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Huang M, Ji Q, Huang H, Wang X, Wang L. Gut microbiota in hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy: immune microenvironment remodeling and gut microbiota modification. Gut Microbes 2025; 17:2486519. [PMID: 40166981 PMCID: PMC11970798 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2025.2486519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2025] [Accepted: 03/25/2025] [Indexed: 04/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with limited treatment options at advanced stages. The gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a pivotal role in regulating immune responses through the gut-liver axis. Emerging evidence underscores its impact on HCC progression and the efficacy of immunotherapy. This review explores the intricate interactions between gut microbiota and the immune system in HCC, with a focus on key immune cells and pathways involved in tumor immunity. Additionally, it highlights strategies for modulating the gut microbiota - such as fecal microbiota transplantation, dietary interventions, and probiotics - as potential approaches to enhancing immunotherapy outcomes. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at improving patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyao Huang
- School of Basic Medicine, Putian University, Putian, Fujian, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Quansong Ji
- Department of Urology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Huiyan Huang
- Ward 3, De’an Hospital, Xianyou County, Putian, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Liu Y, Yang J, Yu F, Li L, Zhao N, Lu C, Lu A, He X. Research advances in traditional Chinese medicine formulae and active components targeting lipid metabolism for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Front Pharmacol 2025; 16:1528671. [PMID: 40351413 PMCID: PMC12062747 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1528671] [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: 11/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2025] [Indexed: 05/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a relatively poor prognosis and a high degree of malignancy. However, the therapeutic drugs are limited. In recent years, abnormal lipid metabolism and its important role in HCC has been reported, and emerging studies found that some formulae and active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate abnormal lipid metabolism in HCC, showing their good application prospects. Therefore, this article summarizes the changes and the roles of lipid metabolites in HCC progression, and discusses the role of formulae and active components of TCM for the treatment of HCC based on their regulation on abnormal lipid metabolism. A deeper understanding of their relationship may help the precise use of these formulae and active components in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fenghua Yu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Systems Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shanghai GuangHua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Arthritis Research, Shanghai Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojuan He
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Shen TH, Yu X, Zhou C, Liu Y, Li QY, Li W, Jiang TH, Zhu YQ, Liu Y. Review of the mechanisms of the biliary-enteric axis in the development of cholangiocarcinoma. World J Clin Oncol 2025; 16:102374. [PMID: 40290694 PMCID: PMC12019280 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v16.i4.102374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2024] [Revised: 01/07/2025] [Accepted: 02/13/2025] [Indexed: 03/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a particularly aggressive and challenging type of cancer, known for its poor prognosis, which is worsened by the complex interplay of various biological and environmental factors that contribute to its development. Recently, researchers have increasingly focused on the significant role of the biliary-enteric communication of liver-gut axis in the pathogenesis of CCA, highlighting a complex relationship that has not been thoroughly explored before. This review aims to summarize the key concepts related to the biliary-enteric communication of liver-gut axis and investigate its potential mechanisms that may lead to the onset and progression of CCA, a disease that presents substantial treatment challenges. Important areas of focus will include the microbiome's profound influence, which interacts with host physiology in ways that may worsen cancer development; changes in bile acid metabolism that can create toxic environments favorable for tumor growth; the regulation of inflammatory processes that may either promote or inhibit tumor progression; the immune system's involvement, which is crucial in the body's response to cancer; and the complex interactions within metabolic pathways that can affect cellular behavior and tumor dynamics. By integrating recent research findings from various studies, we aim to explore the multifaceted roles of the biliary-enteric communication of liver-gut axis in CCA, providing new insights and perspectives for future research while identifying promising therapeutic targets that could lead to innovative treatment strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes in this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Hao Shen
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Xue Yu
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Qiu-Ying Li
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Ting-Hui Jiang
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
