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Wang X, Zhang L, Dong B. Molecular mechanisms in MASLD/MASH-related HCC. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00739. [PMID: 38349726 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths and ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer type globally. NAFLD or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and its more severe manifestation, NASH or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), pose a significant global health concern, affecting approximately 20%-25% of the population. The increased prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and MASH is parallel to the increasing rates of obesity-associated metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and fatty liver diseases. MASH can progress to MASH-related HCC (MASH-HCC) in about 2% of cases each year, influenced by various factors such as genetic mutations, carcinogen exposure, immune microenvironment, and microbiome. MASH-HCC exhibits distinct molecular and immune characteristics compared to other causes of HCC and affects both men and women equally. The management of early to intermediate-stage MASH-HCC typically involves surgery and locoregional therapies, while advanced HCC is treated with systemic therapies, including anti-angiogenic therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this comprehensive review, we consolidate previous research findings while also providing the most current insights into the intricate molecular processes underlying MASH-HCC development. We delve into MASH-HCC-associated genetic variations and somatic mutations, disease progression and research models, multiomics analysis, immunological and microenvironmental impacts, and discuss targeted/combined therapies to overcome immune evasion and the biomarkers to recognize treatment responders. By furthering our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying MASH-HCC, our goal is to catalyze the advancement of more potent treatment strategies, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bingning Dong
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Huebbe P, Bilke S, Rueter J, Schloesser A, Campbel G, Glüer CC, Lucius R, Röcken C, Tholey A, Rimbach G. Human APOE4 Protects High-Fat and High-Sucrose Diet Fed Targeted Replacement Mice against Fatty Liver Disease Compared to APOE3. Aging Dis 2024; 15:259-281. [PMID: 37450924 PMCID: PMC10796091 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0530] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent genome- and exome-wide association studies suggest that the human APOE ε4 allele protects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), while ε3 promotes hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis. The present study aimed at examining the APOE genotype-dependent development of fatty liver disease and its underlying mechanisms in a targeted replacement mouse model. Male mice expressing the human APOE3 or APOE4 protein isoforms on a C57BL/6J background and unmodified C57BL/6J mice were chronically fed a high-fat and high-sucrose diet to induce obesity. After 7 months, body weight gain was more pronounced in human APOE than endogenous APOE expressing mice with elevated plasma biomarkers suggesting aggravated metabolic dysfunction. APOE3 mice exhibited the highest liver weights and, compared to APOE4, massive hepatic steatosis. An untargeted quantitative proteome analysis of the liver identified a high number of proteins differentially abundant in APOE3 versus APOE4 mice. The majority of the higher abundant proteins in APOE3 mice could be grouped to inflammation and damage-associated response, and lipid storage, amongst others. Results of the targeted qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses contribute to the overall finding that APOE3 as opposed to APOE4 promotes hepatic steatosis, inflammatory- and damage-associated response signaling and fibrosis in the liver of obese mice. Our experimental data substantiate the observation of an increased NAFLD-risk associated with the human APOEε3 allele, while APOEε4 appears protective. The underlying mechanisms of the protection possibly involve a higher capacity of nonectopic lipid deposition in subcutaneous adipose tissue and lower hepatic pathogen recognition in the APOE4 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Huebbe
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Kiel University, D-24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Stephanie Bilke
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Proteomics & Bioanalytics, Kiel University, D-24105 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Johanna Rueter
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Kiel University, D-24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Anke Schloesser
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Kiel University, D-24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Graeme Campbel
- Section Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Kiel University, D-24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Claus-C. Glüer
- Section Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Kiel University, D-24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Ralph Lucius
- Anatomical Institute, Kiel University, D-24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Christoph Röcken
- Department of Pathology, Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D-24105 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Andreas Tholey
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Proteomics & Bioanalytics, Kiel University, D-24105 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Gerald Rimbach
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Kiel University, D-24118 Kiel, Germany.
