Angiopoietin-2 and the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Promote Migration and Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma- and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma-Derived Spheroids

The role of platelet-rich plasma in biomedicine: A comprehensive overview

Biomedicine has seen significant advancements in the 21st century, with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) playing a crucial role in clinical practice. This blood derivative, enriched with platelet components, has shown great potential for promoting tissue repair and regeneration. Its wide range of applications and the presence of anti-inflammatory and growth-promoting factors make it a valuable tool in the field of biomedicine. The exploration of PRP in clinical settings has been gaining momentum. Despite its cost-effectiveness, safety, and therapeutic efficacy, the widespread clinical adoption of PRP has been hindered by the absence of consistent preparation standards and standardized treatment protocols. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the clinical uses, physiological roles, molecular mechanisms, and preparation techniques of PRP in biomedicine. The aim is to offer a thorough understanding of the potential applications and benefits of PRP in medical practice.

Targeting hypoxia and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma: New insights and therapeutic strategies

In this manuscript we comment on the article by Yang et al published recently, focusing on how hepatic angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) transcription promote the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is one of the most common and lethal malignancies worldwide, especially in regions with high hepatitis B virus infection rates. Ang-2 is a key mediator of angiogenesis and plays a significant role in the progression of chronic liver diseases towards HCC, particularly in the hypoxic microenvironment. This paper reviews the dynamic expression of Ang-2 in hepatocarcinogenesis and its regulation by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. Furthermore, we discuss Ang-2’s potential as an early monitoring biomarker for metastasis, and the therapeutic prospects of silencing hypoxia-inducible factor-1α to downregulate Ang-2 and suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HCC treatment.

Targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts/tumor cells cross-talk inhibits intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression via cell-cycle arrest

BACKGROUND

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), mainly responsible for the desmoplastic reaction hallmark of intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), likely have a role in tumor aggressiveness and resistance to therapy, although the molecular mechanisms involved are unknown. Aim of the study is to investigate how targeting hCAF/iCCA cross-talk with a Notch1 inhibitor, namely Crenigacestat, may affect cancer progression.

METHODS

We used different in vitro models in 2D and established new 3D hetero-spheroids with iCCA cells and human (h)CAFs. The results were confirmed in a xenograft model, and explanted tumoral tissues underwent transcriptomic and bioinformatic analysis.

RESULTS

hCAFs/iCCA cross-talk sustains increased migration of both KKU-M213 and KKU-M156 cells, while Crenigacestat significantly inhibits only the cross-talk stimulated migration. Hetero-spheroids grew larger than homo-spheroids, formed by only iCCA cells. Crenigacestat significantly reduced the invasion and growth of hetero- but not of homo-spheroids. In xenograft models, hCAFs/KKU-M213 tumors grew significantly larger than KKU-M213 tumors, but were significantly reduced in volume by Crenigacestat treatment, which also significantly decreased the fibrotic reaction. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed that genes of hCAFs/KKU-M213 but not of KKU-M213 tumors increased tumor lesions, and that Crenigacestat treatment inhibited the modulated canonical pathways. Cell cycle checkpoints were the most notably modulated pathway and Crenigacestat reduced CCNE2 gene expression, consequently inducing cell cycle arrest. In hetero-spheroids, the number of cells increased in the G2/M cell cycle phase, while Crenigacestat significantly decreased cell numbers in the G2/M phase in hetero but not in homo-spheroids.

CONCLUSIONS

The hCAFs/iCCA cross-talk is a new target for reducing cancer progression with drugs such as Crenigacestat.

Cytokines and soluble mediators as architects of tumor microenvironment reprogramming in cancer therapy

Navigating the intricate landscape of the tumor microenvironment (TME) unveils a pivotal arena for cancer therapeutics, where cytokines and soluble mediators emerge as double-edged swords in the fight against cancer. This review ventures beyond traditional perspectives, illuminating the nuanced interplay of these elements as both allies and adversaries in cancer dynamics. It critically evaluates the evolving paradigms of TME reprogramming, spotlighting innovative strategies that target the sophisticated network of cytokines and mediators. Special focus is placed on unveiling the therapeutic potential of novel cytokines and mediators, particularly their synergistic interactions with extracellular vesicles, which represent underexplored conduits for therapeutic targeting. Addressing a significant gap in current research, we explore the untapped potential of these biochemical players in orchestrating immune responses, tumor proliferation, and metastasis. The review advocates for a paradigm shift towards exploiting these dynamic interactions within the TME, aiming to transcend conventional treatments and pave the way for a new era of precision oncology. Through a critical synthesis of recent advancements, we highlight the imperative for innovative approaches that harness the full spectrum of cytokine and mediator activities, setting the stage for breakthrough therapies that offer heightened specificity, reduced toxicity, and improved patient outcomes.