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Das D, Wang X, Chiu YC, Bouamar H, Sharkey FE, Lopera JE, Lai Z, Weintraub ST, Han X, Zou Y, Chen HIH, Zeballos Torrez CR, Gu X, Cserhati M, Michalek JE, Halff GA, Chen Y, Zheng S, Cigarroa FG, Sun LZ. Integrative multi-omics characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma in Hispanic patients. J Natl Cancer Inst 2024; 116:1961-1978. [PMID: 39189979 PMCID: PMC11630563 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djae207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma among Hispanic individuals in the United States are much higher than in non-Hispanic White people. We conducted multi-omics analyses to elucidate molecular alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma among Hispanic patients. METHODS Paired tumor and adjacent nontumor samples were collected from 31 Hispanic hepatocellular carcinomas in South Texas for genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling. Serum lipids were profiled in 40 Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients with or without clinically diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS Exome sequencing revealed high mutation frequencies of AXIN2 and CTNNB1 in South Texas Hispanic hepatocellular carcinoma patients, suggesting a predominant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. TERT promoter mutations were also statistically significantly more frequent in the Hispanic cohort (Fisher exact test, P < .05). Cell cycles and liver function were positively and negatively enriched, respectively, with gene set enrichment analysis. Gene sets representing specific liver metabolic pathways were associated with dysregulation of corresponding metabolites. Negative enrichment of liver adipogenesis and lipid metabolism corroborated with a significant reduction in most lipids in serum samples of hepatocellular carcinoma patients (paired t test, P < .0001). Two hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes from our Hispanic cohort were identified and validated with the Cancer Genome Atlas liver cancer cohort. Patients with better overall survival showed higher activity of immune and angiogenesis signatures and lower activity of liver function-related gene signatures. They also had higher levels of immune checkpoint and immune exhaustion markers. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed specific molecular features of Hispanic hepatocellular carcinoma and potential biomarkers for therapeutic management. It provides a unique resource for studying Hispanic hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debodipta Das
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Yu-Chiao Chiu
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hakim Bouamar
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Francis E Sharkey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jorge E Lopera
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Zhao Lai
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Susan T Weintraub
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Xianlin Han
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Yi Zou
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hung-I H Chen
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Carla R Zeballos Torrez
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Xiang Gu
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Matyas Cserhati
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Joel E Michalek
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Glenn A Halff
- Transplant Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Yidong Chen
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Siyuan Zheng
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Francisco G Cigarroa
- Transplant Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Lu-Zhe Sun
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Saadh MJ, Ahmed HH, Al-Hussainy AF, Kaur I, Kumar A, Chahar M, Saini S, Taher WM, Alwan M, Jawad MJ, Darvishi M, Alsaikhan F. Bile's Hidden Weapon: Modulating the Microbiome and Tumor Microenvironment. Curr Microbiol 2024; 82:25. [PMID: 39614901 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-04004-0] [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: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 11/20/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024]
Abstract
The human gut microbiome is a dynamic and intricate ecosystem, composed of trillions of microorganisms that play a pivotal role in maintaining overall health and well-being. However, the gut microbiome is constantly exposed to various environmental factors, including the bile produced by the liver, which can significantly impact its composition and function. Bile acids, secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, modulate the gut microbiome, influencing its composition and function. This altered microbiome profile can, in turn, impact the tumor microenvironment (TME), promoting an immunosuppressive environment that favors tumor growth and metastasis. Furthermore, changes in the gut microbiome can also influence the production of bile acids and other metabolites that directly affect cancer cells and their behavior. Moreover, bile acids have been shown to shape the microbiome and increase antibiotic resistance, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate relationships between bile, the gut microbiome, and the TME, highlighting the mechanisms by which this interplay drives cancer progression and resistance to therapy. Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies that target the gut-bile-TME axis and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed J Saadh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, 11831, Jordan
| | | | | | - Irwanjot Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetics, Jain (Deemed-to-Be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560069, India