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Syed-Abdul MM. Lipid Metabolism in Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). Metabolites 2023; 14:12. [PMID: 38248815 PMCID: PMC10818604 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010012] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a cluster of pathological conditions primarily developed due to the accumulation of ectopic fat in the hepatocytes. During the severe form of the disease, i.e., metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), accumulated lipids promote lipotoxicity, resulting in cellular inflammation, oxidative stress, and hepatocellular ballooning. If left untreated, the advanced form of the disease progresses to fibrosis of the tissue, resulting in irreversible hepatic cirrhosis or the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Although numerous mechanisms have been identified as significant contributors to the development and advancement of MASLD, altered lipid metabolism continues to stand out as a major factor contributing to the disease. This paper briefly discusses the dysregulation in lipid metabolism during various stages of MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Mufaqam Syed-Abdul
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
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Bertran L, Capellades J, Abelló S, Durán-Bertran J, Aguilar C, Martinez S, Sabench F, Correig X, Yanes O, Auguet T, Richart C. LC/MS-Based Untargeted Metabolomics Study in Women with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Associated with Morbid Obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9789. [PMID: 37372937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129789] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the importance of a metabolomic analysis in a complex disease such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) associated with obesity. Using an untargeted metabolomics technique, we studied blood metabolites in 216 morbidly obese women with liver histological diagnosis. A total of 172 patients were diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and 44 were diagnosed with normal liver (NL). Patients with NAFLD were classified into simple steatosis (n = 66) and NASH (n = 106) categories. A comparative analysis of metabolites levels between NASH and NL demonstrated significant differences in lipid metabolites and derivatives, mainly from the phospholipid group. In NASH, there were increased levels of several phosphatidylinositols and phosphatidylethanolamines, as well as isolated metabolites such as diacylglycerol 34:1, lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine 20:3 and sphingomyelin 38:1. By contrast, there were decreased levels of acylcarnitines, sphingomyelins and linoleic acid. These findings may facilitate identification studies of the main pathogenic metabolic pathways related to NASH and may also have a possible applicability in a panel of metabolites to be used as biomarkers in future algorithms of the disease diagnosis and its follow-up. Further confirmatory studies in groups with different ages and sexes are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Bertran
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)-Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43005 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jordi Capellades
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Sonia Abelló
- Servei de Recursos Científics i Tècnics, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Joan Durán-Bertran
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)-Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43005 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Carmen Aguilar
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)-Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43005 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Salomé Martinez
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)-Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43005 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Fàtima Sabench
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)-Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43005 Tarragona, Spain
- Unitat de Cirurgia, Facultad de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | - Xavier Correig
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Yanes
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Auguet
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)-Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43005 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Cristóbal Richart
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)-Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43005 Tarragona, Spain
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Lin YP, Fang QL, Xue YM, Fu SN, Hu CY, Huang F, Wang MM, Qiao X, Yin XQ, Zeng YC, Du CH, Zhao XJ, Li XP, Hua Y. Effects of Tylophora yunnanensis Schltr on regulating the gut microbiota and its metabolites in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis rats by inhibiting the activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 305:116145. [PMID: 36623753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116145] [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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tylophora yunnanensis Schltr (TYS) is widely distributed in Yunnan, Guizhou, and other places in China. It is commonly used by folks to treat hepatitis and other liver-related diseases; however, its mechanism of action is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to determine the effects of TYS on regulating gut microbiota and its metabolites in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rats by inhibiting the activation of NOD-like receptor protein3 (NLRP3). MATERIAL AND METHODS An HFD-induced rat model was established to investigate if the intragastric administration of TYS could mediate gut microbiota and their metabolites to ultimately improve the symptoms of NASH. The improving effects of TYS on NASH rats were assessed by measuring their body weight, lipid levels, histopathology, and inflammatory factor levels in the rat models. The regulatory effects of TYS on NLRP3 in the NASH rats were analyzed using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which determined the levels of NLRP3-related factors. The changes in the composition of the gut microbiota of NASH rats were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. Meanwhile, the Ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used for the non-targeted analysis of metabolites in the cecum contents. RESULTS The results showed that TYS could improve NASH by decreasing the body weight and levels of lipid, AST, ALT, LPS, FFA, VLDL, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 in the NASH rats. The analysis of gut microbiota showed that TYS could improve the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota and alter their composition by decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and relative abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Christensenellaceae, Blautia, etc. while increasing those of Muribaculaceae, Rumiaococcus, Ruminococcaceae, etc. The analysis of metabolites in the cecum contents suggested that the arachidonic acid metabolism, bile secretion, serotonergic synapse, Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway, etc. were regulated by TYS. The metabolites enriched in these pathways mainly included chenodeoxycholic acid, prostaglandin D2, TXB2, 9-OxoODE, and 13(S)-HOTrE. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggested that TYS could alleviate the NASH symptoms by decreasing the body weight, regulating the lipid levels, reducing the inflammatory response, and inhibiting the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 in the NASH rats. The changes in the composition of gut microbiota and their metabolic disorder were closely related to the activation of NLRP3. TYS could significantly inhibit the activation of NLRP3 and regulate the composition of gut microbiota and the disorder of metabolites during NASH modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ping Lin
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Use in the Southwest Mountains of China, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, 650224, PR China; School of Chinese Materia Medica &Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Qiong-Lian Fang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica &Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Yong-Mei Xue
- School of Chinese Materia Medica &Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Sheng-Nan Fu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica &Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Chun-Yan Hu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica &Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Feng Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica &Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Meng-Meng Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica &Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Xue Qiao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica &Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Xun-Qing Yin
- School of Chinese Materia Medica &Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Yong-Cheng Zeng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica &Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Cheng-Hong Du
- School of Chinese Materia Medica &Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Xiu-Juan Zhao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica &Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Xin-Ping Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica &Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, Panzhihua Central Hospital, Panzhihua, 61700, PR China.
| | - Yan Hua
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Use in the Southwest Mountains of China, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, 650224, PR China.
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Epidemiologic, Genetic, Pathogenic, Metabolic, Epigenetic Aspects Involved in NASH-HCC: Current Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010023. [PMID: PMID: 36612019 PMCID: PMC9818030 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is the sixth most frequent cancer in the world, being the third cause of cancer-related deaths. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by fatty infiltration, oxidative stress and necroinflammation of the liver, with or without fibrosis, which can progress to advanced liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and diabetes exacerbates the course of NASH, which elevate the risk of HCC. The growing prevalence of obesity are related with increasing incidence of NASH, which may play a growing role in HCC epidemiology worldwide. In addition, HCC initiation and progression is driven by reprogramming of metabolism, which indicates growing appreciation of metabolism in the pathogenesis of this disease. Although no specific preventive pharmacological treatments have recommended for NASH, dietary restriction and exercise are recommended. This review focuses on the molecular connections between HCC and NASH, including genetic and risk factors, highlighting the metabolic reprogramming and aberrant epigenetic alterations in the development of HCC in NASH. Current therapeutic aspects of NASH/HCC are also reviewed.
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An Elevated Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients with Liver Cancer after Interventional Treatments. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:6141317. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/6141317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study is aimed at examining the prognostic value of blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Demographic and clinical data of 543 HCC patients treated with interventional therapies were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative NLRs were determined and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted for survival time in patients with high (NLR ≥3.8) and low (NLR<3.8) NLR. The median overall survival (OS) was 1241 days after interventional therapies and was significantly reduced in the high NLR group when compared to the low NLR group. The median progression-free survival time (PFST) of patients was also significantly shorter in the high NLR group than in the low NLR group. Univariate analysis revealed that tumor type, therapy method, maximum tumor size (>3 mm), and NLR (>3.8) were risk factors for OST and PFST (
). Multivariate analysis indicated that tumor type, maximum tumor diameter, therapy method, and NLR (>3.8) were independent risk factors for PFST (
). Our results demonstrate that preoperative NLR has prognostic value for patients with HCC undergoing interventional therapies, and high NLR is an indication of poor prognosis.
