, Kumar A, Mehdi G, Sumayya Abdul Sattar R, Verma R, Mahajan B, Singh Saluja S. Molecular markers in cancer. Clin Chim Acta 2022; 532:95-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Biomarkers for the Detection and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients Treated with Direct-Acting Antivirals. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112700. [PMID: 35681679 PMCID: PMC9179595 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents the main etiological factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in developed countries. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) improved the eradication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) but not the reduction in the incidence of HCV-associated HCC. Some patients still develop HCC, even after reaching a sustained virological response (SVR). This review is a summary of pre-clinical studies that investigated predictive biomarkers for HCC occurrence and recurrence in HCV-infected patients treated with DAAs. The presented biomarkers are found dysregulated in serum or tissue at specific time points (before, during, after DAA treatment or post SVR) and correlated with HCC-predisposing conditions. Thus, this review aims to improve the management of patients developing HCV-induced HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth-most common type of cancer worldwide and chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents the main etiological factor in developed countries. HCV promotes hepatocarcinogenesis through persistent liver inflammation and dysregulation of cell signaling pathways. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) resulted in a significant improvement in the eradication of the virus, with an expected reduction of HCC incidence. However, the risk of HCC development can persist after DAA treatment. Recent studies have investigated the potential use of molecular biomarkers that predict HCC occurrence or recurrence helping the stratification of patients under surveillance. This review aimed to summarize all pre-clinical exploration of predictive biomarkers to identify DAA-treated patients at risk for HCC development. Dysregulated microRNAs, lncRNAs, histone modifications, cytokines, proteins, and sphingolipids represent various classes of HCC risk predictors identified in two different biological sources (tissue and serum). The non-invasive serum markers can provide a more accessible means to perform clinical monitoring and predict the risk of HCC. In addition, conditions like cirrhosis, predisposing to HCC, strongly correlate with most of the molecular predictors identified, supporting the value of these molecules as possible biomarkers of HCC in DAA-treated patients.
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Zhao D, Cao J, Zhang L, Zhang S, Wu S. Targeted Molecular Imaging Probes Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Diagnosis and Treatment. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12050342. [PMID: 35624643 PMCID: PMC9138815 DOI: 10.3390/bios12050342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most commonly malignant tumor and the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the world, and the early diagnosis and treatment of patients with HCC is core in improving its prognosis. The early diagnosis of HCC depends largely on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI has good soft-tissue resolution, which is the international standard method for the diagnosis of HCC. However, MRI is still insufficient in the diagnosis of some early small HCCs and malignant nodules, resulting in false negative results. With the deepening of research on HCC, researchers have found many specific molecular biomarkers on the surface of HCC cells, which may assist in diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand, molecular imaging has progressed rapidly in recent years, especially in the field of cancer theranostics. Hence, the preparation of molecular imaging probes that can specifically target the biomarkers of HCC, combined with MRI testing in vivo, may achieve the theranostic purpose of HCC in the early stage. Therefore, in this review, taking MR imaging as the basic point, we summarized the recent progress regarding the molecular imaging targeting various types of biomarkers on the surface of HCC cells to improve the theranostic rate of HCC. Lastly, we discussed the existing obstacles and future prospects of developing molecular imaging probes as HCC theranostic nanoplatforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxu Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen 518000, China;
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Jian Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou 215006, China;
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Center of Interventional Radiology & Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (S.Z.); (S.W.)
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen 518000, China;
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (S.Z.); (S.W.)
| | - Song Wu
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Luohu Hospital Group), Shenzhen 518000, China;
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (S.Z.); (S.W.)
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Zeng Z, Lei S, Wang J, Yang Y, Lan J, Tian Q, Chen T, Hao X. A novel hypoxia-driven gene signature that can predict the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Bioengineered 2022; 13:12193-12210. [PMID: 35549979 PMCID: PMC9276011 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2073943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia environment exists in already started hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and promotes its progression by driving changes in the gene expression profiles of cells. However, the status of hypoxia-driven genes in HCC is largely unknown. In the present study, 368 HCC tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas were divided into high and low hypoxia groups according to their hypoxia signatures. A total of 1,142 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the two groups, and 34 of these DEGs were highly expressed in HCC tissues compared with adjacent tissues, especially in HCC tissues from patients with stage III-IV HCC. After constructing a protein-protein interaction network and applying the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression method for 34 DEGs, a three-gene signature (complement factor H related 3 [CFHR3], egl-9 family hypoxia inducible factor 3 [EGLN3], and chromogranin A [CHGA]) was constructed and had prognostic value to predicted outcome of patients with HCC. This three-gene signature was suitable for classifying patients with HCC in the International Cancer Genome Consortium. CFHR3 shows remarkable diagnostic value in HCC. Hypoxia decreased CFHR3 expression, but increased HCC cell proliferation and motility. Overexpression of CFHR3 in HCC cells under hypoxia reversed the stimulatory effects of hypoxia and suppressed cell proliferation and metastasis in vivo. In conclusion, we identified a novel hypoxia-driven gene signature (CFHR3, EGLN3, and CHGA) for reliable prognostic prediction of HCC, and demonstrated that overexpression of CFHR3 may be a potential strategy to overcome hypoxia and treat HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirui Zeng
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Shan Lei
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jingya Wang
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yushi Yang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jinzhi Lan
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Qianting Tian
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Tengxiang Chen
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Precision Medicine Research Institute of Guizhou Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiaojiang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
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Chi X, Jiang L, Yuan Y, Huang X, Yang X, Hochwald S, Liu J, Huang H. A comparison of clinical pathologic characteristics between alpha-fetoprotein negative and positive hepatocellular carcinoma patients from Eastern and Southern China. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:202. [PMID: 35461226 PMCID: PMC9034573 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02279-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a biomarker used in clinical management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, approximately 40% of HCC patients do not present with elevated serum AFP levels. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and pathologic characteristics between AFP positive and negative HCC patients to allow for improved clinical management and prognostication of the disease. Methods This study observed a cohort of HCC patients from Eastern and Southern China with comparisons of the clinical and pathologic features between serum AFP positive and negative patient groups; patients with decompensated hepatic cirrhosis, those with chronic hepatitis B, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) asymptomatic carrier patients were used as controls. Data included the laboratory results, pathology diagnosis, clinical staging and scores were obtained from routine clinical diagnostic methods. Results Patients with HCC, larger tumor sizes, liver cancer with hepatic cirrhosis, portal vein thrombosis, metastasis, high Child–Pugh score, high Barcelona-Clínic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, and advanced clinical stage had significantly higher serum AFP levels. Also, patients with HBsAg and HBeAg positive, high HBV DNA levels had significantly higher serum AFP levels. Patients with high serum AFP levels had higher protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alpha-l-fucosidase (AFU), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT), γ-GT /ALT, direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IDBIL), fibrinogen, and D-dimer levels. Patients with AFP positive had higher white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil, monocyte, and platelet count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Conclusions The are significant differences in clinical pathologic characteristics between AFP positive and negative HCC patients which may be helpful for the management and prognostication of the disease. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-022-02279-w.
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