Cancer Stem-Like Phenotype of Mitochondria Dysfunctional Hep3B Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line

P53/NANOG balance; the leading switch between poorly to well differentiated status in liver cancer cells

Enforcing a well-differentiated state on cells requires tumor suppressor p53 activation as a key player in apoptosis induction and well differentiation. In addition, recent investigations showed a significant correlation between poorly differentiated status and higher expression of NANOG. Inducing the expression of NANOG and decreasing p53 level switch the status of liver cancer cells from well differentiated to poorly status. In this review, we highlighted p53 and NANOG cross-talk in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which is regulated through mitophagy and makes it a novel molecular target to attenuate cancerous phenotype in the management of this tumor.

The pharmacology activities of Angelica keiskei Koidzumi and its efficacy and safety in humans

Chronic exposure to elevated levels of pro-oxidant factors may cause structural failings at the mitochondrial DNA level and alteration of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase). Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the capacity of endogenous non-enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, uric acid, ferritin, metallothionein, melatonin, and bilirubin) and the occurrence of pro-oxidant factors which may lead to the pathogenesis of various diseases that affects the kidneys, pancreas, central nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Therefore, the utilization of medicinal plants with antioxidant activity, e.g., Angelica keiskei Koidzumi which contains chalcones, is interesting to be explored. Chalcones exhibit direct and indirect antioxidant activity and prevent oxidative stress by decreasing ROS, RNS, and superoxide production. In this review, we discuss the pharmacology activities of A. keiskei Koidzumi and its efficacy in humans. The articles were explored on PubMed and Google Scholar databases and based on the titles and abstracts related to the topic of interest, and 55 articles were selected. Two main chalcones of this plant, 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol, have been reported for their various pharmacology activities. The efficacy of A. keiskei was confirmed in anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetes mellitus, and increasing plasma antioxidants in patients with metabolic syndrome. A keiskei is safe as proven by only mild or no adverse events reported, thus it is prospective to be further developed as an antioxidant nutraceutical.

Recent progress in understanding mitokines as diagnostic and therapeutic targets in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent tumors worldwide and the leading contributor to cancer-related deaths. The progression and metastasis of HCC are closely associated with altered mitochondrial metabolism, including mitochondrial stress response. Mitokines, soluble proteins produced and secreted in response to mitochondrial stress, play an essential immunomodulatory role. Immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial treatment option for HCC. However, a positive response to therapy is typically dependent on the interaction of tumor cells with immune regulation within the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, exploring the specific immunomodulatory mechanisms of mitokines in HCC is essential for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the association between HCC and the immune microenvironment and highlights recent progress in understanding the involvement of mitochondrial function in preserving liver function. In addition, a systematic review of mitokines-mediated immunomodulation in HCC is presented. Finally, the potential diagnostic and therapeutic roles of mitokines in HCC are prospected and summarized. Recent progress in mitokine research represents a new prospect for mitochondrial therapy. Considering the potential of mitokines to regulate immune function, investigating them as a relevant molecular target holds great promise for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Chronic Liver Disease

Mitochondria are generally considered the powerhouse of the cell, a small subcellular organelle that produces most of the cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In addition, mitochondria are involved in various biological functions, such as biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, cell signal transduction, and apoptosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction is manifested in different aspects, like increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis disorder, abnormal mitophagy, as well as changes in mitochondrial morphology and structure. Mitochondrial dysfunction is related to the occurrence and development of various chronic liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury (DILI), alcoholic fatty liver (AFL), and non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). In this review, we summarize and discuss the role and mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic liver disease, focusing on and discussing some of the latest studies on mitochondria and chronic liver disease.