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Crudele L, De Matteis C, Piccinin E, Gadaleta RM, Cariello M, Di Buduo E, Piazzolla G, Suppressa P, Berardi E, Sabbà C, Moschetta A. Low HDL-cholesterol levels predict hepatocellular carcinoma development in individuals with liver fibrosis. JHEP Rep 2022; 5:100627. [PMID: 36561127 PMCID: PMC9763866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Dysmetabolic conditions could drive liver fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), increasing susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We therefore aimed to identify novel predictive biomarkers of HCC in patients with and without liver fibrosis. Methods A total of 1,234 patients with putative metabolic conditions and NAFLD were consecutively assessed in our outpatient clinic. Clinical and biochemical data were recorded, and then liver ultrasonography was performed annually for 5 years to detect HCC onset. For the analysis, the population was first divided according to HCC diagnosis; then a further subdivision of those who did not develop HCC was performed based on the presence or absence of liver fibrosis at time 0. Results Sixteen HCC cases were recorded in 5 years. None of our patients had been diagnosed with cirrhosis before HCC was detected. Compared to patients who did not develop HCC, those who did had higher liver transaminases and fibrosis scores at time 0 (p <0.001). In addition, they presented with increased glycated haemoglobin levels and lower 25-OH vitamin D levels (p <0.05). Intriguingly, patients with higher liver fibrosis scores who subsequently developed HCC had lower HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c) levels at time 0 (p <0.001). Furthermore, in the 484 patients presenting with lower HDL-c at baseline, we found that waist circumference, and then vitamin D and glycated haemoglobin levels, were significantly different in those who developed HCC, regardless of liver fibrosis (p <0.05). Conclusions This study identifies HDL-c as a bona fide novel marker to predict HCC in patients with NAFLD. Increased waist circumference and deranged metabolic pathways represent additional predisposing factors among patients with low HDL-c, highlighting the importance of studying cholesterol metabolism and integrating clinical approaches with dietary regimens and a healthy lifestyle to prevent HCC. Impact and implications Visceral adiposity and its associated conditions, such as chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, may play a pivotal role in hepatocellular carcinoma development in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We provide new insights on the underlying mechanisms of its pathogenesis, shedding light on the involvement of low levels of "good" HDL-cholesterol. We recommend integrating dietary regimens and advice on healthy lifestyles into the clinical management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, with the goal of reducing the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Key Words
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- APRI score
- APRI, AST-to-platelet ratio index
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- CVR, cardiovascular risk
- FA, fatty acid
- FIB-4, fibrosis-4
- GGT, gamma-glutamyltransferase
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HDL-c, HDL-cholesterol
- HbA1c, glycated haemoglobin
- LXRs, liver X receptors
- MetS, metabolic syndrome
- Metabolic syndrome
- NAFLD
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NASH
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- RCT, reverse cholesterol transport
- TG, triglyceride
- Vitamin D
- WC, waist circumference
- Waist circumference
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucilla Crudele
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo De Matteis
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy,INBB National Institute for Biostructure and Biosystems, Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305 - 00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Elena Piccinin
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neurosciences and Sense organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Raffaella Maria Gadaleta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Marica Cariello
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ersilia Di Buduo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Piazzolla
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Suppressa
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Elsa Berardi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Sabbà
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Moschetta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy,INBB National Institute for Biostructure and Biosystems, Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305 - 00136 Roma, Italy,Corresponding author. Address: Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy. Tel: +39 0805593262
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Rios RS, Zheng KI, Zheng MH. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Chin Med J (Engl) 2021; 134:2911-2921. [PMID: 34855640 PMCID: PMC8710331 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The emergence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as the leading chronic liver disease worldwide raises some concerns. In particular, NAFLD is closely tied to sedentary lifestyle habits and associated with other metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. At the end of the disease spectrum, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), representing a serious health problem to modern society. Recently, an increasing number of HCC cases originating from this progressive disease spectrum have been identified, with different levels of severity and complications. Updating the current guidelines by placing a bigger focus on this emerging cause and highlighting some of its unique features is necessary. Since, the drivers of the disease are complex and multifactorial, in order to improve future outcomes, having a better understanding of NASH progression into HCC may be helpful. The risks that can promote disease progression and currently available management strategies employed to monitor and treat NASH-related HCC make up the bulk of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael S. Rios
- NAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Kenneth I. Zheng
- NAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Ming-Hua Zheng
- NAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