- Department of Allied Healthcare and Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 303012, India
| | - Abhishek Kumar
- School of Pharmacy-Adarsh Vijendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shobhit University, Gangoh, Uttar Pradesh, 247341, India
- Department of Pharmacy, Arka Jain University, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, 831001, India
| | - Mamata Chahar
- Department of Chemistry, NIMS Institute of Engineering & Technology, NIMS University, Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Suman Saini
- Department of Applied Sciences, Chandigarh Engineering College, Chandigarh Group of Colleges-Jhanjeri, Mohali, Punjab, 140307, India
| | - Waam Mohammed Taher
- College of Nursing, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Mariem Alwan
- Pharmacy College, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | - Mohammad Darvishi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMRC), Department of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
- School of Pharmacy, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Jiang Z, Xu Y, Yang L, Huang X, Bao J. Bile acid conjugated chitosan nanoparticles promote the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Carbohydr Res 2024; 545:109296. [PMID: 39471534 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2024.109296] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 10/19/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/01/2024]
Abstract
Bile acids have been known to play significant roles at certain physiological levels in gastrointestinal metabolism. Yet, they are known to be carcinogenic and aid in tumor progression in most cases, although the roles remain uncertain. Hence, we tested the cytotoxic potential of cholic acid (CA) loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) on Hep3B cells. The physicochemical properties of the CNPs synthesized with CA load (CA-CNPs) were determined using standard techniques such as ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The characteristic peak for chitosan nanoparticles were observed for plain CNPs (pCNPs) and CA-CNPs at around 300 nm as per UV-Vis analysis. FTIR analysis indicated the possible trapping of CA onto CNPs as certain peaks were retained and some peaks were shifted. XRD analysis determined that the peaks representing CA and pCNPs were collectively obtained in CA-CNPs. As per DLS analysis, the particle size, PDI and ζ-potential of the CA-CNPs were 259 nm, 0.284 and 30.4 mV. Further, the CA-CNPs were non-cytotoxic on Hep3B cells at the maximum tested concentration of 500 μg/mL. The viability at 500 μg/mL of CA-CNPs was two-fold higher than 500 μg/mL of pCNPs. Also, the pCNPs were not hemolytic and therefore could not have played a role in the increase of viability after treatment with CA-CNPs, which indicates that CA posed a major role in increased viability of Hep3B cells. As per quantitative PCR (qPCR), the upregulated gene expressions of PI3K, Akt, mTORC2, cMyc, Fibronectin, hVPS34, Slug and ZEB1 and the downregulated expression of the tumor suppressor PTEN indicates that PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway mediated the induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in response to CA-CNPs treatment on Hep3B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Jiang
- Department of Chemotherapy, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Oncology, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222002, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Phase I Clinical Trial Center, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222002, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Colorectal Center, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xing Huang
- Department of Pathology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Affifiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jun Bao
- Department of Chemotherapy, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Xia J, Shi Y, Chen X. New insights into the mechanisms of the extracellular matrix and its therapeutic potential in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20977. [PMID: 39251678 PMCID: PMC11384763 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72020-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive thyroid cancer, and it has a poor prognosis and high probability of metastatic recurrence. The long-term survival of cancer cells depends on their ability to settle in a favorable environment. Cancer cells interact with other cells in the tumor microenvironment to shape the "soil" and make it suitable for cell growth by forming an extremely complex tumor ecosystem. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an essential component of the tumor ecosystem, and its biological and mechanical changes strongly affect tumor invasion, metastasis, immune escape and drug resistance. Compared to normal tissues, biological processes, such as collagen synthesis and ECM signaling, are significantly activated in ATC tissues. However, how ATC triggers changes in the properties of the ECM and its interaction with the ECM remain poorly characterized. Therefore, an in-depth study of the regulatory mechanism of the abnormal activation of ECM signaling in ATC is highly important for achieving the therapeutic goal of exerting antitumor effects by destroying the "soil" in which cancer cells depend for survival. In this research, we revealed the aberrant activation state of ECM signaling in ATC progression and attempted to uncover the potential mechanism of action of ECM components in ATC, with the aim of providing new drug targets for ATC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinkun Xia
- Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, Guizhou, China.