- Institute of Hepatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for The Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
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Haberl EM, Pohl R, Rein-Fischboeck L, Höring M, Krautbauer S, Liebisch G, Buechler C. Accumulation of cholesterol, triglycerides and ceramides in hepatocellular carcinomas of diethylnitrosamine injected mice. Lipids Health Dis 2021; 20:135. [PMID: 34629057 PMCID: PMC8502393 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-021-01567-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulated lipid metabolism is critically involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The respective metabolic pathways affected in HCC can be identified using suitable experimental models. Mice injected with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and fed a normal chow develop HCC. For the analysis of the pathophysiology of HCC in this model a comprehensive lipidomic analysis was performed. METHODS Lipids were measured in tumor and non-tumorous tissues by direct flow injection analysis. Proteins with a role in lipid metabolism were analysed by immunoblot. Mann-Whitney U-test or paired Student´s t-test were used for data analysis. RESULTS Intra-tumor lipid deposition is a characteristic of HCCs, and di- and triglycerides accumulated in the tumor tissues of the mice. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha, lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase protein were low in the tumors whereas proteins involved in de novo lipogenesis were not changed. Higher rates of de novo lipogenesis cause a shift towards saturated acyl chains, which did not occur in the murine HCC model. Besides, LDL-receptor protein and cholesteryl ester levels were higher in the murine HCC tissues. Ceramides are cytotoxic lipids and are low in human HCCs. Notably, ceramide levels increased in the murine tumors, and the simultaneous decline of sphingomyelins suggests that sphingomyelinases were involved herein. DEN is well described to induce the tumor suppressor protein p53 in the liver, and p53 was additionally upregulated in the tumors. CONCLUSIONS Ceramides mediate the anti-cancer effects of different chemotherapeutic drugs and restoration of ceramide levels was effective against HCC. High ceramide levels in the tumors makes the DEN injected mice an unsuitable model to study therapies targeting ceramide metabolism. This model is useful for investigating how tumors evade the cytotoxic effects of ceramides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth M Haberl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rebekka Pohl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Rein-Fischboeck
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Höring
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Krautbauer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Liebisch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christa Buechler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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11
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Scagliola A, Miluzio A, Ventura G, Oliveto S, Cordiglieri C, Manfrini N, Cirino D, Ricciardi S, Valenti L, Baselli G, D'Ambrosio R, Maggioni M, Brina D, Bresciani A, Biffo S. Targeting of eIF6-driven translation induces a metabolic rewiring that reduces NAFLD and the consequent evolution to hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4878. [PMID: 34385447 PMCID: PMC8361022 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25195-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A postprandial increase of translation mediated by eukaryotic Initiation Factor 6 (eIF6) occurs in the liver. Its contribution to steatosis and disease is unknown. In this study we address whether eIF6-driven translation contributes to disease progression. eIF6 levels increase throughout the progression from Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) to hepatocellular carcinoma. Reduction of eIF6 levels protects the liver from disease progression. eIF6 depletion blunts lipid accumulation, increases fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and reduces oncogenic transformation in vitro. In addition, eIF6 depletion delays the progression from NAFLD to hepatocellular carcinoma, in vivo. Mechanistically, eIF6 depletion reduces the translation of transcription factor C/EBPβ, leading to a drop in biomarkers associated with NAFLD progression to hepatocellular carcinoma and preserves mitochondrial respiration due to the maintenance of an alternative mTORC1-eIF4F translational branch that increases the expression of transcription factor YY1. We provide proof-of-concept that in vitro pharmacological inhibition of eIF6 activity recapitulates the protective effects of eIF6 depletion. We hypothesize the existence of a targetable, evolutionarily conserved translation circuit optimized for lipid accumulation and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Scagliola
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, INGM, "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Annarita Miluzio
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, INGM, "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Oliveto
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, INGM, "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Cordiglieri
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, INGM, "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Manfrini
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, INGM, "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Delia Cirino
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Ricciardi
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, INGM, "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Valenti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Translational Medicine, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Baselli
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta D'Ambrosio
- Department of Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Granda Ospedale Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Maggioni
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Brina
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Bresciani
- Department of Translational and Discovery Research, IRBM S.p.A., Pomezia (Roma), Italy
| | - Stefano Biffo
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, INGM, "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy.
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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12
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Ramai D, Tai W, Rivera M, Facciorusso A, Tartaglia N, Pacilli M, Ambrosi A, Cotsoglou C, Sacco R. Natural Progression of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis to Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020184. [PMID: 33673113 PMCID: PMC7918599 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic and progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its global incidence is increasing which makes NASH an epidemic and a public health threat. Due to repeated insults to the liver, patients are at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The progression of NASH to HCC was initially defined according to a two-hit model which involved the development of steatosis, followed by lipid peroxidation and inflammation. However, current research defines a “multi-hit” or “multi-parallel hit” model which synthesizes several contributing pathways involved in progressive fibrosis and oncogenesis. This perspective considers the effects of cellular, genetic, immunologic, metabolic, and endocrine pathways leading up to HCC which underscores the complexity of this condition. This article will provide an updated review of the pathogenic mechanisms leading from NASH to HCC as well as an exploration of the role of biomarkers and screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl Ramai
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA; (D.R.); (W.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Waqqas Tai
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA; (D.R.); (W.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Michelle Rivera
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA; (D.R.); (W.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Antonio Facciorusso
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Nicola Tartaglia
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (N.T.); (M.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Mario Pacilli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (N.T.); (M.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Antonio Ambrosi
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (N.T.); (M.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Christian Cotsoglou
- General Surgey Unit, Department of Surgery, ASST-Vimercate, 20871 Vimercate, Italy;
| | - Rodolfo Sacco
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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13
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Amanatidou AI, Dedoussis GV. Construction and analysis of protein-protein interaction network of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Comput Biol Med 2021; 131:104243. [PMID: 33550014 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disease with multidimensional complexities. Many attempts have been made over the years to treat this disease but its incidence is rising. For this reason, the need to identify and study new candidate proteins that may be associated with NAFLD is of utmost importance. Systems-based approaches such as the analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network could lead to the discovery of new proteins associated with a disease that can then be translated into clinical practice. The aim of this study is to analyze the interaction network of human proteins associated with NAFLD as well as their experimentally verified interactors and to identify novel associations with other human proteins that may be involved in this disease. Computational analysis made it feasible to detect 77 candidate proteins associated with NAFLD, having high network scores. Furthermore, clustering analysis was performed to identify densely connected regions with biological significance in this network. Additionally, gene expression analysis was conducted to validate part of the findings of this research work. We believe that our research will be helpful in extending experimental efforts to address the pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina I Amanatidou
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University of Athens, El. Venizelou 70, 17671, Athens, Greece.
| | - George V Dedoussis
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University of Athens, El. Venizelou 70, 17671, Athens, Greece.
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14
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Xu G, Wang YM, Ying MM, Chen SD, Li ZR, Ma HL, Zheng MH, Wu J, Ding C. Serum lipocalin-2 is a potential biomarker for the clinical diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Clin Mol Hepatol 2021; 27:329-345. [PMID: 33465844 PMCID: PMC8046622 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2020.0261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) characterized by hepatic steatosis, inflammation, hepatocellular injury, and fibrosis. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of a key biomarker, lipocalin-2 (LCN2), for the detection of NASH progression. Methods A mouse NASH model was established using a high-fat diet and a high-sugar drinking water. Gene expression profile of the NASH model was analyzed using RNA sequencing. Moreover, 360 NAFLD patients (steatosis, 83; NASH, 277), 40 healthy individuals, and 87 patients with alcoholic fatty liver disease were recruited. Results Inflammatory infiltration, focal necrosis in the leaflets, steatosis, and fibrosis were documented in the mouse liver. In total, 504 genes were differentially expressed in the livers of NASH mice, and showed significant functional enrichment in the inflammation-related category. Upregulated liver LCN2 was found to be significantly interactive with various interleukins and toll-like receptors. Serum LCN2 levels were significantly increased in NAFLD patients. Serum LCN2 levels were correlated with steatosis, intralobular inflammation, semiquantitative fibrosis score, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score. The area under the curve of serum LCN2 was 0.987 with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 93.5% for NASH diagnosis, and 0.977 with almost the same specificity and sensitivity for steatosis. Conclusions LCN2 might be involved in the transition from NAFL to NASH by mediating inflammation. Serum LCN2 levels might be a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yu-Min Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Miao-Miao Ying
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Sui-Dan Chen
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zong-Rui Li
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Lei Ma
- NAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ming-Hua Zheng
- NAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Institute of Hepatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for the Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunming Ding
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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15
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Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis - epidemiology, risk factors, clinical implications and treatment. Clin Exp Hepatol 2020; 6:170-175. [PMID: 33145423 PMCID: PMC7592090 DOI: 10.5114/ceh.2020.99506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, rapid growth of incidence of metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes has been noted worldwide. Concurrent non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become a dominant factor of hepatic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The most important risk factors of transition from NASH to HCC are the degree of liver fibrosis, diabetes, obesity, age and male gender. Body mass index (BMI) reduction and increase of physical activity limit the risk of occurrence of HCC. Also, treatment of diabetes with metformin and application of statins have potential anticancer effects. Patients with HCC due to NASH should be treated in line with BCLC staging. Distant results of HCC therapy in the course of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are similar to the results of cancer of different aetiologies. However, patients with the metabolic syndrome are at high perioperative risk, and thus require accurate preparation, especially cardiological, in order to avoid that risk.