| | - Yuyu Shi
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Kaili, 550003, Guizhou, China
| | - Xinxu Chen
- Emergency Department, Fenggang County People's Hospital, Fenggang, 564299, Guizhou, China
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Xia J, Wang C, Li B. Hepatocellular carcinoma cells induce γδ T cells through metabolic reprogramming into tumor-progressive subpopulation. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1451650. [PMID: 39309735 PMCID: PMC11412793 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1451650] [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: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is a tiny structure that contains multiple immune cell components around tumor cells, which plays an important role in tumorigenesis, and is also the potential core area of activated immunotherapy. How immune cells with tumor-killing capacity in TIME are hijacked by tumor cells during the progression of tumorigenesis and transformed into subpopulations that facilitate cancer advancement is a question that needs to be urgently addressed nowadays. γδ T cells (their T cell receptors are composed of γ and δ chains), a unique T cell subpopulation distinguished from conventional αβ T cells, are involved in a variety of immune response processes through direct tumor-killing effects and/or indirectly influencing the activity of other immune cells. However, the presence of γδ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis in some tumors, suggesting that certain γδ T cell subsets may also have pro-tumorigenic effects. Recent studies have revealed that metabolic pathways such as activation of glycolysis, increase of lipid metabolism, enhancement of mitochondrial biosynthesis, alterations of fatty acid metabolism reshape the local TME, and immune cells trigger metabolic adaptation through metabolic reprogramming to meet their own needs and play the role of anti-tumor or immunosuppression. Combining previous studies and our bioinformatics results, we hypothesize that γδT cells compete for resources with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by means of fatty acid metabolic regulation in the TME, which results in the weakening or loss of their ability to recognize and kill HCC cells through genetic and epigenetic alterations, thus allowing γδT cells to be hijacked by HCC cells as a subpopulation that promotes HCC progression.
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Das D, Wang X, Chiu YC, Bouamar H, Sharkey FE, Lopera JE, Lai Z, Weintraub ST, Han X, Zou Y, Chen HIH, Zeballos Torrez CR, Gu X, Cserhati M, Michalek JE, Halff GA, Chen Y, Zheng S, Cigarroa FG, Sun LZ. Integrative multi-omics characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma in Hispanic patients. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.04.27.24306447. [PMID: 38746245 PMCID: PMC11092709 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.27.24306447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Background The incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among Hispanics in the United States are much higher than those of non-Hispanic whites. We conducted comprehensive multi-omics analyses to understand molecular alterations in HCC among Hispanic patients. Methods Paired tumor and adjacent non-tumor samples were collected from 31 Hispanic HCC in South Texas (STX-Hispanic) for genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling. Additionally, serum lipids were profiled in 40 Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients with or without clinically diagnosed HCC. Results Exome sequencing revealed high mutation frequencies of AXIN2 and CTNNB1 in STX Hispanic HCCs, suggesting a predominant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The TERT promoter mutation frequency was also remarkably high in the Hispanic cohort. Cell cycles and liver functions were identified as positively- and negatively-enriched, respectively, with gene set enrichment analysis. Gene sets representing specific liver metabolic pathways were associated with dysregulation of corresponding metabolites. Negative enrichment of liver adipogenesis and lipid metabolism corroborated with a significant reduction in most lipids in the serum samples of HCC patients. Two HCC subtypes from our Hispanic cohort were identified and validated with the TCGA liver cancer cohort. The subtype with better overall survival showed higher activity of immune and angiogenesis signatures, and lower activity of liver function-related gene signatures. It also had higher levels of immune checkpoint and immune exhaustion markers. Conclusions Our study revealed some specific molecular features of Hispanic HCC and potential biomarkers for therapeutic management of HCC and provides a unique resource for studying Hispanic HCC.