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16
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Kanda T, Goto T, Hirotsu Y, Masuzaki R, Moriyama M, Omata M. Molecular Mechanisms: Connections between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Steatohepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041525. [PMID: 32102237 PMCID: PMC7073210 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), causes hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The patatin-like phospholipase-3 (PNPLA3) I148M sequence variant is one of the strongest genetic determinants of NAFLD/NASH. PNPLA3 is an independent risk factor for HCC among patients with NASH. The obesity epidemic is closely associated with the rising prevalence and severity of NAFLD/NASH. Furthermore, metabolic syndrome exacerbates the course of NAFLD/NASH. These factors are able to induce apoptosis and activate immune and inflammatory pathways, resulting in the development of hepatic fibrosis and NASH, leading to progression toward HCC. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), destruction of the intestinal mucosa barrier function and a high-fat diet all seem to exacerbate the development of hepatic fibrosis and NASH, leading to HCC in patients with NAFLD/NASH. Thus, the intestinal microbiota may play a role in the development of NAFLD/NASH. In this review, we describe recent advances in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of hepatic fibrosis and HCC in patients with NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Kanda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan; (T.K.); (R.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Taichiro Goto
- Lung Cancer and Respiratory Disease Center, Yamanashi Central Hospital, 1-1-1 Fujimi, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8506, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-55-253-7111
| | - Yosuke Hirotsu
- Genome Analysis Center, Yamanashi Central Hospital, Yamanashi 400-8506, Japan; (Y.H.); (M.O.)
| | - Ryota Masuzaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan; (T.K.); (R.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Mitsuhiko Moriyama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan; (T.K.); (R.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Masao Omata
- Genome Analysis Center, Yamanashi Central Hospital, Yamanashi 400-8506, Japan; (Y.H.); (M.O.)
- The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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17
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Valenzuela R, Videla LA. Impact of the Co-Administration of N-3 Fatty Acids and Olive Oil Components in Preclinical Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Models: A Mechanistic View. Nutrients 2020; 12:E499. [PMID: 32075238 PMCID: PMC7071322 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is present in approximately 25% of the population worldwide. It is characterized by the accumulation of triacylglycerol in the liver, which can progress to steatohepatitis with different degrees of fibrosis, stages that lack approved pharmacological therapies and represent an indication for liver transplantation with consistently increasing frequency. In view that hepatic steatosis is a reversible condition, effective strategies preventing disease progression were addressed using combinations of natural products in the preclinical high-fat diet (HFD) protocol (60% of fat for 12 weeks). Among them, eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:5n-3, DHA), DHA and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), or EPA plus hydroxytyrosol (HT) attained 66% to 83% diminution in HFD-induced steatosis, with the concomitant inhibition of the proinflammatory state associated with steatosis. These supplementations trigger different molecular mechanisms that modify antioxidant, antisteatotic, and anti-inflammatory responses, and in the case of DHA and HT co-administration, prevent NAFLD. It is concluded that future studies in NAFLD patients using combined supplementations such as DHA plus HT are warranted to prevent liver steatosis, thus avoiding its progression into more unmanageable stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Valenzuela
- Nutrition Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile
- Nutritional Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M2J4A6, Canada
| | - Luis A. Videla
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
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