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Golonka RM, Yeoh BS, Saha P, Tian Y, Chiang JYL, Patterson AD, Gewirtz AT, Joe B, Vijay-Kumar M. Sex Dimorphic Effects of Bile Acid Metabolism in Liver Cancer in Mice. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:719-735. [PMID: 38262588 PMCID: PMC10966305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a male-dominant disease, but targeted sex hormone therapies have not been successful. Bile acids are a potential liver carcinogen and are biomolecules with hormone-like effects. A few studies highlight their potential sex dimorphism in physiology and disease. We hypothesized that bile acids could be a potential molecular signature that explains sex disparity in HCC. METHODS & RESULTS We used the farnesoid X receptor knockout (FxrKO) mouse model to study bile acid-dependent HCC. Temporal tracking of circulating bile acids determined more than 80% of FxrKO females developed spontaneous cholemia (ie, serum total bile acids ≥40 μmol/L) as early as 8 weeks old. Opposingly, FxrKO males were highly resistant to cholemia, with ∼23% incidence even when 26 weeks old. However, FxrKO males demonstrated higher levels of deoxycholate than females. Compared with males, FxrKO females had more severe cholestatic liver injury and further aberrancies in bile acid metabolism. Yet, FxrKO females expressed more detoxification transcripts and had greater renal excretion of bile acids. Intervention with CYP7A1 (rate limiting enzyme for bile acid biosynthesis) deficiency or taurine supplementation either completely or partially normalized bile acid levels and liver injury in FxrKO females. Despite higher cholemia prevalence in FxrKO females, their tumor burden was less compared with FxrKO males. An exception to this sex-dimorphic pattern was found in a subset of male and female FxrKO mice born with congenital cholemia due to portosystemic shunt, where both sexes had comparable robust HCC. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights bile acids as sex-dimorphic metabolites in HCC except in the case of portosystemic shunt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Golonka
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Beng San Yeoh
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Piu Saha
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - John Y L Chiang
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio
| | - Andrew D Patterson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrew T Gewirtz
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Bina Joe
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Matam Vijay-Kumar
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio.
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11
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Song Y, Lau HCH, Zhang X, Yu J. Bile acids, gut microbiota, and therapeutic insights in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 21:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0394. [PMID: 38148326 PMCID: PMC10884537 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0394] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent and aggressive liver malignancy. The interplay between bile acids (BAs) and the gut microbiota has emerged as a critical factor in HCC development and progression. Under normal conditions, BA metabolism is tightly regulated through a bidirectional interplay between gut microorganisms and BAs. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in BA metabolism, and BAs are endogenous signaling molecules that help maintain liver and intestinal homeostasis. Of note, dysbiotic changes in the gut microbiota during pathogenesis and cancer development can disrupt BA homeostasis, thereby leading to liver inflammation and fibrosis, and ultimately contributing to HCC development. Therefore, understanding the intricate interplay between BAs and the gut microbiota is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying hepatocarcinogenesis. In this review, we comprehensively explore the roles and functions of BA metabolism, with a focus on the interactions between BAs and gut microorganisms in HCC. Additionally, therapeutic strategies targeting BA metabolism and the gut microbiota are discussed, including the use of BA agonists/antagonists, probiotic/prebiotic and dietary interventions, fecal microbiota transplantation, and engineered bacteria. In summary, understanding the complex BA-microbiota crosstalk can provide valuable insights into HCC development and facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic approaches for liver malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Song
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, China
| | - Harry CH Lau
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Mokhlesi A, Sharifi Z, Berimipour A, Taleahmad S, Talkhabi M. Identification of hub genes and microRNAs with prognostic values in esophageal cancer by integrated analysis. Noncoding RNA Res 2023; 8:459-470. [PMID: 37416747 PMCID: PMC10319852 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.05.009] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is the eighth most common cancer in the world, and the sixth most common cause of cancer-related mortality. The aim of the present study was to identify cell and molecular mechanisms involved in EC, and to provide the potential targets for diagnosis and treatment. Here, a microarray dataset (GSE20347) was screened to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Different bioinformatic methods were used to analyze the identified DEGs. The up-regulated DEGs were significantly involved in different biological processes and pathways including extracellular matrix organization and ECM-receptor interaction. FN1, CDK1, AURKA, TOP2A, FOXM1, BIRC5, CDC6, UBE2C, TTK, and TPX2 were identified as the most important genes among the up-regulated DEGs. Our analysis showed that has-miR-29a-3p, has-miR-29b-3p, has-miR-29c-3p, and has-miR-767-5p had the largest number of common targets among the up-regulated DEGs. These findings strengthen the understanding of EC development and progression, as well as representing potential markers for EC diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Mokhlesi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Sharifi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Berimipour
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Taleahmad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Talkhabi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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